Automate Your Internet Business for Passive Revenue
In 5 Easy Steps
The amazing growth of the Internet has created new found opportunities for millions of businesses who previously would have never been able to compete in the global marketplace. Yet while the low entry and marketing costs have truly leveled the playing field for many entrepreneurs it has also created a staggering amount of competition.
In fact, the average person, at least, those who live in metropolitan areas, is exposed to more than 3,500 marketing messages a day. That's 24,500 messages a week and 1.2 million each year.
And to make online sales even more difficult, marketing studies have shown that it takes nine or more impressions for your business to be remembered by a potential customer. This means follow-up is essential. But in today’s world this type of relentless follow up for the average business owner is not often practical. Fortunately there is a solution that many online businesses are using every day – online marketing automation.
Imagine being able to capture new leads on your website, build customer confidence through automated sequential responses, deliver products digitally while you sleep and track all of your prospects and clients without lifting a finger. For thousands of online businesses this happens every day.
In today’s competitive environment, automation is not a luxury; it’s a requirement for keeping the competitive edge you need. In fact, the benefits of automation are so numerous you can’t afford to ignore them.
Five Keys to Online Success:
1. Capture Email Addresses. Your list is your goldmine. It is critical to all your marketing and is literally your most valuable asset. To build your mailing list it is essential that you make a compelling offer. “Sign up for my mailing list” is no longer enough. Try something like this: “Free Special Report: The 5 Keys to Dramatically Boosting Your Website Traffic in 30 Days”
Through online automation you can offer digitally downloaded special reports, e-newsletters, mini-educational courses, or free trials to entice visitors to share their name and email. When their data is entered, it is automatically placed in your database and can be programmed to trigger autoresponders which are one or multiple automated messages. Share your privacy policy below your opt-in box as well as assurance that they can unsubscribe at any time. And of course, never spam anyone.
2. Set Up Sequential Autoresponders. A very effective way to build trust with your prospects is to offer a mini-course which delivers content-rich, relevant information to your opt-in subscribers. These automatically-distributed email messages not only provide content, but also motivate prospects to revisit your site for the latest offers. And of course once they click through to your website you can offer more content delivered via audio, video and other multi-media options as well as offers for your products and services.
Since studies shows that 48% of sales people give up after the first contact and 25% after the second, this is a perfect way to make sure your follow-up stays consistent. Best of all, after you program the series it will perform flawlessly for you for years to come. There are many great automated systems on the web like: http://www.EasyWebAutomation.com
3. Take Payments Online. It has never been easier or more affordable to set up online payment systems through PayPal or your own merchant account. And once you set up your payment account it very easy to sell products or services online by purchasing an online shopping cart. A shopping cart will allow you to capture email addresses, automate responses, track leads and then sell you product to customers around the world 24/7. These systems are surprisingly easy to setup, operate and maintain.
4. Track and Measure Your Marketing. Over the years I have trained and coached hundreds of business owners in marketing through my Guerrilla Marketing Coaching Program. Through a series of assessments it has become very clear that most businesses fall short in the area of measurement.
Here are some questions to consider:
1) How many unique visitors come to your website?
2) How many visitors opt-in to your mailing list or order your products?
3) When you send emails, how many are opened and how many people actually click through to your website?
The reason these metrics are so important is because if you don’t know these stats, you won’t know what to improve. It could be variables like the pulling power of your headlines, the copy or navigation on your website. You won’t know until you start measuring. Many of today’s automated systems include ad trackers which automatically calculate your click-throughs and conversion statistics.
5. Free Up Your Time to Work on the Most Important Parts of Your Business
When you automate daily tasks you gain more time to focus on priorities for the strategic growth of your company. This newfound discretionary time comes without your money-making activities coming to a halt, or hiring and training staff.
Also when your business becomes automated, your presence becomes optional leaving you time to actually take a vacation while making money at the same time. With most systems you can quickly and easily check your sales and orders from any web browser.
The Internet is a competitive, ever-changing marketplace. The right strategy combined with powerful and practical systems gives you an edge over your competitors. You’ll attract more customers and spend less time, money and energy winning them over. Automation services and software leverage the best technology available to make you money day and night, whether you’re there or not.
Thursday, 15 January 2009
Article Writing: An Important Part Of Your Marketing Arsenal
Unless you are totally clueless about the internet and how it works, you must realise that everyone trawling the net is searching for one thing and that is information, i.e. CONTENT!
In fact there is not really any other business building tool that compares with writing articles when it comes to building your online business, read on to discover why.
Regularly adding keyword rich quality articles on your website will help boost your search engine ranking, as search engines are always looking for updated content to add to their index. Also, other site owners are much more likely to link to you if you provide something other than just one long sales letter.
A constantly updated website with quality content will not only attract more people to your site, it will keep them there longer and will cause them to come back more often. If for example you have a site about health and fitness, would you not check back if the site was constantly being updated with more articles about how to get yourself fitter?
When it comes to FREE ways of generating traffic to your site, there are few that can compare to submitting your articles to article directories and ezine publishers. Simply include a “resource box” at the end of your article and away you go.
A resource box is simply a 3-6 line biography about you and/or your web-site it should include a link to your site or maybe even instructions on how to subscribe to your newsletter. An important point to remember when writing your resource box is to specify clearly that each article is to be reprinted ‘as is’ within your attached resource box.
This method of traffic generation can and will bring you a lot of traffic. Let us say for example you have written a great article about your favourite hobby, and an ezine with a subscriber database of 30-50,000 picks it up. Many of those subscribers will read your article, and if it’s a good quality one may well be intrigued enough to click the URL included in your resource box. That is totally FREE traffic for very little effort; it does not get much better than that!
It is also a good idea if you are adding articles you have written for your website to include a resource box on those articles too. This means that people who visit your site will be enabled to use your ‘copy’ with their sites too, as long as they include your resource box.
Articles can be easily used for generating newsletter subscribers. Simply take a group of related articles and compile them into a ‘special report’ that you then give away as a bonus for subscribing. In the same vein, add articles to an autoresponder sequence and give it away as an ‘email course’. In both cases sprinkle affiliate links throughout the text and link it to an autoresponder to create an “automated income stream”.
You may be aware that having a mailing list is one of the most important ingredients for a successful online business. But, having a list is not enough; you need to build up trust with your list. This is often known as ‘cultivating’ your list.
By regularly sending quality articles to your list you will become viewed upon as an expert in your business field, and build up a level of trust with your subscribers over time. The effect will be that your subscribers will be keen to take up your special offers, promotions and other products and services. The key is NOT to offer your list a product too early in the relationship, just so you can make a quick buck. A list of people that trust you is as good as money in the bank, you should not squander it!
After reading this article it should be clear that writing articles is a sure fire way to helping build your business a lot quicker. With the declining effectiveness of many of the other online marketing methods, article writing will continually prove its worth to YOUR business.
In fact there is not really any other business building tool that compares with writing articles when it comes to building your online business, read on to discover why.
Regularly adding keyword rich quality articles on your website will help boost your search engine ranking, as search engines are always looking for updated content to add to their index. Also, other site owners are much more likely to link to you if you provide something other than just one long sales letter.
A constantly updated website with quality content will not only attract more people to your site, it will keep them there longer and will cause them to come back more often. If for example you have a site about health and fitness, would you not check back if the site was constantly being updated with more articles about how to get yourself fitter?
When it comes to FREE ways of generating traffic to your site, there are few that can compare to submitting your articles to article directories and ezine publishers. Simply include a “resource box” at the end of your article and away you go.
A resource box is simply a 3-6 line biography about you and/or your web-site it should include a link to your site or maybe even instructions on how to subscribe to your newsletter. An important point to remember when writing your resource box is to specify clearly that each article is to be reprinted ‘as is’ within your attached resource box.
This method of traffic generation can and will bring you a lot of traffic. Let us say for example you have written a great article about your favourite hobby, and an ezine with a subscriber database of 30-50,000 picks it up. Many of those subscribers will read your article, and if it’s a good quality one may well be intrigued enough to click the URL included in your resource box. That is totally FREE traffic for very little effort; it does not get much better than that!
It is also a good idea if you are adding articles you have written for your website to include a resource box on those articles too. This means that people who visit your site will be enabled to use your ‘copy’ with their sites too, as long as they include your resource box.
Articles can be easily used for generating newsletter subscribers. Simply take a group of related articles and compile them into a ‘special report’ that you then give away as a bonus for subscribing. In the same vein, add articles to an autoresponder sequence and give it away as an ‘email course’. In both cases sprinkle affiliate links throughout the text and link it to an autoresponder to create an “automated income stream”.
You may be aware that having a mailing list is one of the most important ingredients for a successful online business. But, having a list is not enough; you need to build up trust with your list. This is often known as ‘cultivating’ your list.
By regularly sending quality articles to your list you will become viewed upon as an expert in your business field, and build up a level of trust with your subscribers over time. The effect will be that your subscribers will be keen to take up your special offers, promotions and other products and services. The key is NOT to offer your list a product too early in the relationship, just so you can make a quick buck. A list of people that trust you is as good as money in the bank, you should not squander it!
After reading this article it should be clear that writing articles is a sure fire way to helping build your business a lot quicker. With the declining effectiveness of many of the other online marketing methods, article writing will continually prove its worth to YOUR business.
Are You Following up Effectively?
One of the successful methods in online marketing
is collecting visitors' emails in exchange for
a free report or an ebook and follow up with
new products and services.
It's a known fact that 75% of visitors don't
buy on their first visit and it might take
up to 7 follow ups before they buy anything from you.
A well-written follow up letter will do three things:
·improve your response rate
·better your site's ranking with Search Engines
·and increase sales
So, what should you write in your letter that
could do all the three above?
First, create a headline for your follow up letter.
Put yourself in your reader's shoes, would you
click on it if it was in your inbox along with some
other newsletters your reader may have signed up for?
If you would then go with it and make sure that it's
easy to understand and yet enticing enough to get a click.
An effective follow up letter is the one that is written
from first hand, i.e. if you have tried the product,
it would be easier for you to recommend it, because
you would know all the benefits of it.
So, in your follow up letter tell your readers how it
helped you and how it can help them, too. If you
are promoting your own product it's even better, because
you already know how others can benefit from it.
Remember, people always look for solutions to their
problems and want to feel better.
After you have explained all the benefits of the
product place a link to your site if it's your own
product, or to your merchant's site if your are promoting
an affiliate product, warmly recommending them to click
on the link.
Keep your letter to the point, it's important that your
reader gets the message that you are trying to deliver.
Avoid your follow up letter from being too long, because
it might exhaust your reader and they might give up
before they reach the end.
Whatever you promote in your follow up letter it should
in some way pertain to your business, so that your
readers don't get confused when they read your message.
Once you have written it, read it yourself first and
have your friends read it too. If you are satisfied with
it set it to your autoresponder and fire it to your
subscribers. If it's not, then it probably needs some
more tweaking before it goes out to your list.
Your list will become an unlimited marketing source
that you can sell your products to over and again.
So, make sure that you have a reliable autoresponder
that ensures that your messages are delivered to your
subscribers.
Last word of advice
When your sample follow up letter is completed test it
and see if you receive a response rate you want. After
all e-mail marketing is all about tries and tests.
Wishing you success,
is collecting visitors' emails in exchange for
a free report or an ebook and follow up with
new products and services.
It's a known fact that 75% of visitors don't
buy on their first visit and it might take
up to 7 follow ups before they buy anything from you.
A well-written follow up letter will do three things:
·improve your response rate
·better your site's ranking with Search Engines
·and increase sales
So, what should you write in your letter that
could do all the three above?
First, create a headline for your follow up letter.
Put yourself in your reader's shoes, would you
click on it if it was in your inbox along with some
other newsletters your reader may have signed up for?
If you would then go with it and make sure that it's
easy to understand and yet enticing enough to get a click.
An effective follow up letter is the one that is written
from first hand, i.e. if you have tried the product,
it would be easier for you to recommend it, because
you would know all the benefits of it.
