Archive for It's Commerce
07.09.08
Posted in It's Commerce at 8:23 pm by admin
Copyright 2006 Donna Gunter
Making the decision to submit articles to build my website traffic has been one of the smartest online marketing decisions I’ve made recently. I’ve been publishing an email newsletter since 2001, but only started exploring this option as a way to build website traffic a little over a year ago.
My article-writing routine consists of setting aside time in my calendar (every Wednesday from 9 AM - noon) to write my article, post it on my website, set up my email newsletter to go out, and submit my article through a submission service. Creating this routine for myself has created a bank of 25 articles that I’ve written, along with another 25 or so that I have yet to submit to the article banks.
Writing articles is a challenging task, and many of my clients cringe when I mention it to them as a marketing strategy. However, I think it’s one of the smartest marketing strategies in your marketing arsenal. Why? The best articles reflect the writer’s character and voice, and contain valuable content gleaned from the writer’s personal experiences. Non-writers are encouraged to hire ghost writers, but I think It’s difficult for a ghost writer to make an article sound like you — enough so that someone feels as though you’re sitting across the table from them over a cup of coffee. After reading an article in one of my newsletters, I’ve been repeatedly told by numerous readers who know me, “Oh, that sounded just like you!” There is no higher compliment to my ears — I know that my authenticity is coming across to my readers. That’s an important aspect of article writing to me — I want my readers to get to know, like, and trust me so that at some point they feel comfortable doing business with me.
Here’s how writing and submitting articles are helping me find clients online:
1. Establishes you as an expert. I’m submitting 6-10 articles per month through an article submission service. Anyone searching for articles that I’ve written in any of the major article banks will probably find at least 10 that I’ve authored. Today I Googled my name, and found 18,300 sites listing me. I would say that about 98% of the listings actually refer to me, and that 98% of that number are links to articles banks, blogs, ezines, etc. publishing my articles. Much to my surprise, I recently discovered that I’m a SmartBiz Industry Expert at http://www.smartbiz.com/industryexpert/445
2. Demonstrates your credibility. The fact that I write the majority of my articles from my personal experiences establishes my credibility in the eyes of my readers. In fact, I’ve had some newsletter subscribers whom I’ve never met call me on the phone and start a conversation with me, as though we’re old friends. In their minds, we are old friends, as they’ve been reading my material for some time, I, on the other hand, have to run to catch up, because I don’t know anything about them. I take my time and put much effort and energy into my writing, and I think it shows in the finished pieces. There is a great deal of junk being submitted as articles to article banks, but I’m not willing to dash off a piece of fluff with little value and attach my name to it.
3. Have articles published by other publications. As I do online searches for my articles or set up Yahoo alerts to track my article submissions, I continue to be amazed at where some of my articles end up. I recently had one of my articles published by SitePro News, www.sitepronews.com, which brought a great deal of traffic to my website, more subscribers to my ezine, and a number of sales of products for which I’m an affiliate. You can read all about this experiences at http://onlinebizcoachingcompany.typepad.com/online_business_coach ing_/2006/01/what_one_articl.html
4. Encourages joint ventures/strategic alliances with business owners in other industries pursuing the same target market. I’ve been approached by a number of other companies who are seeking strategic alliances, link exchanges and referrals solely based on reading about me from one of my articles and liking what I had to say. I’ve chosen to pursue some of these offers, and I would have never had the opportunity without using article submissions as a way to get the word out about my services and my company.
5. Enables you to be found in search engines on a variety of terms. One of the strategies of article submission is to intersperse your primary website keywords into your article so that your articles help boost your search engine ranking on your search terms. I haven’t yet gotten that sophisticated in my website optimization, and as I write from my heart in terms of what’s happening to me or my business in any given week, my articles, in many cases, have little to do with the keywords I’m using to optimize my website. What I have discovered, however, is that I’m getting organic traffic to my site on all kinds of keywords, most of which would have never occurred to me as search terms. However, these terms are present in one (or more) articles that I’ve written. Now, my goal is to create a call to action on my individual article pages to increase the number of subscribers to my newsletter, which is my primary call to action on my website.
6. Increases inbound links to your site. Creating inbound links (links from other sites to yours) seems to be one of the hottest SEO techniques today. However, I’ve heard that article bank links are not considered viable an inbound links. I partially agree with that sentiment. Google apparently still loves them, given the number of inbound links it shows to my website. The strategy seems to be less popular for Yahoo and MSN.
