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[2003-04-30] When A Penny's Not a Penny
We know when we're writing for an internet audience that, in theory, that audience speaks, understands and uses a multiplicity of languages and that we may be losing out on potential customers if we only use one language and don't get our ads, articles and web sites translated.
[2003-04-30] SEO Corner - Australian / New Zealand Google
Question: Can you tell me how I can submit to Google and Anzwer Australia / New Zealand? I rank number 4 in the World search but don't even show in Australian searches. Is it because I have .com and not .com.au?
[2003-04-30] Newsletter Critique: ExtraordinaryHomes.com
Carol Abrahamson, a new reader and owner of ExtraordinaryHomes.com, recently wrote in to Michael Katz to ask him some questions about the e-newsletter she's developing. Their conversation reveals both Carol's unique and vivacious approach to marketing, as well as Michael's understanding of e-newsletters.
[2003-04-30] Rethinking Your Business Strategy!
More than likely everyone has heard the quote by Michael Michalko of Thinkertoys who coined the phrase, "If you always do what you've always done, you'll always get what you've always got." Based upon the assumption that a different result or outcome is desired in regard to our business endeavors, it makes sense that we must be vigilant in our efforts to do things a little differently! But change doesn't come easily to most people. While we want to see effective results, lots of people get stuck in what they perceive as the right way and resist change.
[2003-04-30] How To Turn Casual Online Visitors Into Eager Buyers
What else can you do? You've carefully selected or created a product to sell online that is in high demand.
[2003-04-29] 25 Easy Ways to Double Subscribers to Your Email Newsletter
What's the key to getting more subscribers to your email list? We talked with clients to discover what they do to grow their lists, and we compiled their 25 most applicable ideas.
[2003-04-29] The Power of FEAR
Why is it that so many people SAY they want to operate their own business, but then fail to take any action when required to do so?
[2003-04-29] Marketing Without Results? How to Fix it Today!
Cindy, a professional life coach, has been frustrated with the results her marketing efforts have been producing lately. Despite everything she is doing, the outcome is still not what she is looking for in her bottom line.
[2003-04-28] The Importance of a Good Web Page Title
Many web designers focus just on the actual look and feel of a page and dismiss seemingly minor details like the page title. However, a good title can, in just a few words, tell your visitors what they can expect by reading your page. More importantly, the page title is the only way that many visitors will be able to identify and find your page. A good title can therefore increase the traffic to your site.
[2003-04-28] How to Successfully Train Your Affiliates
Your affiliates are the back-bone of your Internet based business. They are your true sales force. But, unlike in the off-line world, they don't get paid by the hour; they get paid for the sales they make.
[2003-04-28] Tips for Writing Effective Sales Copy
Without fail, every single time I lead a Search Engine Workshop (http://www.searchengineworkshops.com), I get a bevy of questions on how to write effective ad copy. Obviously, the many elements involved have received voluminous regard in myriad books, lectures and seminars spanning more than seven decades. So, to simplify such a wide ranging subject is difficult, to say the least.
Regardless, there are many easily identified basic elements and strategies that can be applied to lay the foundation for solid and effective sales copy. So, without further adieu, here's a grab bag of recommendations that I've gleaned from my own experience combined with the tips I've received from other well respected authorities on the subject.
[2003-04-28] Site Content Review: Organization That Sells
Dear EWRITE,
I've been reading this newsletter for some months now and it's helped me to produce my site at www.cotswoldinternet.com. I'd welcome any feedback and critique on the site especially regarding writing to sell. It's early days but I'm concerned that my copy doesn't sell the site benefits well enough.
[2003-04-28] Top Ten Ways to Increase Web Sales
The ideals and the spirit of the Founding Fathers are very much alive in the 21st Century -- in the lives, and the struggles, of the small business person. In fact, many entrepreneurial dreams begin with the declaration of independence from the tyranny of working for someone else, cutting loose from the unfairness and inequity of the rigid corporate structure.
[2003-04-28] Got What It Takes?
Some people have "instant" success--every project they take on instantly turns to gold; they marry well and have good- looking, intelligent children; their health is always good and they seem to know all the "right" people.
