Finding your website is one thing, but knowing what to do
once you get there is quite another. In this article we
will discuss the importance of website navigation and how it
can make or break your site.
The aim of a web site's navigation is simply to allow users
to get to the content they require. For sites that have a
large number of sections and web pages (and information
sites can be one of these) the navigation plan has to be
properly researched and designed. You have to consider
different types of visitors and simulate the most common
steps they would take to find what they want on your site
and the navigation plan has to optimize this movement. For
example the steps required from searching a catalog of
items, selecting from the catalog, adding them to a shopping
cart, proceeding to check out, to entering the payment
particulars is a specific sequence that should be
facilitated by the navigation system. If the sequence is
haphazard, it could lead to frustration or the user may miss
an important step and you would have an aborted sale.
To find their way about, users need to know two things:
* Where they are now
* How to go elsewhere
Navigation does not exist in isolation; good site
organization is a prerequisite for a coherent navigation
system.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Monday, June 29, 2009
A good traffic logging service would provide statistics pertaining to the following
* How many people visit your site?
* Where are they from?
* How are visitors finding your site?
* What traffic is coming from search engines, links from
other sites, and other sources?
* What keyword search phrases are they using to find your
site?
* What pages are frequented the most - what information are
visitors most interested in?
* How do visitors navigate within your web site?
Knowing the answers to these and other fundamental questions
is essential for making informed decisions that maximize the
return on investment (ROI) of your web site investment.
The most important aspect of tracking visitors to your
website is analyzing all the statistics you get from your
tracking software. The three main statistics that will show
your overall progress are hits, visitors and page views.
Hits are tracked when any picture or page loads from your
server on to a visitor’s browser. Hits, however, can be very
misleading. It is quite an irrelevant statistic for your
website.
The statistic that is probably the most important for a
website is Page Views/Visitors. This gives you a good
indication of two things. First, how many people are coming
to your site, and secondly how long are they staying on your
site. If you have 250 visitors and 300 page views you can
figure that most visitors view one page on your site and
then leave. Generally, if you're not getting 2 page views
per visitor then you should consider upgrading your site's
content so your visitors will stay around longer.
If you see the number of visitors you have increasing as
well as the number of page views per visitor increasing then
keep up the good work! Always look for this stat as an
overall barometer of how your site design is going and if
your marketing campaigns are taking hold.
Also, a good stat to look for is unique visitors. Once a
person visits your site they will not be added to the unique
visitors’ category if they visit again. This is a good way
to track new visitors to your website.
Page views are a good indication of how "sticky" your
website is. A good statistic to keep is Page Views divided
by the number of Visitors you have. This statistic will give
you a good idea if your content is interesting and if your
visitors are staying on your site for a long time and
surfing.
Some people are intimidated by web traffic statistics
(mostly because of the sheer volume of data available), but
they shouldn't be. While there are many highly specialized
statistics that can be used for more in-depth web traffic
analysis, the above areas alone can provide invaluable
information on your visitors and your website performance.
Remember- this data is available for a reason. It's up to
you to use it.
* Where are they from?
* How are visitors finding your site?
* What traffic is coming from search engines, links from
other sites, and other sources?
* What keyword search phrases are they using to find your
site?
* What pages are frequented the most - what information are
visitors most interested in?
* How do visitors navigate within your web site?
Knowing the answers to these and other fundamental questions
is essential for making informed decisions that maximize the
return on investment (ROI) of your web site investment.
The most important aspect of tracking visitors to your
website is analyzing all the statistics you get from your
tracking software. The three main statistics that will show
your overall progress are hits, visitors and page views.
Hits are tracked when any picture or page loads from your
server on to a visitor’s browser. Hits, however, can be very
misleading. It is quite an irrelevant statistic for your
website.
The statistic that is probably the most important for a
website is Page Views/Visitors. This gives you a good
indication of two things. First, how many people are coming
to your site, and secondly how long are they staying on your
site. If you have 250 visitors and 300 page views you can
figure that most visitors view one page on your site and
then leave. Generally, if you're not getting 2 page views
per visitor then you should consider upgrading your site's
content so your visitors will stay around longer.
If you see the number of visitors you have increasing as
well as the number of page views per visitor increasing then
keep up the good work! Always look for this stat as an
overall barometer of how your site design is going and if
your marketing campaigns are taking hold.
Also, a good stat to look for is unique visitors. Once a
person visits your site they will not be added to the unique
visitors’ category if they visit again. This is a good way
to track new visitors to your website.
Page views are a good indication of how "sticky" your
website is. A good statistic to keep is Page Views divided
by the number of Visitors you have. This statistic will give
you a good idea if your content is interesting and if your
visitors are staying on your site for a long time and
surfing.
Some people are intimidated by web traffic statistics
(mostly because of the sheer volume of data available), but
they shouldn't be. While there are many highly specialized
statistics that can be used for more in-depth web traffic
analysis, the above areas alone can provide invaluable
information on your visitors and your website performance.
Remember- this data is available for a reason. It's up to
you to use it.
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Monitoring and Tracking
In this addition we will discuss the importance web site
tracking and explain to you why it is so important to pay
attention your current web traffic.
Understanding what your visitors do on your site is crucial
information, not to mention interesting. If your visitors
proceed to purchase a product but then a large majority
leave the site when they get to a specific page in the order
process then you need to know about it. It could be that
this page is confusing or hard to use. Fixing it could
increase your sales by 200%. This is just an example; there
are many reasons why you want a detailed analysis of your
site visitors.
Most website hosting services offer a stats package that you
can study. If you're not sure where this is, call up your
hosting service and ask them. Statistics are a vital part of
tracking your marketing progress. If you don't have access
to website statistics get a package that can help you in
this area. Do not get a counter that just shows how many
visitors you've had. You'll be missing out on vital
information that can help strengthen weaknesses in your
site.
A good website hosting service would offer traffic logs that
provide an invaluable insight into the traffic being
referred to a web site from various sources such as search
engines, directories and other links.
Unfortunately traffic tracking provided by web hosting
services is often in the form of raw traffic log files or
other difficult to understand cryptic formats. These log
files are basically text files that describe actions on the
site. It is literally impossible to use the raw log files to
understand what your visitors are doing. If you do not have
the patience to go through these huge traffic logs, opting
for a traffic-logging package would be a good idea.
Basically two options are available to you and these are:
using a log analysis package or subscribing to a remotely
hosted traffic logging service. A remotely hosted traffic
logging service may be easy to use and is generally the
cheaper option of the two. WebTrends Live and HitsLink are
two good, remotely hosted, traffic-monitoring services worth
considering. However, WebTrends Live is a more complicated
system and is suitable for larger ecommerce websites.
“SuperStats” is another recommended traffic logging service.
These services do not use your log files. Typically a small
section of code is placed on any page you want to track.
When the page is viewed, information is stored on the remote
server and available in real time to view in charts and
tables form.
Log analysis packages are typically expensive to buy and
complex to set up. Apart from commercial packages there are
also some free log analysis packages available, such as
Analog.
tracking and explain to you why it is so important to pay
attention your current web traffic.
Understanding what your visitors do on your site is crucial
information, not to mention interesting. If your visitors
proceed to purchase a product but then a large majority
leave the site when they get to a specific page in the order
process then you need to know about it. It could be that
this page is confusing or hard to use. Fixing it could
increase your sales by 200%. This is just an example; there
are many reasons why you want a detailed analysis of your
site visitors.
Most website hosting services offer a stats package that you
can study. If you're not sure where this is, call up your
hosting service and ask them. Statistics are a vital part of
tracking your marketing progress. If you don't have access
to website statistics get a package that can help you in
this area. Do not get a counter that just shows how many
visitors you've had. You'll be missing out on vital
information that can help strengthen weaknesses in your
site.
A good website hosting service would offer traffic logs that
provide an invaluable insight into the traffic being
referred to a web site from various sources such as search
engines, directories and other links.
Unfortunately traffic tracking provided by web hosting
services is often in the form of raw traffic log files or
other difficult to understand cryptic formats. These log
files are basically text files that describe actions on the
site. It is literally impossible to use the raw log files to
understand what your visitors are doing. If you do not have
the patience to go through these huge traffic logs, opting
for a traffic-logging package would be a good idea.
Basically two options are available to you and these are:
using a log analysis package or subscribing to a remotely
hosted traffic logging service. A remotely hosted traffic
logging service may be easy to use and is generally the
cheaper option of the two. WebTrends Live and HitsLink are
two good, remotely hosted, traffic-monitoring services worth
considering. However, WebTrends Live is a more complicated
system and is suitable for larger ecommerce websites.
“SuperStats” is another recommended traffic logging service.
These services do not use your log files. Typically a small
section of code is placed on any page you want to track.
When the page is viewed, information is stored on the remote
server and available in real time to view in charts and
tables form.
Log analysis packages are typically expensive to buy and
complex to set up. Apart from commercial packages there are
also some free log analysis packages available, such as
Analog.
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Managing Your List: Paid List Servers vs. Free List Servers
This week we will be discussing how to manage your email
lists. It can be a big job but we’ll discuss how you can
get a handle on it with minimal fuss.
As you build up your subscriber list, you’re going to find
yourself with a problem. Whichever mail program you’re
using, whether it’s Outlook or Eudora or something else,
it’s just not going to be set up to deal with the kind of
mass mailing involved with newsletters.