7. Enhances your search engine ranking. If you have a carefully-crafted SEO strategy and optimize your articles with the same keywords you use to optimize your site, you can increase your organic ranking in search engines (how your site shows up in the rankings without using any pay-per-click services). Higher rankings ultimately result in higher page rank (greater relevance) in Google, and better your traffic rank in Alexa. In the last month, due to my article submissions, my Google page rank has gone from a 2 to a 4 (an 8 or 9 is considered great, so I have a way to go) and my Alexa traffic ranking has made a phenomenal leap, from number 1,964,770 one month ago (the higher the number, the poorer the rank) to 321,460, which means that Alexa considers the relevance and usage of my website to have increased dramatically in the last month.
8. Increases responses to your website’s “call to action”. Typically, on your homepage, you should create one clear call to action that you’d like your visitors to take. On my homepage, that call to action is clear. Visitors get a free ebook and a subscription to my email newsletter if they give me their name and primary email address. When someone reads your article and decides to check out your website as a result, there is a greater likelihood that the visitor will part with his/her contact information in your call to action, as you have already established some credibility via the article you wrote.
9. Creates free advertising and free publicity. Most article banks give you space to publish a 1-3 sentence bio about yourself, your services, and your website at the end of the article. This is commonly known as a resource box. Your resource box should give a short, succinct, compelling statement of who you are and what you do, and why someone would want to visit your website. Once your article is published in blogs, ezines, websites, etc, your “free advertising” increases exponentially. As many article banks now offering RSS feeds of an author’s articles, a website owner could choose to syndicate your feed on his website, giving you wonderful free publicity that would normally cost a great deal of money.
10. Creates opportunities for speaking, training or consulting. Publication of several articles on a particular topic can easily brand you as a credible expert on this topic, which may lead to an invitation to speak at a conference, or an opportunity to get paid for training or consulting time. Several of my clients have gotten radio and television interviews and speaking opportunities because an article that they wrote was published in a credible trade magazine. Interviews and speaking gigs get you in front of many people at once, which allows them to get to know you and eventually purchase your goods or services.
Are you spending too much money, time and energy in promoting your website and having lackluster results? Submitting articles is a low-cost way to increase the traffic to your website and enable you to find more clients online.
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05.06.08
Posted in It's Commerce at 2:29 pm by admin
To illustrate the concept of arranging simple joint ventures that can lead to exciting new business opportunites, I am including a short story and correspondence that led me down a grand path to a very successful deal that involves one of the most successful personal and financial achievement books ever written, not to mention partnering with a living legend.
To start things off, in early July of 2002 I read “Think and Grow Rich” by Napoleon Hill for the first time in my 36 years of existance on this spinning orb of madness. I have read many personal achievement books, but this one was different, I mean WAY different.
I had always heard this was a must read, but I thought since it was old (1st Printing 1937) that it was also out of date and not applicable to the world as it is today. How wrong I was. After reading the first few chapters, things started to become crystal clear, things that had been at best, hazy and out of focus only days earlier — All of a sudden, I started to see how things were supposed to be done, how life should be lived and at long last, how continued success could be captured.
This all may sound very melodramatic, but I swear that it is true.
I had thought for many years about getting into the publishing business, but had never seriously considered it due to the fact there was so much risk involved due to all of the hard costs involved with standard publishing.
I had read about how some people on the Internet were making a lot of money publishing eBooks. At the time, I didn’t feel I had the time to write my own, so I thought that “Think and Grow Rich” would be an excellent choice as it was very popular since it was written and it hadn’t been converted into eBook form as far as I could tell. I could spread the word about a book that helped change my life for the better and get paid for it! Doesn’t get much better than that.
I looked at the publisher’s name (Fawcett Books) in my copy of the paper-back version that I had. I recall inquiring about getting the rights to another book a year or so previous, so I knew better than go the large publishers. They always want some rediculuos of money to license their books, even if they are not doing well or out of print. Around $4,000.00 or so in upfront royalties.
I knew that I have to go another route, so I searched on Amazon for another publisher and noticed a familiar name. A name that I had actually sent checks to in my younger years. A name that was synonymous with big-time mail order publishing. Someone who had sold millions of books, but decided to stay independent because he love the business. His name is Melvin Powers of the famed Wilshire Book Company.
I sent an email on 7-25-02 to Melvin Powers who is the owner of Wilshire Book Company. By 8-2-02, Melvin responded by asking me to “come” to his office 1:00pm. His misunderstood me and I called him around 1:00pm. By 2:00pm, we had a verbal agreement on what the simple terms of the deal were for exclusive rights to his library of titles. By 8-3-02 the 1st and 2nd drafts of the (1) page agreement between us was complete.
Poof! I was instantly in the highly respected publishing business with one of the top names in the industry. Wow, how cool is that?
What did we talk about for the hour we were on the phone you ask? I had a short list of questions that he answered masterfully. We discussed many things, but the bottom line of all of this is…”Dont be afraid to ask for what you want” You may just be surprised at what you can accomplish.
