I’ve found a cool apartment! Okay, okay…so it’s not perfect. Just a few bugs. I mean literally! First expense? An exterminator! Is it worth the cash? Well, I can’t afford a more expensive place, so a one-time (please!) cash outlay should be okay. Maybe just a can of “Raid?”
I need a way to move my stuff. Daddy, can I borrow your truck? You don’t have one? Why not? Do you want one? I’ll help you pick it out! Well, it was just a suggestion. No need to get all bent out of shape! I guess I’d better call the truck rental places. What do you mean…$200…PLUS mileage? AND Gas? Good grief!
While I’m on the phone I’ll call the utility and phone companies. Yes, I know I haven’t used your services before. No, I don’t have a credit card; this is my first place. You want what? A $100 deposit? For EACH? Holy cow…do you people have a license to steal?
Daddy, I need $500 for moving expenses! I used all my money for the first and last months rent AND the damage deposit. Well, how was I to know this was going to be so expensive? Sell something? Daaaaad…I NEED my TV!
Boy, this place is pretty empty. Maybe I should buy a couch and a chair. Nah…I have my bed. That’ll be good enough. I don’t need a table; I’ll just use this box.
Renters Insurance? I don’t think so! What do I have to insure?
Just got my first phone call! I’d love to come to your party! Daddy, I need a car. Because it’s too far to walk to work, that’s why. Umm, Daddy…there’s car insurance too! Thanks, Dad…you’re the best! And gas? I didn’t think so…
Time for dinner. Let’s look in these boxes. Oh, No! No dishes or pans. No FOOD!
Uhhh, Mom?
Minggu, 28 Februari 2010
Sabtu, 27 Februari 2010
A Hot Trend For 2006 - Internet TV
The term Internet TV may refer to either of two things. Internet TV may refer to a set top box that allows users to view Internet content on their television. Alternatively it may refer to television shows and channels that are broadcast over the Internet allowing you to watch your favorite television channels or new channels that you wouldn’t ordinarily receive through your terrestrial television channels.
Internet TV is still a modern technology and, as such, there are regular improvements being made that enable easier access, greater quality footage and other features. It’s possible to find most of your favorite television and satellite channels on the Internet that transmit simultaneously on the Internet. It is quite easy to find access to these stations for free and completely legally. Alternatively, there are also new stations that aren’t available except on the Internet or new content provided by existing television stations. The use of internet TV broadens the entertainment capability by giving the viewers more channels equipped with more of the shows that people really want.
You will need high speed Internet access and a reasonable computer to ensure that you receive a good quality of footage. However, apart from this you do not need any more equipment. Previous problems have been that the cost and the difficulty of setting up an Internet TV station have made it unfeasible to do so. However, the technology required for video streaming has become more easily accessible and more affordable. As more and more people become aware of internet TV the funds being appropriated to the concept are increasing making it even easier for small TV stations to set up online and provide high quality television online.
One emerging method to help Internet users access and watch Internet television is a peer-to-peer network. P2P streaming enables users from all over the world to share image files with one another, including live TV action. The more people who share a particular channel, the better the quality usually is. P2P streaming looks set to present excellent options for the future if any new developments are not introduced first that will take away the need for P2P.
Internet TV is still a modern technology and, as such, there are regular improvements being made that enable easier access, greater quality footage and other features. It’s possible to find most of your favorite television and satellite channels on the Internet that transmit simultaneously on the Internet. It is quite easy to find access to these stations for free and completely legally. Alternatively, there are also new stations that aren’t available except on the Internet or new content provided by existing television stations. The use of internet TV broadens the entertainment capability by giving the viewers more channels equipped with more of the shows that people really want.
You will need high speed Internet access and a reasonable computer to ensure that you receive a good quality of footage. However, apart from this you do not need any more equipment. Previous problems have been that the cost and the difficulty of setting up an Internet TV station have made it unfeasible to do so. However, the technology required for video streaming has become more easily accessible and more affordable. As more and more people become aware of internet TV the funds being appropriated to the concept are increasing making it even easier for small TV stations to set up online and provide high quality television online.
One emerging method to help Internet users access and watch Internet television is a peer-to-peer network. P2P streaming enables users from all over the world to share image files with one another, including live TV action. The more people who share a particular channel, the better the quality usually is. P2P streaming looks set to present excellent options for the future if any new developments are not introduced first that will take away the need for P2P.
Jumat, 26 Februari 2010
A Hitchhiker's Guide to the Internet
"Where do you work?"
<p>
"Planet Earth."
<p>
Sound familiar? No? Well, it should. More and more people are working from home on the Internet, and there are two things you should know about your office when you work on the Internet.
<p>
First, your office will be very, very small and very, very lonely, as I chronicled in my <a href="http://www.thehappyguy.com/hermit.html">"hermit" articles</a>.
<p>
Second, your office will be very, very big and full of many, many people from every corner of the planet, mostly trying to sell things to each other. That is because when you work from home, Planet Earth is your office and theirs.
<p>
For instance, would you believe that a man on the Internet in the Ukraine delivers the local <a href="http://www.weather4you.info"> weather forecast</a> in Sydney to Chicago? So much for sticking your head out the window.
<p>
I have a client in the UK who sells machine parts through a website selling <a href="http://www.gm-exports.com">ceramic & ball bearings</a> to every country in the world ... except the UK, of course. Doesn't that make the local hardware store redundant?
<p>
With so many clients crowding into my office, I could use some <a href="http://www.thehappyguy.com/articles/stress-relief.html">stress-relief techniques</a> around now.
<p>
<b>Office Politics in the Global Office</b>
<p>
My clients live on almost every continent, and the only thing that occasionally gets in the way of seamless communication are time-zone differences. (If Columbus would have minded his own business, we wouldn't face even that challenge!)
<p>
What's more, my clients are not always English-speaking, and neither are all of my clients' websites. Can you say <a href="http://www.dotcom-monitor.de/network-monitoring.asp">netzwerk überwachung & netzwerküberwachung</a>? I do search engine optimization in four languages - English, French, Spanish and German - which tells you something about the global office in which some of my clients sit.
<p>
But there is more than just language that makes the global office a tricky workplace to navigate. Aside from the lack of water coolers and washrooms, most of the world works in metric, but the biggest Internet market works in imperial. So some customers won't know what a mile is, and others won't know what a kilometer is.
<p>
And everybody spells funny to someone else. Is it honor or honour? Center or centre? Folks or peeps?
<p>
Fortunately for me, I live in Canada. 95% of Canadians live within a stone's throw of the US border. (They are all folks, by the way.) So we officially learn to spell and to count the way the British do (but they are still not peeps). Nevertheless, Americanisms sneak across the border by osmosis, perhaps due to an attack dog budget shortfall at the illegal aliens department.. At least I'll know what a mile is – it's that thing people want to take when I give them an inch.
<p>
And what about currency? I make it simple. I use US dollars, because that really is the currency of the Internet. But I also accept <a href="http://www.paypal.com">Paypal </a> payments, so anybody can input their favorite currency and out pops US dollars on my end. I wish more people would do that. I could use more dollars.
<p>
If none of that phases you, consider time zones. Just as a client in Australia is waking up, your client in the United States is going to bed. And how will they reach you when you are not in the office. Tools like <a href="http://www.email2phone.net">email to phone</a> can help. So can insomnia.
<p>
Nobody twenty years ago would have imagined that you and I could sit at home and type words into a TV screen to make a comfortable living. Welcome to my office – Planet Earth.
<p>
Hmm. Right now I am reading <i>The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy</i>...I wonder if I can work from home on the Internet on any other planets...
<p>
"Planet Earth."
<p>
Sound familiar? No? Well, it should. More and more people are working from home on the Internet, and there are two things you should know about your office when you work on the Internet.
<p>
First, your office will be very, very small and very, very lonely, as I chronicled in my <a href="http://www.thehappyguy.com/hermit.html">"hermit" articles</a>.
<p>
Second, your office will be very, very big and full of many, many people from every corner of the planet, mostly trying to sell things to each other. That is because when you work from home, Planet Earth is your office and theirs.
<p>
For instance, would you believe that a man on the Internet in the Ukraine delivers the local <a href="http://www.weather4you.info"> weather forecast</a> in Sydney to Chicago? So much for sticking your head out the window.
<p>
I have a client in the UK who sells machine parts through a website selling <a href="http://www.gm-exports.com">ceramic & ball bearings</a> to every country in the world ... except the UK, of course. Doesn't that make the local hardware store redundant?
<p>
With so many clients crowding into my office, I could use some <a href="http://www.thehappyguy.com/articles/stress-relief.html">stress-relief techniques</a> around now.
<p>
<b>Office Politics in the Global Office</b>
<p>
My clients live on almost every continent, and the only thing that occasionally gets in the way of seamless communication are time-zone differences. (If Columbus would have minded his own business, we wouldn't face even that challenge!)
<p>
What's more, my clients are not always English-speaking, and neither are all of my clients' websites. Can you say <a href="http://www.dotcom-monitor.de/network-monitoring.asp">netzwerk überwachung & netzwerküberwachung</a>? I do search engine optimization in four languages - English, French, Spanish and German - which tells you something about the global office in which some of my clients sit.
<p>
But there is more than just language that makes the global office a tricky workplace to navigate. Aside from the lack of water coolers and washrooms, most of the world works in metric, but the biggest Internet market works in imperial. So some customers won't know what a mile is, and others won't know what a kilometer is.
<p>
And everybody spells funny to someone else. Is it honor or honour? Center or centre? Folks or peeps?
<p>
Fortunately for me, I live in Canada. 95% of Canadians live within a stone's throw of the US border. (They are all folks, by the way.) So we officially learn to spell and to count the way the British do (but they are still not peeps). Nevertheless, Americanisms sneak across the border by osmosis, perhaps due to an attack dog budget shortfall at the illegal aliens department.. At least I'll know what a mile is – it's that thing people want to take when I give them an inch.
<p>
And what about currency? I make it simple. I use US dollars, because that really is the currency of the Internet. But I also accept <a href="http://www.paypal.com">Paypal </a> payments, so anybody can input their favorite currency and out pops US dollars on my end. I wish more people would do that. I could use more dollars.
<p>
If none of that phases you, consider time zones. Just as a client in Australia is waking up, your client in the United States is going to bed. And how will they reach you when you are not in the office. Tools like <a href="http://www.email2phone.net">email to phone</a> can help. So can insomnia.
<p>
Nobody twenty years ago would have imagined that you and I could sit at home and type words into a TV screen to make a comfortable living. Welcome to my office – Planet Earth.
<p>
Hmm. Right now I am reading <i>The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy</i>...I wonder if I can work from home on the Internet on any other planets...
Kamis, 25 Februari 2010
A Guide To Online Payment Processors
‘Free’ Accounts or Merchant Accounts?
Anyone who does business online (and actually takes money from other people) must, at some point, bite the bullet and choose a credit card processing company – this can be quite an expensive decision.
There are effectively two different ways of going about this; you can either go for the free accounts or the specific merchant accounts.
But what is there to distinguish the two? After all they both allow you to accept a payment from a credit card holder right?
Well yes, they both allow you to accept payments from people with credit cards – but there are some underlying and fundamental differences that you should be aware of.
Lets have a look at merchants accounts (ICann, WorldPay or 2Checkout – just as examples), when you register with one of these guys you will have to provide information relating to your business and prove that you are actually a registered business.
You will also have to pay a setup fee, from personal experience I know that this can be in the order of several hundred dollars, you will also pay a yearly subscription or support fee – again this is typically a couple of hundred dollars a year.
You might think that this is OK – but don’t forget you are also paying a percentage of the transaction value, this can be anything up 4.75%.
From this information alone we can see that for the little guy this is quite a high cost – especially if you’re just starting out and you don’t even know if your product/service is going to take off.
There are also other things that you need to be aware of when looking at professional merchant accounts, for instance 2Checkout will, from time to time try and actually call your customers (a selection of) and verify that the goods have arrived – if they can not do this then they will potentially refund ALL currently held sales.
I mention this as I was made aware of 2CO’s operating policy (this morning) by one of my fellow online marketers – this guy lost $5,000 because 2CO phoned the wrong person and lets face it, once you’ve delivered the products and given a refund how many people are going to say ‘Yes, here are my credit card details again’ – not very likely – and then cancelled the merchants account without so much as saying sorry.
So in other words make sure you read the fine print – there is typically stuff in there which is not really in your interest.
Anyway, that’s enough about merchant accounts, now lets consider the free accounts – and the first thing to be aware of is that there is no such thing as ‘free’. With the free accounts you typically don’t pay a setup charge or even a yearly charge – you do however pay a percentage of the transaction value, this can be anything from 1.5% up to 4%.
The two main suppliers of free accounts are PayPal and StormPay. It should be noted that although they both provide pretty identical services there are advantages and disadvantages associated with each of them.
For example, StormPay typically charge slightly more per transaction then PayPal – however PayPal charge more to get your money out then StormPay. PayPal is also VERY quick to respond to allegations of foul play (whether it exists or not) and typically very slow to do anything about it (besides locking your account).
PayPal also has some bizarre habits when it comes to money laundering rules, for instance my younger brother plays on Ebay and makes a few dollars here and there – nothing suspicious about that right (especially seeing as Ebay owns PayPal) but for some reason when his balance went past $50 they locked his account for a couple of weeks and sent him mails requesting proof of ID and wanting an explanation of where the money had come from.
No such problems with Storm pay, they validate you when you sign up by effectively linking you to your credit card to your address – any suspicious transactions are followed on a more gentlemanly basis. As of the time of writing I have not heard of anyone using Storm Pay having their account locked for questionable reasons.
In terms of signing up for the service StormPay is by far the quickest and in terms of market saturation is also on the up and up (PayPal is the established norm but StormPay is catching up quickly).
One thing to remember no matter which type of payment processor you use is that if a customer demands a refund 9 times out of 10 they’re going to get it – unless you can satisfy your processor that you have done everything that they require (so for PayPal if you’re sending tangible goods you need proof of postage that identifies what you’ve sent and in the case of allegations of ‘no delivery’ proof that it has been received – and then there’s still no guarantee that they’ll rule in your favor).
One important distinction between payment processors will relate to geography, i.e. where in the world they accept payments from. Most of the free services do not accept payments from central Africa or south East Asia, this is purely to do with level of fraud (Just think Nigeria).
To summarize, for the brand new business who has little or no client base and has no idea if their offering is going to be picked up by the market it is better to start with a free account, my personal recommendation being Storm Pay. If your business later grows and requires specific merchant account functionality then you can always upgrade or pick one from the market.
If you would like a StormPay account use the following link: http://www.stormpay.com/?2430996
Anyone who does business online (and actually takes money from other people) must, at some point, bite the bullet and choose a credit card processing company – this can be quite an expensive decision.
There are effectively two different ways of going about this; you can either go for the free accounts or the specific merchant accounts.
But what is there to distinguish the two? After all they both allow you to accept a payment from a credit card holder right?
Well yes, they both allow you to accept payments from people with credit cards – but there are some underlying and fundamental differences that you should be aware of.
Lets have a look at merchants accounts (ICann, WorldPay or 2Checkout – just as examples), when you register with one of these guys you will have to provide information relating to your business and prove that you are actually a registered business.
You will also have to pay a setup fee, from personal experience I know that this can be in the order of several hundred dollars, you will also pay a yearly subscription or support fee – again this is typically a couple of hundred dollars a year.
You might think that this is OK – but don’t forget you are also paying a percentage of the transaction value, this can be anything up 4.75%.
From this information alone we can see that for the little guy this is quite a high cost – especially if you’re just starting out and you don’t even know if your product/service is going to take off.
There are also other things that you need to be aware of when looking at professional merchant accounts, for instance 2Checkout will, from time to time try and actually call your customers (a selection of) and verify that the goods have arrived – if they can not do this then they will potentially refund ALL currently held sales.
I mention this as I was made aware of 2CO’s operating policy (this morning) by one of my fellow online marketers – this guy lost $5,000 because 2CO phoned the wrong person and lets face it, once you’ve delivered the products and given a refund how many people are going to say ‘Yes, here are my credit card details again’ – not very likely – and then cancelled the merchants account without so much as saying sorry.