[2003-04-28] Tips for Writing Effective Sales Copy, Part 2
Pay particular attention to your headlines. This is where you sell the sizzle, not the steak. Your headline must articulate a benefit, a USP! Many ad copy writers spend more time refining their headline than they do the body copy of the ad. And, don't be afraid to test different headlines against each other while leaving the rest of your offer the same.
[2003-04-24] Your E-Newsletter and Cranberry Nut French Toast
As I walked past the "Jimmy Mac Luncheonette" this morning on my way to the post office, I saw a chair positioned out front with a white board propped up on it. Handwritten on the board were these four words: "Cranberry Nut French Toast."
No price, no "Today's Breakfast Special" headline, no assurances that they were, "the leading provider of enterprise-wide french toast solutions for the food consuming public." Just four simple words.
[2003-04-24] Original Content: The Benefits Of Writing It Yourself
One question that comes up often when I speak to businesspeople about E-Newsletters is, "How important is it for us to write original content?" I've been fielding this particular question long enough to know that what's really being asked is, "Can we just get somebody else to write this for us?"
Much to the disappointment of the questioners, my answer has always been a resounding, "No!"
[2003-04-24] Optimizing Your Sales Letter
If you sell a product online, there's a good chance that you have a sales letter for it. Hopefully you've got a great headline that grabs people's attention and then sales copy that states the benefits of your product and is designed to convert visitors to customers. There is a good chance that you have an affiliate program for your product and you may even have organized some joint ventures to promote it.
[2003-04-23] Debunking the Top Ten Internet Home Business Myths
Spend a few days online and you'd think that the Internet is a community of multi-millionaires.
[2003-04-23] Don't Let Your HTML Email Newsletter Break!
Want to increase your newsletter subscribe rates, build your brand, and increase your orders? Then it's time to consider publishing an HTML version of your newsletter. Afraid of HTML errors? Here are six steps to cleaner newsletters, fewer errors, and a great HTML experience for you and your readers.
[2003-04-23] Four Things You Must Do For Online Business Success
Starting a business online can be one of the easiest things you can do. It doesn't take much money, and with all of the free software available, it is very easy to automate every aspect of your business.
[2003-04-22] Caring for Your Customers
You probably think I am going to say something like, "The customer is always right." Right?? Wrong.
I have many philosophies when dealing with customers, but I definitely do not believe that the customer is always right. However, when the customer is wrong, you must handle the situation delicately.
[2003-04-22] Winning Investors: High Fives, KISS & Tell, and Slippery Fingers
By far, the most common question we receive at BizPro is a simple "How do I get my business started?" or "How do I get money for my business?" While these seem to be the most basic, obvious questions anyone could ask, you'd be surprised just how many people forget to. The answer is quite simple: prove, beyond a doubt, to anyone with sufficient cash that your idea/company model will function, survive, and profit. That's it! Maybe the simplicity and vagueness of the answer is what drives many entrepreneurs to loose sight of that most important part of planning a new business; how will it get started? In order to successfully communicate your proof to any lender or investor, it would help to understand what they consider to be valid "proof". While the possibilities here are virtually endless, there are at least five main items any lender is sure to evaluate. Be sure they're in your plan!
[2003-04-22] What is Sp^m?
Ask anybody and with a very few exceptions they will tell you "I hate sp^m." Heck, even people who send spam say they hate it. Hating spam is so universal it's almost like hating cancer. Problem is, everyone defines *sp^m* differently:
[2003-04-21] What to Look for in a Web Hosting Package
It is not a small decision to choose a web host for your web site. Once your website begins to flourish and grow, it will become very difficult to move your website to some other host. It is critical to "get it right the first time". Find out as much as you can about your prospective host before making any decisions.
[2003-04-21] Your Web Designer Left You... Now What?
If you rely solely on your web designer, you may find yourself wondering how to take care of your web site if he or she can no longer maintain it for you.
[2003-04-21] 10 Minute Search Engine Optimization
Many small businesses simply do not have the resources to hire a search engine optimization (SEO) company to promote their web site. There are countless resources online for do-it-yourself (DIY) optimizers where professional SEO's offer general recommendations and advice. This article is my opportunity to offer more of my SEO experience in the form of a 10-minute optimization process.
[2003-04-21] Solo Advertising: Understanding the Process
It's almost too good to be true.