If you have more than 50 people on your list—and that will
probably take you less than a week—you’ll need to use a
listserv. Don’t even try to do this by yourself!
My hosting company organize this for me. They have a mail
server that handles all the mail. I just send them the
newsletter and they send it out. Alternatively, you can use
a professional listserv such as Microsoft’s List Builder or
Sparklist.
There are free list servers available too. While you can use
these if you’re on a really tight budget, I don’t recommend
it. First, they stuff their own adverts onto your
newsletter. That doesn’t just reduce the effectiveness of
your brand, it draws attention away from your own
ads—provided you can persuade people to advertise on a
newsletter like this. But their privacy policies have also
come under a lot of criticism lately and even some of the
biggest companies have been found to have used their
clients’ lists to market their own goods.
If you’re going to do a newsletter—and you should—it’s worth
investing in a professional service. That is, after all,
what you’re offering.
In conclusion, newsletters then are one of the most
effective ways to keep customers, and keep your revenue
flowing in. They remind people you’re still out there,
provide news about deals and bargains, and give customers
the confidence to buy. You can put them together in a snap,
or even pay someone a pretty small fee to do it for you. If
you sell advertising space on your newsletter, you’ll even
find each issue will pay for itself.
lists. It can be a big job but we’ll discuss how you can
get a handle on it with minimal fuss.
As you build up your subscriber list, you’re going to find
yourself with a problem. Whichever mail program you’re
using, whether it’s Outlook or Eudora or something else,
it’s just not going to be set up to deal with the kind of
mass mailing involved with newsletters.
If you have more than 50 people on your list—and that will
probably take you less than a week—you’ll need to use a
listserv. Don’t even try to do this by yourself!
My hosting company organize this for me. They have a mail
server that handles all the mail. I just send them the
newsletter and they send it out. Alternatively, you can use
a professional listserv such as Microsoft’s List Builder or
Sparklist.
There are free list servers available too. While you can use
these if you’re on a really tight budget, I don’t recommend
it. First, they stuff their own adverts onto your
newsletter. That doesn’t just reduce the effectiveness of
your brand, it draws attention away from your own
ads—provided you can persuade people to advertise on a
newsletter like this. But their privacy policies have also
come under a lot of criticism lately and even some of the
biggest companies have been found to have used their
clients’ lists to market their own goods.
If you’re going to do a newsletter—and you should—it’s worth
investing in a professional service. That is, after all,
what you’re offering.
In conclusion, newsletters then are one of the most
effective ways to keep customers, and keep your revenue
flowing in. They remind people you’re still out there,
provide news about deals and bargains, and give customers
the confidence to buy. You can put them together in a snap,
or even pay someone a pretty small fee to do it for you. If
you sell advertising space on your newsletter, you’ll even
find each issue will pay for itself.
Friday, June 26, 2009
Consistency is the key
Make sure the site is consistent in look, feel and design.
Nothing is more jarring and disturbing to a customer than
feeling as if they have just gone to another site. Keep
colors and themes constant throughout the site.
Make your site interactive and personalized
Make your website interactive. Add feedback forms as well
as email forms that allow your prospective customers to ask
you any questions they might have pertaining to a product.
Personalization of your website is another key element that
can lead to customer delight and can increase your sales.
Personalization technology provides you the analytic tools
to facilitate cross-selling and up-selling when the customer
is buying online. It would give you an idea of what products
to cross-sell and up-sell. For example, when a person buys a
CD player, a disc cleaner can also be offered.
Content is King
Good content sells a product. Ask yourself the following
questions. Does your copy convey the message you wish to get
across to your visitors? Is it compelling? Does it lead your
visitor through the sales process? Have others review,
critique and edit your copy to insure it is delivering the
intended message. Always double check your spelling and
grammar.
These eight, simple rules will go a long way toward the
improvement of your website and most importantly, turn
visitors into customers.
Nothing is more jarring and disturbing to a customer than
feeling as if they have just gone to another site. Keep
colors and themes constant throughout the site.
Make your site interactive and personalized
Make your website interactive. Add feedback forms as well
as email forms that allow your prospective customers to ask
you any questions they might have pertaining to a product.
Personalization of your website is another key element that
can lead to customer delight and can increase your sales.
Personalization technology provides you the analytic tools
to facilitate cross-selling and up-selling when the customer
is buying online. It would give you an idea of what products
to cross-sell and up-sell. For example, when a person buys a
CD player, a disc cleaner can also be offered.
Content is King
Good content sells a product. Ask yourself the following
questions. Does your copy convey the message you wish to get
across to your visitors? Is it compelling? Does it lead your
visitor through the sales process? Have others review,
critique and edit your copy to insure it is delivering the
intended message. Always double check your spelling and
grammar.
These eight, simple rules will go a long way toward the
improvement of your website and most importantly, turn
visitors into customers.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Focus the Site
Make certain your web site is focused on the goal, selling
your product or service. A site offering many unrelated
products is not necessarily unfocused, but this is often the
case. If your business does offer many products, dedicate a
unique page for each instead of trying to sell them all from
one page.
Credibility Is Crucial
The most professionally designed site won't sell if your
customers don't believe in you. A clear privacy statement
is one way to build your credibility. Provide a prominent
link to your privacy statement from every page on the site
as well as from any location that you are asking your
visitors for personal information. Provide legitimate
contact information on line.
Navigation should be simple
Make site navigation easy and intuitive. Simple and smooth
navigation adds to the convenience of the visitors. Add
powerful search and catalog features. Many times a lot of
visitors do not have the patience to navigate through the
whole website to find what they are looking for.
your product or service. A site offering many unrelated
products is not necessarily unfocused, but this is often the
case. If your business does offer many products, dedicate a
unique page for each instead of trying to sell them all from
one page.
Credibility Is Crucial
The most professionally designed site won't sell if your
customers don't believe in you. A clear privacy statement
is one way to build your credibility. Provide a prominent
link to your privacy statement from every page on the site
as well as from any location that you are asking your
visitors for personal information. Provide legitimate
contact information on line.
Navigation should be simple
Make site navigation easy and intuitive. Simple and smooth
navigation adds to the convenience of the visitors. Add
powerful search and catalog features. Many times a lot of
visitors do not have the patience to navigate through the
whole website to find what they are looking for.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Build It for Speed
It's a fact of modern life - people are in a hurry. This
means that you have between 10 and 30 seconds to capture
your potential customer's attention. Tominimize your load
time, keep graphics small. Compress them where possible. Use
flashy technology (JavaScript, Flash, Streaming Audio/Video,
animation) sparingly and only if it is important to your
presentation.
Target your Market
Know who your market is and make certain that your site
caters to their needs. It is critical that your site reflect
the values of your potential customers. Is your market
mostly business professionals? If so, the site must be clean
and professional. Is your product aimed mostly a teenagers
and young adults? Then your site could be more informal and
relaxed. The key here is to know your market and build the
site to their preferences.
means that you have between 10 and 30 seconds to capture
your potential customer's attention. Tominimize your load
time, keep graphics small. Compress them where possible. Use
flashy technology (JavaScript, Flash, Streaming Audio/Video,
animation) sparingly and only if it is important to your
presentation.
Target your Market
Know who your market is and make certain that your site
caters to their needs. It is critical that your site reflect
the values of your potential customers. Is your market
mostly business professionals? If so, the site must be clean
and professional. Is your product aimed mostly a teenagers
and young adults? Then your site could be more informal and
relaxed. The key here is to know your market and build the
site to their preferences.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Making your website attractive, interesting, engaging and interactive
In this article you will learn the importance designing your
website around your customers and their needs. A websites
form and content is what will determine if a visitor will
stay just a visitor or turn into your next customer. Today
we will discuss how to accomplish the later.
To succeed at your online business (whether you are selling
your own product/service or are selling for other merchants
as an affiliate), you need a Web site created just for that
- a simple, focused site. One that is easy to build,
maintenance-free, low cost, credible, and a powerful
traffic-builder and customer-converter.
Having the right tool and the right product alone doesn’t
insure the success of your website. There are many factors
to be considered while designing a site. Unfortunately, most
of these are easily ignored by Internet business owners.
website around your customers and their needs. A websites
form and content is what will determine if a visitor will
stay just a visitor or turn into your next customer. Today
we will discuss how to accomplish the later.
To succeed at your online business (whether you are selling
your own product/service or are selling for other merchants
as an affiliate), you need a Web site created just for that
- a simple, focused site. One that is easy to build,
maintenance-free, low cost, credible, and a powerful
traffic-builder and customer-converter.
Having the right tool and the right product alone doesn’t
insure the success of your website. There are many factors
to be considered while designing a site. Unfortunately, most
of these are easily ignored by Internet business owners.
Monday, June 22, 2009
The Fourth Step is to decide commission levels. Your first
decision will be to determine whether you want to pay a flat
rate or percentage of each sale. Based on the needs you
identified above for each of the affiliate types, decide on
a commission amount for each Type. If you have a two-tier
program, consider the possibility of different second tier
rates as well.
The Fifth Step is to devise promotions for affiliate groups.