So in other words make sure you read the fine print – there is typically stuff in there which is not really in your interest.
Anyway, that’s enough about merchant accounts, now lets consider the free accounts – and the first thing to be aware of is that there is no such thing as ‘free’. With the free accounts you typically don’t pay a setup charge or even a yearly charge – you do however pay a percentage of the transaction value, this can be anything from 1.5% up to 4%.
The two main suppliers of free accounts are PayPal and StormPay. It should be noted that although they both provide pretty identical services there are advantages and disadvantages associated with each of them.
For example, StormPay typically charge slightly more per transaction then PayPal – however PayPal charge more to get your money out then StormPay. PayPal is also VERY quick to respond to allegations of foul play (whether it exists or not) and typically very slow to do anything about it (besides locking your account).
PayPal also has some bizarre habits when it comes to money laundering rules, for instance my younger brother plays on Ebay and makes a few dollars here and there – nothing suspicious about that right (especially seeing as Ebay owns PayPal) but for some reason when his balance went past $50 they locked his account for a couple of weeks and sent him mails requesting proof of ID and wanting an explanation of where the money had come from.
No such problems with Storm pay, they validate you when you sign up by effectively linking you to your credit card to your address – any suspicious transactions are followed on a more gentlemanly basis. As of the time of writing I have not heard of anyone using Storm Pay having their account locked for questionable reasons.
In terms of signing up for the service StormPay is by far the quickest and in terms of market saturation is also on the up and up (PayPal is the established norm but StormPay is catching up quickly).
One thing to remember no matter which type of payment processor you use is that if a customer demands a refund 9 times out of 10 they’re going to get it – unless you can satisfy your processor that you have done everything that they require (so for PayPal if you’re sending tangible goods you need proof of postage that identifies what you’ve sent and in the case of allegations of ‘no delivery’ proof that it has been received – and then there’s still no guarantee that they’ll rule in your favor).
One important distinction between payment processors will relate to geography, i.e. where in the world they accept payments from. Most of the free services do not accept payments from central Africa or south East Asia, this is purely to do with level of fraud (Just think Nigeria).
To summarize, for the brand new business who has little or no client base and has no idea if their offering is going to be picked up by the market it is better to start with a free account, my personal recommendation being Storm Pay. If your business later grows and requires specific merchant account functionality then you can always upgrade or pick one from the market.
If you would like a StormPay account use the following link: http://www.stormpay.com/?2430996
Rabu, 24 Februari 2010
A Good Web Site Is a Web Site That Works!
How can you know if your web site is a good website, or what is a good website?
A good website is a website that works, if you have created your website to sell some products, you can say that your website is a good website if it does sell products.
* But are you selling as many products as a good website sells, or you are only selling a few products now and then?
* Are your sales pages good enouth to consider your website a good website?
* Do you have enough visitors to your website to consider it a good website?
* Do you have enough return traffic or all your visitors are first time visitors?
* Do your visitors stay enough time to consider your website a good website?
* How can you know for sure if your website is a good website?
* What kind of questions should you be making to yourself to know if your webite is a good website
ASK YOURSELF THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS TO KNOW IF YOUR WEBSITE IS A GOOD WEBSITE
* Who cares?
* What are you looking for?
* What kind of visitors do you have?
* Which is your priority?
* How should you mesure your success?
WHO CARES?
If the website belongs to a company, then the web pages don´t belong to a single person, there´s not only one person that can say if you have a good website, so you will have to round up the people that are vitally interested
You will find the techno-geeks, the sales people, the public relations people, etc. etc. and everyone of them will have their own idea of what is a good website.
But once again as the website belongs to ALL the company, the people on your company who care enough to judge the website, should be asked to join the team and take some responsability about the design of the website.
WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?
Every one of the people who cares about the website will have their own idea of what they want out of a good website. Many of them will just be talking on behalf of their own departments, but you must force them to think on behalf of the company.
Every department can have their own objetives, goals and aspirations, every one has his own idea about what is a good website, but they need to think as a company, and the conclusion must satisfy most of them, and if you can, your must create a good webpage for all of them.
WHAT KIND OF VISITORS DO YOU HAVE?
Every website has first time visitors, returning visitors, curious, buyers, people that arrived by mistake, people that spend a short time at the website, people that spend a long time at the website, etc.
What kind of visitors do you want, the ones that show more often, the ones that read the most pages, buys more stuff, buys more frequently or spend the most money?
Which are the most important visitors for your company, to think that you have a good website?
Once you get them you can be satisfied that your site is a good website
WHICH IS YOUR PRIORITY?
Once you know what everybody wants, you will have to prioritize everybody´s goals.
Will you go after increasing visits, selling more products per visit, provide more information about the company and it´s products, improving customer satisfaction.
After a discussion that will depend on how many people is giving their own opinion about what cares most, you´ll end up with your own list of priorities, and the ones that will not be satisfied with their request, at leas will know why.
HOW SHOULD YOU MESURE YOUR SUCCESS?
How can you be sure that the numbers that you are getting are telling you that your site is a good website, It depends...
* If your main priority is to get visitors, then www.Alexa.com and it´s ranking can help you on that, but you can also use some javacript and or cookies.
* If your main goal is revenue then the sales will have the leading voice.
* If you are going after customer satisfaction then you must agree with the other members of your company how will you gather satisfaction data and how will you weigh it.
All the information that you gather must help you take business decisions. It´s not a matter of getting as much information as you can, because too much information can be as bad as not enough information.
Make sure that you keep on measuring your success, make it part of a constant improvement process, because the web changes month after month.
Then you´ll really be able to tell if your website is a good website
Written by Dr. Roberto A. Bonomi
A good website is a website that works, if you have created your website to sell some products, you can say that your website is a good website if it does sell products.
* But are you selling as many products as a good website sells, or you are only selling a few products now and then?
* Are your sales pages good enouth to consider your website a good website?
* Do you have enough visitors to your website to consider it a good website?
* Do you have enough return traffic or all your visitors are first time visitors?
* Do your visitors stay enough time to consider your website a good website?
* How can you know for sure if your website is a good website?
* What kind of questions should you be making to yourself to know if your webite is a good website
ASK YOURSELF THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS TO KNOW IF YOUR WEBSITE IS A GOOD WEBSITE
* Who cares?
* What are you looking for?
* What kind of visitors do you have?
* Which is your priority?
* How should you mesure your success?
WHO CARES?
If the website belongs to a company, then the web pages don´t belong to a single person, there´s not only one person that can say if you have a good website, so you will have to round up the people that are vitally interested
You will find the techno-geeks, the sales people, the public relations people, etc. etc. and everyone of them will have their own idea of what is a good website.
But once again as the website belongs to ALL the company, the people on your company who care enough to judge the website, should be asked to join the team and take some responsability about the design of the website.
WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?
Every one of the people who cares about the website will have their own idea of what they want out of a good website. Many of them will just be talking on behalf of their own departments, but you must force them to think on behalf of the company.
Every department can have their own objetives, goals and aspirations, every one has his own idea about what is a good website, but they need to think as a company, and the conclusion must satisfy most of them, and if you can, your must create a good webpage for all of them.
WHAT KIND OF VISITORS DO YOU HAVE?
Every website has first time visitors, returning visitors, curious, buyers, people that arrived by mistake, people that spend a short time at the website, people that spend a long time at the website, etc.
What kind of visitors do you want, the ones that show more often, the ones that read the most pages, buys more stuff, buys more frequently or spend the most money?
Which are the most important visitors for your company, to think that you have a good website?
Once you get them you can be satisfied that your site is a good website
WHICH IS YOUR PRIORITY?
Once you know what everybody wants, you will have to prioritize everybody´s goals.
Will you go after increasing visits, selling more products per visit, provide more information about the company and it´s products, improving customer satisfaction.
After a discussion that will depend on how many people is giving their own opinion about what cares most, you´ll end up with your own list of priorities, and the ones that will not be satisfied with their request, at leas will know why.
HOW SHOULD YOU MESURE YOUR SUCCESS?
How can you be sure that the numbers that you are getting are telling you that your site is a good website, It depends...
* If your main priority is to get visitors, then www.Alexa.com and it´s ranking can help you on that, but you can also use some javacript and or cookies.
* If your main goal is revenue then the sales will have the leading voice.
* If you are going after customer satisfaction then you must agree with the other members of your company how will you gather satisfaction data and how will you weigh it.
All the information that you gather must help you take business decisions. It´s not a matter of getting as much information as you can, because too much information can be as bad as not enough information.
Make sure that you keep on measuring your success, make it part of a constant improvement process, because the web changes month after month.
Then you´ll really be able to tell if your website is a good website
Written by Dr. Roberto A. Bonomi
Selasa, 23 Februari 2010
A Free Online Business Is Not Necessarily "Free"
Almost every hour of every day, the Internet turns up with more advertisements to entice people who are interested in starting up their own online business. Why not start an online business, indeed? First off, it is quite lucrative, once you know what you have to do, what you need and how hard your resolution must be to succeed.
Having assured yourself of a sensible and thorough decision, you can start looking up for free online business advertisements. Weigh up your prospects and see the most lucrative of them all. However, you also need to see the reality that free online business is not necessarily free. There may only be some aspects in the business wherein you do not have to invest any amount to actually open up your online business.
Otherwise, there are bills to pay -- internet access, computer maintenance, electric bills, food, etc. Keeping this in mind will prevent you from getting bitterly disappointed.
Next, look up actual experiences of online entrepreneurs who are now earning thousands of dollars. From their experiences you may learn several things that will help you become ready than ever to launch your free online business.
- On getting a domain - Accept the fact that you cannot open up an online business without a website. In looking for a domain, there will be some free offerings while some are paid. Either you choose the free online business domain offerings or the paid ones, remember to research on the features of the domain you will get before starting any transaction. If your online business need more than what the free online business domains are offering, do not hesitate to register in a paid domain.
- On Web hosting - your online business domain must reach everywhere. Better not search free offerings for these and choose the best services, even if they might cost you some dollars. However, choose the web hosting service that offers the ones you need. Do not spend on other features that you do not require.
A reliable web host has great uptime record, offers excellent customer service and has a reputation in the search engines. You do not need empty promises in web hosting services.
- On Website stats - Your online business will rely largely on the users it attracts. It is important to have a great tracker that will actually show you how many visitors you got and be able to identify each one. You must also know their reaction to your website. Know the pages they view most, so that you can refine your website and improve your marketing efforts.
- On Ad tracker - like the website stat, advertisement tracker assists you in knowing which of your marketing campaigns have the best results.
With the advertisement tracker, you will know how many users responded or reacted to your ad. Probably not all your marketing techniques are effective. With the ad tracker, you will know exactly what marketing techniques to retain and continue doing.
- On Auto responders - these tools will assist you in following up your numerous client's requests and queries with necessary data they ask for and you think, they might need.
- On List hosts - for your free online business to prosper, you must know how to capture your target customer's email address. By knowing their e-mail addresses, you can contact them on a more personal level and build a trusting and credible business 'relationship' with them.
Your free online business will also flourish more, if you as its manager and administrator educate yourself in making your venture prosper. Many courses online offer free online business training and comprehensive orientations.
Many free online business information from reputable websites give you tons of tips on handling your internet business.
Free online business may not be very free. Nevertheless, in breaking down the aspects you need to have and know in getting started, you will find many free offerings to take advantage of.
Having assured yourself of a sensible and thorough decision, you can start looking up for free online business advertisements. Weigh up your prospects and see the most lucrative of them all. However, you also need to see the reality that free online business is not necessarily free. There may only be some aspects in the business wherein you do not have to invest any amount to actually open up your online business.
Otherwise, there are bills to pay -- internet access, computer maintenance, electric bills, food, etc. Keeping this in mind will prevent you from getting bitterly disappointed.
Next, look up actual experiences of online entrepreneurs who are now earning thousands of dollars. From their experiences you may learn several things that will help you become ready than ever to launch your free online business.
- On getting a domain - Accept the fact that you cannot open up an online business without a website. In looking for a domain, there will be some free offerings while some are paid. Either you choose the free online business domain offerings or the paid ones, remember to research on the features of the domain you will get before starting any transaction. If your online business need more than what the free online business domains are offering, do not hesitate to register in a paid domain.
- On Web hosting - your online business domain must reach everywhere. Better not search free offerings for these and choose the best services, even if they might cost you some dollars. However, choose the web hosting service that offers the ones you need. Do not spend on other features that you do not require.
A reliable web host has great uptime record, offers excellent customer service and has a reputation in the search engines. You do not need empty promises in web hosting services.
- On Website stats - Your online business will rely largely on the users it attracts. It is important to have a great tracker that will actually show you how many visitors you got and be able to identify each one. You must also know their reaction to your website. Know the pages they view most, so that you can refine your website and improve your marketing efforts.
- On Ad tracker - like the website stat, advertisement tracker assists you in knowing which of your marketing campaigns have the best results.
With the advertisement tracker, you will know how many users responded or reacted to your ad. Probably not all your marketing techniques are effective. With the ad tracker, you will know exactly what marketing techniques to retain and continue doing.
- On Auto responders - these tools will assist you in following up your numerous client's requests and queries with necessary data they ask for and you think, they might need.
- On List hosts - for your free online business to prosper, you must know how to capture your target customer's email address. By knowing their e-mail addresses, you can contact them on a more personal level and build a trusting and credible business 'relationship' with them.
Your free online business will also flourish more, if you as its manager and administrator educate yourself in making your venture prosper. Many courses online offer free online business training and comprehensive orientations.
Many free online business information from reputable websites give you tons of tips on handling your internet business.
Free online business may not be very free. Nevertheless, in breaking down the aspects you need to have and know in getting started, you will find many free offerings to take advantage of.
Senin, 22 Februari 2010
A Comprehensive Strategy For Using Website Statistics
An crucial component of any e-commercialism first step is to track the effectiveness of the marketing effort. Through careful psychoanalysis of a website's statistics much selective information tin be gleaned that tin can be further secondhand to fine-tune the advertising, website subject and customer relationship management strategies and policies. These wholly of import elements of Internet marketing plans and strategies that toilet ultimately dictate the achiever or failure of any e-mercantilism opening move.
Surfing the World Wide Web involves traversing the connections among hyperlinked documents. It is I of the about common ways of accessing World Wide Web pages. Theories and models beginning to explain how observed patterns of surfboarding behavior emerge from fundamental human entropy hunt processes. Hence, the ability to predict surfriding patterns has the potential to be instrumental in solving many problems facing producers and consumers depicted object. For instance, website designs lavatory be evaluated and optimized by predicting how users volition surf done their structures. Web node and host applications lav besides reduce substance abuser perceived network latency by pre-fetching cognitive content predicted to be on the path of individual users or groups of users with similar patterns. Systems and interfaces john be enhanced by the ability to recommend mental object of interest to users, or by displaying info in a way that best matches users' interests. Proper depth psychology of a website's activity is therefore an authoritative process that supports an enhanced and intelligent design of a website. Continued from Page 1. Given the limitations of the data recorded in memory access logs, it is not surprising that sites command users to adhere to cookies and defeat caching to gain More accurate usage.
Still, numerous sites either do not employment cookies or do not compel users to accept a to gain entree to message. In these cases, determining alone(p) users and their paths through with(p) a website is typically done heuristically. Even once cookies exploited, several scenarios potential a previously encountered is refined. If the petition is coming from the like server regardless of the agentive role, the postulation is treated as organism issued by the equal. This is because a unequaled is issued to only single web browser.
If the asking comes from a known horde, and then we could wealthy person a new to(p) or the, otherwise the bespeak is from a dissimilar. It is significant to point out that these latter two cases could too be issued from non- compliant crawling software package. An interesting set of scenarios pass off a unexampled is encountered. If the call for is from a legion that has already been and the previous economic value of the was "null" and the federal agent is the, it is carnival to conclude that the quest is from a young that just received their first from the waiter in the previous. If the guest is not victimization obfuscation package, unity would expect the following requests from this to altogether contain the.