[2003-04-21] Successful Direct Email Marketing
Email is certainly an important aspect of marketing on the web. But a single email is never enough -- and in fact can be more costly down the road. Like all marketing messages, it takes repetition in order to get people to first absorb the message, understand it and then take action. Naturally, some people will immediately respond while others need to see the message more than once before they even think about responding to the offer.
[2003-04-21] How to Profit from Initial Consultations
"I'd love to work with you, but..." How many times have you heard these words? As a professional service provider looking to grow your business, isn't it sometimes frustrating to hold an initial session with someone who you'd love to work with but the potential client has a whole list of reasons why s/he would love to work with you, but...?
[2003-04-21] How To Increase Affiliate Click-Through Rates
When you join an affiliate programs, what is it that you want to achieve? Of course, we want to gain commission from the merchant. How can we do that? Commissions are gain when visitors that we refer purchase products or services on the merchant's website. But when the visitors are at the merchant's website, we don not have any control, do we? So, think again. We want the commissions and commissions are only possible when we refer visitors through affiliate links. In my opinion, our actual role as an affiliate is to get visitors to the merchant's website through the affiliate links. After that, it is all up to the merchant. There is a special term for this, click-through rate (CTR).
[2003-04-21] Working at Home: Both Sides of the Coin
If you're considering a home-based business, why not begin a special list of the advantages and disadvantages of running such a business. While the following article may seem flippant, there is a serious side to almost every phrase.
[2003-04-21] Paid Performance: A New Pricing Structure for SEO Companies
"Pricing structures" have always been the source of much discussion among professional SEO's. Knowing how much to charge for SEO services is difficult, and it depends on so many factors. So in the beginning, most SEO's tend to charge less for their services, then spend hour upon hour getting results for their clients.
[2003-04-21] Using Your Emotional Intelligence to Get & Retain the Best Employees
A major problem for employers today is getting the best employees and then keeping them. How do you do this? By understanding what it is employees really want. Being able to sense what others feel and want is empathy, an emotional intelligence competency.
[2003-04-20] The Top 10 Bully-at-a-Glance Statistics
From the US Hostile Workplace Survey, 2000.
About mobbing, bullying and harassment, Jim Landgraf, president of Education Testing Service said: "We don't see $8 billion worth of antidepressants in this country for nothing. The corporate culture is so accepting of these kinds of aggressive actions, it's not going to go away."
[2003-04-20] Don't Make Excuses, Make Things Happen!
You know that your excuses are seldom truthful, often handy and rarely productive. So, why make them?
[2003-04-20] You Need a Little Willingness to Handle Your Anger
Every person who has ever lived has experienced anger. The capacity to become angry is an impressive gift which comes as part of our biological inheritance, but, what we do with our anger makes all the difference.
[2003-04-18] 12 Free Tools For Starting A Home Business With No Money
Want to start your own home business but short on cash? These proven 12 free tools can help you make the move from corporate life to calling the shots.
[2003-04-18] Which Products Should I Sell On My Site?
Far too many people make the mistake of trying to sell only products that they like on their web sites. Others make the mistake of trying to sell only the coolest and flashiest things they can find.
The whole point of starting an Ecommerce web site is to make money. That's something you must not lose sight of (no pun intended!).
[2003-04-17] Beat Procrastination With Your GPS
Researchers estimate we only use around two to ten per cent of our brainpower each day.
[2003-04-16] Are You Backing Up Your BIGGEST Asset?
Have you ever accidentally lost an important file on your computer?
[2003-04-16] Simple Ways to Protect Your Creative Work
Being productive and creative gives importance and meaning to the lives of many people. In some cases, it may also provide them with a means to earn a living. Unfortunately, other people feel that it is easier to just steal someone else's work. How can a creative individual protect their work from thieves?
[2003-04-15] Selling From A Mini Site: The Numbers Don't Lie
I'm going to simply list a process you should be following if you're trying to sell something from a mini site. Step by step, with a running example to drive the point home.
[2003-04-15] Realtors - Unlock the Secret To "Closing" Internet Homebuyers
According to the National Association of Realtors - 69% of new homebuyers plan to use the Internet the next time they purchase a home. Now, if this doesn't make you stand-up and take notice - then nothing else will.
[2003-04-15] The Sky is Falling!
All is lost! You will never make it! Everyone's out to get you! Your business is DOOMED!