So, in your follow up letter tell your readers how it
helped you and how it can help them, too. If you
are promoting your own product it's even better, because
you already know how others can benefit from it.
Remember, people always look for solutions to their
problems and want to feel better.
After you have explained all the benefits of the
product place a link to your site if it's your own
product, or to your merchant's site if your are promoting
an affiliate product, warmly recommending them to click
on the link.
Keep your letter to the point, it's important that your
reader gets the message that you are trying to deliver.
Avoid your follow up letter from being too long, because
it might exhaust your reader and they might give up
before they reach the end.
Whatever you promote in your follow up letter it should
in some way pertain to your business, so that your
readers don't get confused when they read your message.
Once you have written it, read it yourself first and
have your friends read it too. If you are satisfied with
it set it to your autoresponder and fire it to your
subscribers. If it's not, then it probably needs some
more tweaking before it goes out to your list.
Your list will become an unlimited marketing source
that you can sell your products to over and again.
So, make sure that you have a reliable autoresponder
that ensures that your messages are delivered to your
subscribers.
Last word of advice
When your sample follow up letter is completed test it
and see if you receive a response rate you want. After
all e-mail marketing is all about tries and tests.
Wishing you success,
Are You An Internet Marketing Success Story?
If you do, you can't just focus on one aspect of Internet marketing. What I mean is, don't just think about ad copy or just about traffic generation. It takes an "all around" approach to succeed.
First, and foremost, you must get your website visitors' email addresses. Build your prospect list. Use not only a newsletter, but also use autoresponder ecourses, ebooks and reports. All should be given away; the only "payment" being their email address.
Put the signup forms for these ebooks, etc. on your navigation menu and on the content pages throughout your site. You never know which page your visitors will be seeing when they arrive.
Make each signup page a "sales" page. Why should they want the ebook or report? What are the benefits to them? Make it good.
Have great customer support. What? They're not customers? Well, not yet, but they could be. Treat each subscriber and contact as if he or she is the best customer in the world and that person will be more likely to remain your subscriber.
Provide some way for your website visitors to provide feedback. It could be a community blog, forum, or even just a contact form. Just make sure there is some way that your visitors can communicate with you. Make sure that the link to your contact form is on every page of your website.
These days, I don't recommend adding your actual email address to your site because of all the spam bots. They scour your site for your email and soon your inbox will fill up with junk.
Does your website look professional? If you just have a site full of blinking banners and ads, I don't believe you'll succeed in the long run. You need it to look nice - not fancy - just nice, and have valuable content for visitors. If you do, they'll come back.
What about popups? You can use popup windows, but don't go crazy with them. Personally, I do not stay on a site that has more than one popup. I have been on sites where so many windows appear that you can barely get away from the site. That is just plain rude in my book.
A word about promotion. In my opinion, the best way to promote your website is by writing articles. You need articles for your newsletter and to distribute to article directories and other publishers. This is how you get your "name" out in cyberspace...to the people who matter...the ones looking for good content for their own newsletters and websites.
And the most important key to success? Perseverance. Don't give up at the first problem, or even the second. Find a mentor. Ask questions. Do whatever you have to do...but hang in there! You WILL have your OWN success story!
First, and foremost, you must get your website visitors' email addresses. Build your prospect list. Use not only a newsletter, but also use autoresponder ecourses, ebooks and reports. All should be given away; the only "payment" being their email address.
Put the signup forms for these ebooks, etc. on your navigation menu and on the content pages throughout your site. You never know which page your visitors will be seeing when they arrive.
Make each signup page a "sales" page. Why should they want the ebook or report? What are the benefits to them? Make it good.
Have great customer support. What? They're not customers? Well, not yet, but they could be. Treat each subscriber and contact as if he or she is the best customer in the world and that person will be more likely to remain your subscriber.
Provide some way for your website visitors to provide feedback. It could be a community blog, forum, or even just a contact form. Just make sure there is some way that your visitors can communicate with you. Make sure that the link to your contact form is on every page of your website.
These days, I don't recommend adding your actual email address to your site because of all the spam bots. They scour your site for your email and soon your inbox will fill up with junk.
Does your website look professional? If you just have a site full of blinking banners and ads, I don't believe you'll succeed in the long run. You need it to look nice - not fancy - just nice, and have valuable content for visitors. If you do, they'll come back.
What about popups? You can use popup windows, but don't go crazy with them. Personally, I do not stay on a site that has more than one popup. I have been on sites where so many windows appear that you can barely get away from the site. That is just plain rude in my book.
A word about promotion. In my opinion, the best way to promote your website is by writing articles. You need articles for your newsletter and to distribute to article directories and other publishers. This is how you get your "name" out in cyberspace...to the people who matter...the ones looking for good content for their own newsletters and websites.
And the most important key to success? Perseverance. Don't give up at the first problem, or even the second. Find a mentor. Ask questions. Do whatever you have to do...but hang in there! You WILL have your OWN success story!
Affiliate Programs and How To Build An eBusiness Around Them
Two weeks ago, Mariangie Gonzalez sent in a question
"How do you market your Network Marketing business
so yours it's perceived as different from the rest of the reps
out there?"
In answer to her question the way to be perceived as different
was to set up an incentive package that was related to the
general theme of your affiliate or mlm progam. If you missed
out on that disucssion there is a huge blog entry about that
at http://www.profitspace.com/blogger.html.
What I want to do here is back up a bit...a sort of regrouping
you might say and go over what to look for in affiliate programs.
Affiliate programs are the easiest, fastest and most inexpensive
way for ANYONE, regardless of experience to earn money. What
I want to do is provide you with some insight as to what to look for
in a program.
Before we dive in and talk about affiliate programs I do want to
say something about starting a business regardless of whether
it is on or off-line. You NEED to possess passion for what it is
you are doing. If you jump into something for the sake of making
money you are going to end up resenting it. Starting a business
takes a lot of time and energy. If you are involved in something
that you are passionate about and believe in then those hours
don't seem so daunting. If you are in something just to make
a buck...those hours are going to seem very over-whelming to
the point where you hate what you are doing and will soon
resent the business you are in.
So...with that said, if you want to start something online then
look at what you are passionate about and what will juice you.
From there do your research and find affiliate programs that
align themselves to what you want to do.
Ok, let's look at affiliate programs ;o)
The BIG QUESTION...can you make money on-line through
affiliate programs?
Answer....YES
It is totally possible to make money on-line, there are all
kinds of articles and stories about people who have been
successful in making money through affiliate progarms.
It has nothing to do with getting in on the ground floor in
a particular program. It has nothing to do with having loads
of money to market your program. Yup, you are going to
have to have a marketing budget, that is just the cost of
doing business. What it boils down to is looking for programs
that:
1. provide products/services that are in demand
2. provide a recurring commission structure
3. promoting more than one program
4. having your own web site
So..let's look at each one of these and it will give you an idea
as to why these four traits are important to your ebusiness.
1. Products/Services that are in demand. This is pretty obvious.
If you don't have a market for your products/services then you
aren't going to make any money. If you want to know if there is
a market for the products/services you want to sell then do your
research. Look at site's like Overture.com. They have a great
advertisers area that provides you with a search criteria tool.
All you have to do is enter the keyword that is the general
them of your business and it will pop up a list of words that
people have used as search criteria, this will give you an idea
not only of a demand, BUT it will also give you an idea as to
what search terms people use for that general theme.
Another thing is to look at the trends that are happening around
us. Immediately what pops into my head is the fact that we are
getting older and are more health conscious. The health and
nutrition industry is huge and it is also a trend.
Have you every heard of The Popcorn Report? It was a book
written that talks about the trends and where they are heading.
One of the things Faith mentioned was the health and nutrition
industry and cottage industry (home based business) was going
to boom.
2. Commission Structure is key. Ummm, let me give you an
example to hit this home because it truly is important.
You are promoting a hot product from one of the top marketers
that sells for $29.95. You will earn a commission on the sale
of this product of 50% (let's say it works out to about $14.00
so I don't have to strain over math here). It's a one-time sale
which means after that sale is made you are having to go out
and find others to buy. You are always having to work your
butt off to get a "sale" for that product.
NOW...here is another example.
You are promoting an affiliate program that pays monthly,
something like ProfitsVaultMonthly, then this is what happens.
PVM is $29.95 per month and you earn money:
1. $20.00 PER MONTH per referral
2. You keep every penny you earn from selling the products
With the $29.95 product you are earning $14.00 for all your
marketing efforts in getting that sale. That's a one time
commission, make the sale and scream "next" to find yet
another buyer.
With a program that pays MONTHLY, you are earning $20
per month for that same customer, next month you earn
another $20 and so on. Get two join your affiliate program
and you're covering your own cost plus making a bit of a
profit.
Bottom-line go for those programs within your industry that
pay you a monthly residual commission. That way you are
earning money from the SAME customer base. If you are
going to spend hard earned money marketing your program
then you want to make sure that you are getting paid off
those efforts EVERY MONTH...not just a one time deal.
3. Promote more than one program. If you are promoting
just one program and no one buys from you then you aren't
making any money...pretty straight forward right?? But, if
you promote a few different programs that relate to the over-
all theme of your business then you stand a better chance
of making a sale. Let me give you an example:
I want to target the newbie ebusiness owner and provide
them with the tools they need to start a business on-line.
So...I think and ask myself "what does a newbie need?"
They need a web host, an autoresponder, something to
sell, leads, a list and incentive products. So, with that
information I set out to find those products/serivces and
set up a site...a NEWBIE MECCA you might say. Now
if I only set out to promote one of those progams and a
newbie already has it, then basically I just shot myself
in the foot...BUT. What if they didn't have an autoresponder
and saw that I had one that I promote, or they needed leads
or they needed to learn about using incentive products to
build a list. I just set myself up for the possibilities of
making money by offering a host of products/services and
not just limiting myself to just one.
See where I am going with this??
It takes more than just ONE income stream to make money.
You need to set yourself up with several ways to make money.
If a visitor doesn't need one product/service then you stand to
make something by offering other products/services that relate.
4. Your own site. You NEED a hub. I like the word hub actually.
I got the idea from the University of Alberta while I was a student
there. There was a central area within the University that had a
dry cleaners, barber, hair salon, and a couple of food kiosks and
a little general store deal. The Unversity tagged this as the HUB.
I am using HUB to describe what your site should be. YOUR
central area that promotes the programs you are affiliated with,
a landing area for your visitors where you can build your lists,
promote your program incentives, provide content that will help
your visitors...etc.
Now you are probably thinking "but, my affiliate program provides
me with a web page already to go."
Yup, they do. However...
1. are you able to make any sort of adjustments to that page that will
enable you to promote an incentive so that you can stand a part from
the pack?
NO...
2. MORE IMPORTANTLY...are you able to offer a report or eCourse
so that you can build your own list?
NO...
3. are you able to promote other programs, so if your visitor isn't
interested in that specific program you stand the chance of being
able to make a sale through another program?
NO...
That's three strikes right there.
Here is a fourth one for you to think about, if the above three weren't
enough. Let's say you quit a program, you quit that web page is gone
no big deal there. But, that means you are again having to start over
from scratch. IF however, you had your own HUB, you can add to or
discontinue programs BUT you still have your list building mechanisms
in place and you still have other programs that can bring in money. You
aren't always finding yourself starting over again from scratch.
Ok, one last thing I want to show you and then you can think about what
you just read ;o)
If you are a member of a mlm program you essentially have two
customer streams. You have those customers who are buying your
product AND you have those in your downline. Essentially you have
two different markets rolling at the same time, each with their own
specific needs. Your customers of course want your products and
you are selling them along with other things that tie in for that bunch.
You also have your downline which of course have the same products
as you...but their needs are a little different. They need guidance from
you as well as other things...like:
1. a web site of their own
2. a list building mechanism
3. leads
4. autoresponder
Are you seeing where I'm going with this???