Withal, suppose the previous time value from the innkeeper and was a another(a), it could be the obfuscating requests, or a Modern from the ISP victimisation the version and platform as the from the previous. Barring any other piece of supporting evidence like the referrer line of business or consulting the's topology, it is difficult to decide which the correct scenario is. If the is from the previous, but accompanies a New from the boniface, it is funfair to wear that a raw has entered the.
Of course, a wet behind the ears(p) from a fresh master of ceremonies regardless of the is a novel. You bathroom likewise learn something approximately visitors by studying their realm names. Though the lumber file cabinet may record IP addresses, your analytic thinking program commode make up one's mind from many of these IP numbers the associated world or ISP. This might tell you if your almost customer - or competitor - has been looking at your pages. The all but simplistic assumption to make close to users is that to each one IP destination or demesne name represents a unequalled.
Using this method, whole the requests made by the emcee treated as through and through from a single. Once a newfangled is detected, a recently profile is created and the corresponding requests associated to the newly. Several methods that consumption additional recorded in the accession logs or other heuristics as well conceivable. One refinement is to economic consumption the airfield. Using this method, freshly users identified as above as well as requests coming from the machine give birth agents. Another refinement is to place session timeouts on requests made from the machine. The intuition is that if a certain amount of time has elapsed, the old has left the and a has entered. A IP name and address is encountered (put on this is a ), or 2. an already IP speech is encountered and: * a session is terminated due to a timeout, get into a has entered the. Thence, if a substantial part of your statistics imply that many of the hosts and timeouts were from hosts in the land/IP turn to space, you crapper infer that a big identification number of website users either connect to the via ISPs with lading balancing proxies, or that a prominent phone number of users admittance the from within the sphere, as would pass with a magnanimous company, or that some combination of both cases exist.
Surfing the World Wide Web involves traversing the connections among hyperlinked documents. It is I of the about common ways of accessing World Wide Web pages. Theories and models beginning to explain how observed patterns of surfboarding behavior emerge from fundamental human entropy hunt processes. Hence, the ability to predict surfriding patterns has the potential to be instrumental in solving many problems facing producers and consumers depicted object. For instance, website designs lavatory be evaluated and optimized by predicting how users volition surf done their structures. Web node and host applications lav besides reduce substance abuser perceived network latency by pre-fetching cognitive content predicted to be on the path of individual users or groups of users with similar patterns. Systems and interfaces john be enhanced by the ability to recommend mental object of interest to users, or by displaying info in a way that best matches users' interests. Proper depth psychology of a website's activity is therefore an authoritative process that supports an enhanced and intelligent design of a website. Continued from Page 1. Given the limitations of the data recorded in memory access logs, it is not surprising that sites command users to adhere to cookies and defeat caching to gain More accurate usage.
Still, numerous sites either do not employment cookies or do not compel users to accept a to gain entree to message. In these cases, determining alone(p) users and their paths through with(p) a website is typically done heuristically. Even once cookies exploited, several scenarios potential a previously encountered is refined. If the petition is coming from the like server regardless of the agentive role, the postulation is treated as organism issued by the equal. This is because a unequaled is issued to only single web browser.
If the asking comes from a known horde, and then we could wealthy person a new to(p) or the, otherwise the bespeak is from a dissimilar. It is significant to point out that these latter two cases could too be issued from non- compliant crawling software package. An interesting set of scenarios pass off a unexampled is encountered. If the call for is from a legion that has already been and the previous economic value of the was "null" and the federal agent is the, it is carnival to conclude that the quest is from a young that just received their first from the waiter in the previous. If the guest is not victimization obfuscation package, unity would expect the following requests from this to altogether contain the.
Withal, suppose the previous time value from the innkeeper and was a another(a), it could be the obfuscating requests, or a Modern from the ISP victimisation the version and platform as the from the previous. Barring any other piece of supporting evidence like the referrer line of business or consulting the's topology, it is difficult to decide which the correct scenario is. If the is from the previous, but accompanies a New from the boniface, it is funfair to wear that a raw has entered the.
Of course, a wet behind the ears(p) from a fresh master of ceremonies regardless of the is a novel. You bathroom likewise learn something approximately visitors by studying their realm names. Though the lumber file cabinet may record IP addresses, your analytic thinking program commode make up one's mind from many of these IP numbers the associated world or ISP. This might tell you if your almost customer - or competitor - has been looking at your pages. The all but simplistic assumption to make close to users is that to each one IP destination or demesne name represents a unequalled.
Using this method, whole the requests made by the emcee treated as through and through from a single. Once a newfangled is detected, a recently profile is created and the corresponding requests associated to the newly. Several methods that consumption additional recorded in the accession logs or other heuristics as well conceivable. One refinement is to economic consumption the airfield. Using this method, freshly users identified as above as well as requests coming from the machine give birth agents. Another refinement is to place session timeouts on requests made from the machine. The intuition is that if a certain amount of time has elapsed, the old has left the and a has entered. A IP name and address is encountered (put on this is a ), or 2. an already IP speech is encountered and: * a session is terminated due to a timeout, get into a has entered the. Thence, if a substantial part of your statistics imply that many of the hosts and timeouts were from hosts in the land/IP turn to space, you crapper infer that a big identification number of website users either connect to the via ISPs with lading balancing proxies, or that a prominent phone number of users admittance the from within the sphere, as would pass with a magnanimous company, or that some combination of both cases exist.
Minggu, 21 Februari 2010
A Closer Look At Micropayments
During the early days of the Internet, most of the contents found online are provided for free, either by different institutions or universities. As the years go by, the Internet has experienced various innovations. One major factor in the evolution of the Internet is the consumers’ ability to purchase, sell and advertise products and services, a concept that is more commonly referred to as “e-Commerce”.
As the popularity of the Internet continuously grows, it is only natural for the content providers to start looking for different ways of making money from the content that they publish online. Basically, there are three ways for users to earn money from content; one is through advertising. Here, the content is available for free; however it comes with certain ads or links to their sponsor sites.
Another way for content providers to make money is by charging subscriptions, wherein consumers are required to pay a certain amount in exchange for access to the content for a certain period of time. The downside to the subscription model is that it only offers one choice to the consumer – either they do not pay the subscription and thus get no content or pay a substantial fee to get all the content. Oftentimes, this kind of choice led the consumers to move on to sites that offer content for free. Meanwhile, the third form of revenue is through donations that are solicited by the content providers themselves.
However, in 1998 a fourth form of revenue was proposed – the micropayment system. The concept of micropayments would not die down completely, nor would it fully come to life. What are micropayments, exactly? Micropayment is generally defined as the means of transferring small amounts of money (usually in pennies, nickel or dimes), usually in purchasing digital contents like music, movies, games and others.
Since charging such small amounts through the customary payment system like credit cards is impractical, the micropayment system is a viable option for those websites that wish to go "micro". The main objective of micropayments is to target a high volume of consumers by offering content at a relatively low price. It is also usual for micropayment systems to accumulate several payments and then charge it in one regular payment.
Most micropayments advocates firmly believe that the micropayment system is the solution to the free rider problem for those sites that are solely dependent on advertising. As for websites that are charging subscription fees, micropayments will be a viable alternative in order to increase the number of their consumers.
However, regardless of all the benefits that micropayment systems seem to offer, its popularity among the consumers did not quite catch on for quite a time. This is mainly due to the pressing disadvantages that micropayment detractors are quick to point out. Most micropayment system detractors insist that micropayments would cause inconvenience rather than convenience to consumers. How so? The most popular argument used is the "mental transaction cost".
What does mental transaction cost mean? Well, this is where a consumer stops and thinks twice whether the content is actually worth the price, regardless of how small the price is. This could cut down the number of your customer, since more people are likely to opt for free content.
The people pushing micropayments believe that the dollar cost of goods is the thing most responsible for deflecting readers from buying content, and that a reduction in price to micropayment levels will allow creators to begin charging for their work without deflecting readers.
Another possible drawback to using micropayment systems is that it requires the consumer to use major credit cards. Remember that Internet consumers are quite diverse in age; therefore, you cannot assume that all of them would have credit cards. Since teenagers are under the legal age, they do not have credit cards. Moreover, even among those consumers living in highly developed countries, not everyone has a credit card, and borrowing someone else’s credit card just to read a certain article in the Internet would prove to be a big inconvenience. Simply put, micropayment systems could very well alienate those consumers who do not have credit cards.
So with all these disadvantages, why do we need micropayments? With the growing demand for ethereal products (like information) in global economies and their immediate delivery at a low cost, the customary payment methods seemed to be impractical. Since most information found online (Web pages, Web links, etc.) cost barely a penny, the cost of charging in the usual payment method would turn out to be more expensive than the actual product. Thus, micropayment is a viable alternative.
A lot of content providers agreed that micropayments offer them the opportunity to regain the cost of online publishing, even possibly make money, that is, if they are popular enough. At present, content providers see their online popularity as a disadvantage since their popularity requires them to pay for large amounts of bandwidth. Another benefit that micropayment systems offer content providers is the opportunity to be completely free from sponsorship and advertising, which offers them more independence. Without advertising the provider could concentrate on publishing materials that interests their consumers instead of what interests their advertisers.
Micropayment systems are showing signs of recovery recently, what with the launching of Apple’s iTunes $0.99 a-song, the model is finally showing some signs of life. Furthermore, reports on the state of the paid content market shows that, content purchases below $5 increased 707% in 2002. A veritable accomplishment, since it made a seven-fold leap from virtually nothing.
Although, millions of people find the notion of purchasing $.99 songs at iTunes attractive, Apple’s administrators themselves admitted that most consumers still prefer purchasing larger album packages instead of the per song purchases. After all, Internet users do not purchase content as if they were a piece of candy. Some micropayment solutions even admit that their customers are loading less money into their accounts than what they initially expect which means that a considerable barrier still remains. Now, whether the micropayment system will eventually find success this time around or not will still depend on the consumers’ behavior, a hurdle that is yet to be crossed.
As the popularity of the Internet continuously grows, it is only natural for the content providers to start looking for different ways of making money from the content that they publish online. Basically, there are three ways for users to earn money from content; one is through advertising. Here, the content is available for free; however it comes with certain ads or links to their sponsor sites.
Another way for content providers to make money is by charging subscriptions, wherein consumers are required to pay a certain amount in exchange for access to the content for a certain period of time. The downside to the subscription model is that it only offers one choice to the consumer – either they do not pay the subscription and thus get no content or pay a substantial fee to get all the content. Oftentimes, this kind of choice led the consumers to move on to sites that offer content for free. Meanwhile, the third form of revenue is through donations that are solicited by the content providers themselves.
However, in 1998 a fourth form of revenue was proposed – the micropayment system. The concept of micropayments would not die down completely, nor would it fully come to life. What are micropayments, exactly? Micropayment is generally defined as the means of transferring small amounts of money (usually in pennies, nickel or dimes), usually in purchasing digital contents like music, movies, games and others.
Since charging such small amounts through the customary payment system like credit cards is impractical, the micropayment system is a viable option for those websites that wish to go "micro". The main objective of micropayments is to target a high volume of consumers by offering content at a relatively low price. It is also usual for micropayment systems to accumulate several payments and then charge it in one regular payment.
Most micropayments advocates firmly believe that the micropayment system is the solution to the free rider problem for those sites that are solely dependent on advertising. As for websites that are charging subscription fees, micropayments will be a viable alternative in order to increase the number of their consumers.
However, regardless of all the benefits that micropayment systems seem to offer, its popularity among the consumers did not quite catch on for quite a time. This is mainly due to the pressing disadvantages that micropayment detractors are quick to point out. Most micropayment system detractors insist that micropayments would cause inconvenience rather than convenience to consumers. How so? The most popular argument used is the "mental transaction cost".
What does mental transaction cost mean? Well, this is where a consumer stops and thinks twice whether the content is actually worth the price, regardless of how small the price is. This could cut down the number of your customer, since more people are likely to opt for free content.
The people pushing micropayments believe that the dollar cost of goods is the thing most responsible for deflecting readers from buying content, and that a reduction in price to micropayment levels will allow creators to begin charging for their work without deflecting readers.
Another possible drawback to using micropayment systems is that it requires the consumer to use major credit cards. Remember that Internet consumers are quite diverse in age; therefore, you cannot assume that all of them would have credit cards. Since teenagers are under the legal age, they do not have credit cards. Moreover, even among those consumers living in highly developed countries, not everyone has a credit card, and borrowing someone else’s credit card just to read a certain article in the Internet would prove to be a big inconvenience. Simply put, micropayment systems could very well alienate those consumers who do not have credit cards.
So with all these disadvantages, why do we need micropayments? With the growing demand for ethereal products (like information) in global economies and their immediate delivery at a low cost, the customary payment methods seemed to be impractical. Since most information found online (Web pages, Web links, etc.) cost barely a penny, the cost of charging in the usual payment method would turn out to be more expensive than the actual product. Thus, micropayment is a viable alternative.
A lot of content providers agreed that micropayments offer them the opportunity to regain the cost of online publishing, even possibly make money, that is, if they are popular enough. At present, content providers see their online popularity as a disadvantage since their popularity requires them to pay for large amounts of bandwidth. Another benefit that micropayment systems offer content providers is the opportunity to be completely free from sponsorship and advertising, which offers them more independence. Without advertising the provider could concentrate on publishing materials that interests their consumers instead of what interests their advertisers.
Micropayment systems are showing signs of recovery recently, what with the launching of Apple’s iTunes $0.99 a-song, the model is finally showing some signs of life. Furthermore, reports on the state of the paid content market shows that, content purchases below $5 increased 707% in 2002. A veritable accomplishment, since it made a seven-fold leap from virtually nothing.
Although, millions of people find the notion of purchasing $.99 songs at iTunes attractive, Apple’s administrators themselves admitted that most consumers still prefer purchasing larger album packages instead of the per song purchases. After all, Internet users do not purchase content as if they were a piece of candy. Some micropayment solutions even admit that their customers are loading less money into their accounts than what they initially expect which means that a considerable barrier still remains. Now, whether the micropayment system will eventually find success this time around or not will still depend on the consumers’ behavior, a hurdle that is yet to be crossed.
Sabtu, 20 Februari 2010
A Click On Your Profits
Pay-per-click advertising is a very economical compared to other advertising tools on the Internet. You pay only when a visitor clicks on your ad and goes to either your web site or to the website of which you are an affiliate of. The advantage of pay per click advertising is that you do not need a website, and this is an ideal way for home business beginners to earn money on a low budget.
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The main advantage of Pay per click adverting is that you only pay for actual clicks on your ads. Pay per click internet advertising lists your ads according to your bids on your keywords. Of course, ads which pay more are ranked higher.
Google Adwords and Yahoo Search Marketing are the two most popular Pay per Click programs on the net.
Another advantage of Pay per Click programs is that you can constantly monitor the progress of your ads, edit your keywords, change the bids on your keywords, Change the Daily Budget (You can set a daily budget for your ads. After your daily budget gets exhausted, your ads stop running. on that day) This can be done anytime and any number of times. If you find your ads are not working for you , you can pause the ad or simply delete it.
Before you actually launch on a pay per click advertising, make sure to check out your competition. It will give you a good idea as to how to structure your ad. Also make out a list of keywords with which you want to link your product. A useful tip is to try out Wordtracker’s trial package to get the necessary keywords. You can also get the KEI (Keyword Effectiveness Index) here which will allow you to determine the niche keyword and not get lost in a sea of keywords. This is a very effective tool to determine the competition of the keywords and gives you a good idea as to which keywords to bid for to get targeted audience to click your ads at an economical price.
The Pay per Click advertising allows you to test market your future campaigns. If you intend to launch a full fledged website , Pay per Click advertising allows you to test the waters. You can analyse your keywords and find out which works for you best You can also test viability of the products for which you are an affiliate of.
Pay per Click advertising not only helps you in earning money but can also be a very effective marketing and information tool for your future businesses.
]
The main advantage of Pay per click adverting is that you only pay for actual clicks on your ads. Pay per click internet advertising lists your ads according to your bids on your keywords. Of course, ads which pay more are ranked higher.
Google Adwords and Yahoo Search Marketing are the two most popular Pay per Click programs on the net.