[2003-04-15] What Introverted Bunnies Do at Easter
Not all Easter bunnies like to put on their bonnets and join the Easter parade! Some 10% of us are introverts, and holidays can be stressful -- the family get-together for Easter, then those spring outings at work -- here come the golf tournaments, softball games, picnics, and if you live in San Antonio, TX, Fiesta time! What's a shy bunny to do?
[2003-04-14] Reaping The Amazing Benefits Of Writing E-Zine Articles
Marketing on a budget is tough. This is a universal truth that all small business owners face.
[2003-04-14] Draw Lines In The Sand With Ink
We are one hundred per cent responsible for teaching people how to treat us. That's true! If someone tells a racist joke in front of you and it is something you do not appreciate, you must say something. If you do not, you have just told the joke teller that it is all right with you. It's that easy!
[2003-04-13] The Advantages of Affiliate Program Networks
If you are looking at making a few extra dollars from your site from affiliate programs, the Affiliate Program Networks are definitely the way to go. An Affiliate Program Networks runs affiliate programs for many different companies which allows you to join, get the links, see your stats and get paid all in one place. There are a number of advantages to joining these programs via a network rather than joining them individually. Here are the reasons why.
[2003-04-13] Profting From Mistakes
For many years now, getting traffic from search engines when people misspell a word has been a popular technique. I've often read that you should include spelling errors in the meta keyword tag on your page. Unfortunately, there is a problem with this advice.
[2003-04-11] How to Market Your Unsold Books on the Internet: It's Easy
Your book expresses your wondrous information, your creativity, your genius. It's your dream come true. Or is it? You have already tried a few venues--maybe an expo, book signings, press releases, book reviews, distributors, wholesalers, speaking and book tours.
[2003-04-10] Facing the Many Challenges of a Web Based Business!
When analyzing, identifying and exploring the many challenges of a web based business, it would be difficult to say that one specific area is the most challenging over others. By virtue of the fact that things change so drastically and constantly on the Internet, today's answers are often tomorrow's questions. Consequently, as soon as we figure out one set of problems, the age of technology presents us with yet another series of circumstances.
[2003-04-10] It's Worth It!
Starting a business is hard work.
Let me repeat that...STARTING A BUSINESS IS HARD WORK.
[2003-04-10] Set Yourself Up To Be Successfully Focused
Being focused and successful requires structure, a supportive framework. It's similar to the poles which successfully hold up the canvas of a tent. Without the required poles there wouldn't be enough structure to successfully create the tent. You too need to put in place sufficient structure to support your goals and dreams.
[2003-04-09] Realtors - How To Start A Traffic Explosion In Your Spare Time
I know that you are busy. The average realtor works 14 hours a day showing homes, doing paperwork, listing presentations, and advertising. When you are stretched for time - something usually drops and that "something" is usually your website. I know that you want to get that website to pump out a steady stream of leads - but you don't have the time to get started.
[2003-04-09] Retirement Investing For The Independent Contractor
Hi Ulli,
Thanks for offering your knowledge to help WebProNews readers out! Here's my question:
I work for a small family owned company. Although I have worked here for over a year and work a 40 hour week, I am not hired as an "employee" because they can't afford to offer me any sort of benefits yet. I am an "independent contractor" for them and file my taxes as such. Because of this, I do not have a 401K and need to start investing for my future in ways other then my savings account! My salary is 55K per year. What are my options and what do you suggest? Thanks for your help!
[2003-04-09] Asking for Referrals, Getting Them and Keeping Them, Part I
I'm a professional coach. I'm not in it to see if I like it, or how much I can make how fast, or because it's the latest fad. I'm in it because it's my profession. I love the work and I'm in it for the long haul. It took years to learn the skills and build the practice base and my product is people's lives. Therefore, yes, I take it seriously, and I think most professionals do. When I refer someone to someone else for professional services, this is going to reflect on my judgment, and also on how I care for my clients.
[2003-04-08] 7 Ways to Improve your Marketing Creatively
There are a many ways to be innovative with your marketing, no matter what field you're in. In this article, I'm going to show you 7 ways on how to release your inhibitions and begin thinking more creatively. I'm also going to give you some exercises to enhance your creativity.
[2003-04-08] The Problem With Free
Many people put free information, free samples, free anything - to lure in visitors. However, the problem is that once most of the visitors find the freebie, they are gone. Make them work for the freebie - and perhaps they will see something on your site they will look further at.