Once you have your affiliates properly categorized and your
system under control, consider developing promotions for
your affiliate groups. Give them special incentives to sell
more during a certain time frame, move seasonal products, or
increase business during your slow months. Offer them
additional commissions, or even bonuses for reaching a
specific amount of sales.
In conclusion, if you follow the steps I have just outlined
and if you are ready for a little work and a lot of
organization, your affiliate program should be up and
running in no time.
decision will be to determine whether you want to pay a flat
rate or percentage of each sale. Based on the needs you
identified above for each of the affiliate types, decide on
a commission amount for each Type. If you have a two-tier
program, consider the possibility of different second tier
rates as well.
The Fifth Step is to devise promotions for affiliate groups.
Once you have your affiliates properly categorized and your
system under control, consider developing promotions for
your affiliate groups. Give them special incentives to sell
more during a certain time frame, move seasonal products, or
increase business during your slow months. Offer them
additional commissions, or even bonuses for reaching a
specific amount of sales.
In conclusion, if you follow the steps I have just outlined
and if you are ready for a little work and a lot of
organization, your affiliate program should be up and
running in no time.
Sunday, June 21, 2009
The Third Step involves the process of creating and
compiling linking methods for each group of affiliates.
Based on the needs you identified in Step two, create and
compile linking methods for each type. Here are a few
linking methods to think about.
* Banners - Though they aren't as effective as other linking
methods, banners are still widely used and expected. Make
banners in a variety of sizes to fit tops of pages,
bottoms, toolbars, sidebars and other miscellaneous areas.
* Articles - These are great for affiliates that need
content for their websites and newsletters. Be sure that
your articles are articles and not ads.
* Email Ads - Your active affiliates may be interested in
placing ads in e-zines or their own newsletters. Try
writing
a few ads in different lengths.
* Signature Files - Dedicated affiliates may even add your
tag to their signature line. Give them a few witty lines
to choose from.
* Guestbooks: - Let your affiliates help you build your
Opt-In email lists with guestbooks. Offer them a
commission
for each email address they send you, or each resulting
sale
from the subscribers they send you.
* Product Images - Give your affiliates images that show and
link directly to specific products. They'll be able to
choose an image specific to their site, or choose several
images to display.
* Review each affiliate Type and match them up with your new
linking methods. You may have some linking methods that
overlap Types -- this is okay. Just be sure you are
concentrating on the affiliates' needs.
compiling linking methods for each group of affiliates.
Based on the needs you identified in Step two, create and
compile linking methods for each type. Here are a few
linking methods to think about.
* Banners - Though they aren't as effective as other linking
methods, banners are still widely used and expected. Make
banners in a variety of sizes to fit tops of pages,
bottoms, toolbars, sidebars and other miscellaneous areas.
* Articles - These are great for affiliates that need
content for their websites and newsletters. Be sure that
your articles are articles and not ads.
* Email Ads - Your active affiliates may be interested in
placing ads in e-zines or their own newsletters. Try
writing
a few ads in different lengths.
* Signature Files - Dedicated affiliates may even add your
tag to their signature line. Give them a few witty lines
to choose from.
* Guestbooks: - Let your affiliates help you build your
Opt-In email lists with guestbooks. Offer them a
commission
for each email address they send you, or each resulting
sale
from the subscribers they send you.
* Product Images - Give your affiliates images that show and
link directly to specific products. They'll be able to
choose an image specific to their site, or choose several
images to display.
* Review each affiliate Type and match them up with your new
linking methods. You may have some linking methods that
overlap Types -- this is okay. Just be sure you are
concentrating on the affiliates' needs.
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Here are some basic things to look for:
The Second Step is to determine the needs of each type. Each
of your affiliate types will have different needs; some of
their needs will overlap, but you should find a distinct
difference in many of their needs. If you find that all of
them have the same needs, go back to step one and re-think
your types.
Here are some basic things to look for:
* Linking Methods - Different types of affiliates will need
different linking methods. Let's use the example above
where we had different groups based on sales. Your low
sales group may be satisfied with a banner or two to place
on their site. Your medium sales type may be interested
in an article or two for added content on their site.
Your high sales group will probably pass up banners
for articles, guestbooks, email ads and signature files.
* Capturing visitors is what you want. In order to do so --
you have to know what they want. Visit your affiliates'
sites to see what visitors are looking at and looking for.
Ask yourself, "How does my product relate to what I am
seeing?"
* Different types of affiliates may expect different
commissions. You'll have some Affiliates that have joined
your program "on the side" and others that plan on earning
a
substantial income from the program. Determine what effort
they are putting into advertising, how much other programs
in your industry are paying, and the amount of time they
devote to your program.
of your affiliate types will have different needs; some of
their needs will overlap, but you should find a distinct
difference in many of their needs. If you find that all of
them have the same needs, go back to step one and re-think
your types.
Here are some basic things to look for:
* Linking Methods - Different types of affiliates will need
different linking methods. Let's use the example above
where we had different groups based on sales. Your low
sales group may be satisfied with a banner or two to place
on their site. Your medium sales type may be interested
in an article or two for added content on their site.
Your high sales group will probably pass up banners
for articles, guestbooks, email ads and signature files.
* Capturing visitors is what you want. In order to do so --
you have to know what they want. Visit your affiliates'
sites to see what visitors are looking at and looking for.
Ask yourself, "How does my product relate to what I am
seeing?"
* Different types of affiliates may expect different
commissions. You'll have some Affiliates that have joined
your program "on the side" and others that plan on earning
a
substantial income from the program. Determine what effort
they are putting into advertising, how much other programs
in your industry are paying, and the amount of time they
devote to your program.
Friday, June 19, 2009
Find content sites
There are many sites that do not sell
any kind of product or service but are mainly
content-oriented sites. Such sites promote an idea, concept,
study or belief. Content sites that are used as a resource
for your target market are ideal affiliates.
Finally, there are several sites on the Internet dedicated
to listing affiliate Programs. Get your program listed in
these directories.
Classifying Affiliates for better management
The hardest part of administrating an Affiliate Program is
deciding what your affiliates need to help make the sale.
But, by carefully categorizing your affiliates, you can
easily determine what their needs are and how to accurately
meet them. The plan given below helps in categorizing
affiliates in order to manage your affiliate program better.
The first step is to pick at least three types of
affiliates. Take a look at your affiliates and try to
determine one outstanding characteristic that can easily be
compared across the board and choose at least three types of
the characteristic. Here are some examples:
* Level of Sales - You may find that your affiliates are so
completely different that it's hard to find something to
classify them by. Try classifying them by the level of
sales they've reached with you. You'll most likely find
that youhave a few forerunners that lead the pack with
a number of sales, quite a few affiliates that have.
sporadically made a sale or two and some that have yet
to make a sale. This will help you classify them based
on sales.
* Products - If you sell a wide variety of products for
specific interests/needs you may be able to classify your
affiliates by product. For instance, a financial site
could classify types like Personal Finance, Small Business
Finance, and Corporate Finance.
* Industry - If you market commodities like office supplies,
health and beauty products, house-wares and so on, you may
find that your affiliates come from a wide variety of
industries. You can most likely classify your affiliates
according to their industry.
any kind of product or service but are mainly
content-oriented sites. Such sites promote an idea, concept,
study or belief. Content sites that are used as a resource
for your target market are ideal affiliates.
Finally, there are several sites on the Internet dedicated
to listing affiliate Programs. Get your program listed in
these directories.
Classifying Affiliates for better management
The hardest part of administrating an Affiliate Program is
deciding what your affiliates need to help make the sale.
But, by carefully categorizing your affiliates, you can
easily determine what their needs are and how to accurately
meet them. The plan given below helps in categorizing
affiliates in order to manage your affiliate program better.
The first step is to pick at least three types of
affiliates. Take a look at your affiliates and try to
determine one outstanding characteristic that can easily be
compared across the board and choose at least three types of
the characteristic. Here are some examples:
* Level of Sales - You may find that your affiliates are so
completely different that it's hard to find something to
classify them by. Try classifying them by the level of
sales they've reached with you. You'll most likely find
that youhave a few forerunners that lead the pack with
a number of sales, quite a few affiliates that have.
sporadically made a sale or two and some that have yet
to make a sale. This will help you classify them based
on sales.
* Products - If you sell a wide variety of products for
specific interests/needs you may be able to classify your
affiliates by product. For instance, a financial site
could classify types like Personal Finance, Small Business
Finance, and Corporate Finance.
* Industry - If you market commodities like office supplies,
health and beauty products, house-wares and so on, you may
find that your affiliates come from a wide variety of
industries. You can most likely classify your affiliates
according to their industry.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
How to attract affiliates
In this article we will discuss how to attract affiliates to
you program.
One of the biggest fears new Affiliate managers have is in
finding new affiliates. This fear is a stumbling block that
stops many site owners from getting started with affiliate
marketing. Interestingly, with a proper marketing strategy,
getting affiliates may not be very difficult. Given below
are some tips that may help in attracting new affiliates.
Find complimentary sites
"Complementary" sites are a sites that sell products or
services that compliment your
offerings. If you sell "gardening tools", a site that sells
books on "gardening tips" would be a perfect affiliate. If
you sell software, try looking for sites that sell computers
or computer parts. Finding sites that already attract your
target market, and can benefit from recommending your
product or service to their visitors, is the goal.
you program.