Another advantage of Pay per Click programs is that you can constantly monitor the progress of your ads, edit your keywords, change the bids on your keywords, Change the Daily Budget (You can set a daily budget for your ads. After your daily budget gets exhausted, your ads stop running. on that day) This can be done anytime and any number of times. If you find your ads are not working for you , you can pause the ad or simply delete it.
Before you actually launch on a pay per click advertising, make sure to check out your competition. It will give you a good idea as to how to structure your ad. Also make out a list of keywords with which you want to link your product. A useful tip is to try out Wordtracker’s trial package to get the necessary keywords. You can also get the KEI (Keyword Effectiveness Index) here which will allow you to determine the niche keyword and not get lost in a sea of keywords. This is a very effective tool to determine the competition of the keywords and gives you a good idea as to which keywords to bid for to get targeted audience to click your ads at an economical price.
The Pay per Click advertising allows you to test market your future campaigns. If you intend to launch a full fledged website , Pay per Click advertising allows you to test the waters. You can analyse your keywords and find out which works for you best You can also test viability of the products for which you are an affiliate of.
Pay per Click advertising not only helps you in earning money but can also be a very effective marketing and information tool for your future businesses.
Jumat, 19 Februari 2010
A Brief Synopsis of the Internet
Like an opening act for a play, the telegraph, telephone, and radio all took a part in introducing the World Wide Internet. The Internet had no problem taking over and crashing many predictions about whether or not it would be successful. It has no boundaries and pays no attention to international limits or geographic locations. Instantly you are connected to scores of businesses and people all over the world.
With its origins dating back almost 50 years ago, J.C.R. Licklider at MIT recorded the first description of the communications that could be performed through networking. Between him and a host of other individuals with brilliant forward thinking, the idea of the internet was conceived.
The first email made its appearance back in the early 1970’s as a way for the developers to communicate with one another. By the mid-1980’s the internet was being used by various developers and researchers as well as being tried out by many computer businesses. It finally was given a name in October 1995.
The internet became a vital part of today’s economy. Many companies regard it as a critical part of their daily activities. Individuals rely on it for their communication to the outside world. Bills may be paid, homework research accomplished, books read, Christmas shopping accomplished, music downloaded and personal relationships established through their access to the internet.
Although it may not seem so, the internet has changed greatly in the last 2 decades since its birth. Through file sharing, remote login, resource sharing and electronic mail, it has definitely kept up with the fast-paced computer industry. Expect nothing else through the future.
With its origins dating back almost 50 years ago, J.C.R. Licklider at MIT recorded the first description of the communications that could be performed through networking. Between him and a host of other individuals with brilliant forward thinking, the idea of the internet was conceived.
The first email made its appearance back in the early 1970’s as a way for the developers to communicate with one another. By the mid-1980’s the internet was being used by various developers and researchers as well as being tried out by many computer businesses. It finally was given a name in October 1995.
The internet became a vital part of today’s economy. Many companies regard it as a critical part of their daily activities. Individuals rely on it for their communication to the outside world. Bills may be paid, homework research accomplished, books read, Christmas shopping accomplished, music downloaded and personal relationships established through their access to the internet.
Although it may not seem so, the internet has changed greatly in the last 2 decades since its birth. Through file sharing, remote login, resource sharing and electronic mail, it has definitely kept up with the fast-paced computer industry. Expect nothing else through the future.
Kamis, 18 Februari 2010
A Brief History Of The Popup Ad
Pop-up ads are a form of online advertising on the World Wide Web intended to increase web traffic or capture email addresses. It works when certain web sites open a new web browser window to display advertisements. The pop-up window containing an advertisement is usually generated by JavaScript, but can be generated by other means as well.
A variation on the pop-up window is the pop-under advertisement. This opens a new browser window, behind the active window. Pop-unders interrupt the user less, but are not seen until the desired windows are closed, making it more difficult for the user to determine which Web site opened them.
For early advertising-supported web sites, banner ads were sufficient revenue generators, but in the wake of the dot com crash, prices paid for banner advertising clickthroughs decreased and many vendors began to investigate more effective advertising methods. Pop-up ads by their nature are difficult to ignore or overlook, and are claimed to be more effective than static banner ads. Pop-ups have a much higher click rate than web banner ads do (about every 14,000th popup ad is clicked on).
Pornographic web sites are among the most common users of pop-up ads. Some particularly vicious types of pop-up ads (again, most often seen in connection with adult entertainment sites) appear to have either been programmed improperly or have been specifically designed to "hijack" a user's Internet session. These forms of pop-ups sometimes spawn multiple windows, and as each window is closed by the user it activates code that spawns another window -- sometimes indefinitely. This is sometimes referred to by users as a "Java trap", "spam cascade" or "Pop-up Hell" among other names. Usually the only way to stop this is to close the browser.
Opera was the first major browser to incorporate popup-blocking tools; the Mozilla browser later improved on this by blocking only popups generated as the page loads. In the early 2000s, all major web browsers except Internet Explorer (then the most popular browser and still as of 2006) allowed the user to block unwanted pop-ups almost completely.
In 2004, Microsoft released Windows XP SP2, which added pop-up blocking to Internet Explorer. Many users, however, remain unaware of this ability, or else choose not to use it. Many others are not able to use it at all, as they do not use Windows XP SP2, but older versions of Windows. Some users install non-Microsoft ad-blocking software instead.
A variation on the pop-up window is the pop-under advertisement. This opens a new browser window, behind the active window. Pop-unders interrupt the user less, but are not seen until the desired windows are closed, making it more difficult for the user to determine which Web site opened them.
For early advertising-supported web sites, banner ads were sufficient revenue generators, but in the wake of the dot com crash, prices paid for banner advertising clickthroughs decreased and many vendors began to investigate more effective advertising methods. Pop-up ads by their nature are difficult to ignore or overlook, and are claimed to be more effective than static banner ads. Pop-ups have a much higher click rate than web banner ads do (about every 14,000th popup ad is clicked on).
Pornographic web sites are among the most common users of pop-up ads. Some particularly vicious types of pop-up ads (again, most often seen in connection with adult entertainment sites) appear to have either been programmed improperly or have been specifically designed to "hijack" a user's Internet session. These forms of pop-ups sometimes spawn multiple windows, and as each window is closed by the user it activates code that spawns another window -- sometimes indefinitely. This is sometimes referred to by users as a "Java trap", "spam cascade" or "Pop-up Hell" among other names. Usually the only way to stop this is to close the browser.
Opera was the first major browser to incorporate popup-blocking tools; the Mozilla browser later improved on this by blocking only popups generated as the page loads. In the early 2000s, all major web browsers except Internet Explorer (then the most popular browser and still as of 2006) allowed the user to block unwanted pop-ups almost completely.
In 2004, Microsoft released Windows XP SP2, which added pop-up blocking to Internet Explorer. Many users, however, remain unaware of this ability, or else choose not to use it. Many others are not able to use it at all, as they do not use Windows XP SP2, but older versions of Windows. Some users install non-Microsoft ad-blocking software instead.
Rabu, 17 Februari 2010
A Brief History About Downloading Music
Downloading music is a process whereby music files are opened on the Internet and saved for future use. This has become one of the world’s greatest online pastimes during recent years, and the popularity of downloading music continues to grow.
Ironically, however, downloading music didn’t start off in the most positive light. As a matter of fact, it was considered quite illegal, and many file-sharing technologies, such as peer-to-peer networks, provided countless music to the public free of charge and without the permission of either the artists or the music copyright owners. One famous site known for this, Napster, was incited for breaking copyright laws and told to shut down. According to the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), this practice was not only unlawful; it was hurting sales for the music industry—downloading music from the Internet exceeded sales of CDs and videos in some countries. Many lawsuits ensued, and yet other sites were ordered to shut down.
Several artists cried out at the practice of downloading music. They felt betrayed, since their hard-earned music was being passed along without profit and without their permission. They felt disrespected and ripped off!
Eventually, there was a solution that would keep downloading music an active pastime. Legal digital downloads became popular through iTunes in 2003, and downloading music from the Internet increased exponentially, setting new records in sales. One example of this is Gnarls Barkley’s Crazy, which landed a position at the top of the U.K. Singles Chart solely on the distribution of downloading music. Napster is back online, too.
Interestingly enough, many of the artists themselves got in on the online game of downloading music, and now lots of their music is available on their personal and commercial sites. These downloads, however, are either brief previews or low-quality sampling—enough for the artists to market their music to those who prefer downloading music, and also to make money online as well as through music outlets!
Downloading music, then, has been a rather shaky ordeal for many, but due to compromise and innovative technological advances, this practice is fortunate enough to continue for some time to come!
Ironically, however, downloading music didn’t start off in the most positive light. As a matter of fact, it was considered quite illegal, and many file-sharing technologies, such as peer-to-peer networks, provided countless music to the public free of charge and without the permission of either the artists or the music copyright owners. One famous site known for this, Napster, was incited for breaking copyright laws and told to shut down. According to the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), this practice was not only unlawful; it was hurting sales for the music industry—downloading music from the Internet exceeded sales of CDs and videos in some countries. Many lawsuits ensued, and yet other sites were ordered to shut down.
Several artists cried out at the practice of downloading music. They felt betrayed, since their hard-earned music was being passed along without profit and without their permission. They felt disrespected and ripped off!
Eventually, there was a solution that would keep downloading music an active pastime. Legal digital downloads became popular through iTunes in 2003, and downloading music from the Internet increased exponentially, setting new records in sales. One example of this is Gnarls Barkley’s Crazy, which landed a position at the top of the U.K. Singles Chart solely on the distribution of downloading music. Napster is back online, too.
Interestingly enough, many of the artists themselves got in on the online game of downloading music, and now lots of their music is available on their personal and commercial sites. These downloads, however, are either brief previews or low-quality sampling—enough for the artists to market their music to those who prefer downloading music, and also to make money online as well as through music outlets!
Downloading music, then, has been a rather shaky ordeal for many, but due to compromise and innovative technological advances, this practice is fortunate enough to continue for some time to come!
Selasa, 16 Februari 2010
A Beginner’s Toolbox: 8 Things Every Home Should Have
Congratulations! You’re living out on your own. If you’re renting an apartment or bought a home of your own, there are going to be little things you need tools for. Whether it’s removing part of a light fixture to replace the lightbulb, or hanging your favorite pictures on the wall, a basic toolbox can come in handy. Here are the top eight tools that will be the most helpful.
1. A flashlight. This is crucial, even if you don’t buy anything else on the list. If the power goes out, or you can’t find the exact lid for your Tupperware container in the back of the cabinet, shedding some light makes life a lot easier.
2. A screwdriver. For maximum efficiency, and especially if you are going to be doing just little jobs, there are screwdrivers available now that have removable tips so you can buy just one tool for all screws and swap out the tips depending on what you need.
3. A tape measure. Ask anyone who has ever rented an apartment and then couldn’t fit the couch in any of the rooms, having a tape measure is a good thing to have. It will help you place furniture, decide how big an area rug to buy, or know how long a cable you will need for your TV.
4. Adjustable pliers. Maybe two pair, one large and one small. Maybe the previous owner or tenant left a nail in the wall that just won’t come out, or they used a stapler in the windowsill to hang their Christmas lights. Pliers will give you the grip you need to pull things out.
5. An adjustable wrench. This will help you tighten (or loosen) nuts and bolts. You can change your shower head, or loosen your dryer vent tubing to check for lint.
6. A hammer. Hang things on the wall, close up a paint can securely, or pound in stakes so your kids can camp out in the backyard.
7. An electric drill. You can keep it pretty basic, but a drill can save lots of time. Buy one that has a screwtip adapter also, and you can drive in screws much faster than with a manual screwdriver (and with less stress on your wrist).
8. A first aid kit. Don’t own a home without one. If you’re a first timer with any of the rest of the tools, you can put this to good use when you pinch yourself with pliers, or cut yourself on a fast retracting tape measure.
1. A flashlight. This is crucial, even if you don’t buy anything else on the list. If the power goes out, or you can’t find the exact lid for your Tupperware container in the back of the cabinet, shedding some light makes life a lot easier.
2. A screwdriver. For maximum efficiency, and especially if you are going to be doing just little jobs, there are screwdrivers available now that have removable tips so you can buy just one tool for all screws and swap out the tips depending on what you need.
3. A tape measure. Ask anyone who has ever rented an apartment and then couldn’t fit the couch in any of the rooms, having a tape measure is a good thing to have. It will help you place furniture, decide how big an area rug to buy, or know how long a cable you will need for your TV.
4. Adjustable pliers. Maybe two pair, one large and one small. Maybe the previous owner or tenant left a nail in the wall that just won’t come out, or they used a stapler in the windowsill to hang their Christmas lights. Pliers will give you the grip you need to pull things out.
5. An adjustable wrench. This will help you tighten (or loosen) nuts and bolts. You can change your shower head, or loosen your dryer vent tubing to check for lint.
6. A hammer. Hang things on the wall, close up a paint can securely, or pound in stakes so your kids can camp out in the backyard.
7. An electric drill. You can keep it pretty basic, but a drill can save lots of time. Buy one that has a screwtip adapter also, and you can drive in screws much faster than with a manual screwdriver (and with less stress on your wrist).
8. A first aid kit. Don’t own a home without one. If you’re a first timer with any of the rest of the tools, you can put this to good use when you pinch yourself with pliers, or cut yourself on a fast retracting tape measure.
Senin, 15 Februari 2010
15 Ways To Start Your Internet Business Sales
1. Find a strategic business partner. Look for ones that have the same objective. You
can trade leads, share marketing info, sell package deals, etc.
2. Create a free ebook directory on a specific topic at your web site. People will visit
your web site to read the free ebooks and may see your product ad.
3. Brand your name and business. You can easily do this by just writing articles and
submitting them to e-zines or web sites for republishing.
4. Offer daily or weekly visitor bonuses. This will increase your repeat traffic and sales
because your visitors will visit regularly to get the visitor bonuses.
5. Start an auction on your web site. The type of auction could be related to the theme
of your site. You'll draw traffic from auctioneers and bidders.
6. Allow people to download software or e-books from your web site at no cost. Just
ask your visitors in return if they'll refer their friends to your web site.
7. Remember to take a little time out of your day or week to brainstorm. New ideas are
usually the difference between success and failure.
8. Create multiple streams of income with your web site. You could sell your own products,
join affiliate programs, sell advertising space, etc.
9. Model other successful business or people. I'm not saying out right copy them, but
practice some of the same habits that have made them succeed.
10. Give your visitors compliments in your ad copy. This can earn their trust and put them
in a good mood, in return they will be easier to sell too.
11. Take risks to improve your business. Sometimes businesses don't want to advertise
unless it's free, sometimes you have to spend money to get results.
12. Include emotional words in your advertisements. Use ones like love, security, relief,
freedom, happy, satisfaction, fun, etc.
13. Ask people online to review your web site. You can use the comments you get to
improve your website or you may turn the reviewer into a customer.
14. Out source part of your workload. You'll save on most employee costs. You could out
source your secretarial work, accounting, marketing, etc.
15. Combine a product and service together in a package deal. It could increase your sales. If
you're selling a book, offer an hour of consulting with it.
can trade leads, share marketing info, sell package deals, etc.
2. Create a free ebook directory on a specific topic at your web site. People will visit
your web site to read the free ebooks and may see your product ad.
3. Brand your name and business. You can easily do this by just writing articles and
submitting them to e-zines or web sites for republishing.
4. Offer daily or weekly visitor bonuses. This will increase your repeat traffic and sales
because your visitors will visit regularly to get the visitor bonuses.
5. Start an auction on your web site. The type of auction could be related to the theme
of your site. You'll draw traffic from auctioneers and bidders.
6. Allow people to download software or e-books from your web site at no cost. Just
ask your visitors in return if they'll refer their friends to your web site.
7. Remember to take a little time out of your day or week to brainstorm. New ideas are
usually the difference between success and failure.
8. Create multiple streams of income with your web site. You could sell your own products,
join affiliate programs, sell advertising space, etc.