YOU have the potential to create an even greater number of income
streams. You have this little market that will need these products
and services in order for them to do business...just like you. So,
find those services that will meet those needs for them and promote
them to your downline.
There you have it, the four main traits that, if you put them into place,
will put you in a better position to make money with your affiliate and
mlm programs.
This isn't rocket science and it works. Again, if you follow the steps
of the super affiliates you will find that these are the very same 4 traits
that they have in place. They don't have an inside track to anything
that you don't. Yes, they have been at it longer than you but that's
about all, they had to start from somewhere as well.
The ONLY difference that perhaps stands between YOU and THEM
is that they actually did what we just discussed above. They went
out and found products/services that had a good market size. They
went out and found affiliates programs that tied in and paid them a
monthly recurring income. They found more than just one program
to promote...AND they created their own HUB.
The blueprint is there for you ;o)
A great book that will help you peg yourself unique and different from
the rest of the pack is..."Super Affiliate Strategies...How to Generate
More Sales, Profits and Commissions For ANY Affiliate Program. It is
a good read and has some very valuable ideas inside. Check it out for
yourself http://www.profitspace.com/sas
"How do you market your Network Marketing business
so yours it's perceived as different from the rest of the reps
out there?"
In answer to her question the way to be perceived as different
was to set up an incentive package that was related to the
general theme of your affiliate or mlm progam. If you missed
out on that disucssion there is a huge blog entry about that
at http://www.profitspace.com/blogger.html.
What I want to do here is back up a bit...a sort of regrouping
you might say and go over what to look for in affiliate programs.
Affiliate programs are the easiest, fastest and most inexpensive
way for ANYONE, regardless of experience to earn money. What
I want to do is provide you with some insight as to what to look for
in a program.
Before we dive in and talk about affiliate programs I do want to
say something about starting a business regardless of whether
it is on or off-line. You NEED to possess passion for what it is
you are doing. If you jump into something for the sake of making
money you are going to end up resenting it. Starting a business
takes a lot of time and energy. If you are involved in something
that you are passionate about and believe in then those hours
don't seem so daunting. If you are in something just to make
a buck...those hours are going to seem very over-whelming to
the point where you hate what you are doing and will soon
resent the business you are in.
So...with that said, if you want to start something online then
look at what you are passionate about and what will juice you.
From there do your research and find affiliate programs that
align themselves to what you want to do.
Ok, let's look at affiliate programs ;o)
The BIG QUESTION...can you make money on-line through
affiliate programs?
Answer....YES
It is totally possible to make money on-line, there are all
kinds of articles and stories about people who have been
successful in making money through affiliate progarms.
It has nothing to do with getting in on the ground floor in
a particular program. It has nothing to do with having loads
of money to market your program. Yup, you are going to
have to have a marketing budget, that is just the cost of
doing business. What it boils down to is looking for programs
that:
1. provide products/services that are in demand
2. provide a recurring commission structure
3. promoting more than one program
4. having your own web site
So..let's look at each one of these and it will give you an idea
as to why these four traits are important to your ebusiness.
1. Products/Services that are in demand. This is pretty obvious.
If you don't have a market for your products/services then you
aren't going to make any money. If you want to know if there is
a market for the products/services you want to sell then do your
research. Look at site's like Overture.com. They have a great
advertisers area that provides you with a search criteria tool.
All you have to do is enter the keyword that is the general
them of your business and it will pop up a list of words that
people have used as search criteria, this will give you an idea
not only of a demand, BUT it will also give you an idea as to
what search terms people use for that general theme.
Another thing is to look at the trends that are happening around
us. Immediately what pops into my head is the fact that we are
getting older and are more health conscious. The health and
nutrition industry is huge and it is also a trend.
Have you every heard of The Popcorn Report? It was a book
written that talks about the trends and where they are heading.
One of the things Faith mentioned was the health and nutrition
industry and cottage industry (home based business) was going
to boom.
2. Commission Structure is key. Ummm, let me give you an
example to hit this home because it truly is important.
You are promoting a hot product from one of the top marketers
that sells for $29.95. You will earn a commission on the sale
of this product of 50% (let's say it works out to about $14.00
so I don't have to strain over math here). It's a one-time sale
which means after that sale is made you are having to go out
and find others to buy. You are always having to work your
butt off to get a "sale" for that product.
NOW...here is another example.
You are promoting an affiliate program that pays monthly,
something like ProfitsVaultMonthly, then this is what happens.
PVM is $29.95 per month and you earn money:
1. $20.00 PER MONTH per referral
2. You keep every penny you earn from selling the products
With the $29.95 product you are earning $14.00 for all your
marketing efforts in getting that sale. That's a one time
commission, make the sale and scream "next" to find yet
another buyer.
With a program that pays MONTHLY, you are earning $20
per month for that same customer, next month you earn
another $20 and so on. Get two join your affiliate program
and you're covering your own cost plus making a bit of a
profit.
Bottom-line go for those programs within your industry that
pay you a monthly residual commission. That way you are
earning money from the SAME customer base. If you are
going to spend hard earned money marketing your program
then you want to make sure that you are getting paid off
those efforts EVERY MONTH...not just a one time deal.
3. Promote more than one program. If you are promoting
just one program and no one buys from you then you aren't
making any money...pretty straight forward right?? But, if
you promote a few different programs that relate to the over-
all theme of your business then you stand a better chance
of making a sale. Let me give you an example:
I want to target the newbie ebusiness owner and provide
them with the tools they need to start a business on-line.
So...I think and ask myself "what does a newbie need?"
They need a web host, an autoresponder, something to
sell, leads, a list and incentive products. So, with that
information I set out to find those products/serivces and
set up a site...a NEWBIE MECCA you might say. Now
if I only set out to promote one of those progams and a
newbie already has it, then basically I just shot myself
in the foot...BUT. What if they didn't have an autoresponder
and saw that I had one that I promote, or they needed leads
or they needed to learn about using incentive products to
build a list. I just set myself up for the possibilities of
making money by offering a host of products/services and
not just limiting myself to just one.
See where I am going with this??
It takes more than just ONE income stream to make money.
You need to set yourself up with several ways to make money.
If a visitor doesn't need one product/service then you stand to
make something by offering other products/services that relate.
4. Your own site. You NEED a hub. I like the word hub actually.
I got the idea from the University of Alberta while I was a student
there. There was a central area within the University that had a
dry cleaners, barber, hair salon, and a couple of food kiosks and
a little general store deal. The Unversity tagged this as the HUB.
I am using HUB to describe what your site should be. YOUR
central area that promotes the programs you are affiliated with,
a landing area for your visitors where you can build your lists,
promote your program incentives, provide content that will help
your visitors...etc.
Now you are probably thinking "but, my affiliate program provides
me with a web page already to go."
Yup, they do. However...
1. are you able to make any sort of adjustments to that page that will
enable you to promote an incentive so that you can stand a part from
the pack?
NO...
2. MORE IMPORTANTLY...are you able to offer a report or eCourse
so that you can build your own list?
NO...
3. are you able to promote other programs, so if your visitor isn't
interested in that specific program you stand the chance of being
able to make a sale through another program?
NO...
That's three strikes right there.
Here is a fourth one for you to think about, if the above three weren't
enough. Let's say you quit a program, you quit that web page is gone
no big deal there. But, that means you are again having to start over
from scratch. IF however, you had your own HUB, you can add to or
discontinue programs BUT you still have your list building mechanisms
in place and you still have other programs that can bring in money. You
aren't always finding yourself starting over again from scratch.
Ok, one last thing I want to show you and then you can think about what
you just read ;o)
If you are a member of a mlm program you essentially have two
customer streams. You have those customers who are buying your
product AND you have those in your downline. Essentially you have
two different markets rolling at the same time, each with their own
specific needs. Your customers of course want your products and
you are selling them along with other things that tie in for that bunch.
You also have your downline which of course have the same products
as you...but their needs are a little different. They need guidance from
you as well as other things...like:
1. a web site of their own
2. a list building mechanism
3. leads
4. autoresponder
Are you seeing where I'm going with this???
YOU have the potential to create an even greater number of income
streams. You have this little market that will need these products
and services in order for them to do business...just like you. So,
find those services that will meet those needs for them and promote
them to your downline.
There you have it, the four main traits that, if you put them into place,
will put you in a better position to make money with your affiliate and
mlm programs.
This isn't rocket science and it works. Again, if you follow the steps
of the super affiliates you will find that these are the very same 4 traits
that they have in place. They don't have an inside track to anything
that you don't. Yes, they have been at it longer than you but that's
about all, they had to start from somewhere as well.
The ONLY difference that perhaps stands between YOU and THEM
is that they actually did what we just discussed above. They went
out and found products/services that had a good market size. They
went out and found affiliates programs that tied in and paid them a
monthly recurring income. They found more than just one program
to promote...AND they created their own HUB.
The blueprint is there for you ;o)
A great book that will help you peg yourself unique and different from
the rest of the pack is..."Super Affiliate Strategies...How to Generate
More Sales, Profits and Commissions For ANY Affiliate Program. It is
a good read and has some very valuable ideas inside. Check it out for
yourself http://www.profitspace.com/sas
8 Quick, Hot Reasons You Should Offer an E-mail Course Today
1. E-mail courses are generally quick and easy to create. Contents for your e-mail courses are everywhere -- old articles, interviews, information from doing research. You only need to know how to organize them and make the content easy to understand and follow.
2. You can append your sales letters at the end of your e-mail courses. People who take your e-mail courses can learn something valuable from you first, and when they're done, they will be more receptive to your follow-up letters.
3. E-mail courses can help you attract visitors to your Web site. You can't put everything in an e-mail course so you can actually place links within your e-mail course messages. These links can point to more information found on your site. You can promote your Web site's URL in each message.
4. E-mail courses can help you gain more subscribers for your e-zine. Make people aware that subscribers of your e-zine are always the ones to get first dibs on your e-mail courses.
5. You can run your e-mail courses hands-free. You just need to create and arrange your e-mail messages in the order you want them to be delivered to your participants, then put them in a sequential autoresponder. Your e-mail courses then become your 24/7 promoter!
6. E-mail courses can help you get leads and you can promote your products or services to these people. And by making your e-mail courses 100% opt-in, the risk of being accused of sending unsolicited e-mails is significantly reduced.
7. People won't ever need to download any special software before they can take your e-mail courses. All they need is an e-mail address. They can read your e-mail course lessons straight from their e-mail clients (Eudora, Pegasus, Outlook Express) or on the Web (Hotmail, Yahoo!Mail or any Web-based e-mail).
8. You can tailor your e-mail courses to promote specific products or services you are selling on your Web site. If your e-mail course consists of 10 lessons delivered in 10 e-mail messages, then people who take your e-mail course are exposed to your product or service 10 consecutive times. This definitely increases your chances of getting your product or service bought.
2. You can append your sales letters at the end of your e-mail courses. People who take your e-mail courses can learn something valuable from you first, and when they're done, they will be more receptive to your follow-up letters.
3. E-mail courses can help you attract visitors to your Web site. You can't put everything in an e-mail course so you can actually place links within your e-mail course messages. These links can point to more information found on your site. You can promote your Web site's URL in each message.
4. E-mail courses can help you gain more subscribers for your e-zine. Make people aware that subscribers of your e-zine are always the ones to get first dibs on your e-mail courses.
5. You can run your e-mail courses hands-free. You just need to create and arrange your e-mail messages in the order you want them to be delivered to your participants, then put them in a sequential autoresponder. Your e-mail courses then become your 24/7 promoter!
6. E-mail courses can help you get leads and you can promote your products or services to these people. And by making your e-mail courses 100% opt-in, the risk of being accused of sending unsolicited e-mails is significantly reduced.
7. People won't ever need to download any special software before they can take your e-mail courses. All they need is an e-mail address. They can read your e-mail course lessons straight from their e-mail clients (Eudora, Pegasus, Outlook Express) or on the Web (Hotmail, Yahoo!Mail or any Web-based e-mail).