One of the biggest fears new Affiliate managers have is in
finding new affiliates. This fear is a stumbling block that
stops many site owners from getting started with affiliate
marketing. Interestingly, with a proper marketing strategy,
getting affiliates may not be very difficult. Given below
are some tips that may help in attracting new affiliates.
Find complimentary sites
"Complementary" sites are a sites that sell products or
services that compliment your
offerings. If you sell "gardening tools", a site that sells
books on "gardening tips" would be a perfect affiliate. If
you sell software, try looking for sites that sell computers
or computer parts. Finding sites that already attract your
target market, and can benefit from recommending your
product or service to their visitors, is the goal.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Joining An Affiliate Program
As with any marketing venture, you need to be careful in the
selection of an affiliate program. The benefit of an
affiliate program is that it gives you another way to make
money from your users. Instead of selling them a product
yourself, you send them to a partner and take a cut.
On the downside though, your affiliate ads will take the
place of a different ad that you could have put in that same
spot. You have to make sure that each advertising position
on your site is bringing in the maximum revenue possible. If
you’re not getting the most from your site, you’re tossing
money away.
The key to success is to choose the right program, right
from the beginning.
Now, a lot of commercial sites run affiliate programs.
That’s because they know that they only have to pay a
commission if a sale is actually made; it’s a proven way to
generate revenue without risk. What that means for you is
that when it comes to choosing an affiliate program, you’re
going to have a huge range to choose from. What it all boils
down to though is product and price.
While it might be tempting to go for the program that pays
the highest commissions, the program won’t pay you a penny
if your users won’t go there or won’t buy once they get
there. You have to be certain that the service you’re
promoting is of genuine interest to the kind of users you
buy, whether you’re buying them from search engines or
anywhere else.
Sure, you can work backwards: You find a high-paying
affiliate program and create a small site to send users to
it, but do you know where to buy users for a program like
that? You’re going to have to research the field, check out
the most popular sites, and negotiate banner campaigns and
link exchanges.
That’s fine if you want to invest the time and the effort.
But it’s much easier to find an affiliate program operating
in a field you’re familiar with, and use that program to
earn extra cash.
For example, suppose you had set up a dating site. You might
make bit of money selling subscriptions, but you might make
even more by joining Match.com’s affiliate program and
selling them your users. Unless you’re planning to be the
Internet’s biggest dating site, you’re not going to be able
to compete directly and beat them, but you can join them—and
earn money.
Or rather than sell your users directly to a ‘competitor’,
you can look for services that complement your own. Visitors
to your dating site, for example, might be interested in
buying flowers, books on relationships or tickets on singles
cruises. Instead of selling just one product—membership
subscriptions—you’d be selling a whole range of different
goods to the same people, and increasing the sources of your
income.
Here are some tips to selecting an affiliate program that is
lucrative and right for you:
* Don’t accept less than 25% commission. You can find
affiliate programs with great payment structures and high
percentages of the purchase price in just about every
field.
* Look for comprehensive statistics pages that list the
number of click-throughs, sales and earnings so you can
see
how you’re doing. The information should be broken down
by month.
* Look for programs that offer a wide variety of
promotional tools to put on your Web page, including text
links, banners and graphics.
* Find out how often you will be paid and make sure that
the payment schedule meets your expectations. Some
programs pay
monthly, others quarterly; which is best for you?
* Look for examples of marketing methods that successful
affiliates are using to get the best results.
* Make sure that top level support is given. If they can’t
answer your questions promptly and intelligently, you
don’t want to work with them.
Affiliate programs offer a viable solution to competing
against larger competitors and still make money. As the
saying goes, if you can’t beat them, joint them!
Until next time,
selection of an affiliate program. The benefit of an
affiliate program is that it gives you another way to make
money from your users. Instead of selling them a product
yourself, you send them to a partner and take a cut.
On the downside though, your affiliate ads will take the
place of a different ad that you could have put in that same
spot. You have to make sure that each advertising position
on your site is bringing in the maximum revenue possible. If
you’re not getting the most from your site, you’re tossing
money away.
The key to success is to choose the right program, right
from the beginning.
Now, a lot of commercial sites run affiliate programs.
That’s because they know that they only have to pay a
commission if a sale is actually made; it’s a proven way to
generate revenue without risk. What that means for you is
that when it comes to choosing an affiliate program, you’re
going to have a huge range to choose from. What it all boils
down to though is product and price.
While it might be tempting to go for the program that pays
the highest commissions, the program won’t pay you a penny
if your users won’t go there or won’t buy once they get
there. You have to be certain that the service you’re
promoting is of genuine interest to the kind of users you
buy, whether you’re buying them from search engines or
anywhere else.
Sure, you can work backwards: You find a high-paying
affiliate program and create a small site to send users to
it, but do you know where to buy users for a program like
that? You’re going to have to research the field, check out
the most popular sites, and negotiate banner campaigns and
link exchanges.
That’s fine if you want to invest the time and the effort.
But it’s much easier to find an affiliate program operating
in a field you’re familiar with, and use that program to
earn extra cash.
For example, suppose you had set up a dating site. You might
make bit of money selling subscriptions, but you might make
even more by joining Match.com’s affiliate program and
selling them your users. Unless you’re planning to be the
Internet’s biggest dating site, you’re not going to be able
to compete directly and beat them, but you can join them—and
earn money.
Or rather than sell your users directly to a ‘competitor’,
you can look for services that complement your own. Visitors
to your dating site, for example, might be interested in
buying flowers, books on relationships or tickets on singles
cruises. Instead of selling just one product—membership
subscriptions—you’d be selling a whole range of different
goods to the same people, and increasing the sources of your
income.
Here are some tips to selecting an affiliate program that is
lucrative and right for you:
* Don’t accept less than 25% commission. You can find
affiliate programs with great payment structures and high
percentages of the purchase price in just about every
field.
* Look for comprehensive statistics pages that list the
number of click-throughs, sales and earnings so you can
see
how you’re doing. The information should be broken down
by month.
* Look for programs that offer a wide variety of
promotional tools to put on your Web page, including text
links, banners and graphics.
* Find out how often you will be paid and make sure that
the payment schedule meets your expectations. Some
programs pay
monthly, others quarterly; which is best for you?
* Look for examples of marketing methods that successful
affiliates are using to get the best results.
* Make sure that top level support is given. If they can’t
answer your questions promptly and intelligently, you
don’t want to work with them.
Affiliate programs offer a viable solution to competing
against larger competitors and still make money. As the
saying goes, if you can’t beat them, joint them!
Until next time,
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Getting Rich from Affiliate Programs
Some times it pays to work with others. In this article we
will discuss how to make money with affiliate programs.
Affiliate programs (also called Referral Programs or
Partnership Programs) are essentially commission-based sales
schemes. You recommend a site to your users and pick up a
percentage of any sales those users generate. You benefit
from the commission and the site benefits from sales it
wouldn’t otherwise have made. If you’ve ever gone to a
website and seen links to Amazon, those were affiliate
links.
You can run an affiliate program from a site you’ve already
set up, or create a site specially to promote a product or
service. As long as it brings in more cash than you spend on
building it and buying traffic, you’re laughing.
Affiliate ads work two ways: you can join them to make
money, or you can run one to attract users.
will discuss how to make money with affiliate programs.
Affiliate programs (also called Referral Programs or
Partnership Programs) are essentially commission-based sales
schemes. You recommend a site to your users and pick up a
percentage of any sales those users generate. You benefit
from the commission and the site benefits from sales it
wouldn’t otherwise have made. If you’ve ever gone to a
website and seen links to Amazon, those were affiliate
links.
You can run an affiliate program from a site you’ve already
set up, or create a site specially to promote a product or
service. As long as it brings in more cash than you spend on
building it and buying traffic, you’re laughing.
Affiliate ads work two ways: you can join them to make
money, or you can run one to attract users.
Monday, June 15, 2009
Getting subscribers and generating leads for your newsletter
There are many different ways of getting subscribers to your
Newsletter. Obviously, the first place you should start is
on your website, doing this can get you an immediate flow of
subscribers. You should advertise your Newsletter and place
a sign-up box on every page of your site. Always use the
sign-up box instead of a simple email link when you can
because the results are far better. The top of the page is a
better place for your sign-up box as it gets more exposure
but the bottom is still good. Always include a privacy
statement telling people exactly how you are going to use
their email address and how you will keep it private, with
all the talk about spam nowadays this is bound to reassure
them, which in turn will increase the number of new
subscribers.
Offer an incentive to your visitors. You should whenever
possible offer them a free gift if they subscribe, such as a
free report or Ebook. There a hundreds of free Ebooks which
you can give away. You are bound to increase your sign-ups
by doing this provided you offer them something related to
your site's theme.
Next you should submit your Newsletter to all the Newsletter
directories you can find, there a plenty of them on the net,
and some of them get really big traffic every month. If your
articles are good quality and informative then newsletter
and website publishers will be interested and your work
could end up being published in endless newsletter editions
and hundreds of websites. Not only will this increase your
credibility, it could result in 1000's more visitors, this
is because at the end of all your articles which you allow
others to publish will be a link back to your site. Don't
forget also if lots or your articles are published on
websites then your link popularity will improve drastically.
This will result in higher search engine rankings in Google
and the other engines which use link popularity as a ranking
factor, which or course means lots more visitors and profit
for you.