9. Model other successful business or people. I'm not saying out right copy them, but
practice some of the same habits that have made them succeed.
10. Give your visitors compliments in your ad copy. This can earn their trust and put them
in a good mood, in return they will be easier to sell too.
11. Take risks to improve your business. Sometimes businesses don't want to advertise
unless it's free, sometimes you have to spend money to get results.
12. Include emotional words in your advertisements. Use ones like love, security, relief,
freedom, happy, satisfaction, fun, etc.
13. Ask people online to review your web site. You can use the comments you get to
improve your website or you may turn the reviewer into a customer.
14. Out source part of your workload. You'll save on most employee costs. You could out
source your secretarial work, accounting, marketing, etc.
15. Combine a product and service together in a package deal. It could increase your sales. If
you're selling a book, offer an hour of consulting with it.
Minggu, 14 Februari 2010
15 Creative Photo Ideas
1. Surf around the Web. Look at images at magazines, papers, on-line galleries and you’ll find a wealth of ideas. Try the Gallery at shotaddict.com. Want more – go to flickr.com and look through tones of creative shots. Another useful source is VFXY, it displays recent posts from various photoblogs.
2. Learn the ‘visual language’. Visit Art Museums, Galleries and Exhibitions that have photography shows. Learn art history from Antiquity to the Present and discover how highly creative people developed methods for expressing light and color.
3. Watch Movies. It is another source of inspiration, as they are nothing more than still images shown to you at 29.97 frames a second. Lots of ideas for concepts, lighting, messages, or just plain pretty images.
4. Read photography books to learn new techniques and then try to apply them in your work.
5. Look at things through the eyes of creativity. Pick anything and shoot it just to see what it looks like: things around your house, in the refridgerator, etc. The subject doesn’t really matter all that much, what matters is how you shoot it. Shoot, shoot and still shoot even more. Digital is cheap.
6. Composition is the key. Think about what you are doing. Frame your photo in your mind. Look for interesting angles and light, go high, go low. The key is to shoot the subject in as many different ways, under different lighting, and try to make those images interesting. So, don’t just point and shoot, but consider composition.
7. The twenty step exercise. If you lack inspiration, you can take your camera, go outside and start shooting anything around. Each photographer has their own secret. Some recommends shooting 100 photos in one hour. Others suggest you should try to get 100 shots from within the 10 metre radius of where you are. Others play twenty steps. Go out for a walk, walk twenty steps, stop, look around, take a picture (try and make it interesting, an unusual angle, a closeup, abstract, etc), walk another twenty steps, repeat. The point is to develop your eye, learn to look more indepth at your surroundings, to look in close as well as wide. This exercise forces you to try and see the mundane differently.
8. Plan a trip to a local botanical garden or a zoo. Make sure to visit such places from time to time, - there are lots of things to shoot there.
9. Shoot in different conditions. E.g. iff you shoot in early morning, late in the afternoon or in sunset, the available light will add more depth, create interesting shadows and color changes for your convenience. Try to photograph places in fog – it will hide distracting background elements.
10. Look through postcards. If you want to shoot the city you live in, or you plan a trip to some excited place, you’ll find it useful to look through postcards. Often we walk past something time and time again and never actually notice its potential. Besides, postcards will give you ideas what is the best way to shoot the subject.
11. Learn how to “see” with your camera – another exercise to develop your eye. If your camera has a viewfinder, look through it for some time. Then look at a scene, and imagine how the camera will see it. Then hold again your camera up to your face and find out if you were right. Keep trying until you can tell immediately what the camera will see.
12. Self-criticism Shoot, shoot and shoot! But after you take tons of images, you should sort them ruthlessly. 10% of worthy photos for a day is not bad results.
13. Enter online contests. It’s great inspiration to find interesting stuff to photograph. You have a topic, and it can make it easier to find interesting stuff to shoot. Try Contests at shotaddict.com.
14. Join a photo community and interest groups. It is cheap, informative, and fun. You can post your photos, participate in critique and discussions at forums. Some very good and interesting stuff to be found there!
15. Take a photo a day and see your life in a whole new way. It is a great article from Photojojo. Remember that a camera that you don’t have with you is a camera that’s not going to take any pictures. So try to have your camera on you as often as possible.
2. Learn the ‘visual language’. Visit Art Museums, Galleries and Exhibitions that have photography shows. Learn art history from Antiquity to the Present and discover how highly creative people developed methods for expressing light and color.
3. Watch Movies. It is another source of inspiration, as they are nothing more than still images shown to you at 29.97 frames a second. Lots of ideas for concepts, lighting, messages, or just plain pretty images.
4. Read photography books to learn new techniques and then try to apply them in your work.
5. Look at things through the eyes of creativity. Pick anything and shoot it just to see what it looks like: things around your house, in the refridgerator, etc. The subject doesn’t really matter all that much, what matters is how you shoot it. Shoot, shoot and still shoot even more. Digital is cheap.
6. Composition is the key. Think about what you are doing. Frame your photo in your mind. Look for interesting angles and light, go high, go low. The key is to shoot the subject in as many different ways, under different lighting, and try to make those images interesting. So, don’t just point and shoot, but consider composition.
7. The twenty step exercise. If you lack inspiration, you can take your camera, go outside and start shooting anything around. Each photographer has their own secret. Some recommends shooting 100 photos in one hour. Others suggest you should try to get 100 shots from within the 10 metre radius of where you are. Others play twenty steps. Go out for a walk, walk twenty steps, stop, look around, take a picture (try and make it interesting, an unusual angle, a closeup, abstract, etc), walk another twenty steps, repeat. The point is to develop your eye, learn to look more indepth at your surroundings, to look in close as well as wide. This exercise forces you to try and see the mundane differently.
8. Plan a trip to a local botanical garden or a zoo. Make sure to visit such places from time to time, - there are lots of things to shoot there.
9. Shoot in different conditions. E.g. iff you shoot in early morning, late in the afternoon or in sunset, the available light will add more depth, create interesting shadows and color changes for your convenience. Try to photograph places in fog – it will hide distracting background elements.
10. Look through postcards. If you want to shoot the city you live in, or you plan a trip to some excited place, you’ll find it useful to look through postcards. Often we walk past something time and time again and never actually notice its potential. Besides, postcards will give you ideas what is the best way to shoot the subject.
11. Learn how to “see” with your camera – another exercise to develop your eye. If your camera has a viewfinder, look through it for some time. Then look at a scene, and imagine how the camera will see it. Then hold again your camera up to your face and find out if you were right. Keep trying until you can tell immediately what the camera will see.
12. Self-criticism Shoot, shoot and shoot! But after you take tons of images, you should sort them ruthlessly. 10% of worthy photos for a day is not bad results.
13. Enter online contests. It’s great inspiration to find interesting stuff to photograph. You have a topic, and it can make it easier to find interesting stuff to shoot. Try Contests at shotaddict.com.
14. Join a photo community and interest groups. It is cheap, informative, and fun. You can post your photos, participate in critique and discussions at forums. Some very good and interesting stuff to be found there!
15. Take a photo a day and see your life in a whole new way. It is a great article from Photojojo. Remember that a camera that you don’t have with you is a camera that’s not going to take any pictures. So try to have your camera on you as often as possible.
Sabtu, 13 Februari 2010
15 Brand New Free Websites On Building, Running And Advertising A Succesful Internet Business!
Did you know there are 15 brand new websites that offer over 8,000 free articles on Making a Living Online There is! Check out this new resource on MAKING MONEY ONLINE! Over 8,000 Free Articles! The sites have great cutting edge information by many of the webs top marketers, publishers and experts who share tips, tools and tactics on running profitable Internet Businesses!!
There are many different topics covered including: Internet Marketing
Website Promotion
PPC & Advertising
Website Design Information
Blogging & Rss Feeds
Internet Copywriting
Internet Security
Internet Traffic Building
Affiliate Revenue Information
Writing Articles for the internet
Ezine Publishing Information
Website Hosting Information
Website Development Information
Ezine Marketing Information
Search Engine Optimization Information
To access these sites simply click the Freemarketingarticles.org link below in the footer of this article.
These websites cover all aspects of running a profitable internet business. Everything You need to know from building a Website to Search engine optimization!There is a wesite on on Pay Per Click Advertising, How to generate tons of free website traffic All the different types of Affiliate programs and resources and so much more!
Here is a sample of articles covered on the Web Design article site:
Web Design Information
Making Good Websites that Stand Out
Websites, there's literally billions of them out there in cyber-space. How many of them do you go to and just think this is boring, bland, or hard to use? It seems like too many to mention.
How To Create A Stunning Drop Capital Effect On Your Web Pages
Drop Capitals are frequently used in many newspapers, books and magazines in the offline world. You will frequently see the large capital letter sinking down into the first paragraph of articles, stories and chapters in the majority of publications you come across.
Graphic Design Using Color
Color is everywhere and conveys a message even if we don't realize it. While this message can vary by culture it pays to know what colors "say" in your own corner of the universe, and even what color means to your target market.
The Monster Garage of eLearning
Have you seen Jesse James on the Discovery Channel's Monster Garage? Each week Jesse and his handpicked team create a customized vehicle to dazzle and amaze you. So what does this have to do with eLearning? Read on.
Sales Versus Customer Oriented Websites
Should Generating Revenue From A Website Be The Prime Motivator? A pure sales site has only one purpose..
How To Set Up A Professional Website On Your Own Using Web Templates
To create professional websites is not an easy task by any means. There are many things that you got to take into consideration like easy navigation, strategic links, clean coding, professional layout, easy downloading, scanability, usability and so on.
A Website Checklist
If you've just finished building your new website (or revamping your old one), how can you be sure it's "ready for prime time"? Or maybe your site's been around for awhile and you think it may be due for a makeover. Because Web technologies, techniques and standards change so rapidly, even a website that seems "cutting edge" when it's built can look obsolete a year later.
Ten Steps to a Winning Home Page
There's no doubt about it - the first page your site visitors see is the most important page of your website. If your home page isn't appealing, chances are the rest of your pages will never even be seen by your visitors.
Web Design for Dictators
No question about it, web design is an art. Finding the right blend of style and usability is a delicate balance that few, if any, fully master.
Website Basics
The Basics You have a flourishing business - everything is in its place. You just miss one important piece of marketing: an Internet Presence a website.
Building Your Website to Save You Money
Does your website make you any money? Does it SAVE you any money?Websites are more than just marketing tools, out there in Cyber-Land effortlessly promoting you and your products. While that's great, why not use that same website to save yourself some money?How? Well, while I don't know your particular situation, I can provide you with some thought-provoking ideas that you can take back to your web designer for more input.
Ten Design Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these mistakes and your site will be steps ahead of your competition. 1.
Design Matters in our Visual Culture
FIRST IMPRESSIONS. First impressions often leave lasting impressions.
Do-It-Yourself or Hire a Professional Designer
All the Websites are Free! These sites are brought to you by:
BestInternetBusinessesReview.com The #1 Source for Internet Businesses That Really Make Money!
To access these sites simply click the Freemarketingarticles.org link below in the footer of this article. See The footer on the free internet marketin articles site for links to the other 15 free websites!
8,000 Free Articles on Making a Living Online @ freeinternetmarketingarticles.org
There are many different topics covered including: Internet Marketing
Website Promotion
PPC & Advertising
Website Design Information
Blogging & Rss Feeds
Internet Copywriting
Internet Security
Internet Traffic Building
Affiliate Revenue Information
Writing Articles for the internet
Ezine Publishing Information
Website Hosting Information
Website Development Information
Ezine Marketing Information
Search Engine Optimization Information
To access these sites simply click the Freemarketingarticles.org link below in the footer of this article.
These websites cover all aspects of running a profitable internet business. Everything You need to know from building a Website to Search engine optimization!There is a wesite on on Pay Per Click Advertising, How to generate tons of free website traffic All the different types of Affiliate programs and resources and so much more!
Here is a sample of articles covered on the Web Design article site:
Web Design Information
Making Good Websites that Stand Out
Websites, there's literally billions of them out there in cyber-space. How many of them do you go to and just think this is boring, bland, or hard to use? It seems like too many to mention.
How To Create A Stunning Drop Capital Effect On Your Web Pages
Drop Capitals are frequently used in many newspapers, books and magazines in the offline world. You will frequently see the large capital letter sinking down into the first paragraph of articles, stories and chapters in the majority of publications you come across.
Graphic Design Using Color
Color is everywhere and conveys a message even if we don't realize it. While this message can vary by culture it pays to know what colors "say" in your own corner of the universe, and even what color means to your target market.
The Monster Garage of eLearning
Have you seen Jesse James on the Discovery Channel's Monster Garage? Each week Jesse and his handpicked team create a customized vehicle to dazzle and amaze you. So what does this have to do with eLearning? Read on.
Sales Versus Customer Oriented Websites
Should Generating Revenue From A Website Be The Prime Motivator? A pure sales site has only one purpose..
How To Set Up A Professional Website On Your Own Using Web Templates
To create professional websites is not an easy task by any means. There are many things that you got to take into consideration like easy navigation, strategic links, clean coding, professional layout, easy downloading, scanability, usability and so on.
A Website Checklist
If you've just finished building your new website (or revamping your old one), how can you be sure it's "ready for prime time"? Or maybe your site's been around for awhile and you think it may be due for a makeover. Because Web technologies, techniques and standards change so rapidly, even a website that seems "cutting edge" when it's built can look obsolete a year later.
Ten Steps to a Winning Home Page
There's no doubt about it - the first page your site visitors see is the most important page of your website. If your home page isn't appealing, chances are the rest of your pages will never even be seen by your visitors.
Web Design for Dictators
No question about it, web design is an art. Finding the right blend of style and usability is a delicate balance that few, if any, fully master.
Website Basics
The Basics You have a flourishing business - everything is in its place. You just miss one important piece of marketing: an Internet Presence a website.
Building Your Website to Save You Money
Does your website make you any money? Does it SAVE you any money?Websites are more than just marketing tools, out there in Cyber-Land effortlessly promoting you and your products. While that's great, why not use that same website to save yourself some money?How? Well, while I don't know your particular situation, I can provide you with some thought-provoking ideas that you can take back to your web designer for more input.
Ten Design Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these mistakes and your site will be steps ahead of your competition. 1.
Design Matters in our Visual Culture
FIRST IMPRESSIONS. First impressions often leave lasting impressions.
Do-It-Yourself or Hire a Professional Designer
All the Websites are Free! These sites are brought to you by:
BestInternetBusinessesReview.com The #1 Source for Internet Businesses That Really Make Money!
To access these sites simply click the Freemarketingarticles.org link below in the footer of this article. See The footer on the free internet marketin articles site for links to the other 15 free websites!
8,000 Free Articles on Making a Living Online @ freeinternetmarketingarticles.org
Jumat, 12 Februari 2010
14 Ways To Persuade Your Web Site Visitors To Give You Their Email Address
1. Ask visitors to subscribe to your e-zine. It's a good idea to also give them a freebie when they subscribe.
2. Have them sign-up to get access to download a free ebook. The subject of the ebook should be related to your target audience.
3. Give your visitors a free membership inside your member's only web site. Have them sign-up to receive a user name and password.
4. Hold a free contest or sweepstakes at your web site. Ask them to give you their contact information to enter.
5. Offer your visitors free consulting via e-mail. Have them fill out a web form to e-mail you with their questions.
6. Hold an interactive poll on your web site. Ask your visitors to e-mail you their vote or opinion.
7. Ask your visitors to sign-up for a chance to get a web site award. Have them e-mail you their contact and web site information.
8. Have visitors fill out a survey on your web site. Give them a free gift as an incentive to complete the form.
9. Offer a free online service from your web site. Have visitors fill out their contact information to sign-up to the free service.
10. Ask visitors to sign your guest book. Tell them they will get a free gift in return.
11. Offer a free affiliate program for your visitors. They will have to sign-up in order to receive marketing materials and commissions.
12. Allow visitors to submit a free classified ad on your web site. Require them to give a valid e-mail address in order to post an ad.
13. Give people who visit your web site a free course sent via autoresponder. Just ask them to fill out their contact information to receive the free course.