8. You can tailor your e-mail courses to promote specific products or services you are selling on your Web site. If your e-mail course consists of 10 lessons delivered in 10 e-mail messages, then people who take your e-mail course are exposed to your product or service 10 consecutive times. This definitely increases your chances of getting your product or service bought.
7 Valuable Tips For Article Writers
1. Let your affiliates use your articles to earn commissions.
Simply make your articles available to your affiliates to publish in their ezines or on their web sites with their
affiliate links in your resource box.
You'll be able to increase the success of your existing affiliates.
You'll also be able to get your new affiliates started on the right track by providing them with a unique and powerful
way to begin promoting your business.
2. Post your articles on your site.
Not all article writers do this, but it's a great way to showcase your expertise and increase your visitor's trust in you.
It can also help you to get more new affiliate sign ups. Just let your visitors know that they can use your articles to earn commissions.
3. Write to one person.
A good way to draw your reader into your article is to write as if you're writing to a friend.
By doing this, your article won't turn out like a "business document", and you'll be able to make your writing more personable and get more traffic to your site.
4. Do an article swap.
You could swap an article to be published in another writer's ezine, or you could swap articles to be published on each others' sites.
5. Start an article announcement list.
Get more ezine publishers and webmasters to reprint your articles by running an email list that tells them when you've written a new article or articles.
Like publishing your articles on your site, your list can help you to get more new affiliates.
Your list can also keep your existing affiliates up to date on any new commissionable articles you have for them to publish.
6. Use autoresponders.
Make your individual articles and also a "master list" of your articles available by autoresponder.
Include your master list email address in your posts to article announcement lists, along with your publishing guidelines and other information.
That way you'll be able to further promote your past articles, and you'll get more of your articles published by webmasters and ezine publishers that enjoy your writing.
Autoresponders can also be used to publish your article announcement list (or ezine).
With broadcast capable autoresponders you'll be able to double opt in your subscribers, easily send out your
announcements, and your autoresponders can easily take care of your subscribe and unsubscribe requests.
7. Create ebooks.
For example, you could make an ebook compilation of your best articles on a specific topic such as ezine publishing or copywriting.
Add to the profit you get from your new ebook by publishing articles in it where you're able to earn commissions, or by
making it available to your affiliates to rebrand with their affiliate links.
Simply make your articles available to your affiliates to publish in their ezines or on their web sites with their
affiliate links in your resource box.
You'll be able to increase the success of your existing affiliates.
You'll also be able to get your new affiliates started on the right track by providing them with a unique and powerful
way to begin promoting your business.
2. Post your articles on your site.
Not all article writers do this, but it's a great way to showcase your expertise and increase your visitor's trust in you.
It can also help you to get more new affiliate sign ups. Just let your visitors know that they can use your articles to earn commissions.
3. Write to one person.
A good way to draw your reader into your article is to write as if you're writing to a friend.
By doing this, your article won't turn out like a "business document", and you'll be able to make your writing more personable and get more traffic to your site.
4. Do an article swap.
You could swap an article to be published in another writer's ezine, or you could swap articles to be published on each others' sites.
5. Start an article announcement list.
Get more ezine publishers and webmasters to reprint your articles by running an email list that tells them when you've written a new article or articles.
Like publishing your articles on your site, your list can help you to get more new affiliates.
Your list can also keep your existing affiliates up to date on any new commissionable articles you have for them to publish.
6. Use autoresponders.
Make your individual articles and also a "master list" of your articles available by autoresponder.
Include your master list email address in your posts to article announcement lists, along with your publishing guidelines and other information.
That way you'll be able to further promote your past articles, and you'll get more of your articles published by webmasters and ezine publishers that enjoy your writing.
Autoresponders can also be used to publish your article announcement list (or ezine).
With broadcast capable autoresponders you'll be able to double opt in your subscribers, easily send out your
announcements, and your autoresponders can easily take care of your subscribe and unsubscribe requests.
7. Create ebooks.
For example, you could make an ebook compilation of your best articles on a specific topic such as ezine publishing or copywriting.
Add to the profit you get from your new ebook by publishing articles in it where you're able to earn commissions, or by
making it available to your affiliates to rebrand with their affiliate links.
7 Effective Ways To Get More New Ezine Subscribers
1. Swap an ad.
Pinpoint which ads and ezines work best for you by tracking your swaps.
Also try to swap for multiple issues as many people won't respond to your ad until they see it a few times.
2. Purchase ezine ads.
Run ads for your ezine in relevant ezines that you enjoy.
Also search ezine directories for ezines that offer reasonable rates and that reach your target market.
3. Do a thank you page swap.
Get excellent ongoing promotion of your ezine by using your thank you page to swap an ad or recommendation with another ezine publisher.
Choose ezines that your new subscribers would be interested in, but not ezines that compete directly with you.
Also make sure that you only recommend ezines that truly do offer valuable content, so that you won't start off on the wrong foot with your new subscribers.
4. Offer a bonus.
Increase your subscriptions by offering something for free that your target market would find to be of value.
For example, you could offer a free email course, ebook, report or access to your "subscriber only" membership site.
5. Write articles.
Your articles can help you to establish yourself as an expert in your field.
Your articles can also help you to get more new readers that are interested in the topics covered in your ezine.
Just add a resource box that promotes your ezine to your articles, or include a couple of lines of promotion for your
ezine in addition to your other information.
6. Offer a sample issue.
Offer your sample issue on your site or by autoresponder, and when you can use it in your posts to ezine directories.
You can also increase your subscriptions by linking to your sample issue in your resource box when you write articles to
promote your ezine.
7. Provide testimonials.
Increase your ezine's credibility by including testimonials that praise your ezine on your site.
Include your reader's first and last name and web address along with her testimonial, and when you can use testimonials that are specific in nature as opposed to those that are general.
Pinpoint which ads and ezines work best for you by tracking your swaps.
Also try to swap for multiple issues as many people won't respond to your ad until they see it a few times.
2. Purchase ezine ads.
Run ads for your ezine in relevant ezines that you enjoy.
Also search ezine directories for ezines that offer reasonable rates and that reach your target market.
3. Do a thank you page swap.
Get excellent ongoing promotion of your ezine by using your thank you page to swap an ad or recommendation with another ezine publisher.
Choose ezines that your new subscribers would be interested in, but not ezines that compete directly with you.
Also make sure that you only recommend ezines that truly do offer valuable content, so that you won't start off on the wrong foot with your new subscribers.
4. Offer a bonus.
Increase your subscriptions by offering something for free that your target market would find to be of value.
For example, you could offer a free email course, ebook, report or access to your "subscriber only" membership site.
5. Write articles.
Your articles can help you to establish yourself as an expert in your field.
Your articles can also help you to get more new readers that are interested in the topics covered in your ezine.
Just add a resource box that promotes your ezine to your articles, or include a couple of lines of promotion for your
ezine in addition to your other information.
6. Offer a sample issue.
Offer your sample issue on your site or by autoresponder, and when you can use it in your posts to ezine directories.
You can also increase your subscriptions by linking to your sample issue in your resource box when you write articles to
promote your ezine.
7. Provide testimonials.
Increase your ezine's credibility by including testimonials that praise your ezine on your site.
Include your reader's first and last name and web address along with her testimonial, and when you can use testimonials that are specific in nature as opposed to those that are general.
5 Tips to Heat Up Your On-Line Marketing Using Off-Line Tactics
The internet of course brings a huge arena of marketing
opportunities for you. The ability to do business with people
around the world has now been made readily available through
a web site and email. It truly has leveled the playing field and
has provided ALL of us with the opportunity of taking our business
to the global level.
How powerful is that!!
While everyone is focusing on their "eBusiness" they are missing
the potential that exists in using off line marketing approaches to
boost their online marketing efforts.
Here are five things you can do to heat up your efforts.
Articles
Actually if you are already using Articles as a marketing tactic
for your on line marketing efforts, use the same articles for off
line publications as well. Publishers regardless of the fact they
are on or off line are ALL looking for good, valuable content.
Advertising
You know the effects that advertising on line can have for your
business. You already have an ad that pulls for you on line. Then
why not give it a shot off line and see if you can tap into another
possible market.
Again, with the local newsletters in your community and any small
business groups there are. Check out their rates and start using
off line advertising to generate some exposure from off line
sources.
Remember that you have to pay for this advertising so in that
regard, advertising in something that you can afford and afford
for a long period of time.
Networking
By attending a networking mixer you are getting the best of both
worlds. You get the chance to get out and break out of that bubble
AND you also get to spread the word about your business by talking
with others!!
Depending upon the format, many of these mixers are of a referral
nature. Meaning they allow only one business from each industry
and through each member's dealings if they find someone looking
for your service or product... then you will
get a referral to follow up on.
Business Cards
A business card can end up in more places than you can even
dream possible. They are a cost effective marketing tool. How
many places do you go to on a regular basis where you could
just leave a few business cards on a counter??? Now even if
you are an eBusiness owner you can still use this to your
advantage.
Here are a few things to consider when getting your cards done.
1. Do not go with black printing on a white card. It screams cheap
and newbie. If money is tight, understandable, but go for a coloured
card stock with a matching coloured print. It is still inexpensive and
it doesn't scream new, or "Herb Tarlick" marketing practices.
2. Include your business name, contact name, phone number, site
address, web site address and of course your address. If for
security reasons you don't want to include your home address
then that's fine. However, make sure you have ALL possible ways
for a potential customer to do business with you.
3. USE THE BACK OF THE CARD...what a waste of potential
marketing opportunities. So many people forget about this. A
business card is a mini- billboard...use it ALL. On the back you
could have a few tips and then the email address to your
autoresponder for them to get more info. I had an Accountant
use the back of her card by providing all the applicable phone
numbers to all the tax offices that a business owner would need.
Another client of mine is a travel agent and he included all the
1-800 numbers for the prime airlines and car rental agencies. The
idea is to make your card a keeper ;o)
Business Alliances
Ok, on line we refer to these as Joint Ventures, Business Alliances
is the same thing, but only the name has been changed.
Leverage yourself by finding another business owner off line,
where you can set up an alliance and piggy back each other's
marketing efforts. This one takes a little time and effort to set
up, but, once it is again you are tapping into prospects that would
never have found you otherwise.
There you go, five quick tips and in some regards you can use the
same tactic in both on and off line marketing...so why not???
opportunities for you. The ability to do business with people
around the world has now been made readily available through
a web site and email. It truly has leveled the playing field and
has provided ALL of us with the opportunity of taking our business
to the global level.
How powerful is that!!
While everyone is focusing on their "eBusiness" they are missing
the potential that exists in using off line marketing approaches to
boost their online marketing efforts.
Here are five things you can do to heat up your efforts.
Articles
Actually if you are already using Articles as a marketing tactic
for your on line marketing efforts, use the same articles for off
line publications as well. Publishers regardless of the fact they
are on or off line are ALL looking for good, valuable content.
Advertising
You know the effects that advertising on line can have for your
business. You already have an ad that pulls for you on line. Then
why not give it a shot off line and see if you can tap into another
possible market.
Again, with the local newsletters in your community and any small
business groups there are. Check out their rates and start using
off line advertising to generate some exposure from off line
sources.
Remember that you have to pay for this advertising so in that
regard, advertising in something that you can afford and afford
for a long period of time.
Networking
By attending a networking mixer you are getting the best of both
worlds. You get the chance to get out and break out of that bubble
AND you also get to spread the word about your business by talking
with others!!
Depending upon the format, many of these mixers are of a referral
nature. Meaning they allow only one business from each industry
and through each member's dealings if they find someone looking
for your service or product... then you will
get a referral to follow up on.
Business Cards
A business card can end up in more places than you can even
dream possible. They are a cost effective marketing tool. How
many places do you go to on a regular basis where you could
just leave a few business cards on a counter??? Now even if
you are an eBusiness owner you can still use this to your
advantage.
Here are a few things to consider when getting your cards done.