[2003-04-08] If I Had To Do It All Over Again
I've been marketing for almost 4 years now. I've spent a lot of money, wasted a lot of money; spent a lot of time, wasted a lot of time; listened to a lot of advice, followed a lot of bad advice.
[2003-04-08] Choosing a Site that Sells
Often times when we embark on web business we talk about "getting a web site."
[2003-04-07] Savvy Tax Professional Uses Smart Marketing to Immediately Profit
How would you like to add thousands of dollars in immediate profit plus gain a steady stream of new customers to your professional practice? The profit strategy described below works well for most small businesses and especially professional practices such as accountants, doctors, consultants, etc
[2003-04-07] Realtors - 3 Easy Steps To A Steady Supply of Online Leads
Your website is packed with information. Potential clients are showing up and spending time reading your helpful tips on home buying and selling. But you have a problem. You don’t know who they are and if
they will come back.
Not anymore.
[2003-04-07] One Key to Happiness
What is happiness?
I remember many different times in my life when I have tried to answer that question--both for myself and for the people I have worked with in seminars and workshops.
[2003-04-04] Mini-Marketing - Before you get started.
Promotion of your business is essential to its growth; this we know. But for many of us the frustration is where to go from there. Here are some simple starter tips to keep in mind:
[2003-04-04] How to Go on, When the Going Gets Rough!
There has never been a more opportune time to follow your heart and realize your dreams. However getting to the pot of gold is not always easy. It takes dedication, commitment and the willingness to do whatever it takes.
[2003-04-03] Google Ads Flow To The Amazon
Amazon.com and Google, developer of the largest performance-based search advertising program, today announced a multi-year agreement that will make Google's search technology and targeted sponsored links available on Amazon.com.
[2003-04-03] Would You Rather Be Wealthy?
Would you rather be wealthy or poverty-stricken? Not a difficult question to answer, is it? How do you think your thoughts impact on your financial state?
[2003-04-03] The Importance of Uninterrupted Time
Have you ever been right in the middle of writing the perfect sentence when a co-worker or spouse appeared at the door with a need? Ever been working on a proposal and just as it really begins to come together your phone rings? Not only are these events annoying, irritating and downright infuriating, they are extremely inefficient uses of your time.
[2003-04-03] Use Your GPS (Goal Positioning System) To Achieve
How's your motor running? Are you powering through your daily tasks and accomplishing all the goals you set for yourself, or are you stuck in life's slow lane?
[2003-04-02] Profit From On-line Self-Surveys
Which subject do you think people are most interested in? a) money, b) movie stars c) themselves. If you answered c, give yourself five points and move on to an interesting Web business opportunity: on-line self-surveys.
[2003-04-02] Creating Products That Will Make You Money
Most products will NOT make money online. The ones that will have the proper combination of demand, supply and profit margin. Wise Internet business people take the time to do the research first--and know whether or not the demand is there BEFORE they build a site and advertise it.
[2003-04-02] How To Make Your Business The Center Of Attention
There is nothing like a good positive news story to put a business on the map. Done right; it will create more attention and have more credibility than thousands of dollars worth of paid-for advertising. But how do you achieve that?
[2003-04-02] $800K From His Home Business!
There are people who are successful on the web--making $100K or so--and then there are SUPER successes, people like Chad Tackett. Chad makes over $800,000 per year from his single website.
[2003-04-01] Realtors - How to Turn Your Internet Visitors into Roaring Hot Leads
I often hear this problem from realtors that I coach "I get people who visit my website but I don't know how to convert them into a hot lead"
[2003-04-01] Do You Have What It Takes?
It was a simple, rather quiet affair, no big splash, no thousands of guests and catered dinner. There wasn't a polka band or DJ spinning the top forty.
[2003-04-01] Take A Reality Check On Time
You have more than enough time for the things you've chosen to focus on, haven't you? Perhaps your focus is on your personal life, your career, being a leader, developing your business or whatever is important to you. If your use of time doesn't reflect these focused activities, the route to achieving personal success will be a long one.
[2003-04-01] Products That Make You Money
When the Internet was young, most people thought it was a gold-mine. Just put any old product "online" and you will make thousands of sales overnight.
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