Using MySpace To Promote Your Business

I'm not a big techie person, but I sometimes browse through the magazine, Wired, to get any news about current trends on the internet. The owner of MySpace, Rupert Murdoch, was recently interviewed for the magazine where he talks about the how media is changing into a democratized realm where bloggers and online media seem to be taking over. Who knew that MySpace would make it so big? Even I, who usually shy away from "social networking" sites, have been entranced by the power MySpace has in connecting you to so many people. Since creating an account with them, I have been in contact with so many people I've previously lost contact with. So what does this have to do with internet business? Plenty. We all know that business is about building relationships with people. Why not use MySpace to market your business? With a MySpace account you can create a blog and even post "Bulletins" to all of your Friends who are connected to you.

Blogging For Business Teleseminar

Do you need to increase the number of your web site visitors? Get more buyers for your products? Grow your newsletter list? Biana Babinsky does all of that with her blog. She uses her blog for getting more targeted web site traffic, new newsletter subscribers and customers. Join Biana on June 29th at 2pm Eastern time for the Blogging for Business Teleseminar to learn how to start a blog in under 20 minutes, get more clients with your blog and monetize your blog even further. Here is what you will learn on the call: * Why a blog should be a very important part of yourmarketing strategy * Different blogging platforms you can use, how they compare, and what is the best platform for YOU * How to bring targeted readers to your blog * How to get search engine traffic to your blog * How to monetize your blog Register for Blogging for Business Teleseminar...Click Here!

Tips On Creating Content and Links For Your Website

At my other blog, CustomersAreAlways, I share an example of what not to do when you have a business blog. This certainly is applicable to a website as well. When you are creating content for your website, you want to include keywords as often as you can, but you don't want overkill. They say the maximum you should include a keyword phrase on a page is five times. Otherwise the search engine can view your website as "spammy". And I know that this may be obvious, but if your website is about dishwashers, don't include information about blowdryers on your website. Likewise, it's better to link to other websites that are related to your product or service. For link building tips, I suggest visiting the Link Building Blog. BONUS: Here's a nifty little tool that that tells you what a link from your website is valued at.

Jon's Ingredients to Succeed on the Internet

Everyone has their their own views as to what determines success and how you can succeed on the internet. I've expressed my theory of success here and here before. Jon of Super Affiliate Marketing Blog has his own "ingredients" which he states in a post called Affiliate Marketing - A Mind Game: The answer to the secret is that one of the most serious ingredients to really succeed is getting yourself in the right state of mind. The most common mistake is when a webmaster convinces themself they are ready for the project, but really, all they are ready to do is count their money, or even worse, what they could be making (spending it before they’ve made it). This is poison to a potentially successful webmaster. The answers to your questions are laid out right before you, it’s up to you to reach out and grab it and do something with it. Great advice and we can even apply this to any venture we tackle in life whether it be online or offline...or even in our personal lives.

Ways to Improve Your Results in the Search Engines

I just came across Margaret's blog where she offers some tips on improving your rankings in the search engines: Add your web url and your best keyword search terms into web directories. Publish articles about your business in article directories - and you will be allowed to leave a link back to your web site in the "resource box" - a profile of you, the author. Take part in discussion forums and, depending on the site, edit your signature block in EACH site, so that there is a live hyperlink back to your web site. If you arrange a link exchange with another site, you must be aware that linking to a bad web site can hurt you considerably. So try to choose only reputable companies or web sites when you are trying to arrange a link exchange. Use Pay-per-click search engines to bring traffic to your web site (this can work very well when you are selling products or services. Have any tips to share? Leave your comments...

Tips To Ensure Your Online Success

One of the biggest misconceptions of having an online business is that people think by simply putting up a website that they’re immediately going to make an enormous amount of money. Not so. Like any business, you still need to put in the effort and “pay your dues.” Many online business owners look at short-term goals rather than think about optimizing for the long-term sustainability of the business. I write more about this topic at my other blog which you can read here… This is not to say that you should work hard, because “work hard” is the antithesis of my values in life. Rather, I like to “work smart”…or better yet, “have a passion”. Because when you love what you do, you never think of it as “work”. What do you do to ensure your success with your online business? Here are some very simple tips that you can do right now: 1) Keep your website updated. When you update your website at least twice a week, it keeps the momentum going and avoids stagnant “energy” that plagues many websites. I find that soon after I update a website, I get new subscribers and even a sale or two. Customers like new information and will continue to visit your website when you engage them. 2) Join an online community. There are many online groups that are geared towards online business owners. Don’t join the ones that are filled junk ads. Join the groups that have members who share their experiences, tips, and engage in conversation. Remember that you’re not alone in your business venture! I’ve started an online group and would love to have you join….Click here. 3) Find a mentor. There are many people out there who have successful online businesses who would love to help you out, myself included ;) One of my mentors has been Robert G. Allen, the author of Multiple Streams of Internet Income. Granted, he and I have never met, but I’ve learned so much from reading his books. For more tips, The Business From Home Ideas Blog posted an article by Mal Keenan titled 5 Important Steps to Ensure Online Home Business Success. Check it out here…