Include details of your newsletter in your signature file.
This is the little bit of text that you attach to messages
you post on the Internet and the emails you send to people.
You then can promote your Newsletter through you signature
when you post in email discussion groups. Email discussion
lists are great ways of communicating with people who have
similar interests as the topic of your Newsletter.
Contribute to the discussion by posting solutions to
problems. You can also mention "We have put together more
in-depth advice on xxx. Feel free to visit our website.
You’ll find loads of free information and resources."
This technique alone will drive much more traffic into your
site. It also begins to establish you, the author, as an
authority in your field. Once your online customers come to
trust your information, they will also trust you enough to
buy from.
Similar mediums to email discussion lists are newsgroups and
online discussion forums. Remember that you cannot advertise
your newsletter directly in any of these mediums, but having
a little mention in your signature is perfectly OK (in most
cases). The amount of subscribers you get through your
signature file will depend on the quality of your post, if
you post an interesting and useful article people will think
that your Newsletter will also be useful.
Apart from these, Ad swaps are a very effective way of
getting subscribers. You should find other publishers with
newsletters similar to yours and trade ads with them. You
run their ad and they will run yours. This helps both sides,
which is another plus. You should swap ads with publishers
no matter how many subscribers they have. Another method of
'swapping' would be to have the other webmaster recommend
your newsletter in the confirmation email he or she sends to
people who have just subscribed and you in turn could do the
same for him.
It will take a little time to get your newsletter
established but if you follow these few steps, you will have
a growing subscriber base in no time. Until next time…take
care!
Newsletter. Obviously, the first place you should start is
on your website, doing this can get you an immediate flow of
subscribers. You should advertise your Newsletter and place
a sign-up box on every page of your site. Always use the
sign-up box instead of a simple email link when you can
because the results are far better. The top of the page is a
better place for your sign-up box as it gets more exposure
but the bottom is still good. Always include a privacy
statement telling people exactly how you are going to use
their email address and how you will keep it private, with
all the talk about spam nowadays this is bound to reassure
them, which in turn will increase the number of new
subscribers.
Offer an incentive to your visitors. You should whenever
possible offer them a free gift if they subscribe, such as a
free report or Ebook. There a hundreds of free Ebooks which
you can give away. You are bound to increase your sign-ups
by doing this provided you offer them something related to
your site's theme.
Next you should submit your Newsletter to all the Newsletter
directories you can find, there a plenty of them on the net,
and some of them get really big traffic every month. If your
articles are good quality and informative then newsletter
and website publishers will be interested and your work
could end up being published in endless newsletter editions
and hundreds of websites. Not only will this increase your
credibility, it could result in 1000's more visitors, this
is because at the end of all your articles which you allow
others to publish will be a link back to your site. Don't
forget also if lots or your articles are published on
websites then your link popularity will improve drastically.
This will result in higher search engine rankings in Google
and the other engines which use link popularity as a ranking
factor, which or course means lots more visitors and profit
for you.
Include details of your newsletter in your signature file.
This is the little bit of text that you attach to messages
you post on the Internet and the emails you send to people.
You then can promote your Newsletter through you signature
when you post in email discussion groups. Email discussion
lists are great ways of communicating with people who have
similar interests as the topic of your Newsletter.
Contribute to the discussion by posting solutions to
problems. You can also mention "We have put together more
in-depth advice on xxx. Feel free to visit our website.
You’ll find loads of free information and resources."
This technique alone will drive much more traffic into your
site. It also begins to establish you, the author, as an
authority in your field. Once your online customers come to
trust your information, they will also trust you enough to
buy from.
Similar mediums to email discussion lists are newsgroups and
online discussion forums. Remember that you cannot advertise
your newsletter directly in any of these mediums, but having
a little mention in your signature is perfectly OK (in most
cases). The amount of subscribers you get through your
signature file will depend on the quality of your post, if
you post an interesting and useful article people will think
that your Newsletter will also be useful.
Apart from these, Ad swaps are a very effective way of
getting subscribers. You should find other publishers with
newsletters similar to yours and trade ads with them. You
run their ad and they will run yours. This helps both sides,
which is another plus. You should swap ads with publishers
no matter how many subscribers they have. Another method of
'swapping' would be to have the other webmaster recommend
your newsletter in the confirmation email he or she sends to
people who have just subscribed and you in turn could do the
same for him.
It will take a little time to get your newsletter
established but if you follow these few steps, you will have
a growing subscriber base in no time. Until next time…take
care!
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Find Repeat Customers
When it comes to building customers, there are clients who
buy once—and clients who buy lots of times. It’s the latter
that you want to pack into your customer list; they’re worth
their weight in gold. Big companies are good places to
prospect for repeat business (they have big demands and
budgets) but always treat your repeat customers well. That
might mean the odd discount or the occasional freebie, but
the extra business should make up for it.
To wrap it up, customers are customers no matter where you
find them. Customers found on the Web respond to many of
the same things that make them customers in the real world.
The sooner you think in those terms and apply that knowledge
to your site, the better your site will perform.
buy once—and clients who buy lots of times. It’s the latter
that you want to pack into your customer list; they’re worth
their weight in gold. Big companies are good places to
prospect for repeat business (they have big demands and
budgets) but always treat your repeat customers well. That
might mean the odd discount or the occasional freebie, but
the extra business should make up for it.
To wrap it up, customers are customers no matter where you
find them. Customers found on the Web respond to many of
the same things that make them customers in the real world.
The sooner you think in those terms and apply that knowledge
to your site, the better your site will perform.
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Be Alert for New Marketing Opportunities
You must always be alert for opportunities to make new
business contacts and not allow yourself to be caught off
guard when opportunities arise. It doesn’t matter if you’re
out shopping or at a Chamber of Commerce meeting, make sure
that you have professional business cards, brochures, etc.
on hand—and don’t be afraid to use them.
Don’t Keep Your Business a Secret
Tell everyone about your business and your product. You
might even consider sending out a mass mailing to everyone
you know, telling them what you’re doing. Chances are,
someone knows someone who wants what you’ve got, and
friendly referrals usually bring the best business!
business contacts and not allow yourself to be caught off
guard when opportunities arise. It doesn’t matter if you’re
out shopping or at a Chamber of Commerce meeting, make sure
that you have professional business cards, brochures, etc.
on hand—and don’t be afraid to use them.
Don’t Keep Your Business a Secret
Tell everyone about your business and your product. You
might even consider sending out a mass mailing to everyone
you know, telling them what you’re doing. Chances are,
someone knows someone who wants what you’ve got, and
friendly referrals usually bring the best business!
Friday, June 12, 2009
Bring Out Your Benefits
You might think you know what your product’s sales points
are—you might even be dead proud of them—but the fact is,
your buyers don’t give a toss about all the wonderful gizmos
you’ve packed into your product. They just want you to
answer one question: what’s it going to do for me?
That’s what all your marketing has to be about: explaining
to your buyers how you’re going to improve their life.
Make Your Site Sing
It can take a fair bit of effort and not a small amount of
time to create a website that works. But you can’t stop
there. You’re going to have to keep updating it, checking it
and making sure all the links and addresses work. It’s the
first place to look when you notice your sales starting to
drop, and it’s crucial to keep them coming in.
are—you might even be dead proud of them—but the fact is,
your buyers don’t give a toss about all the wonderful gizmos
you’ve packed into your product. They just want you to
answer one question: what’s it going to do for me?
That’s what all your marketing has to be about: explaining
to your buyers how you’re going to improve their life.
Make Your Site Sing
It can take a fair bit of effort and not a small amount of
time to create a website that works. But you can’t stop
there. You’re going to have to keep updating it, checking it
and making sure all the links and addresses work. It’s the
first place to look when you notice your sales starting to
drop, and it’s crucial to keep them coming in.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Cultivating New Customers
In this edition we will discuss how to think out of the
Web…out of the World Wide Web, in the never- ending quest
for new customers.
Text links, banners and search engines are all ways to
attract clients and build a customer base. It’s our buyers
that’s we’re really talking about here. But the Web isn’t
the only place to look for customers even for Web-based
businesses. Some of the old traditional methods like
word-of-mouth referrals still work just as well, and still
bring me a fair bit of cash each month. Here are some tips
to help you grab as many customers as you can while you’re
setting up your business and getting your online marketing
programs in place.
Know Your Market
Whatever your line of business, you’ve got to know your
market. You have to know who your clients are, what they
want and what makes them buy. Do the market research, check
out your competitors, create a formal marketing plan—but
take the effort to put yourself in the shoes of your buyers.
Otherwise you won’t get any!
Web…out of the World Wide Web, in the never- ending quest
for new customers.
Text links, banners and search engines are all ways to
attract clients and build a customer base. It’s our buyers
that’s we’re really talking about here. But the Web isn’t
the only place to look for customers even for Web-based
businesses. Some of the old traditional methods like
word-of-mouth referrals still work just as well, and still
bring me a fair bit of cash each month. Here are some tips
to help you grab as many customers as you can while you’re
setting up your business and getting your online marketing
programs in place.
Know Your Market
Whatever your line of business, you’ve got to know your
market. You have to know who your clients are, what they
want and what makes them buy. Do the market research, check
out your competitors, create a formal marketing plan—but
take the effort to put yourself in the shoes of your buyers.