14. Offer your visitors free software to download. Have them sign-up to get an access code to unlock the software.
2. Have them sign-up to get access to download a free ebook. The subject of the ebook should be related to your target audience.
3. Give your visitors a free membership inside your member's only web site. Have them sign-up to receive a user name and password.
4. Hold a free contest or sweepstakes at your web site. Ask them to give you their contact information to enter.
5. Offer your visitors free consulting via e-mail. Have them fill out a web form to e-mail you with their questions.
6. Hold an interactive poll on your web site. Ask your visitors to e-mail you their vote or opinion.
7. Ask your visitors to sign-up for a chance to get a web site award. Have them e-mail you their contact and web site information.
8. Have visitors fill out a survey on your web site. Give them a free gift as an incentive to complete the form.
9. Offer a free online service from your web site. Have visitors fill out their contact information to sign-up to the free service.
10. Ask visitors to sign your guest book. Tell them they will get a free gift in return.
11. Offer a free affiliate program for your visitors. They will have to sign-up in order to receive marketing materials and commissions.
12. Allow visitors to submit a free classified ad on your web site. Require them to give a valid e-mail address in order to post an ad.
13. Give people who visit your web site a free course sent via autoresponder. Just ask them to fill out their contact information to receive the free course.
14. Offer your visitors free software to download. Have them sign-up to get an access code to unlock the software.
Kamis, 11 Februari 2010
14 Tips For Writing An Effective Online Survey
Developing a useful, well-written online survey that extracts the information you need from your users can be a challenge. In this article, I will review 14 tips for creating a useful online survey.
1) Write a brief, concise survey. Start with a mental framework that focuses on only what is essential to know. Ask questions only if the answers will give you the data you need and can use. If a question is not important enough to include in your report on the survey’s findings, then remove the question. Try to envision each question as its own specific theory that you are testing.
In addition, research has shown that people skim and skip on the web because it is difficult to read lots of heavily condensed text on a computer screen. Most users do not want to scroll through a long page of text, so your online survey completion rate will be higher if the survey is short and succinct.
2) Try to begin the survey with interesting questions. Interesting questions will inspire the respondent to keep reading and complete the survey.
3) Develop questions with answers in the proper format for your purposes. For example, if you believe your students need more time to complete the questions in your lesson, ask, “How long did it take you to complete the unit and accompanying questions?” with various time intervals as possible answers. This is better than asking, “Do you need more time to finish the unit and accompanying questions?” with yes or no as possible responses.
4) Plan ahead of time how you and your company will analyze the information before you send out the final version of the survey. This may affect your questions and format when you realize that the statistical analysis you need to perform cannot be done with these particular question results.
5) Use the simplest language possible and respect the respondent’s dignity when constructing questions. Your survey respondents will undoubtedly come from many different groups, and more often than not, are less expert in the field than you are.
6) Use neutral language. The online survey is being developed to find out what your audience thinks and is not a forum for you to air your perceptions or opinions.
7) Relax your grammar a bit so your questions do not sound too formal. For instance, the word “who” is often acceptable when “whom” is technically correct.
8) Be sure to ask only one question at a time and put them in a logical order. Questions like “If you scored less than 70% on the test and you have taken the test another time previous to this, what do you think would help you receive an 80% or above the next time you take the test?” will be difficult for respondents to answer and even more challenging for you to interpret.
9) Avoid double negatives, difficult concepts, and specific recall questions. Respondents are easily perplexed when trying to interpret the meaning of a question that uses double negatives. Respondents can also become quickly overwhelmed and lose detail of events or circumstances that are farther back in time. Most importantly, if the survey is too complex and/or difficult to fill out, respondents won’t complete it!
10) Try to use more closed-ended questions, with no more than one or two open-ended questions. Respondents usually have a better understanding of closed-ended questions because they are more straightforward and offer responses they can choose from.
Open-ended questions require a written response. An excessive number of open-ended questions can wear down the respondent and reduce the quality of the answers they provide.
11) Scaled response questions should have answers that are at balanced, comparable intervals. For example, offering choices of excellent, very good, good, and terrible would cause you to miss important information in between the values of good and terrible.
12) Whenever possible, responses should be developed as discrete amounts instead of general statements of quantities, with specific options from which to choose. It’s better to ask, “How many times a month do you go to the movies?” “0”, “1 to 3 times a month”, “3 to 5 times a month or more”, instead of “How often do you go to movies?” “almost never”, “one and a while”, “I am there at least once a week”, etc.
13) Name your survey and write a brief introduction. Providing a survey name and a brief introduction are good ways to give your respondents some background and a frame of reference. It also prepares them for what is to come.
14) Craft a well-written subject line for the email you send with the survey to capture your respondents’ attention.
While not exhaustive, the points listed above are enough to get you started in the right direction. In summary, a well-written online survey has higher completion rates and is an effective method for gathering information.
1) Write a brief, concise survey. Start with a mental framework that focuses on only what is essential to know. Ask questions only if the answers will give you the data you need and can use. If a question is not important enough to include in your report on the survey’s findings, then remove the question. Try to envision each question as its own specific theory that you are testing.
In addition, research has shown that people skim and skip on the web because it is difficult to read lots of heavily condensed text on a computer screen. Most users do not want to scroll through a long page of text, so your online survey completion rate will be higher if the survey is short and succinct.
2) Try to begin the survey with interesting questions. Interesting questions will inspire the respondent to keep reading and complete the survey.
3) Develop questions with answers in the proper format for your purposes. For example, if you believe your students need more time to complete the questions in your lesson, ask, “How long did it take you to complete the unit and accompanying questions?” with various time intervals as possible answers. This is better than asking, “Do you need more time to finish the unit and accompanying questions?” with yes or no as possible responses.
4) Plan ahead of time how you and your company will analyze the information before you send out the final version of the survey. This may affect your questions and format when you realize that the statistical analysis you need to perform cannot be done with these particular question results.
5) Use the simplest language possible and respect the respondent’s dignity when constructing questions. Your survey respondents will undoubtedly come from many different groups, and more often than not, are less expert in the field than you are.
6) Use neutral language. The online survey is being developed to find out what your audience thinks and is not a forum for you to air your perceptions or opinions.
7) Relax your grammar a bit so your questions do not sound too formal. For instance, the word “who” is often acceptable when “whom” is technically correct.
8) Be sure to ask only one question at a time and put them in a logical order. Questions like “If you scored less than 70% on the test and you have taken the test another time previous to this, what do you think would help you receive an 80% or above the next time you take the test?” will be difficult for respondents to answer and even more challenging for you to interpret.
9) Avoid double negatives, difficult concepts, and specific recall questions. Respondents are easily perplexed when trying to interpret the meaning of a question that uses double negatives. Respondents can also become quickly overwhelmed and lose detail of events or circumstances that are farther back in time. Most importantly, if the survey is too complex and/or difficult to fill out, respondents won’t complete it!
10) Try to use more closed-ended questions, with no more than one or two open-ended questions. Respondents usually have a better understanding of closed-ended questions because they are more straightforward and offer responses they can choose from.
Open-ended questions require a written response. An excessive number of open-ended questions can wear down the respondent and reduce the quality of the answers they provide.
11) Scaled response questions should have answers that are at balanced, comparable intervals. For example, offering choices of excellent, very good, good, and terrible would cause you to miss important information in between the values of good and terrible.
12) Whenever possible, responses should be developed as discrete amounts instead of general statements of quantities, with specific options from which to choose. It’s better to ask, “How many times a month do you go to the movies?” “0”, “1 to 3 times a month”, “3 to 5 times a month or more”, instead of “How often do you go to movies?” “almost never”, “one and a while”, “I am there at least once a week”, etc.
13) Name your survey and write a brief introduction. Providing a survey name and a brief introduction are good ways to give your respondents some background and a frame of reference. It also prepares them for what is to come.
14) Craft a well-written subject line for the email you send with the survey to capture your respondents’ attention.
While not exhaustive, the points listed above are enough to get you started in the right direction. In summary, a well-written online survey has higher completion rates and is an effective method for gathering information.
Rabu, 10 Februari 2010
12 Free SEO Tools You Must Use.
Effective SEO strategies require a lot of effort and time. Although in the search engines market exist very advanced tools that cost a lot, there are many free SEO tools which can help the novice and advanced SEO marketer to save valuable time.
Here is a list of free and proven for their effectiveness SEO online instruments:
1) http://www.alexaranking.com . It displays multiple domains instead of one. Therefore, you can have instant traffic results from Alexa Rankings instead of typing and search each time separately.
2) http://www.xml-sitemaps.com . Sitemaps are extremely important for websites because they help search engines crawl and index them. This is a free xml sitemap generator.
3) http://www.123promotion.co.uk/directorymanager . You can track your submissions to various web directories and you can also visit regularly to see new directories added to the list. You just tick the appropriate submission boxes when you submitted your website. It’s very easy to use it.
4) http://www.123promotion.co.uk/ppc/index.php. This is a very powerful tool. It displays, based on the Overture and Wordtracker keyword search tools, similar data, including search figures from the previous month. It also adds statistics for average searches per hour, day, week, projected figures for the next 12 months and then also a figure to see how searches may look in 3 years from now.
5) http://www.seochat.com/seo-tools/keyword-density . This keyword density tool is useful for helping webmasters/SEO's achieve their optimum keyword density for a set of key terms/keywords. This tool will analyze your chosen URL and return a table of keyword density values for one, two, or three word key terms.
6) http://www.mcdar.net/KeywordTool/keyWait.asp . This is another Excellent Resource. When you enter the appropriate URL and keyword, it will display Pagerank and Back links pages for the Top 10 websites.
7) http://www.123promotion.co.uk/tools/robotstxtgenerator.php . You can create a free robots.txt file with this resource. So, you will be able to direct the search engines to follow the pages structure of your website and also direct the search engines not to follow and crawl specific web pages of your website you don’t want to be crawled.
All you have to do is filling the fields and when the robots.txt file is created you upload it to your root of your web server.
8) http://www.nichebot.com . This website displays keyword data using Wordtracker and Google search results. You just enter the keyword and press the button.
9) http://www.webconfs.com/domain-stats.php . You Enter the domain and get: domain age, number of pages indexed, and number of backlinks. The statistics include Alexa Taffic Rank, Age of the domains, Yahoo WebRank, Dmoz listings, count of backlinks and number of pages indexed in Search Engines like Google, Yahoo, Msn etc.
It will help you figure out why some of your competitors are ranking better than you.
10) http://comparesearchengines.dogpile.com . Shows top results from 3 search engines. This tool helps you get all kind of statistics of your competitor's domains.
11) http://www.marketleap.com/verify/default.htm . This verification tool checks to see if your site is in the top three pages of a search engine result for a specific keyword. You enter your URL/Keyword and it displays top 30 for 11 Search Engines.
12) http://www.related-pages.com/adWordsKeywords.aspx. This tool generates a list of possible keyword combinations based on lists of keywords that you provide.
You enter a list of terms, one per line or separated by commas. This is very effective for Google Adwords and Overture.
Here is a list of free and proven for their effectiveness SEO online instruments:
1) http://www.alexaranking.com . It displays multiple domains instead of one. Therefore, you can have instant traffic results from Alexa Rankings instead of typing and search each time separately.
2) http://www.xml-sitemaps.com . Sitemaps are extremely important for websites because they help search engines crawl and index them. This is a free xml sitemap generator.
3) http://www.123promotion.co.uk/directorymanager . You can track your submissions to various web directories and you can also visit regularly to see new directories added to the list. You just tick the appropriate submission boxes when you submitted your website. It’s very easy to use it.
4) http://www.123promotion.co.uk/ppc/index.php. This is a very powerful tool. It displays, based on the Overture and Wordtracker keyword search tools, similar data, including search figures from the previous month. It also adds statistics for average searches per hour, day, week, projected figures for the next 12 months and then also a figure to see how searches may look in 3 years from now.
5) http://www.seochat.com/seo-tools/keyword-density . This keyword density tool is useful for helping webmasters/SEO's achieve their optimum keyword density for a set of key terms/keywords. This tool will analyze your chosen URL and return a table of keyword density values for one, two, or three word key terms.
6) http://www.mcdar.net/KeywordTool/keyWait.asp . This is another Excellent Resource. When you enter the appropriate URL and keyword, it will display Pagerank and Back links pages for the Top 10 websites.
7) http://www.123promotion.co.uk/tools/robotstxtgenerator.php . You can create a free robots.txt file with this resource. So, you will be able to direct the search engines to follow the pages structure of your website and also direct the search engines not to follow and crawl specific web pages of your website you don’t want to be crawled.
All you have to do is filling the fields and when the robots.txt file is created you upload it to your root of your web server.
8) http://www.nichebot.com . This website displays keyword data using Wordtracker and Google search results. You just enter the keyword and press the button.
9) http://www.webconfs.com/domain-stats.php . You Enter the domain and get: domain age, number of pages indexed, and number of backlinks. The statistics include Alexa Taffic Rank, Age of the domains, Yahoo WebRank, Dmoz listings, count of backlinks and number of pages indexed in Search Engines like Google, Yahoo, Msn etc.
It will help you figure out why some of your competitors are ranking better than you.
10) http://comparesearchengines.dogpile.com . Shows top results from 3 search engines. This tool helps you get all kind of statistics of your competitor's domains.
11) http://www.marketleap.com/verify/default.htm . This verification tool checks to see if your site is in the top three pages of a search engine result for a specific keyword. You enter your URL/Keyword and it displays top 30 for 11 Search Engines.
12) http://www.related-pages.com/adWordsKeywords.aspx. This tool generates a list of possible keyword combinations based on lists of keywords that you provide.
You enter a list of terms, one per line or separated by commas. This is very effective for Google Adwords and Overture.
Selasa, 09 Februari 2010
10 Tips For Web Success
The webmaster's biggest job is to get their traffic up and keep customers/visitors coming back. Building the site is one thing, but simply building and posting a website does not guarantee traffic. In fact, a website could be beautiful and an example of all the latest technology and still not attract a single visitor if not promoted correctly. Here are 10 tips to guide you to success with your website.
(1) The internet is a new medium.
At least compared to print, it is. A website is a waste if it simply re-hashes something which could easily be put into print. Don't have the site be just an online brochure. Put up features which take advantage of the internet as a medium of communication. Filter information for them. Provide search capability. Provide interactivity with features like forums, quizzes and tools. Web visitors like to interact.
(2) Treat the Customer's Time as Valuable.
When a person visits your website, you have their attention for that point in time. You either need to use it or you will lose it - fast. Most visitors have short attention spans, what you need to design your site homepage so that it grabs their attention and provides what they are looking for right away. Its like walking into a restaurant. If you walk in and just stand there and nobody comes to greet you, you might wonder what is happening. But, if the hostess comes and greets you right away and walks you to a table, then you will be there for awhile and eat. The same analogy goes for websites. Don't overcomplicate your website homepage. Best results will be obtained if you make it very clear where to click to find what they need.
(3) Design the site for customers, not the company.
Your site needs to satisfy the needs of customers, not the company. So, don't post content which is not really useful to the site's customer. And avoid over-flattering marketing hype about the company. It inflates the ego of the company more than it helps your customer.
(4) Involve the Visitor.
Keep the visitor involved and make them feel like a valuable contributor. Actively ask for the feedback and suggestions. Ask for communication from your visitors and answer that communication swiftly. When getting that communication, capture their email address. This will allow you to communicate with them long after they have moved on and forgotten about you.
(5) Keep it Current.
You need to have content on your website which is timely and relevant to the customer's life. Posting month-old news is not interesting. Posting dry product information which never changes is not interesting. Yes, you need to have product information and other information on your site that won't change much, but you can also post more timely content. You can, for example, post content about how your products can be used in certain situations in life. Provide tips and techniques - things which are immediately applicable and solve a problem.
(6) Pay Attention to Form/Design.