1. Do not go with black printing on a white card. It screams cheap
and newbie. If money is tight, understandable, but go for a coloured
card stock with a matching coloured print. It is still inexpensive and
it doesn't scream new, or "Herb Tarlick" marketing practices.
2. Include your business name, contact name, phone number, site
address, web site address and of course your address. If for
security reasons you don't want to include your home address
then that's fine. However, make sure you have ALL possible ways
for a potential customer to do business with you.
3. USE THE BACK OF THE CARD...what a waste of potential
marketing opportunities. So many people forget about this. A
business card is a mini- billboard...use it ALL. On the back you
could have a few tips and then the email address to your
autoresponder for them to get more info. I had an Accountant
use the back of her card by providing all the applicable phone
numbers to all the tax offices that a business owner would need.
Another client of mine is a travel agent and he included all the
1-800 numbers for the prime airlines and car rental agencies. The
idea is to make your card a keeper ;o)
Business Alliances
Ok, on line we refer to these as Joint Ventures, Business Alliances
is the same thing, but only the name has been changed.
Leverage yourself by finding another business owner off line,
where you can set up an alliance and piggy back each other's
marketing efforts. This one takes a little time and effort to set
up, but, once it is again you are tapping into prospects that would
never have found you otherwise.
There you go, five quick tips and in some regards you can use the
same tactic in both on and off line marketing...so why not???
5 Things More Important to Internet Buyers Than WHAT You Sell - II
5 Things More Important to Internet Buyers Than WHAT You're
Selling - II
Article II of a two-part series For Article I
http://www.yellowpagesage.com/article232.html
Dr. Lynella Grant
Web commerce is all about courtship, not salesmanship. In
life, a suitor can't go from first date to the engagement
ring in one afternoon. Courtship is an intricate dance,
where each party contributes to the relationship at a
measured tempo. Trust grows through gradual exchanges and
reassurances.
Yet, the typical sales-oriented Web site urges the visitor
to jump to commitment right away. Pushing for them to "BUY
NOW!" is not only premature, but a misapplication of the
fact that visitors are in a hurry. Developing a relationship
can't be rushed or skipped--not if you intend to lead them
to the alter (sale). Buyers want and need to proceed at
their own pace.
Each request you make of a visitor "call, read, subscribe or
buy" requires a higher level of commitment. So back off the
hard sell, and instead weave the steps into a sensuous dance
that respects them and invites a lasting relationship. It's
possible, if you follow these five points that buyers care
about.
1. How well they're treated
The mood of the site should be welcoming, geared to assist
the customer finding what they're looking for. Trust grows
as you minimize their sense of risk. And make no mistake,
the buyer's risks are greater online. Recognize them and
reduce them as much as possible. They've been conned,
burned, or faced non-delivery of purchases--not to mention
abuse of their credit cards or privacy information.
The Internet works because people feel anonymous. People are
understandably leery about revealing personal information.
So every aspect of the site needs to say, "you're safe here"
along with, "look at all the interesting things we have to
show you." One fast move and that skittish deer will bolt.
Web commerce has several inherent disadvantages--shipping
charges, delays until products arrive, lack of hands-on
assessment, etc. When buyers encounter other disadvantages
as well, whether it's unacceptable policies, or added costs,
they treat them as a deal breaker--even if it's just a
little bit more.
2. How efficiently the buying process went
Assuming your site sells a tangible product, the buyer has
to be able to assess its looks, materials, uses, and value
without being able to touch it. This can be accomplished
much better with some products than others by use of
photographs and descriptive copy. But a buyer still takes a
chance as to color, size, quality, and suitability. Sales
sites need to know their customers' concerns so well that
they anticipate what they need to know.
Design the site for ease of scanning and logical
organization that presents information so it will guide and
inform.
3. How much aggravation they had to endure
Here's where poor navigation or slow download times cost you
sales. (Navigation problems are a main reason why site
visitors leave.) They won't stay at a site where they can't
easily find the answers they want. And if they have to wait
too long for pages to load, forget it. Internet users are
extremely time sensitive. The high percentage of abandoned
shopping carts (as much as a quarter) proves that the
payment process can defeat all efforts to motivate the
buyer. These are "almost" sales, where sloppiness got in the
way.
Getting through some payment procedures confounds even
experienced surfers. How many payment options do you
provide--anywhere from Paypal to fax your order? Credit
cards are convenient, but not always the purchaser's
preferred choice. How intrusive are the questions (yes, we
know about fraud avoidance)? When the goal is building trust
(in both directions), how many "we don't trust you" signals
does your site send?
4. How many mind games were played on them
The primary products sold on most web sites are hype and
high pressure. Unfortunately, that's not what buyers are
looking to buy, and why conversion rates online are so
abysmally low. The quality of typical sales copy is
aggressive, designed more to trick than inform. It seems
like the sales letters were drafted from the same manual.
Aggressive tactics are so widespread that effective,
customer-friendly copy can actually stand out. So get rid of
the "gotchas." Customers dread them, and then relax once
they don't find them. Mind games don't end after the sale's
complete. Be alert for delivery, security, and privacy
lapses that could creep up after the sale.
5. How well the business has its act together overall
Behind the computer screen are untold elements--efficient
links, quick loading, glitch-free credit card processing,
the respect for the visitor's time, etc., that reveal the
company's priorities. Unless all the parts work with a
consistent goal and degree of care the buyer experiences
whiplash. Sour notes (small potatoes signals) are trivial in
themselves, but break the momentum toward purchasing.
They're easily eliminated--once you know to look for them.
To learn how, read the helpful articles at my site,
http://www.giantpotatoes.com
Give yourself extra points for post-sale follow up. Here's
where Internet sellers can shine because of autoresponders
and customer-oriented e-mail. Don't just use such tools for
making the sale. Use them to build relationships and added
value after you get their money.
Dance Your Way to Profits
Courtship is necessary to develop a lasting relationship.
The pace of the dance should reflect the give-and-take
necessary to build trust. Don't sell the buyer, court him
with a well-paced dance.
Selling - II
Article II of a two-part series For Article I
http://www.yellowpagesage.com/article232.html
Dr. Lynella Grant
Web commerce is all about courtship, not salesmanship. In
life, a suitor can't go from first date to the engagement
ring in one afternoon. Courtship is an intricate dance,
where each party contributes to the relationship at a
measured tempo. Trust grows through gradual exchanges and
reassurances.
Yet, the typical sales-oriented Web site urges the visitor
to jump to commitment right away. Pushing for them to "BUY
NOW!" is not only premature, but a misapplication of the
fact that visitors are in a hurry. Developing a relationship
can't be rushed or skipped--not if you intend to lead them
to the alter (sale). Buyers want and need to proceed at
their own pace.
Each request you make of a visitor "call, read, subscribe or
buy" requires a higher level of commitment. So back off the
hard sell, and instead weave the steps into a sensuous dance
that respects them and invites a lasting relationship. It's
possible, if you follow these five points that buyers care
about.
1. How well they're treated
The mood of the site should be welcoming, geared to assist
the customer finding what they're looking for. Trust grows
as you minimize their sense of risk. And make no mistake,
the buyer's risks are greater online. Recognize them and
reduce them as much as possible. They've been conned,
burned, or faced non-delivery of purchases--not to mention
abuse of their credit cards or privacy information.
The Internet works because people feel anonymous. People are
understandably leery about revealing personal information.
So every aspect of the site needs to say, "you're safe here"
along with, "look at all the interesting things we have to
show you." One fast move and that skittish deer will bolt.
Web commerce has several inherent disadvantages--shipping
charges, delays until products arrive, lack of hands-on
assessment, etc. When buyers encounter other disadvantages
as well, whether it's unacceptable policies, or added costs,
they treat them as a deal breaker--even if it's just a
little bit more.
2. How efficiently the buying process went
Assuming your site sells a tangible product, the buyer has
to be able to assess its looks, materials, uses, and value
without being able to touch it. This can be accomplished
much better with some products than others by use of
photographs and descriptive copy. But a buyer still takes a
chance as to color, size, quality, and suitability. Sales
sites need to know their customers' concerns so well that
they anticipate what they need to know.
Design the site for ease of scanning and logical
organization that presents information so it will guide and
inform.
3. How much aggravation they had to endure
Here's where poor navigation or slow download times cost you
sales. (Navigation problems are a main reason why site
visitors leave.) They won't stay at a site where they can't
easily find the answers they want. And if they have to wait
too long for pages to load, forget it. Internet users are
extremely time sensitive. The high percentage of abandoned
shopping carts (as much as a quarter) proves that the
payment process can defeat all efforts to motivate the
buyer. These are "almost" sales, where sloppiness got in the
way.
Getting through some payment procedures confounds even
experienced surfers. How many payment options do you
provide--anywhere from Paypal to fax your order? Credit
cards are convenient, but not always the purchaser's
preferred choice. How intrusive are the questions (yes, we
know about fraud avoidance)? When the goal is building trust
(in both directions), how many "we don't trust you" signals
does your site send?
4. How many mind games were played on them
The primary products sold on most web sites are hype and
high pressure. Unfortunately, that's not what buyers are
looking to buy, and why conversion rates online are so
abysmally low. The quality of typical sales copy is
aggressive, designed more to trick than inform. It seems
like the sales letters were drafted from the same manual.
Aggressive tactics are so widespread that effective,
customer-friendly copy can actually stand out. So get rid of
the "gotchas." Customers dread them, and then relax once
they don't find them. Mind games don't end after the sale's
complete. Be alert for delivery, security, and privacy
lapses that could creep up after the sale.
5. How well the business has its act together overall
Behind the computer screen are untold elements--efficient
links, quick loading, glitch-free credit card processing,
the respect for the visitor's time, etc., that reveal the
company's priorities. Unless all the parts work with a
consistent goal and degree of care the buyer experiences
whiplash. Sour notes (small potatoes signals) are trivial in
themselves, but break the momentum toward purchasing.
They're easily eliminated--once you know to look for them.
To learn how, read the helpful articles at my site,
http://www.giantpotatoes.com
Give yourself extra points for post-sale follow up. Here's
where Internet sellers can shine because of autoresponders
and customer-oriented e-mail. Don't just use such tools for
making the sale. Use them to build relationships and added
value after you get their money.
Dance Your Way to Profits
Courtship is necessary to develop a lasting relationship.
The pace of the dance should reflect the give-and-take
necessary to build trust. Don't sell the buyer, court him
with a well-paced dance.
5 Surefire Ways to Increase Sales
The Internet has changed how people do their business. Even small business owners are able to reach global market inexpensively nowadays, selling anything from apparel, collectibles, to computer software, service and coaching.
The core of every business is sales. Many of the strategies to increase sales offline are applicable online, but not all of them. On the Internet, everybody can effort to fail fast and learn from it. Better still, after years of testing and tracking what works online, people can just learn from other people's experience and cut the learning curve tremendously.
Here are 5 of the surefire ways to increase sales:
1. Establish a sound affiliate program
If it is just another affiliate program, then don't expect to have different results. Focus on building a sound affiliate program, with the tools and materials to support affiliates to promote a program easily. After all, affiliates work like clockwork and should be seen as a team. Provide them with the right promotion tools and they will more likely promote the program.
Give the customers an option to join the affiliate program after purchase. Satisfied customers are one of the best marketing for any business. Spread the good words through word of mouth. Best of all, they are paid just for doing that.
2. Follow-up after first purchase
The hardest task in any business is acquiring the first sale. Make sure that capturing customers' name and email addresses are the least information gathered from a sale. With that information in hand, follow-up with existing customers, probably through an automated mechanism like timely autoresponder.
This effort has been proven to decrease refund on products and increase customers' satisfaction. Every once in a while, mention a related product that might be of interest to the customers. Write a review and provide real results. Such promotion is extremely inexpensive, but very effective in practice. The product can be anything, including an affiliate program.
3. Use up-sell technique
Just before a customer check out to the payment gateway, prompt for optional upgrade to the better, bigger, or nicer product for a fairly steep discount, preferably not available elsewhere.