Otherwise you won’t get any!
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
As Inform Creating Newsletters That Sell As Well
Running you own free Newsletter or Ezine can bring huge
benefits to your website and profits. In this article, we
will discuss how newsletters are one of the most important
components for you to drive traffic to your website and
build your online business.
The popularity of these newsletters is based on the need for
information. The main reason people are online is because
they want and need information and that is exactly what
newsletters provide. Newsletters are mostly delivered via
email, some however are delivered as HTML pages. Newsletters
which are delivered as HTML pages still utilize email, as
the webmaster will email subscribers notifying them that a
new issue is ready.
There are many advantages of starting your own newsletter,
however newsletters do require a bit of work to get started
and maintain so they may not be for everyone.
The two main advantages are:
* Being able to maintain regular contact, and
* Being able to build a relationship with your subscribers
Newsletters allow you to maintain regular contact with your
website visitors, this is vital to success, because rarely
do people buy on there first visit, in fact people usually
have to be exposed to an offer several times before they
actually buy. A Newsletter allows you to keep the connection
with your site visitors reminding them of how your product
is suited for them.
Newsletters give you the "excuse" to send potential
customers emails packed with articles and off course your
sales message. Newsletters are great for building trust and
relationships online, if your newsletter provides regular
quality content which your subscribers can really use, they
will begin to trust your opinion and also they will begin to
feel that they know you. This is important as developing
relationships is vital for any business.
The other, often overlooked, advantage of having a
newsletter, is the income it can generate, not from selling
your products and services but from selling advertising
space in it. You do need a medium to large subscriber base
before other businesses will be interested in advertising
but this is not that hard to achieve, especially if it is
regularly full of quality content. You can earn a few
hundred every month just from ads if you play your cards
rights.
Your online customers will eventually become your offline
customers if they trust the information you regularly send
them. Put simply, a newsletter is your way of helping
people. If you help people online, eventually they will buy
from you.
However, running your own newsletter involves considerable
amount of work. It is vital that you regularly write a lot
of quality content before your next send-out. Besides,
ideally a newsletter should be sent out every week or at
least every fortnight. This is not always easy. In fact it's
never easy; the next thing that adds to your work load when
it comes to newsletters is maintaining your email addresses.
Many of the email addresses may be wrong. Maintaining a list
of working email addresses is crucial.
In conclusion, running your own newsletter can have a very
positive impact on your website and online business. If you
wish to see the full potential of your newsletter, be
prepared for a considerable amount of work. If you dedicate
yourself to keeping it up, you will find it well worth the
effort.
benefits to your website and profits. In this article, we
will discuss how newsletters are one of the most important
components for you to drive traffic to your website and
build your online business.
The popularity of these newsletters is based on the need for
information. The main reason people are online is because
they want and need information and that is exactly what
newsletters provide. Newsletters are mostly delivered via
email, some however are delivered as HTML pages. Newsletters
which are delivered as HTML pages still utilize email, as
the webmaster will email subscribers notifying them that a
new issue is ready.
There are many advantages of starting your own newsletter,
however newsletters do require a bit of work to get started
and maintain so they may not be for everyone.
The two main advantages are:
* Being able to maintain regular contact, and
* Being able to build a relationship with your subscribers
Newsletters allow you to maintain regular contact with your
website visitors, this is vital to success, because rarely
do people buy on there first visit, in fact people usually
have to be exposed to an offer several times before they
actually buy. A Newsletter allows you to keep the connection
with your site visitors reminding them of how your product
is suited for them.
Newsletters give you the "excuse" to send potential
customers emails packed with articles and off course your
sales message. Newsletters are great for building trust and
relationships online, if your newsletter provides regular
quality content which your subscribers can really use, they
will begin to trust your opinion and also they will begin to
feel that they know you. This is important as developing
relationships is vital for any business.
The other, often overlooked, advantage of having a
newsletter, is the income it can generate, not from selling
your products and services but from selling advertising
space in it. You do need a medium to large subscriber base
before other businesses will be interested in advertising
but this is not that hard to achieve, especially if it is
regularly full of quality content. You can earn a few
hundred every month just from ads if you play your cards
rights.
Your online customers will eventually become your offline
customers if they trust the information you regularly send
them. Put simply, a newsletter is your way of helping
people. If you help people online, eventually they will buy
from you.
However, running your own newsletter involves considerable
amount of work. It is vital that you regularly write a lot
of quality content before your next send-out. Besides,
ideally a newsletter should be sent out every week or at
least every fortnight. This is not always easy. In fact it's
never easy; the next thing that adds to your work load when
it comes to newsletters is maintaining your email addresses.
Many of the email addresses may be wrong. Maintaining a list
of working email addresses is crucial.
In conclusion, running your own newsletter can have a very
positive impact on your website and online business. If you
wish to see the full potential of your newsletter, be
prepared for a considerable amount of work. If you dedicate
yourself to keeping it up, you will find it well worth the
effort.
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Make sure you Include:
* Table of Contents
* Hyperlinks for customers who want more information for a
featured topic
* Exciting secrets or tips related to your product or
service
* Contact information
E-newsletters can take up a good amount of time if not
managed correctly. The use of a list server (a piece of
software that runs on your Internet provider's computer or
on your own web server) is a good option. It will
automatically manage a list of e-mail addresses. Once you
send your newsletter to the list server, it distributes the
letter to the stored addresses. For more information on list
servers, contact your Internet service provider. If you opt
to use another method, make sure you have a plan for
handling incoming and outgoing mail when your customer base
increases.
In conclusion, your newsletter can serve as an extension of
your business that will reach out to your customers. It
will allow you to maintain regular contact with them and
serve as an effective and rewarding addition to your
marketing arsenal. These tips should help you put it all
together and help you create an exceptional newsletter.
* Hyperlinks for customers who want more information for a
featured topic
* Exciting secrets or tips related to your product or
service
* Contact information
E-newsletters can take up a good amount of time if not
managed correctly. The use of a list server (a piece of
software that runs on your Internet provider's computer or
on your own web server) is a good option. It will
automatically manage a list of e-mail addresses. Once you
send your newsletter to the list server, it distributes the
letter to the stored addresses. For more information on list
servers, contact your Internet service provider. If you opt
to use another method, make sure you have a plan for
handling incoming and outgoing mail when your customer base
increases.
In conclusion, your newsletter can serve as an extension of
your business that will reach out to your customers. It
will allow you to maintain regular contact with them and
serve as an effective and rewarding addition to your
marketing arsenal. These tips should help you put it all
together and help you create an exceptional newsletter.
Monday, June 8, 2009
Test
Test the Newsletter on few email addresses to check for
errors and other issues – before sending to the entire
distribution list.
If you lack experience in print media, seek out assistance
if you know someone in the field. If not, don't worry – the
above mentioned basic principles apply. Plan to research
your material thoroughly and avoid factual or editing
errors, as they will make you seem less credible.
Add hyperlinks and include updates on old material should
new information surface. The typical form of newsletter is a
one-way communication where you provide information to
customers, such as product updates and announcements. You
have the option of formatting your e-mail by including
colorized text and a variety of fonts, but not all e-mail
software supports HTML mail. Consider writing your
newsletter in plain text or offer two mailing lists- one for
plain text mailings and the other for HTML e-mail.
errors and other issues – before sending to the entire
distribution list.
If you lack experience in print media, seek out assistance
if you know someone in the field. If not, don't worry – the
above mentioned basic principles apply. Plan to research
your material thoroughly and avoid factual or editing
errors, as they will make you seem less credible.
Add hyperlinks and include updates on old material should
new information surface. The typical form of newsletter is a
one-way communication where you provide information to
customers, such as product updates and announcements. You
have the option of formatting your e-mail by including
colorized text and a variety of fonts, but not all e-mail
software supports HTML mail. Consider writing your
newsletter in plain text or offer two mailing lists- one for
plain text mailings and the other for HTML e-mail.
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Enjoy Your Life: Change Your Point of View
"Two men look out through the same bars: One sees the mud, and one sees the stars."- Frederick Langbridge, A Cluster of Quiet Thoughts
If you’ve placed second in a writing contest, will you jump for joy and push for better results the next time or will you be discouraged and find an excuse not to join again?
In life, you are always filled with choices. You may opt to have a pessimist’s view and live a self-defeated life or you may decide to take the optimist’s route and take a challenging and fulfilling life.
So why nurture an optimist’s point of view? And why now?
Well, optimism has been linked to positive mood and good morale; to academic, athletic, military, occupational and political success; to popularity; to good health and even to long life and freedom from trauma.
On the other hand, the rates of depression and pessimism have never been higher. It affects middle-aged adults the same way it hits younger people. The mean age of onset has gone from 30 to 15. It is no longer a middle-aged housewife’s disorder but also a teen-ager’s disorder’ as well.
Here’s how optimists are in action and researches that back up why it really pays to be an optimist:
Optimists expect the best
The defining characteristic of pessimists is that they tend to believe bad events, which will last a long time and undermine everything they do, are their own fault.
The truth is optimists are confronted with the same hard knocks of this world. What differs is the way they explain their misfortune---it’s the opposite way. They tend to believe defeat is just a temporary setback, that its causes are confined to this one case.