Some sites simply over-do it on the eye-candy. Big graphics just for the sake of graphics often impress the site's designer more than the visitor. Do not use graphics that are large and purposeless. Remember, some visitors may still be accessing your website via dial-up. Your site needs to load up quickly for all users. A slow website will cause your users to leave quickly. Also, pay attention to graphic and design size. Many web designers operate on fairly large screen resolutions and sometimes forget that even though a graphic looks great to you, it will appear enormous to somebody on a smaller resolution. On the flip side, don't go too light on graphics. A site which is poorly designed and using the default font and no color is not very aesthetically pleasing. Any web visitor, whether they admit it or not, judges your company by your website unless they have something else to go on. A well-designed site communicates professionalism. A poor design makes the site seem like an afterthought.
(7) Promote.
When a visitor communicates to you via email, it is best to use a web form. not only will this keep your email address from being picked up by spammers, it will also allow you to ask your customers for their email address and then store that address for later use. Employ the "push/pull" marketing strategy. A visitor coming to your website is the pull, but later you want to push content back to them in the form of a newsletter or other promotional material. Start a mailing list and use it. Invite visitors to sign up. Promotion makes or breaks a business, and as long as you respect the ethical considerations of your mailing list, you should use it.
(8) Don't Operate in a Cocoon.
The internet is a medium which is shared by millions. When you set up your website, don't operate as if you are a self-contained island. Get out there and keep in tune with what is happening on other websites related to your own. Participate in forums. Post links to other websites and ask for a link in return. Form partnerships with other sites if it is appropriate. When it comes to communication, people like personal contacts. Hiding behind general email address like "sales" and "info" is OK as long as there is a way to also email you directly. A company site which allows email direct to the management is good. Just remember how much you hate calling a company and getting stuck in their phone system. Sometimes you just want to talk to somebody. Give your visitors that ability.
(9) Have a Plan to Attract Repeat Traffic.
Use newsletters, out-going email, contests, forums, clubs, auctions - anything that will cause people to return to your website. When posting links to other websites, don't just send your visitors somewhere else. They may never return. Provide them an exit page. Give them a pop-up when they try to leave your site. Or at the very least make external links open in a new window.
(10) Track Your Visitors
Pay attention to your site's statistics and react accordingly. What are people reading? How are they finding you? Do they just come and leave right from your homepage? How long as they are on your website? Do they return? This data is immensely valuable in fine-tuning your website based on customer needs and wants. Remember, the biggest mistake of any webmaster is designing the site for what THEY want. A successful website is designed for the target audience, not to impress the site's owner.
(1) The internet is a new medium.
At least compared to print, it is. A website is a waste if it simply re-hashes something which could easily be put into print. Don't have the site be just an online brochure. Put up features which take advantage of the internet as a medium of communication. Filter information for them. Provide search capability. Provide interactivity with features like forums, quizzes and tools. Web visitors like to interact.
(2) Treat the Customer's Time as Valuable.
When a person visits your website, you have their attention for that point in time. You either need to use it or you will lose it - fast. Most visitors have short attention spans, what you need to design your site homepage so that it grabs their attention and provides what they are looking for right away. Its like walking into a restaurant. If you walk in and just stand there and nobody comes to greet you, you might wonder what is happening. But, if the hostess comes and greets you right away and walks you to a table, then you will be there for awhile and eat. The same analogy goes for websites. Don't overcomplicate your website homepage. Best results will be obtained if you make it very clear where to click to find what they need.
(3) Design the site for customers, not the company.
Your site needs to satisfy the needs of customers, not the company. So, don't post content which is not really useful to the site's customer. And avoid over-flattering marketing hype about the company. It inflates the ego of the company more than it helps your customer.
(4) Involve the Visitor.
Keep the visitor involved and make them feel like a valuable contributor. Actively ask for the feedback and suggestions. Ask for communication from your visitors and answer that communication swiftly. When getting that communication, capture their email address. This will allow you to communicate with them long after they have moved on and forgotten about you.
(5) Keep it Current.
You need to have content on your website which is timely and relevant to the customer's life. Posting month-old news is not interesting. Posting dry product information which never changes is not interesting. Yes, you need to have product information and other information on your site that won't change much, but you can also post more timely content. You can, for example, post content about how your products can be used in certain situations in life. Provide tips and techniques - things which are immediately applicable and solve a problem.
(6) Pay Attention to Form/Design.
Some sites simply over-do it on the eye-candy. Big graphics just for the sake of graphics often impress the site's designer more than the visitor. Do not use graphics that are large and purposeless. Remember, some visitors may still be accessing your website via dial-up. Your site needs to load up quickly for all users. A slow website will cause your users to leave quickly. Also, pay attention to graphic and design size. Many web designers operate on fairly large screen resolutions and sometimes forget that even though a graphic looks great to you, it will appear enormous to somebody on a smaller resolution. On the flip side, don't go too light on graphics. A site which is poorly designed and using the default font and no color is not very aesthetically pleasing. Any web visitor, whether they admit it or not, judges your company by your website unless they have something else to go on. A well-designed site communicates professionalism. A poor design makes the site seem like an afterthought.
(7) Promote.
When a visitor communicates to you via email, it is best to use a web form. not only will this keep your email address from being picked up by spammers, it will also allow you to ask your customers for their email address and then store that address for later use. Employ the "push/pull" marketing strategy. A visitor coming to your website is the pull, but later you want to push content back to them in the form of a newsletter or other promotional material. Start a mailing list and use it. Invite visitors to sign up. Promotion makes or breaks a business, and as long as you respect the ethical considerations of your mailing list, you should use it.
(8) Don't Operate in a Cocoon.
The internet is a medium which is shared by millions. When you set up your website, don't operate as if you are a self-contained island. Get out there and keep in tune with what is happening on other websites related to your own. Participate in forums. Post links to other websites and ask for a link in return. Form partnerships with other sites if it is appropriate. When it comes to communication, people like personal contacts. Hiding behind general email address like "sales" and "info" is OK as long as there is a way to also email you directly. A company site which allows email direct to the management is good. Just remember how much you hate calling a company and getting stuck in their phone system. Sometimes you just want to talk to somebody. Give your visitors that ability.
(9) Have a Plan to Attract Repeat Traffic.
Use newsletters, out-going email, contests, forums, clubs, auctions - anything that will cause people to return to your website. When posting links to other websites, don't just send your visitors somewhere else. They may never return. Provide them an exit page. Give them a pop-up when they try to leave your site. Or at the very least make external links open in a new window.
(10) Track Your Visitors
Pay attention to your site's statistics and react accordingly. What are people reading? How are they finding you? Do they just come and leave right from your homepage? How long as they are on your website? Do they return? This data is immensely valuable in fine-tuning your website based on customer needs and wants. Remember, the biggest mistake of any webmaster is designing the site for what THEY want. A successful website is designed for the target audience, not to impress the site's owner.
Senin, 08 Februari 2010
10 Reasons You Will Love Ordering Flowers Online
Flowers are expressions of thoughtfulness and love, congratulations and sympathy, and a heartfelt way of saying a simple, “I care about you!” Remembering and finding time to express these sentiments in today’s global society can sometimes be challenging. If you moved away from your hometown but still want to send love to your mother on her birthday or just want to keep close with college roommates long after graduation, distance and convenience are major concerns. Fortunately, with new technology, you can stay close to almost anyone, anywhere by ordering flowers online.
Ordering flowers on the Internet has never been so easy and is fast becoming the most popular means of sending the perfect bouquet to friends or loved ones. People from every walk of life are enjoying the benefits of the personal computer, which is proving to be ultra fast, affordable, and surprisingly safe to use for consumers on the prowl for a really good deal. Whether you’ve ordered flowers online before or have just thought about it, here are some great reasons why buying flowers on the Web is not only a terrific idea but will also save you time and money!
1) You know what you are getting! Placing orders through a phone service has classically been luck of the draw. Whether sending flowers to a funeral or as congratulations for a special event, you could give a general idea of what you wanted by phone but had little control over the ultimate style or design. Online ordering allows you to easily pick and choose the style, color scheme, flower varieties, and price range you want! Just click on the pictures that appeal to you most. You can quickly compare options within one site or across multiple sites. This is a wonderful way to assure that your gift sends just the right message.
2) Shop anytime, anywhere! Can’t find time to go shopping? You don’t have to leave your home or office to send flowers. Let your fingers do the walking on your keyboard. You can shop in your pajamas if you want, anytime day or night. It doesn’t matter that other stores are closed; your online florist is always open. Ordering flowers online is fast, and florists are, too. They specialize in same-day and next-day delivery. With many online florists, you can order flowers in the morning for delivery almost anywhere that same afternoon. Of course, at Christmas, Valentine’s, and Mother’s Day, it’s best to avoid the rush by ordering a day or two in advance. Otherwise, same day or next day flower delivery is no problem.
3) Never forget an occasion again! Does your day get so entirely hectic that anniversaries, birthdays, and other important occasions simply slip your mind? Most online florists have a free reminder service, so you never have to worry about forgetting a special date ever again! The florist will automatically send you an email about each upcoming event to jog your memory. There’s no obligation, the information is private, and you can add or change dates anytime you want. It’s like having your own private secretary.
4) Professionally designed flowers make a statement. There are services that ship cut flowers in a box along with a vase and instructions. They’re often a bargain, but the recipient has to cut and arrange his or her own flowers. As an alternative, sending a finished arrangement ensures you get your point across without the recipient having “work for” the gift. In other words, while boxed flowers are a good thing, they’re not always the best choice. Much depends on the occasion and recipient. For deliveries to the workplace, a hospital, or a funeral home, arranged flowers are usually best. One thing is certain, it should be YOUR choice, and you’ll find both types of floral gifts when you shop online.
5) Online ordering is one stop shopping! There’s no need to drive from store to store or waste time standing in lines. You can find almost anything you need online. For example, many online florists offer a variety of products such as gift baskets, balloons, teddy bears, and chocolates. So, if you want to send flowers and a fruit basket or roses and balloons, you have that option without having to make separate purchases at different sites.
6) Transactions are safe and simple. Ordering flowers on the Internet is a breeze when it comes to safeguarding your privacy and security. All reputable online florists use secure order forms. Just look for “https” in your address bar when you get to the order form. It means the information you submit is encrypted for privacy. You’ll find it only takes a few minutes to complete your order. All major credit cards are accepted. Plus, if you use a card with reward incentives, you’ll enjoy that added bonus with your purchase.
7) You’ll find lots of helpful information at your fingertips. Unsure about the name of a particular flower? Don’t be embarrassed; your online florist can help. You’ll find product descriptions, flower pictures and names, wedding flower tips, meanings of flowers, care information, decorating ideas, and much more online. Whether you’re a seasoned floral expert or gift-sending novice, online flower shops offer a wealth of free information and resources. You can browse at your leisure, search favorite flower topics, or just enjoy the pictures. It’s like having a complete flower shop right on your PC.
8) Online florists provide their credentials. Examining rooms are decorated with diplomas, which let you see for yourself if the doctor has the credentials necessary to serve your needs. Most reputable Internet ordering sites do the same. Top florists online often have awards and feedback from customers posted conspicuously for your benefit. Look for established florists with industry credentials, customer testimonials, a service guarantee, and a toll-free customer service phone number. Then, you’re sure to be on the right track.
9) Get the benefits of mid- to large-size companies and the personalization of small, local florists in one. Online florists have the systems, staffing, industry connections, and purchasing volume you’d expect from large companies. Most guarantee satisfaction. So, you enjoy the service and prices you deserve. But, they also deliver through a vast network of select smaller florists across the country and around the globe. When choosing florist delivered flowers, your gift is professionally designed and personally delivered by these local flower shops. You get the quality and personal attention of a hometown florist, along with the service and support of a nationwide business, too.
10) Ordering flowers on the Internet makes gifting easy! Ordering flowers on the Internet is the most convenient way to send flowers to almost anyone. Most florists online will have categories based on the occasion, price range, or flower types with which to sort and view the various bouquets. You will love how easy it is to shop for flowers online and how convenient it can be ordering from your home or office.
Flowers and the thought behind them really mean a lot and truly touch people. The classic way to send a gift of flowers has traditionally been telephone ordering. Today, we have the convenience, quality, variety, and control of ordering flowers on the Internet, as well. It’s made our lives easier and made our lives better. Because, after all, it’s not about flowers, it’s about sending a message and staying close with those we care about. That’s what flowers are all about. The Internet just makes sending flowers that much easier.
Ordering flowers on the Internet has never been so easy and is fast becoming the most popular means of sending the perfect bouquet to friends or loved ones. People from every walk of life are enjoying the benefits of the personal computer, which is proving to be ultra fast, affordable, and surprisingly safe to use for consumers on the prowl for a really good deal. Whether you’ve ordered flowers online before or have just thought about it, here are some great reasons why buying flowers on the Web is not only a terrific idea but will also save you time and money!
1) You know what you are getting! Placing orders through a phone service has classically been luck of the draw. Whether sending flowers to a funeral or as congratulations for a special event, you could give a general idea of what you wanted by phone but had little control over the ultimate style or design. Online ordering allows you to easily pick and choose the style, color scheme, flower varieties, and price range you want! Just click on the pictures that appeal to you most. You can quickly compare options within one site or across multiple sites. This is a wonderful way to assure that your gift sends just the right message.
2) Shop anytime, anywhere! Can’t find time to go shopping? You don’t have to leave your home or office to send flowers. Let your fingers do the walking on your keyboard. You can shop in your pajamas if you want, anytime day or night. It doesn’t matter that other stores are closed; your online florist is always open. Ordering flowers online is fast, and florists are, too. They specialize in same-day and next-day delivery. With many online florists, you can order flowers in the morning for delivery almost anywhere that same afternoon. Of course, at Christmas, Valentine’s, and Mother’s Day, it’s best to avoid the rush by ordering a day or two in advance. Otherwise, same day or next day flower delivery is no problem.
3) Never forget an occasion again! Does your day get so entirely hectic that anniversaries, birthdays, and other important occasions simply slip your mind? Most online florists have a free reminder service, so you never have to worry about forgetting a special date ever again! The florist will automatically send you an email about each upcoming event to jog your memory. There’s no obligation, the information is private, and you can add or change dates anytime you want. It’s like having your own private secretary.
4) Professionally designed flowers make a statement. There are services that ship cut flowers in a box along with a vase and instructions. They’re often a bargain, but the recipient has to cut and arrange his or her own flowers. As an alternative, sending a finished arrangement ensures you get your point across without the recipient having “work for” the gift. In other words, while boxed flowers are a good thing, they’re not always the best choice. Much depends on the occasion and recipient. For deliveries to the workplace, a hospital, or a funeral home, arranged flowers are usually best. One thing is certain, it should be YOUR choice, and you’ll find both types of floral gifts when you shop online.
5) Online ordering is one stop shopping! There’s no need to drive from store to store or waste time standing in lines. You can find almost anything you need online. For example, many online florists offer a variety of products such as gift baskets, balloons, teddy bears, and chocolates. So, if you want to send flowers and a fruit basket or roses and balloons, you have that option without having to make separate purchases at different sites.
6) Transactions are safe and simple. Ordering flowers on the Internet is a breeze when it comes to safeguarding your privacy and security. All reputable online florists use secure order forms. Just look for “https” in your address bar when you get to the order form. It means the information you submit is encrypted for privacy. You’ll find it only takes a few minutes to complete your order. All major credit cards are accepted. Plus, if you use a card with reward incentives, you’ll enjoy that added bonus with your purchase.
7) You’ll find lots of helpful information at your fingertips. Unsure about the name of a particular flower? Don’t be embarrassed; your online florist can help. You’ll find product descriptions, flower pictures and names, wedding flower tips, meanings of flowers, care information, decorating ideas, and much more online. Whether you’re a seasoned floral expert or gift-sending novice, online flower shops offer a wealth of free information and resources. You can browse at your leisure, search favorite flower topics, or just enjoy the pictures. It’s like having a complete flower shop right on your PC.
8) Online florists provide their credentials. Examining rooms are decorated with diplomas, which let you see for yourself if the doctor has the credentials necessary to serve your needs. Most reputable Internet ordering sites do the same. Top florists online often have awards and feedback from customers posted conspicuously for your benefit. Look for established florists with industry credentials, customer testimonials, a service guarantee, and a toll-free customer service phone number. Then, you’re sure to be on the right track.