I simply asked Melvin if he was interested in working with me and he said “YES”. Anyone could have approached Melvin (many have), but I did it in a relaxed and enthusiastic way that Melvin could read over the phone I suppose. We launched the book on 9-20-02 and have been doing quite well with it and are in the process of converting his other books.
That’s pretting much it. Remember, all you have to do is ASK. The worst that someone can say is no. Shrug it off and go to the next person. It’s really not personal.
Here are the 2 email correspondences Melvin and I had, before we talked on the phone.
============================================
Message #1
Subject: Your publishing business?
Date: Thu, 25 Jul 2002 18:12:52 -0700
From: Rod Beckwith
Organization: MrJV.com
To: Melvin Powers
Dear Melvin,
We have corresonded in the past & your advice was very sound. I really like your Mail Order Millionaire program…I just wish I had picked up “Think & Grow Rich” when I first listened to your program over a year ago. I just read it about 2 weeks ago & have been hopping ever since. –OMG you have the “Laws of Success” by Napoleon Hill. I was wondering what happened to this, nobody ever talks about it.
I am interested in discussing converting some of your books into ebooks as I think they could get a second birth on the net. I just hate waiting for something in the mail anymore that could just as easily be delivered on the net. Is there any way we could talk about setup some kind of pilot program to test this theory.
Let me know if you are interested.
Sincerely,
Rod
–
Rod Beckwith
rod@mrjv.com
http://www.mrjv.com
http://www.diveinn.net
Message #2
Subject: Re: Your publishing business?
Date: Fri, 02 Aug 2002 10:45:14 -0700
From: Melvin Powers
To: Rod Beckwith >
Dear Rod,
I’ll in my office today after one o’clock. Call me first before coming in.
I’ll be pleased to see you.
Melvin
——————————
Copyright 2004 Rod Beckwith
Rod Beckwith
JV Expert, Publisher and Inventor
http://www.secretsofthejvmasters.com
About The Author
Rod is a well known and respected Joint Venture Expert, Inventor & Publisher. Rod can be contacted via email. I like to help put people together to do whatever ethical type of business that they would like to transact. See http://www.mrjv.com/
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05.04.08
Posted in It's Commerce at 12:05 am by admin
Choosing the right affiliate program is vital for your success. We don’t want to end up with lemons, right? It is not advisable to invest time and effort into something that will not yield the best return for the energy expended.
In this lesson, we’re going to learn how to distinguish an excellent affiliate program from a rather mediocre one. Yes, indeed. Not all affiliate programs are created equal. Some are simply better than others. Here are some things you need to think about if you are considering entering the affiliate marketing arena:
* How much is the commission rate being offered by the affiliate program? Ideally, you would want a high commission rate. Who wouldn’t, right? But don’t let this mislead you into thinking that a high commission rate is equal to a good home based business opportunity. An affiliate program that offers 80% commission per successful sale, for example, may also ask you to pre-sell products that aren’t really sellable. What good is an 80% commission then when you won’t have any sales to speak of? So this leads us to our next consideration…
* How sellable is the product? You could always ask for statistics from the affiliate program. Don’t forget that. You could demand to see the sales chart for the past few months, so that you’d know that there are people who are actually willing to purchase the product. We can safely say that an affiliate programs offering high commission rates for very sellable products is an excellent opportunity.
* How credible is the affiliate program? There are many things that should be factored into this consideration. Determine how long the program has been operating. If they have been in existence for a long time with nary a complaint that can be seen, then they must be doing something right! Do a search on Google or online forums to check out other affiliates opinions of your prospective business partner.
* How will you get paid? This may be a little too prospective a thought, but you have to ensure the utmost viability of any money making opportunity. What payment method can you accommodate? Will the affiliate program be able to oblige to such method? If the affiliate program pays its affiliates through PayPal exclusively, for example, and you’re living in a non-PayPal territory, then you might encounter some problems. Ask the affiliate merchant if he could make some considerations for your case. More often than not, he will try to accommodate your request. If he can’t, then your time would be better spent with an affiliate program whose payment you would actually receive.
If the above considerations are all favorable for you, then grab the said opportunity as quickly as you can. Start earning money right away, for time is gold in this business!
In the next article, we’re going to discuss the proper steps you should take in starting out with this type of home based business opportunity.
Copyright 2005 Mal Keenan
Mal Keenan can show you step-by step how to set up and run a successful online home business. Learn the 7 essential strategies to internet marketing success. To receive your free 7 day mini-course visit: http://www.malkeenan.com
For a home business you can believe in, check out:
http://www.malkeenan.com/pips.html
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04.22.08
Posted in It's Commerce at 3:40 pm by admin
To some people the world of casino gambling may seem a tamer and slightly less original version of its real life incarnation. With its java games and lack of casino atmosphere, it possibly lacks some of the razzmatazz of the Las Vegas halls. However despite it’s online limitations the casino gaming industry has exploded, becoming one of the largest and most lucrative businesses on the World Wide Web. Because, in part at least, the casino designers have found numerous ways to compensate for the lack of atmosphere of a vibrant real-life casino through the sheer range and options that the online forum can provide.