Optimists tend to focus on and plan for the 'problem' at hand. They use 'positive reinterpretation.' In other words, they most likely reinterpret a negative experience in a way that helps them learn and grow. Such people are unfazed by bad situation, they perceive it is a challenge and try harder.
They won’t say “things will never get better,” “If I failed once, it will happen again” and “If I experience misfortune in one part of my life, then it will happen in my whole life.”
Positive expectancies of optimists also predict better reactions during transitions to new environments, sudden tragedies and unlikely turn of events. If they fall, they will stand up. They see opportunities instead of obstacles.
People respond positively to optimists
Optimists are proactive and less dependent on others for their happiness. They find no need to control or manipulate people. They usually draw people towards them. Their optimistic view of the world can be contagious and influence those they are with.
Optimism seems a socially desirable trait in all communities. Those who share optimism are generally accepted while those who spread gloom, panic and hysteria are treated unfavorably.
In life, these people often win elections; get voted most congenial and sought for advice.
When the going gets tough, optimists get tougher
Optimists typically maintain higher levels of subjective well-being during times of stress than do people who are less optimistic. In contrast, pessimists are likely to react to stressful events by denying that they exist or by avoiding dealing with problems. Pessimists are more likely to quit trying when difficulties arise.
They persevere. They just don’t give up easily, they are also known for their patience. Inching their way a step closer to that goal or elusive dream.
Optimists are healthier and live longer
Medical research has justified that simple pleasures and a positive outlook can cause a measurable increase in the body's ability to fight disease.
Optimists’ health is unusually good. They age well, much freer than most people from the usual physical ills of middle age. And they get to outlive those prone to negative thoughts.
So why not be an optimist today? And think positively towards a more fulfilled life.
Why not look forward to success in all your endeavors? Why not be resilient? Like everybody else you are bound to hit lows sometimes but don’t just stay there. Carry yourself out of the mud and improve your chances of getting back on the right track. And why not inspire others to remove their dark-colored glasses and see life in the bright side?
If you’ve placed second in a writing contest, will you jump for joy and push for better results the next time or will you be discouraged and find an excuse not to join again?
In life, you are always filled with choices. You may opt to have a pessimist’s view and live a self-defeated life or you may decide to take the optimist’s route and take a challenging and fulfilling life.
So why nurture an optimist’s point of view? And why now?
Well, optimism has been linked to positive mood and good morale; to academic, athletic, military, occupational and political success; to popularity; to good health and even to long life and freedom from trauma.
On the other hand, the rates of depression and pessimism have never been higher. It affects middle-aged adults the same way it hits younger people. The mean age of onset has gone from 30 to 15. It is no longer a middle-aged housewife’s disorder but also a teen-ager’s disorder’ as well.
Here’s how optimists are in action and researches that back up why it really pays to be an optimist:
Optimists expect the best
The defining characteristic of pessimists is that they tend to believe bad events, which will last a long time and undermine everything they do, are their own fault.
The truth is optimists are confronted with the same hard knocks of this world. What differs is the way they explain their misfortune---it’s the opposite way. They tend to believe defeat is just a temporary setback, that its causes are confined to this one case.
Optimists tend to focus on and plan for the 'problem' at hand. They use 'positive reinterpretation.' In other words, they most likely reinterpret a negative experience in a way that helps them learn and grow. Such people are unfazed by bad situation, they perceive it is a challenge and try harder.
They won’t say “things will never get better,” “If I failed once, it will happen again” and “If I experience misfortune in one part of my life, then it will happen in my whole life.”
Positive expectancies of optimists also predict better reactions during transitions to new environments, sudden tragedies and unlikely turn of events. If they fall, they will stand up. They see opportunities instead of obstacles.
People respond positively to optimists
Optimists are proactive and less dependent on others for their happiness. They find no need to control or manipulate people. They usually draw people towards them. Their optimistic view of the world can be contagious and influence those they are with.
Optimism seems a socially desirable trait in all communities. Those who share optimism are generally accepted while those who spread gloom, panic and hysteria are treated unfavorably.
In life, these people often win elections; get voted most congenial and sought for advice.
When the going gets tough, optimists get tougher
Optimists typically maintain higher levels of subjective well-being during times of stress than do people who are less optimistic. In contrast, pessimists are likely to react to stressful events by denying that they exist or by avoiding dealing with problems. Pessimists are more likely to quit trying when difficulties arise.
They persevere. They just don’t give up easily, they are also known for their patience. Inching their way a step closer to that goal or elusive dream.
Optimists are healthier and live longer
Medical research has justified that simple pleasures and a positive outlook can cause a measurable increase in the body's ability to fight disease.
Optimists’ health is unusually good. They age well, much freer than most people from the usual physical ills of middle age. And they get to outlive those prone to negative thoughts.
So why not be an optimist today? And think positively towards a more fulfilled life.
Why not look forward to success in all your endeavors? Why not be resilient? Like everybody else you are bound to hit lows sometimes but don’t just stay there. Carry yourself out of the mud and improve your chances of getting back on the right track. And why not inspire others to remove their dark-colored glasses and see life in the bright side?
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Frequency
Determine how frequently your readers want to hear from
you/receive your Newsletter – and what you can commit to. As
a thumb rule, a weekly newsletter is ideal. However, don’t
launch a weekly newsletter if you are not absolutely certain
that you can distribute a quality Newsletter every week. A
fortnightly newsletter is a good option too.
Timing
Test and pick a day and time that works best ...and stick to
it. Readers should almost be able to set their watches by
the receipt time of your Newsletter.
Make it Viral
Provide information readers can act on or that stimulates
reaction – forwarding it to friends and peers, stimulating
purchases or requests for additional information. Make it
easy for readers to forward articles and information to
peers and friends. Provide a “Forward to a Friend” link that
enables readers to forward the Newsletter with a
personalized note.
you/receive your Newsletter – and what you can commit to. As
a thumb rule, a weekly newsletter is ideal. However, don’t
launch a weekly newsletter if you are not absolutely certain
that you can distribute a quality Newsletter every week. A
fortnightly newsletter is a good option too.
Timing
Test and pick a day and time that works best ...and stick to
it. Readers should almost be able to set their watches by
the receipt time of your Newsletter.
Make it Viral
Provide information readers can act on or that stimulates
reaction – forwarding it to friends and peers, stimulating
purchases or requests for additional information. Make it
easy for readers to forward articles and information to
peers and friends. Provide a “Forward to a Friend” link that
enables readers to forward the Newsletter with a
personalized note.
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Voice and Personality
Establish a voice or editorial personality – whether newsy,
serious, gossipy or funny – that is synergistic with the
image you want to portray and connects with your audience.
Remember that email newsletters aren't email promotions
designed to stimulate immediate action. Sales and
promotional copy don't suit e-newsletters. Nor does the
traditional tone of broadcast corporate communications.
Think of your newsletter as a one-on-one conversation. Just
imagine sitting in a coffee shop talking informally with a
customer. That's the starting point for your approach--a
more personable and appropriate "human" voice will come
naturally. Drop the jargon, drop the sales pitch, be as
honest as you can, and talk like a human being.
You can have as much or as little personality as is
appropriate. Consider adding a brief editorial, a comment or
two, an editor's note, a couple of lines of commentary, a
touch of opinion; adding a little human element here and
there. Sign editorials, give authors a byline, or list some
names down in the administrative section of each issue to
which your readers can relate to.
From Line
Whether a person’s name, name of the newsletter or company
name – determine what will resonate best with your readers
and stay with it.
Subject Line
“Vol. 1, Issue #8” or “Company News” are not enticing
subject lines. They are certainly consistent and simple, but
they don’t tell your readers anything that will motivate
them to open your email. Your subject line is your calling
card - entice your readers with the most interesting or
intriguing information in your Newsletter..
serious, gossipy or funny – that is synergistic with the
image you want to portray and connects with your audience.
Remember that email newsletters aren't email promotions
designed to stimulate immediate action. Sales and
promotional copy don't suit e-newsletters. Nor does the
traditional tone of broadcast corporate communications.
Think of your newsletter as a one-on-one conversation. Just
imagine sitting in a coffee shop talking informally with a
customer. That's the starting point for your approach--a
more personable and appropriate "human" voice will come
naturally. Drop the jargon, drop the sales pitch, be as
honest as you can, and talk like a human being.
You can have as much or as little personality as is
appropriate. Consider adding a brief editorial, a comment or
two, an editor's note, a couple of lines of commentary, a
touch of opinion; adding a little human element here and
there. Sign editorials, give authors a byline, or list some
names down in the administrative section of each issue to
which your readers can relate to.
From Line
Whether a person’s name, name of the newsletter or company
name – determine what will resonate best with your readers
and stay with it.
Subject Line
“Vol. 1, Issue #8” or “Company News” are not enticing
subject lines. They are certainly consistent and simple, but
they don’t tell your readers anything that will motivate
them to open your email. Your subject line is your calling
card - entice your readers with the most interesting or
intriguing information in your Newsletter..
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Creating an effective newsletter
Creating a successful newsletter can be extremely rewarding.
Subscribers and customers respond with glowing feedback,
online sales jump and your customer relationships and brand
loyalty deepens. Here are some useful tips that might help
in creating a successful newsletter.