A certain number of customers will choose the option, which translates into additional sales, almost without additional effort.
4. Provide discount coupons
Coupons urge customers to come back and shop. Promotional coupons work for both advertising and some forms of joint venture. Customers love to know that they get lower price for what they buy. Coupons make it so real and tangible.
5. Cross-promote with other related products
There is no limit as to how this could be accomplished. Joint venture with other business or even competitors is feasible as long as it brings a win-win situation.
One example would be to give away sample of other product or service as part of the whole package. As long as the sample is relevant to the customer, this promotion could only be seen as an added value instead of pure advertising.
There are many other tactics to increase sales but above tips have been proven to work again and again. Choose one at a time and take action. Good luck.
The core of every business is sales. Many of the strategies to increase sales offline are applicable online, but not all of them. On the Internet, everybody can effort to fail fast and learn from it. Better still, after years of testing and tracking what works online, people can just learn from other people's experience and cut the learning curve tremendously.
Here are 5 of the surefire ways to increase sales:
1. Establish a sound affiliate program
If it is just another affiliate program, then don't expect to have different results. Focus on building a sound affiliate program, with the tools and materials to support affiliates to promote a program easily. After all, affiliates work like clockwork and should be seen as a team. Provide them with the right promotion tools and they will more likely promote the program.
Give the customers an option to join the affiliate program after purchase. Satisfied customers are one of the best marketing for any business. Spread the good words through word of mouth. Best of all, they are paid just for doing that.
2. Follow-up after first purchase
The hardest task in any business is acquiring the first sale. Make sure that capturing customers' name and email addresses are the least information gathered from a sale. With that information in hand, follow-up with existing customers, probably through an automated mechanism like timely autoresponder.
This effort has been proven to decrease refund on products and increase customers' satisfaction. Every once in a while, mention a related product that might be of interest to the customers. Write a review and provide real results. Such promotion is extremely inexpensive, but very effective in practice. The product can be anything, including an affiliate program.
3. Use up-sell technique
Just before a customer check out to the payment gateway, prompt for optional upgrade to the better, bigger, or nicer product for a fairly steep discount, preferably not available elsewhere.
A certain number of customers will choose the option, which translates into additional sales, almost without additional effort.
4. Provide discount coupons
Coupons urge customers to come back and shop. Promotional coupons work for both advertising and some forms of joint venture. Customers love to know that they get lower price for what they buy. Coupons make it so real and tangible.
5. Cross-promote with other related products
There is no limit as to how this could be accomplished. Joint venture with other business or even competitors is feasible as long as it brings a win-win situation.
One example would be to give away sample of other product or service as part of the whole package. As long as the sample is relevant to the customer, this promotion could only be seen as an added value instead of pure advertising.
There are many other tactics to increase sales but above tips have been proven to work again and again. Choose one at a time and take action. Good luck.
5 Killer Ways To Explode Your Opt In List
Your Opt In list is the life-blood of your business. What better way can there be than having thousands of people to market to every month for 'Zero Cost'. A valuable customer list is the most important aspect of any business, online or off.
Here are some killer examples for you to gain more subscribers:
1. Make Them An Offer They Can’t Refuse.
"I’m going to make you an offer you can’t refuse". Remember that saying? The first step to consider is what to offer your subscribers. Find out what people want and create a free product, ebook or report around that topic.
When Google changed their Algorithm, immediately people were asking, what went wrong? How can I get my positions back?
I retained my positions on Google and proceeded to run various tests to see what had changed. I quickly figured out what was needed to get top 10 positions and created a free report called "The Google Shake-UP". A FREE ECourse on Getting Top 10 Positions On Google – Even After The Florida Update.
…Offer people what they want and they will not ignore your message.
2. Writing Compelling Articles and Reports.
Write and submit articles to 'article directories' with a compelling resource box at the end of your report. If you have a website about Dog’s, you could write a report called “How To Train You Dog In 7 Easy Steps, Without Hiring a Pro-fessional Dog Trainer”. Then you just add a compelling resource box at the end. You can see mine at the bottom of this article. This is by far the best way to grow your opt in list.
3. Posting To Online Forums.
This is a great way to get recognised. Actively participating in online forums and message boards will build credibility for you around your chosen subject. Just make sure you always post your signature at the bottom of the posting or report, with a link to your newsletter address and or signup email.
To build up more interest you could write a ‘3-day’ course on your chosen subject and submit ‘day-1’ to the online forums. All you do to build up anticipation is this:
At the bottom of your post in you signature or a P.S you can add the following:
To get ‘day-2’ of this special report, please send a blank email to: yournewsletter@yourautoresponder.com - This points to your newsletter with ‘day 2’ preloaded to send out.
You get the idea.. This builds great anticipation and will generate a lot of interest. Just make sure your initial report is compelling enough for them to want the second edition.
4. Run a Reward Scheme To Existing Subscribers.
If you have an existing list of over 500 subscribers, you could send out an announcement to them saying that you are running a special promotion for the next 30 days, and you are going to offer them a reward for sending you the most subscribers.
You could send them a cash bonus or a free program at the end of the month. This can all be tracked by simple affiliate script software.
5. Submit To Ezine Publishers.
There will be many existing email list owners on your chosen topic. You could approach them and ask politely to use your article in their ezine.
Publishers are always on the lookout for new content to send to their lists. Don't forget the resource box to sign up for your ezine.
If you write them an email, just follow these points and they should have no reason to reject your offer.
a. Subscribe to their ezine for a couple of editions and get to know the way they do things.
b. When your report is ready, email them with a positive comment about their newsletter.
c. Make sure you article or report is helpful and ask them to publish it in their ezine.
d. In return offer them something for free. Ie. A report you have written around that chosen topic.
As long as your report is useful and you approach them politely and positively, you should be able to get your article published in various ezines. This is a killer way to get more subscriber to your opt in list.
Here are some killer examples for you to gain more subscribers:
1. Make Them An Offer They Can’t Refuse.
"I’m going to make you an offer you can’t refuse". Remember that saying? The first step to consider is what to offer your subscribers. Find out what people want and create a free product, ebook or report around that topic.
When Google changed their Algorithm, immediately people were asking, what went wrong? How can I get my positions back?
I retained my positions on Google and proceeded to run various tests to see what had changed. I quickly figured out what was needed to get top 10 positions and created a free report called "The Google Shake-UP". A FREE ECourse on Getting Top 10 Positions On Google – Even After The Florida Update.
…Offer people what they want and they will not ignore your message.
2. Writing Compelling Articles and Reports.
Write and submit articles to 'article directories' with a compelling resource box at the end of your report. If you have a website about Dog’s, you could write a report called “How To Train You Dog In 7 Easy Steps, Without Hiring a Pro-fessional Dog Trainer”. Then you just add a compelling resource box at the end. You can see mine at the bottom of this article. This is by far the best way to grow your opt in list.
3. Posting To Online Forums.
This is a great way to get recognised. Actively participating in online forums and message boards will build credibility for you around your chosen subject. Just make sure you always post your signature at the bottom of the posting or report, with a link to your newsletter address and or signup email.
To build up more interest you could write a ‘3-day’ course on your chosen subject and submit ‘day-1’ to the online forums. All you do to build up anticipation is this:
At the bottom of your post in you signature or a P.S you can add the following:
To get ‘day-2’ of this special report, please send a blank email to: yournewsletter@yourautoresponder.com - This points to your newsletter with ‘day 2’ preloaded to send out.
You get the idea.. This builds great anticipation and will generate a lot of interest. Just make sure your initial report is compelling enough for them to want the second edition.
4. Run a Reward Scheme To Existing Subscribers.
If you have an existing list of over 500 subscribers, you could send out an announcement to them saying that you are running a special promotion for the next 30 days, and you are going to offer them a reward for sending you the most subscribers.
You could send them a cash bonus or a free program at the end of the month. This can all be tracked by simple affiliate script software.
5. Submit To Ezine Publishers.
There will be many existing email list owners on your chosen topic. You could approach them and ask politely to use your article in their ezine.
Publishers are always on the lookout for new content to send to their lists. Don't forget the resource box to sign up for your ezine.
If you write them an email, just follow these points and they should have no reason to reject your offer.
a. Subscribe to their ezine for a couple of editions and get to know the way they do things.
b. When your report is ready, email them with a positive comment about their newsletter.
c. Make sure you article or report is helpful and ask them to publish it in their ezine.
d. In return offer them something for free. Ie. A report you have written around that chosen topic.
As long as your report is useful and you approach them politely and positively, you should be able to get your article published in various ezines. This is a killer way to get more subscriber to your opt in list.
3 Simple Tips for Building Your Subscription List
Building your list online can be one of the most effective ways of promoting your business online. Once you implement your plan, it will continue to send new subscribers to your list forever.
There are a few obvious things you should do to make sure that you get more subscribers. Here are three of my best tips, and three of the easiest strategies for you to implement in getting
subscribers to your ezine.
1. Add your subscription information to all of your pages.
You may find this to be obvious. However, many sites I have visited seem to think of their ezines as an afterthought. You have to dig to find out that they have one at all.
By putting your ezine subscription box on all your pages, it won't matter what page your visitors uses to arrive at your site. He/she will always have an opportunity to subscribe to your newsletter. By not having to search to find the subscription information, you are more likely to get the person to subscribe to your ezine.
It certainly doesn't hurt to have a newsletter page with a longer description of your ezine.
Write a compelling description to go with it, offer a valuable premium for subscribing, and you will get more subscribers.
2. Submit to the Ezine Directories.
Once you have decided what the subject of your ezine is, and you have created a format, you need to create a sample issue. This should be in HTML.
Once you have your sample issue, you need to write a title and description of your ezine and submit it to the directories. Also, you will want to put a text version of your ezine on autoresponder, as well as have a subscription page link and a subscribe email address.
Once you have all of the elements you need to submit to the directories, put all of this information in a text file so that you can copy and paste as you submit.
The easiest way to find ezine directories to submit to is to search the search engines for the term "ezine directories".
Below is a 14 page tutorial on formatting your ezine, as well as a list of ezine directories you can submit to.
http://www.nowsell.com/ezine-promotion/ezine-directory-1.html
3. Exchange Links with Other Complementary Ezines.
There are several things you should know so that you get the most from this technique.
First, you can contact other ezine publishers with complimentary ezines and ask them to swap ads with you. Make sure that you look at the subscriber numbers for the publishers and give the publisher a fair deal in exchange.
You can find ezines to exchange ads with by searching this ezine directory: http://www.jogena.com. I have found this to be the best directory to help you find ezines that accept ads.
You will also want to ask the publisher for a top sponsor ad so that your ezine information will be seen. If you simply exchange ads with an ezine publisher without qualifying your request, you
may find your ad buried deep within the ezine, reducing your chances of being seen and getting new subscribers.
There are plenty of ways to promote your ezine. What's important is that you create a plan and stick to it. Get your ezine listed in as many directories as possible, exchange ads with other ezines, and always keep marketing. You'll have a large list of new subscribers before you know it.
There are a few obvious things you should do to make sure that you get more subscribers. Here are three of my best tips, and three of the easiest strategies for you to implement in getting
subscribers to your ezine.
1. Add your subscription information to all of your pages.
You may find this to be obvious. However, many sites I have visited seem to think of their ezines as an afterthought. You have to dig to find out that they have one at all.
By putting your ezine subscription box on all your pages, it won't matter what page your visitors uses to arrive at your site. He/she will always have an opportunity to subscribe to your newsletter. By not having to search to find the subscription information, you are more likely to get the person to subscribe to your ezine.
It certainly doesn't hurt to have a newsletter page with a longer description of your ezine.
Write a compelling description to go with it, offer a valuable premium for subscribing, and you will get more subscribers.
2. Submit to the Ezine Directories.
Once you have decided what the subject of your ezine is, and you have created a format, you need to create a sample issue. This should be in HTML.