The standard casino is usually limited by at least two things, internal space and staff. Specially skilled staff and croupiers are required to make sure things run smoothly and legally. The floor space that they have means that the big bulky gaming tables must be organised correctly to optimise the space used, whilst also allowing people through. Online there are no such restrictions, space is restricted only by the limitations of a sites imagination. Traditional games such as craps, black jack and roulette are complemented by a number of exciting subsidiary games as well as new or different alternatives to the original classics. With quick fire games like casino war, hi-lo games and hundreds of slots and poker games to choose from there seems to be no limit in the opportunities to bet and win money.
The seemingly limitless supplies of games and other bonuses are what tend to keep players interested, even hooked enough to continue playing. With the range of gaming options and the ease with which players can access the casino sites, by way of download or online forums. Unlike in real casinos there are no rules governing what you can bring in or what you can wear, meaning that players are free to sit at there computer wearing their pyjamas at 3 o’clock in the morning if they are so inclined. This freedom of choice and availability is something that keeps players interested, and the more a player stay interested the more a site can make as ultimately can the affiliate.
Therefore keeping players playing by offering new games and a freer environment to enjoy their gaming is in the interest of everybody associated with the industry. For the affiliate once they have passed on a gamer to a site their job is effectively done, all they need to do is attract more and more. Once the players are in the casinos grasp it is in their hands to keep the player interested enough to play more and ultimately to spend more. It may sound a little conceited but it is the way in which the industry works, and if you don’t take a piece there is always somebody out there who will.
Discover how to become a super poker affiliate by promoting the best poker affiliate programs at http://www.epokeraffiliate.com/
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04.11.08
Posted in It's Commerce at 4:53 am by admin
What is the difference between a millionaire and a million dollar deal junkie?
The millionaire keeps his focus on what pays -
The junkie pays for his lack of focus.
The Test - does this sound like you? If so you might be a Million Dollar Deal Junkie?
The magic number seems to be two hours a night. Just give your Internet business two hours a night and that million dollars can’t help but start rolling in.
You are committed and sit down at your desk every night. This is time to focus on your Internet business. This isn’t your day job, YET, but you are determined to learn fast and make it work. Everyone else is making millions, just read their testimonial.
I can do this because I know I can.
It’s evening and you diligently close yourself into your little home office to begin building an empire.
Your keyboard is heating up as you check your affiliate accounts and take a look into your back offices. You do a little web surfing to see what is going on with others selling your same products.
An article catches your attention ‘Proven - Powerful - make money faster’ so you read on. You are lead to a handy dandy tool that you know will to make your programs sell faster. You click that BUY NOW button and enter your Paypal info.
In taking a closer look at your new tool you soon realize you can make big money if you sell it. So you spend a good amount of time learning everything about this new program. You even found an E-book for $19.95 that tells you exactly what the experts have to say on the matter.
WOW three hours have gone by. You gave your business an extra hour tonight. You go to bed knowing you are one step closer to that million dollars.
Or are you?
The truth is many of us are addicted to the dream of becoming rich but lack the focus to make it a reality. Yes you can become a millionaire in two hours a night. You just have to stop following the junkies.
So you want to become a millionaire?
Anything, any product, can make money on the web. Just look around you everything is making money on the web. So pick one thing you are passionate about and stick to it. Don’t lose focus. Don’t change your mind until you have at least made your investment back on the product you have chosen to promote.
It’s time for that magical 2 hours and you are going to do nothing but pure business building. Write yourself a list of what needs to be done in the next two hours that will make you money. Always ask yourself am I actively selling? The first two or three things you do should focus on making money with your product. If you never get to the selling how do you get to the making money?
If you want information on how to market over the Internet it is everywhere for free. Don’t pay for it you don’t have to. There is no big secret that someone hasn’t given away for free already. Ask questions, ask where, and ask how. And by the way, do this on your own time - not with the 2 hour business window.
If you want a marketing tool, like an autoresponder or a splash page, first look around and see who offers it for free. Use free tools until you see what is going to work for you and then upgrade as you start making money. So often we run out and pay for things we don’t use and just end up getting sidetracked.
Focus
Focus on one thing
Focus on one thing right now
And you will soon be enjoying the millionaire lifestyle you have set your sights on.
Valerie Hasara
Editor Options 2Day.com
http://Options2Day.com
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