Define Success
Ask yourself “What is the purpose of your newsletter?” A
newsletter is a substantial investment of company resources
in terms of time and energy, and you need to define in as
tangible terms as possible the purpose of your Newsletter.
Subscribers and customers respond with glowing feedback,
online sales jump and your customer relationships and brand
loyalty deepens. Here are some useful tips that might help
in creating a successful newsletter.
Define Success
Ask yourself “What is the purpose of your newsletter?” A
newsletter is a substantial investment of company resources
in terms of time and energy, and you need to define in as
tangible terms as possible the purpose of your Newsletter.
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Creating effective Ads
Today’s article deals with a subject that we all need to
read, study and understand…how to create an EFFECTIVE ad.
Online advertising on the Internet leaves a lot to be
desired. We have ads that emulate Windows-warning boxes. We
have pop-ups and pop-unders. All of these are developed with
the intent to make people notice them. However, most of them
only end up irritating them. Advertisers, especially those
with small budgets, can't afford to waste money on
ineffective buys. In order to optimize your advertising
buys, you need to concentrate on improving your creative.
Here are some tips that might help:
Step 1: Define clear goals of your advertising campaign
The most important aspect of any advertising campaign is to
have a clear objective in mind. You may be targeting a
specific group of people, your initial aim may be to target
at least 1000 internet surfers and so on and so forth. Have
a well defined, clear purpose.
Step 2: Identify the most effective sites for achieving your
goals
Sites that are most relevant to your product or service
will, more than likely, be your best bet; but also consider
larger sites or networks that can target the audience you're
trying to reach. They can be very cost-effective. If you
have multiple products or services that appeal to various
target markets, you'll have to consider sites that reach all
those various segments.
Step 3: Craft your message to fit the needs of the audience
you're targeting
This comes down to understanding the audience of the sites
you're advertising on. The message you use on a technology
site to appeal to technologically savvy customers won't have
the same appeal for visitors on a small-business site. Focus
your campaign.
Step 4: Content of your Ad
Pay particular attention to the content of the Ad. The
content should be such that it clearly distinguishes your
product or service from your competitors’. Have a catchy
headline. The headline is probably the most important part
of the Ad – It is the customer puller.
Step 5: Formulate the specific promotional messages that
correspond to your goals
The promotional messages should concentrate on the major
selling points of your product or service and have a strong
call-to-action.
Step 6: Make the desired action clearly visible
This certainly doesn't mean the desired action should
necessarily blink, bounce or do flips, but it should be
visible within an accepted format for the media you're
using. In the case of the Internet, underlined text links,
"click here" text entry boxes, and pull-down menus are all
ways you can make the desired action clearly visible.
Step 7: Design the ad so it looks like it belongs on the
sites where you're advertising
For instance, you may want to use the site's font faces in
your text, color schemes in your background, font color
choices overall, and emulate images where appropriate. Try
to conform to the environment so potential customers
visiting the site don't gasp in shock when they see your ad.
Step 8: Produce multiple versions of each ad
Create three or four versions of each ad, changing the
promotional message, call-to-action, font faces and color
schemes. This is especially important if you're doing price
testing or gauging reaction to specific promotions. By
splitting your advertising buy among the various versions of
your creative, you can then start to optimize your buy based
on the message that works best.
With these tips, you will not only be able to create an ad,
but you will be able to create an effective ad that does
what it is supposed to do – sell your products and services.
read, study and understand…how to create an EFFECTIVE ad.
Online advertising on the Internet leaves a lot to be
desired. We have ads that emulate Windows-warning boxes. We
have pop-ups and pop-unders. All of these are developed with
the intent to make people notice them. However, most of them
only end up irritating them. Advertisers, especially those
with small budgets, can't afford to waste money on
ineffective buys. In order to optimize your advertising
buys, you need to concentrate on improving your creative.
Here are some tips that might help:
Step 1: Define clear goals of your advertising campaign
The most important aspect of any advertising campaign is to
have a clear objective in mind. You may be targeting a
specific group of people, your initial aim may be to target
at least 1000 internet surfers and so on and so forth. Have
a well defined, clear purpose.
Step 2: Identify the most effective sites for achieving your
goals
Sites that are most relevant to your product or service
will, more than likely, be your best bet; but also consider
larger sites or networks that can target the audience you're
trying to reach. They can be very cost-effective. If you
have multiple products or services that appeal to various
target markets, you'll have to consider sites that reach all
those various segments.
Step 3: Craft your message to fit the needs of the audience
you're targeting
This comes down to understanding the audience of the sites
you're advertising on. The message you use on a technology
site to appeal to technologically savvy customers won't have
the same appeal for visitors on a small-business site. Focus
your campaign.
Step 4: Content of your Ad
Pay particular attention to the content of the Ad. The
content should be such that it clearly distinguishes your
product or service from your competitors’. Have a catchy
headline. The headline is probably the most important part
of the Ad – It is the customer puller.
Step 5: Formulate the specific promotional messages that
correspond to your goals
The promotional messages should concentrate on the major
selling points of your product or service and have a strong
call-to-action.
Step 6: Make the desired action clearly visible
This certainly doesn't mean the desired action should
necessarily blink, bounce or do flips, but it should be
visible within an accepted format for the media you're
using. In the case of the Internet, underlined text links,
"click here" text entry boxes, and pull-down menus are all
ways you can make the desired action clearly visible.
Step 7: Design the ad so it looks like it belongs on the
sites where you're advertising
For instance, you may want to use the site's font faces in
your text, color schemes in your background, font color
choices overall, and emulate images where appropriate. Try
to conform to the environment so potential customers
visiting the site don't gasp in shock when they see your ad.
Step 8: Produce multiple versions of each ad
Create three or four versions of each ad, changing the
promotional message, call-to-action, font faces and color
schemes. This is especially important if you're doing price
testing or gauging reaction to specific promotions. By
splitting your advertising buy among the various versions of
your creative, you can then start to optimize your buy based
on the message that works best.
With these tips, you will not only be able to create an ad,
but you will be able to create an effective ad that does
what it is supposed to do – sell your products and services.
Monday, June 1, 2009
Using expired domains to skyrocket your traffic
At some point while you’re building your website, you’re
going to have to buy a domain name. This is the address that
users type into their browsers to reach your site. That
takes about five seconds, and depending on the name you want
and whether anyone else owns it, it won’t cost you more than
a few bucks.
But domain names are also a golden opportunity to make some
easy money.
I’m not talking about Internet real estate, where you buy up
good names and sell them on for a profit—if you haven’t got
into that now, forget it. The bottom’s fallen out of the
market and the best domains are long gone.
I’m talking about expiring domains.
Thousands of webmasters invest time, effort and money to
promote their site and build up traffic. Many of them then
lose interest and move on, leaving their site active. That
means that although they still own the domain, they’re not
actively promoting it. But they don’t need to. All the
automatic marketing systems they’ve put in place are still
bringing in traffic. The site runs itself.
Now, at some point the ownership of those domains is going
to expire. If you snap up those domains once they come back
onto the market, you’ve got a pre-built stream of customers.
You can either rebuild the site, or redirect the traffic to
your domain. You could set up an affiliate program get paid
for users someone else paid for.
It’s that easy.
There are tons of options, and lots of easy ways to make
lots of money with very little effort. Opportunities like
these are everywhere.
Websites such as www.expiredtraffic.com or
www.deleteddomains.com actually do all the legwork and let
you reap all the rewards. Expired Traffic even has an
affiliate program and www.snapnames.com allows you to
back-order a specific domain name.
Do be careful when using other sites though. There are some
swindlers out there that will sell you subscriptions,
provide you with outdated lists, take your money and keep
the good domains for themselves. It happens, and there’s
little point in taking a risk when www.deleteddomains.com
does such a great job.
going to have to buy a domain name. This is the address that
users type into their browsers to reach your site. That
takes about five seconds, and depending on the name you want
and whether anyone else owns it, it won’t cost you more than
a few bucks.
But domain names are also a golden opportunity to make some
easy money.
I’m not talking about Internet real estate, where you buy up
good names and sell them on for a profit—if you haven’t got
into that now, forget it. The bottom’s fallen out of the
market and the best domains are long gone.
I’m talking about expiring domains.
Thousands of webmasters invest time, effort and money to
promote their site and build up traffic. Many of them then
lose interest and move on, leaving their site active. That
means that although they still own the domain, they’re not
actively promoting it. But they don’t need to. All the
automatic marketing systems they’ve put in place are still
bringing in traffic. The site runs itself.
Now, at some point the ownership of those domains is going
to expire. If you snap up those domains once they come back
onto the market, you’ve got a pre-built stream of customers.
You can either rebuild the site, or redirect the traffic to
your domain. You could set up an affiliate program get paid
for users someone else paid for.
It’s that easy.
There are tons of options, and lots of easy ways to make
lots of money with very little effort. Opportunities like
these are everywhere.
Websites such as www.expiredtraffic.com or
www.deleteddomains.com actually do all the legwork and let
you reap all the rewards. Expired Traffic even has an
affiliate program and www.snapnames.com allows you to
back-order a specific domain name.
Do be careful when using other sites though. There are some
swindlers out there that will sell you subscriptions,
provide you with outdated lists, take your money and keep
the good domains for themselves. It happens, and there’s
little point in taking a risk when www.deleteddomains.com
does such a great job.
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