Once you have your sample issue, you need to write a title and description of your ezine and submit it to the directories. Also, you will want to put a text version of your ezine on autoresponder, as well as have a subscription page link and a subscribe email address.
Once you have all of the elements you need to submit to the directories, put all of this information in a text file so that you can copy and paste as you submit.
The easiest way to find ezine directories to submit to is to search the search engines for the term "ezine directories".
Below is a 14 page tutorial on formatting your ezine, as well as a list of ezine directories you can submit to.
http://www.nowsell.com/ezine-promotion/ezine-directory-1.html
3. Exchange Links with Other Complementary Ezines.
There are several things you should know so that you get the most from this technique.
First, you can contact other ezine publishers with complimentary ezines and ask them to swap ads with you. Make sure that you look at the subscriber numbers for the publishers and give the publisher a fair deal in exchange.
You can find ezines to exchange ads with by searching this ezine directory: http://www.jogena.com. I have found this to be the best directory to help you find ezines that accept ads.
You will also want to ask the publisher for a top sponsor ad so that your ezine information will be seen. If you simply exchange ads with an ezine publisher without qualifying your request, you
may find your ad buried deep within the ezine, reducing your chances of being seen and getting new subscribers.
There are plenty of ways to promote your ezine. What's important is that you create a plan and stick to it. Get your ezine listed in as many directories as possible, exchange ads with other ezines, and always keep marketing. You'll have a large list of new subscribers before you know it.
15 Top Blog Marketing Tips
1. Place all your feeds on the following website and the directories listed on this page - http://www.rss-feeds-directory.com/blog_lists.html
2. For fast inclusion into yahoo, get yourself a "my yahoo" page - http://my.yahoo.com/ and place your rss feed on that page.
3. Have a link which allows other people to put your rss feed on their own "my yahoo" page. See "my yahoo" for details.
4. For fast inclusion to msn, also open a "my msn" account and add your rss feed to that page.
5. Place your blog on all the major search engines - http://www.thewebtrafficco.com/search_engine.html
6. Join this site and add your blog (free) - http://www.BlogExplosion.com
7. Ping your blog after every post at - http://pingomatic.com/
8. Place a "blogroll" on your blog using - www.blogrolling.com
9. Make a blog post at least every day or less. Why? - http://www.feedforall.com/why-use-rss.htm If you don't think you can write enough content on a daily basis, there are many free articles out there you can use.
10. Invite other editors/writers or webmasters to write on your blog as co-editors. Make sure you allow them to include their "resource box" at the bottom of each post and set up an "about our editors" page.
11. Place a link and description to your blog on all your websites, out going emails and any autoresponder courses you have set up.
12. Announce your blog at forums you currently use/participate in.
13. Place informative responses in the "comments" box of other highly trafficked blogs in your field of business.
14. Once you have 10 to 15 posts on your blog, announce it with a press release.
15. Download this free rss marketing ebook by top Rss expert, ‘Rok Hrastnik’ - http://www.rss-feeds-directory.com/rss_the_business_case.zip
2. For fast inclusion into yahoo, get yourself a "my yahoo" page - http://my.yahoo.com/ and place your rss feed on that page.
3. Have a link which allows other people to put your rss feed on their own "my yahoo" page. See "my yahoo" for details.
4. For fast inclusion to msn, also open a "my msn" account and add your rss feed to that page.
5. Place your blog on all the major search engines - http://www.thewebtrafficco.com/search_engine.html
6. Join this site and add your blog (free) - http://www.BlogExplosion.com
7. Ping your blog after every post at - http://pingomatic.com/
8. Place a "blogroll" on your blog using - www.blogrolling.com
9. Make a blog post at least every day or less. Why? - http://www.feedforall.com/why-use-rss.htm If you don't think you can write enough content on a daily basis, there are many free articles out there you can use.
10. Invite other editors/writers or webmasters to write on your blog as co-editors. Make sure you allow them to include their "resource box" at the bottom of each post and set up an "about our editors" page.
11. Place a link and description to your blog on all your websites, out going emails and any autoresponder courses you have set up.
12. Announce your blog at forums you currently use/participate in.
13. Place informative responses in the "comments" box of other highly trafficked blogs in your field of business.
14. Once you have 10 to 15 posts on your blog, announce it with a press release.
15. Download this free rss marketing ebook by top Rss expert, ‘Rok Hrastnik’ - http://www.rss-feeds-directory.com/rss_the_business_case.zip
11 Creative Ways You Can Use Autoresponders
1. Pick 4 or more articles you've written that have a common theme and put them in an autoresponder series. Announce it on your site as an e-mail course on the go.
2. If you have a page for related links, create a related links file and put it on autoresponder. This can be a one-page e-mail containing 15-50 links that are of interest to your visitors. Put your own promotional texts or blurbs at the top, middle and bottom of the e-mail.
3. Create a fun or trivia quiz, put it up on your site and put the answers in an autoresponder that your visitors can request. This way, you'll know the people who took your quiz.
4. Write reviews of books, music, e-books, sites, software or anything you can think of and put each review (or related reviews) in an autoresponder. If what you are reviewing have affiliate programs, use your affiliate links in the autoresponder.
5. Run a contest on your site or e-zine, then have your visitors or subscribers send their responses to your autoresponder. This way, you won't have to worry about manually sending them a confirmation receipt.
6. Create a frequently updated autoresponder and let your visitors and/or subscribers know about it. You can put in weekly tips or links to useful resources in the autoresponder and a reminder to the people who request it that you update it every week or on a regular basis (e.g. tell them to request for the same autoresponder again a week from now). You can use this method instead of using autoresponders with limited follow up messages.
7. If you've written 20 or more articles and you have them on separate autoresponder accounts, create a master list for your articles. In this master list, list the titles of your articles, their autoresponder addresses and their short descriptions. You can then just promote this master list.
8. Put excerpts or free chapters of your e-book, book or paid e-mail courses in an autoresponder series, then include your follow up sales letters at the end.
9. If you're selling your own products, put your testimonials on autoresponder, along with the description of your products, an excerpt or a free chapter. This will increase your credibility.
10. Keep track of people who download your free e-book, e-report, or free software by putting their download links in an autoresponder. When you promote your free product, you can just promote the autoresponder address.
11. Put links to your hidden pages on autoresponder. A hidden page could be the affiliate page where you have all the graphics, text links, promotional articles that interested affiliates can use. Let people know they can have free access to your affiliate page by requesting the autoresponder. This way, you can have a list of people who are interested in becoming your affiliates.
2. If you have a page for related links, create a related links file and put it on autoresponder. This can be a one-page e-mail containing 15-50 links that are of interest to your visitors. Put your own promotional texts or blurbs at the top, middle and bottom of the e-mail.
3. Create a fun or trivia quiz, put it up on your site and put the answers in an autoresponder that your visitors can request. This way, you'll know the people who took your quiz.
4. Write reviews of books, music, e-books, sites, software or anything you can think of and put each review (or related reviews) in an autoresponder. If what you are reviewing have affiliate programs, use your affiliate links in the autoresponder.
5. Run a contest on your site or e-zine, then have your visitors or subscribers send their responses to your autoresponder. This way, you won't have to worry about manually sending them a confirmation receipt.
6. Create a frequently updated autoresponder and let your visitors and/or subscribers know about it. You can put in weekly tips or links to useful resources in the autoresponder and a reminder to the people who request it that you update it every week or on a regular basis (e.g. tell them to request for the same autoresponder again a week from now). You can use this method instead of using autoresponders with limited follow up messages.
7. If you've written 20 or more articles and you have them on separate autoresponder accounts, create a master list for your articles. In this master list, list the titles of your articles, their autoresponder addresses and their short descriptions. You can then just promote this master list.
8. Put excerpts or free chapters of your e-book, book or paid e-mail courses in an autoresponder series, then include your follow up sales letters at the end.
9. If you're selling your own products, put your testimonials on autoresponder, along with the description of your products, an excerpt or a free chapter. This will increase your credibility.
10. Keep track of people who download your free e-book, e-report, or free software by putting their download links in an autoresponder. When you promote your free product, you can just promote the autoresponder address.
11. Put links to your hidden pages on autoresponder. A hidden page could be the affiliate page where you have all the graphics, text links, promotional articles that interested affiliates can use. Let people know they can have free access to your affiliate page by requesting the autoresponder. This way, you can have a list of people who are interested in becoming your affiliates.
100,000 Subscribers In 30 Days?
Two years ago, I sat in Joel Christopher's "Master List Builder
Seminar" listening to ideas on how to build my list faster. The
room was filled with seasoned on-line and off-line marketers. They
all told us that the money was in the list... something we all
knew intuitively.
People in the room shared just about every method imaginable
for building a list. They covered what worked, what didn't, and
what you definitely should not do. They shared their personal
experiences and the results of their latest list building tests.
A few of the speakers had tremendous impact on me. One was
Paul Myers, whom I previously knew primarily from on-line
discussion forums. I had also enjoyed several LONG phone calls
with him. The other speaker whose message intrigued me was
Frank Garon. Frank spoke of buying lists of new subscribers for
less than a penny a name. He spoke of something called
"co-registration."
Terry Dean also validated for me the impact writing good ezine
articles can have at that seminar.
Frank Garon REVEALED that he and other top marketers
regularly joined together and bought batches of tens of thousands....
maybe 100,000 names. These names were gathered via on-line forms
placed on high traffic websites. The forms offered more information
on the types of products and services that Frank and his friends
offered. The websites' visitors checked this box requesting more
information, and these names (along with datestamp, IP address
and other relevant information) was passed to the opt-in
name purchasers.
As I listened to this talk of building a list of 100,000 in a month
or less, I wondered, if it's so great, why isn't everyone doing
it? The answer that later became clear is that many of the top
marketers ARE doing it. It's not their only method of building
a list, but it's definitely one of their most profitable.
The next question that popped into my tiny mind was, "Are
these really subscribers or will I be accused of spamming if
I send emails to these people?" These people do actually opt-in
to receive more information about starting an on-line business.
They do physically check a box requesting more information
be sent to them. That does technically make them opt-ins.
Later, my coaches and mentors would share with me many
SECRETS. One was that when you have access to one of
these list, it's all about return on investment. We all know
that names purchased via co-opt systems are less responsive.
They are less responsive because the subscribers don't know
you - they don't have a relationship with you.
These mentors went on to share that there was a proper
way to legitimately turn these opt-in "LEADS" into
subscribers. The method is very simple. In your first,
and every email to them, you remind them that they
requested more information of this type through an on-line
form. It doesn't hurt to include the date, IP address and
email address they subscribed from. Then you go on to
share some fantastic information with them... maybe in
the form of your ezine. In every contact with these
purchased names you also include an easy method for
them to unsubscribe.
If you provide genuine value, over time, you will build a
relationship with many of these leads. Many will
unsubscribe, but again - the important metric is return on
investment. that's what you need to track. If you start out
with 100,000 names but 6 months later that list has
dwindled down to 10,000 or maybe even 1000, what is the
lifetime value of those list members remaining? That's
the question you need to ask. You answer that largely
based upon what you currently earn for each subscriber
on your list.
Another concept that sank into my head at Joel's
workshop was the concept of building sub-lists. These
are lists that are kept separated based upon the source.
This allows you to send emails/offers to your lists based
upon list demographics or how they were acquired.
I now have many sub-lists. These sub-lists are from
articles I written, teleseminars I conducted, interviews
I given, course I've authored, website forms, joint ventures,
and co-registration purchases. Each list is generally
set up as an autoresponder that I can send select messages
to. My autoresponder system allows me to send out an
unlimited number of both scheduled and unscheduled
messages.