Duct Tape Marketing's Universal Business Strategy

John Jantsch of Duct Tape Marketing has a philosophy, or strategy, behind marketing - which he calls the "Three C's": Content, Contact, and Community: Content is simply the development of highly valuable content. The kind of content that people would pay to get or have filtered for them. The kind that you can turn into information products - no matter what business you are in. Contact is simply making contact with a audience hungry for this content and finding ways to package and offer this content/information no matter what you really sell or make - think ebooks, teleseminars and offline products. Community is taking a group that enjoys your content and contact and finding ways to bring them together to make the content and contact better, more useful, bigger for all. This can be as basic as holding group training or even group client lunches around a theme. My thoughts: - Content, content, content... This is definitely the end all and be all of a website. If you don't have unique and valuable content plus great customer service, you're not going to last very long online. - As far as contact is concerned, you must constantly be in contact with your customers as well as stay in contact with other industry professionals. What I love about being online is that I come in contact with so many people around the world. I've established bonds with other successful entrepreneurs and learn from them. - Community...this is tied in with contact. Isn't that what life is all about? Establishing a community - sharing with each other and helping each other succeed. That's what I hope to establish here. What's your marketing strategy?

Sticky Websites, Copy, and Content

For those of you who are new to website design or online business, you've probably heard the word "sticky" before. Having a sticky blog means increased traffic to your website which in turn can lead to more sales. There are a number of ways to make your website sticky. Steve Browne of LoneWolftracks offers his insight and gives us some tips on how to add value to your website. These tips are a condensed version of Steve's post: 1. Professionalism. For businesses, at least, a professional image, store front, and selling practice and policy is a must. 2. Intuitive navigation. Try to make everything on your site accessible in two clicks regardless of the starting point. 3. Lots of relevant, quality content. This may be the most important sticky trait of your web site. 4. Interactivity. If possible, a great way to engage your customers is to give them something to do. 5. Entertainment. Sometimes we don't like to admit it, but most everyone likes to be entertained online. 6. News within the niche. If you can provide timely news about your niche, you will attract the news junkies and get a lot of daily traffic as a result. 7. Unique and one-of-a-kind commentary. 8. Freebies and/or downloads. 9. Whatever you offer, keep it fresh! I found that FreeSticky.com is a great source for free content for your website. You can find everything from cartoons, games, weather, and articles to clipart. On another note, Michel Fortin talks about this issue in an article titled "Want a Sticky Website that Sells? Forget Content!"

Bootstrap Your Way to Success

Being an entrepreneur who has pretty much bootstrapped my way into every business I've ventured into, I found this blog to be of interest: Bootstrap Network Blog. Learn about other people who have bootstrapped their way to success... Here's an article at CNN that may be of interest: 5 ways to start a company (without quitting your day job) - found via A Mountain Top

Web 2.0 Babble

by Andrew Corner The seeming collapse of cyberspace in 2001 became a point upon which web trends turned. People predicted the end of the cyber era. However, this is all part of a vicious technological cycle of peak trends and shakeouts. It is at this point, that real success is measured. And the development of Web 2.0 is just that.The concept began with the premise that contrary to speculations of web-crashing, the Web or the Internet is more promising and needed than ever. The steady rate of development, and coming out of new sites and programs are taken as signs of a stronger Web space. This was taken into consideration by MediaLive International and the O'Reily Team in developing the concept of Web 2.0. However, the passing years have tangled the meaning of the concept. Disagreements about its meaning added to the general mayhem. What exactly is Web 2.0, and how does it differ from the Internet of the past (Web 1.0)? Their main difference is that Web 2.0 strives to make the web space more personalized and interactive. Whereas Web 1.0 uses static HTML, the 2.0 version offers blog publishing which is highly interactive and dynamic. Web 2. 0 also tries to un-complicate the web experience so even newbies won't feel intimidated by the many links and complicated web designs. As a result, Web 2.0 prioritizes navigability and simplicity in website design. Moreover, sites can be managed by several authors rather than an exclusive group of Internet professionals. Personal sites are also out of Web 2.0 together with the guessing game that comes with domain names. Personal blogs wherein the owner can post whatever interests him is the "in" thing. Plus, blog readers can comment on whatever the writer wrote, thus, the experience is kept active and dynamic. In addition, SEOs also make it easy to find information and websites. With Web 2.0, cyberspace can live up to its tag as an info superhighway.Other innovations on Web 2.0 version are the use of syndication and folksonomy. With this new applications, directories are no longer needed. Plus, new infoware are in constant beta. Software are easily available in the Internet rather than sold as separate items. Web 2.0 is easier on the user as compared to the older version. This makes Web 2.0 a stronger, steadier, and wider space wherein everyone can find a niche for himself. For more information on Web 2.0 please see http://www.whatisweb20.net

Have You Backed Up Your Files?

I just bought a brand new laptop because my PC recently crashed. I had tons of files on my hard drive that have now made their way to PC Heaven. Sigh. I refused to listen to that little voice in my head telling my to backup my files, so I only blame myself. However, I'm even a little paranoid about backing up my files. Adam Dudley over at Entrepreneur Evolution says that an extra eternal hard-drive can still be vulnerable to damage. More paranoia. If I have to, I will print out a physical hard copy of everything! I like to touch and feel my work anyways :) Well, now enters these online storage services. I just joined Box.net, thanks to Adam's suggestion, and gave it a test run. Seems pretty easy to use and I was able to drag-and-drop folders in a snap. Adam also points us over to TechCrunch who offers a thorough review of The Online Storage Gang. But....now my files are in cyberspace....waiting for the internet to gobble it up...