The primary system I use cost me $19 per month for
an unlimited number of autoresponders with an unlimited
number of messages. I can pre-schedule message for
up to 24 months. This fantastic autoresponder deal is
available through http://ProfitAutomation.com
ProfitAutomation.com does have very strict policies on how
these autoresponders can be used to prevent spam accusation
problems! There is also a limit on the number of new names
you can import at a time. For that reason, I recommend that
when dealing with co-registration emails you use the
autoresponders at: http://Therealsecrets.com/co-reg/
I also recommend that with co-registration names you not
email to them too often. I send them a few emails, spaced
over several months. In those emails, I provide information
of genuine value... on the topic of building an on-line
business AND I invite them to join my regular ezine list. In
each email, I inform them of how and why they are getting
the email AND provide a convenient unsubscribe link.
Over the years, I've spent many thousands of dollars on
co-registration lists. The quality has varied. The best deal
I have discovered is through the "Nitro Guys." They can
deliver 100,000 names in 30 days. If you want less, they
have an "auto-ship plan" where they send you 25,000 names
a month. These names are in CVS format which mean you
can import them directly into many list management and
autoresponder systems. Some systems, including
ProfitAutomation.com, mentioned above, do limit the number
of names you can import at a time... so read the terms
of service before signing up.
I mentioned the "Nitro Guys. I was attracted to them by
the following intriguing headline:
"Ever Wonder How Top Marketers Get Thousands Of Subscribers
On Their Lists While Everyone Else Struggles To Just Get A
Couple Hundred?"
I clicked through to their site to complete the education I
had started at Joel Christopher's workshop…
They taught me all about the system a lot of top marketers
use to build their lists fast. Their service provides me with
a great return on investment. That's what keeps me going back.
For more on their services visit: http://Therealsecrets.com/co-reg/
There are no real magic bullets. I've found the names purchased
through co-registration services much less responsive than the
names acquired from visitors to my website. However, I have grown
to consider opt-in co-registration names to be a vital part of my
marketing mix. Maybe you will too? Give it some thought. And
now… you know one of the secrets to building a mailing list of
100,000 in 30 days.
Seminar" listening to ideas on how to build my list faster. The
room was filled with seasoned on-line and off-line marketers. They
all told us that the money was in the list... something we all
knew intuitively.
People in the room shared just about every method imaginable
for building a list. They covered what worked, what didn't, and
what you definitely should not do. They shared their personal
experiences and the results of their latest list building tests.
A few of the speakers had tremendous impact on me. One was
Paul Myers, whom I previously knew primarily from on-line
discussion forums. I had also enjoyed several LONG phone calls
with him. The other speaker whose message intrigued me was
Frank Garon. Frank spoke of buying lists of new subscribers for
less than a penny a name. He spoke of something called
"co-registration."
Terry Dean also validated for me the impact writing good ezine
articles can have at that seminar.
Frank Garon REVEALED that he and other top marketers
regularly joined together and bought batches of tens of thousands....
maybe 100,000 names. These names were gathered via on-line forms
placed on high traffic websites. The forms offered more information
on the types of products and services that Frank and his friends
offered. The websites' visitors checked this box requesting more
information, and these names (along with datestamp, IP address
and other relevant information) was passed to the opt-in
name purchasers.
As I listened to this talk of building a list of 100,000 in a month
or less, I wondered, if it's so great, why isn't everyone doing
it? The answer that later became clear is that many of the top
marketers ARE doing it. It's not their only method of building
a list, but it's definitely one of their most profitable.
The next question that popped into my tiny mind was, "Are
these really subscribers or will I be accused of spamming if
I send emails to these people?" These people do actually opt-in
to receive more information about starting an on-line business.
They do physically check a box requesting more information
be sent to them. That does technically make them opt-ins.
Later, my coaches and mentors would share with me many
SECRETS. One was that when you have access to one of
these list, it's all about return on investment. We all know
that names purchased via co-opt systems are less responsive.
They are less responsive because the subscribers don't know
you - they don't have a relationship with you.
These mentors went on to share that there was a proper
way to legitimately turn these opt-in "LEADS" into
subscribers. The method is very simple. In your first,
and every email to them, you remind them that they
requested more information of this type through an on-line
form. It doesn't hurt to include the date, IP address and
email address they subscribed from. Then you go on to
share some fantastic information with them... maybe in
the form of your ezine. In every contact with these
purchased names you also include an easy method for
them to unsubscribe.
If you provide genuine value, over time, you will build a
relationship with many of these leads. Many will
unsubscribe, but again - the important metric is return on
investment. that's what you need to track. If you start out
with 100,000 names but 6 months later that list has
dwindled down to 10,000 or maybe even 1000, what is the
lifetime value of those list members remaining? That's
the question you need to ask. You answer that largely
based upon what you currently earn for each subscriber
on your list.
Another concept that sank into my head at Joel's
workshop was the concept of building sub-lists. These
are lists that are kept separated based upon the source.
This allows you to send emails/offers to your lists based
upon list demographics or how they were acquired.
I now have many sub-lists. These sub-lists are from
articles I written, teleseminars I conducted, interviews
I given, course I've authored, website forms, joint ventures,
and co-registration purchases. Each list is generally
set up as an autoresponder that I can send select messages
to. My autoresponder system allows me to send out an
unlimited number of both scheduled and unscheduled
messages.
The primary system I use cost me $19 per month for
an unlimited number of autoresponders with an unlimited
number of messages. I can pre-schedule message for
up to 24 months. This fantastic autoresponder deal is
available through http://ProfitAutomation.com
ProfitAutomation.com does have very strict policies on how
these autoresponders can be used to prevent spam accusation
problems! There is also a limit on the number of new names
you can import at a time. For that reason, I recommend that
when dealing with co-registration emails you use the
autoresponders at: http://Therealsecrets.com/co-reg/
I also recommend that with co-registration names you not
email to them too often. I send them a few emails, spaced
over several months. In those emails, I provide information
of genuine value... on the topic of building an on-line
business AND I invite them to join my regular ezine list. In
each email, I inform them of how and why they are getting
the email AND provide a convenient unsubscribe link.
Over the years, I've spent many thousands of dollars on
co-registration lists. The quality has varied. The best deal
I have discovered is through the "Nitro Guys." They can
deliver 100,000 names in 30 days. If you want less, they
have an "auto-ship plan" where they send you 25,000 names
a month. These names are in CVS format which mean you
can import them directly into many list management and
autoresponder systems. Some systems, including
ProfitAutomation.com, mentioned above, do limit the number
of names you can import at a time... so read the terms
of service before signing up.
I mentioned the "Nitro Guys. I was attracted to them by
the following intriguing headline:
"Ever Wonder How Top Marketers Get Thousands Of Subscribers
On Their Lists While Everyone Else Struggles To Just Get A
Couple Hundred?"
I clicked through to their site to complete the education I
had started at Joel Christopher's workshop…
They taught me all about the system a lot of top marketers
use to build their lists fast. Their service provides me with
a great return on investment. That's what keeps me going back.
For more on their services visit: http://Therealsecrets.com/co-reg/
There are no real magic bullets. I've found the names purchased
through co-registration services much less responsive than the
names acquired from visitors to my website. However, I have grown
to consider opt-in co-registration names to be a vital part of my
marketing mix. Maybe you will too? Give it some thought. And
now… you know one of the secrets to building a mailing list of
100,000 in 30 days.
10. Lightening Fast Ways To Escalate Your Sales
1. Sell an inexpensive product to sell an expensive product.
If people like your inexpensive product, they'll be persuaded
to buy your expensive one.
2. Allow your visitors to decided how much they want to pay
for your product. I only recommend it for products that
don't sell or ones that hardly sell.
3. Create an extra revenue stream with your web site's
articles or content. Publish the first paragraph of each
article and charge people to read the rest.
4. E-mail targeted e-zines and ask them to do a joint
venture with you. Ask them to run your ad and in exchange
they get a percentage of the profits.
5. Find a tiny niche for your new free e-zine. There are
thousands of free e-zines; your e-zine needs to be extra
specialized to attract new subscribers.
6. Test your ads by using autoresponders. You can have
people e-mail your autoresponders to get more information
and you just check your traffic reports.
7. Create credibility and trust with your visitors by
telling them something they already know. They'll know for
sure you're not lying to them.
8. Make residual income from your customers by selling back
end products. If you don't have any, you could sign up to
related affiliate programs.
9. Use a redirect page to boost your sales. People think
the long affiliate URLs look unprofessional in e-mail so
you could redirect them to a web link.
10. Create an extra income from your web site by charging
for consulting. The consulting should be related to your
web site's theme.
If people like your inexpensive product, they'll be persuaded
to buy your expensive one.
2. Allow your visitors to decided how much they want to pay
for your product. I only recommend it for products that
don't sell or ones that hardly sell.
3. Create an extra revenue stream with your web site's
articles or content. Publish the first paragraph of each
article and charge people to read the rest.
4. E-mail targeted e-zines and ask them to do a joint
venture with you. Ask them to run your ad and in exchange
they get a percentage of the profits.
5. Find a tiny niche for your new free e-zine. There are
thousands of free e-zines; your e-zine needs to be extra
specialized to attract new subscribers.
6. Test your ads by using autoresponders. You can have
people e-mail your autoresponders to get more information
and you just check your traffic reports.
7. Create credibility and trust with your visitors by
telling them something they already know. They'll know for
sure you're not lying to them.
8. Make residual income from your customers by selling back
end products. If you don't have any, you could sign up to
related affiliate programs.
9. Use a redirect page to boost your sales. People think
the long affiliate URLs look unprofessional in e-mail so
you could redirect them to a web link.
10. Create an extra income from your web site by charging
for consulting. The consulting should be related to your
web site's theme.
10 Powerful Ways To Grow Your Income
1. Don't forget to follow up with your customers. You could follow up with a related product, service or affiliate program. Follow up every month or so with a new product and watch your wallet grow.
2. You can always upsell to your customers. When they reach your order page, let them know about a few extra related products that you sell. This is a great way to squeeze more profit from each customer.
3. Let your customers refer new customers for a full rebate of their purchase. This could easily turn one sale into three or four.
4. Let your customers know about your affiliate program. Work in how they only have to refer a few people in order to pay back their purchase price and make a profit.
5. Sell resell rights to your product or even sell a brandable version. You can include an ad for similar products and make money off of the sales and also make money selling the resell rights to your product as a back end.
6. Create a package with other people’s products. You could include a sample and offer the product owners a portion of the referral sales from the sample. This is an easy way of having other people sell your product for you.
7 Offer your customers a discount on a related product. Since they all ready have built a relationship with them, you could push a higher ticket product.
8. Send your customers offers for add-ons to your original products. You could easily offer upgrades, related services, software and so on. If they enjoyed the original product, they’ll buy the add-ons.
9. Sell gift certificates for your products. You'll make money from the sales of the gift certificates and you can follow up with related products in order to profit from future sales.
10. Send your customers freebies. You could place an ad for your website on bumper stickers, baseball hats, t-shirts and so forth. Through indirect exposure, people will visit your website and purchase.
2. You can always upsell to your customers. When they reach your order page, let them know about a few extra related products that you sell. This is a great way to squeeze more profit from each customer.
3. Let your customers refer new customers for a full rebate of their purchase. This could easily turn one sale into three or four.
4. Let your customers know about your affiliate program. Work in how they only have to refer a few people in order to pay back their purchase price and make a profit.
5. Sell resell rights to your product or even sell a brandable version. You can include an ad for similar products and make money off of the sales and also make money selling the resell rights to your product as a back end.
6. Create a package with other people’s products. You could include a sample and offer the product owners a portion of the referral sales from the sample. This is an easy way of having other people sell your product for you.
7 Offer your customers a discount on a related product. Since they all ready have built a relationship with them, you could push a higher ticket product.
8. Send your customers offers for add-ons to your original products. You could easily offer upgrades, related services, software and so on. If they enjoyed the original product, they’ll buy the add-ons.
9. Sell gift certificates for your products. You'll make money from the sales of the gift certificates and you can follow up with related products in order to profit from future sales.
10. Send your customers freebies. You could place an ad for your website on bumper stickers, baseball hats, t-shirts and so forth. Through indirect exposure, people will visit your website and purchase.
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