9) Get the benefits of mid- to large-size companies and the personalization of small, local florists in one. Online florists have the systems, staffing, industry connections, and purchasing volume you’d expect from large companies. Most guarantee satisfaction. So, you enjoy the service and prices you deserve. But, they also deliver through a vast network of select smaller florists across the country and around the globe. When choosing florist delivered flowers, your gift is professionally designed and personally delivered by these local flower shops. You get the quality and personal attention of a hometown florist, along with the service and support of a nationwide business, too.
10) Ordering flowers on the Internet makes gifting easy! Ordering flowers on the Internet is the most convenient way to send flowers to almost anyone. Most florists online will have categories based on the occasion, price range, or flower types with which to sort and view the various bouquets. You will love how easy it is to shop for flowers online and how convenient it can be ordering from your home or office.
Flowers and the thought behind them really mean a lot and truly touch people. The classic way to send a gift of flowers has traditionally been telephone ordering. Today, we have the convenience, quality, variety, and control of ordering flowers on the Internet, as well. It’s made our lives easier and made our lives better. Because, after all, it’s not about flowers, it’s about sending a message and staying close with those we care about. That’s what flowers are all about. The Internet just makes sending flowers that much easier.
Minggu, 07 Februari 2010
10 Reasons Why People Don't Visit Your Web Site
1. You don't offer free original content. It's important to give your visitors information they can't find anywhere else. If you're the only source for a certain type of information, people will flock to your web site.
2. You don't offer free software. Most people like to find good deals on software for their computers. If the software is free, that is even better.
3. You don't offer a free contest or sweepstakes. It's a fact, people like to win things. If you can fulfill that need, people will stop by to visit.
4. You don't offer a free directory. Create a directory of web sites on a particular topic that is related to your target audience. People will visit because they will find what they're looking for, all in one place.
5. You don't offer a free e-zine. Most people love to get free information that they're interested in emailed to them on a regular basis. This saves them time and money.
6. You don't offer a free community. People like to have a place were they can have discussions with others on a particular subject. You could add a chat room or message board to your web site.
7. You don't offer a free affiliate program. One of people's basic needs to survive is money. When you offer them a free opportunity to make money they'll line up to visit your web site.
8. You don't offer a free online utility. When you offer a utility that can solve a problem, people will visit your web site. The utility could be a free autoresponder, e-mail account, search engine submission, etc.
9. You don't offer free current information. Supply news stories related to your web site. People want up-to-date news on the topics they are interested in. They will also be interested in visiting your web site.
10. You don't offer free samples of your product or service. Have you ever been to a store and you jumped at the chance to get a free sample of food? This same concept will also attract people to visit your web site.
2. You don't offer free software. Most people like to find good deals on software for their computers. If the software is free, that is even better.
3. You don't offer a free contest or sweepstakes. It's a fact, people like to win things. If you can fulfill that need, people will stop by to visit.
4. You don't offer a free directory. Create a directory of web sites on a particular topic that is related to your target audience. People will visit because they will find what they're looking for, all in one place.
5. You don't offer a free e-zine. Most people love to get free information that they're interested in emailed to them on a regular basis. This saves them time and money.
6. You don't offer a free community. People like to have a place were they can have discussions with others on a particular subject. You could add a chat room or message board to your web site.
7. You don't offer a free affiliate program. One of people's basic needs to survive is money. When you offer them a free opportunity to make money they'll line up to visit your web site.
8. You don't offer a free online utility. When you offer a utility that can solve a problem, people will visit your web site. The utility could be a free autoresponder, e-mail account, search engine submission, etc.
9. You don't offer free current information. Supply news stories related to your web site. People want up-to-date news on the topics they are interested in. They will also be interested in visiting your web site.
10. You don't offer free samples of your product or service. Have you ever been to a store and you jumped at the chance to get a free sample of food? This same concept will also attract people to visit your web site.
Sabtu, 06 Februari 2010
10 Reasons For Women To Start An Internet Business
Starting an internet business is in my opinion, one of the fastest and smartest ways women today can make money. Here are 10 reasons for starting an internet business, and one reason why you shouldn’t!
1. Money. Pure and simple, we all could use a more of it. Whether it’s to get out of debt, build a retirement, or just simply make ends meet. With the right guidance, an internet business can start generating income almost immediately.
2. Family. Let’s face it Moms, a lot of you want to be home with your kids. A work at home job is great for just that reason…unless you have to leave home for appointments, parties, or sales calls. Then you’re right back to babysitters and being away from your kids. An internet business truly lets you run it from home.
3. Self Esteem. Many of us are so busy being Moms, and wives, and community members, we forget to forge something in our lives that reflects our inner selves. Starting (and becoming successful) in your own business can boost your feelings of self worth, and that makes everyone in your life a winner!
4. Community. Our communities that we live in are better off for us having started businesses. It provides good role modeling for our children, provides tax base for necessary programs such as police and fire, and a community where people exhibit pride and hard work is a better place to live for us all. Perhaps you will inspire more women in your community to start a business!
5. Tax Benefits. Most women who start a business at home are going to be able to take large tax deductions for their home business. Less taxes means more money in your pocket, and that’s a good thing!
6. Work at Home Household Savings.Working at home means no expensive wardrobes. The average professional suit for a woman can cost over$150! Can you imagine NOT having to buy expensive work clothes anymore, and how much money a year you can save your families budget? Also, how much do you think a work at home mom uses expensive convenience foods and restaurant take out?
7. Flexibility. Because I work at home, I can arrange my schedule to be available when a child is home sick or heartbroken, for a field trip at school, or to just take a mental health day once in awhile and sit at a park and read. How many bosses would give you the day off to read?
8. Being in charge of your own business means you are no longer at the mercy of layoffs. Don’t get me wrong, a home business can crash too…but at least YOU hold the reins and make the decisions, not someone else.
9. You determine how much you work, and how much you make. No more being paid less than you are worth, no more begging for a raise. If you educate yourself right, you can pretty much combine hard work + persistence=unlimited income.
10. You can sell your business later on down the line…it’s an investment! Build it large enough and successful enough, and many website owners have sold their sites for hundreds of thousands of dollars…and started out knowing very little about building an internet business.
One reason NOT to start an internet business…
DO NOT start a business to please anyone else. There is so much pressure on women today to do it all….many times we feel we are not successful unless we make a lot of money, are perfect moms, never gain a pound…you get the idea. Start a business for you, and your dreams, not to convince the world, or the mother in law, or your next door neighbor…that you can do it all. Running a business is not for everyone, but if you want to follow your dreams, work at home, and make a good income, starting an internet business is a great place to start.
1. Money. Pure and simple, we all could use a more of it. Whether it’s to get out of debt, build a retirement, or just simply make ends meet. With the right guidance, an internet business can start generating income almost immediately.
2. Family. Let’s face it Moms, a lot of you want to be home with your kids. A work at home job is great for just that reason…unless you have to leave home for appointments, parties, or sales calls. Then you’re right back to babysitters and being away from your kids. An internet business truly lets you run it from home.
3. Self Esteem. Many of us are so busy being Moms, and wives, and community members, we forget to forge something in our lives that reflects our inner selves. Starting (and becoming successful) in your own business can boost your feelings of self worth, and that makes everyone in your life a winner!
4. Community. Our communities that we live in are better off for us having started businesses. It provides good role modeling for our children, provides tax base for necessary programs such as police and fire, and a community where people exhibit pride and hard work is a better place to live for us all. Perhaps you will inspire more women in your community to start a business!
5. Tax Benefits. Most women who start a business at home are going to be able to take large tax deductions for their home business. Less taxes means more money in your pocket, and that’s a good thing!
6. Work at Home Household Savings.Working at home means no expensive wardrobes. The average professional suit for a woman can cost over$150! Can you imagine NOT having to buy expensive work clothes anymore, and how much money a year you can save your families budget? Also, how much do you think a work at home mom uses expensive convenience foods and restaurant take out?
7. Flexibility. Because I work at home, I can arrange my schedule to be available when a child is home sick or heartbroken, for a field trip at school, or to just take a mental health day once in awhile and sit at a park and read. How many bosses would give you the day off to read?
8. Being in charge of your own business means you are no longer at the mercy of layoffs. Don’t get me wrong, a home business can crash too…but at least YOU hold the reins and make the decisions, not someone else.
9. You determine how much you work, and how much you make. No more being paid less than you are worth, no more begging for a raise. If you educate yourself right, you can pretty much combine hard work + persistence=unlimited income.
10. You can sell your business later on down the line…it’s an investment! Build it large enough and successful enough, and many website owners have sold their sites for hundreds of thousands of dollars…and started out knowing very little about building an internet business.
One reason NOT to start an internet business…
DO NOT start a business to please anyone else. There is so much pressure on women today to do it all….many times we feel we are not successful unless we make a lot of money, are perfect moms, never gain a pound…you get the idea. Start a business for you, and your dreams, not to convince the world, or the mother in law, or your next door neighbor…that you can do it all. Running a business is not for everyone, but if you want to follow your dreams, work at home, and make a good income, starting an internet business is a great place to start.
Jumat, 05 Februari 2010
10 Questions You Should Answer Before Building An Internet Business
If you believe that the internet is still in its infancy, then you have to be aware that the infancy is almost over. The internet gains its maturity faster. Everybody wants to take advantage of the internet must treat it as if it a mature entity. You’ve got to be serious about using internet as your business vehicle.
If you still think that you can easily make fortune out of the internet, then you may miss the big picture of it unless you are aware of the things you should ask yourself and give your answer before you build your internet business.
You should understand that building an internet business is different from making money from the internet. You can make more money from the internet without building any business.
While building an internet business may 'cost' you big investment, making money from the internet may cost you nothing or less. But here's the interesting part. Making money from the internet needs you stick to the internet all the time. Simply put, the money stops coming in when you stop your internet activity. On the other hand, if you do it correctly, the internet business you're building will make money for you even while you're sleeping or away in vacation.
So, to do it correctly, you should ask yourself these questions before building any internet business:
1. Do you have a vision?
What is your business vision? You should have it clear in your mind what your business be in the next 5 years, 10 years, or 20 years.
2. Do you recognize your business strength?
What is your business strength? This will affect the whole concept and strategies of your business. If you think that you don't have that strength, then you must make an exercise to find that strength!
3. Do you set your business goals?
What missions you want to be accomplished to achieve your business vision? These missions will be your business goals. Make a list of clear and measurable goals with detail activities to reach it.
4. Do you have a business strategy?
What to do to win your business? Use a Plan-Do-Check-Act cycle to test your business strategy.
5. Do you have the technology?
What technology needed for your business? What will be involving? You need to decide which technology is appropriate to your business.
6. Do you have good quality products to offer?
What products you want to offer to your customer? You have to make sure that the product you want to offer to your customer is the one with good quality.
7. Do you have a good quality customer?
What kind of customer will you have? One part of your business activity should be about finding good quality customer. Good quality customer is the one who's willing to observe, evaluate and buy your products again, again, and again.
8. Do you have a good quality information to offer?
Your customer needs information. Unless you can provide it, you won't win the business game.
9. Do you have a business coach?
Who will mentor and watch your business growth from the outside? Sometimes you need more than just advice and consultation to grow your business. You may decide to get a business coach to help you grow your business.
10. Do you have the guts, the passion, the patient and the endurance toward the business?
The last things you should have: guts, passion, patient and endurance to build your business.
If you can't answer just one of the 10 questions above, then you may cancel or think over again about building an internet business.
If you still think that you can easily make fortune out of the internet, then you may miss the big picture of it unless you are aware of the things you should ask yourself and give your answer before you build your internet business.
You should understand that building an internet business is different from making money from the internet. You can make more money from the internet without building any business.
While building an internet business may 'cost' you big investment, making money from the internet may cost you nothing or less. But here's the interesting part. Making money from the internet needs you stick to the internet all the time. Simply put, the money stops coming in when you stop your internet activity. On the other hand, if you do it correctly, the internet business you're building will make money for you even while you're sleeping or away in vacation.
So, to do it correctly, you should ask yourself these questions before building any internet business:
1. Do you have a vision?
What is your business vision? You should have it clear in your mind what your business be in the next 5 years, 10 years, or 20 years.
2. Do you recognize your business strength?
What is your business strength? This will affect the whole concept and strategies of your business. If you think that you don't have that strength, then you must make an exercise to find that strength!
3. Do you set your business goals?
What missions you want to be accomplished to achieve your business vision? These missions will be your business goals. Make a list of clear and measurable goals with detail activities to reach it.
4. Do you have a business strategy?
What to do to win your business? Use a Plan-Do-Check-Act cycle to test your business strategy.
5. Do you have the technology?
What technology needed for your business? What will be involving? You need to decide which technology is appropriate to your business.
6. Do you have good quality products to offer?
What products you want to offer to your customer? You have to make sure that the product you want to offer to your customer is the one with good quality.
7. Do you have a good quality customer?
What kind of customer will you have? One part of your business activity should be about finding good quality customer. Good quality customer is the one who's willing to observe, evaluate and buy your products again, again, and again.
8. Do you have a good quality information to offer?
Your customer needs information. Unless you can provide it, you won't win the business game.
9. Do you have a business coach?
Who will mentor and watch your business growth from the outside? Sometimes you need more than just advice and consultation to grow your business. You may decide to get a business coach to help you grow your business.
10. Do you have the guts, the passion, the patient and the endurance toward the business?
The last things you should have: guts, passion, patient and endurance to build your business.
If you can't answer just one of the 10 questions above, then you may cancel or think over again about building an internet business.
Kamis, 04 Februari 2010
10 Profitable Reasons To Add A Discussion Board Or Chat Room To Your Web Site
1. You'll be able to communicate with your visitors. They'll begin to trust you and get to know you on a more personal level. People will purchase products quicker from somebody they already know and trust.
2. People will revisit your web site to participate on your discussion board or chat room. They will meet other people with similar interests and your web site will become a hang out were they can chat.
3. You can learn important information about your visitors by reading the conversations they have. They may chat about your web site or products. With this information you could learn to market your products more effectively.
4. You could answer the questions your visitors ask in your online communities. You'll become known as an expert by giving the answers to their questions. This will give you and your business more credibility.
5. You could teach a free online class using your chat room. This will give you an expert status and increase traffic to your web site by offering the free class.
6. When your discussion board or chat room becomes popular, you could sell advertising space on them. This will give you an extra income stream for your web site.
7. You can network with other businesses by having a chat room or discussion board. You could exchange business ideas, leads, advertising, etc.
8. You could allow other web sites who don't have a discussion board or chat room to use yours. You will get free advertising by allowing them to link to your online community.
9. When you have a discussion board or chat room you can get free advertising by listing them in online community directories. You can also join web rings with similar discussion topics.
10. You can make money by advertising your own products and services on your discussion board or chat room. You could also join other people's affiliate programs and make commissions advertising them.
2. People will revisit your web site to participate on your discussion board or chat room. They will meet other people with similar interests and your web site will become a hang out were they can chat.
3. You can learn important information about your visitors by reading the conversations they have. They may chat about your web site or products. With this information you could learn to market your products more effectively.
4. You could answer the questions your visitors ask in your online communities. You'll become known as an expert by giving the answers to their questions. This will give you and your business more credibility.
5. You could teach a free online class using your chat room. This will give you an expert status and increase traffic to your web site by offering the free class.
6. When your discussion board or chat room becomes popular, you could sell advertising space on them. This will give you an extra income stream for your web site.
7. You can network with other businesses by having a chat room or discussion board. You could exchange business ideas, leads, advertising, etc.
8. You could allow other web sites who don't have a discussion board or chat room to use yours. You will get free advertising by allowing them to link to your online community.
9. When you have a discussion board or chat room you can get free advertising by listing them in online community directories. You can also join web rings with similar discussion topics.
10. You can make money by advertising your own products and services on your discussion board or chat room. You could also join other people's affiliate programs and make commissions advertising them.
Rabu, 03 Februari 2010
10 Powerful Tips for the Newbie Internet Business Entrepreneur
For the newbie Internet business entrepreneur, here are the 10 most powerful unwritten rules that may well prevent you from 'skidding into the ditch'. Make a point of reading through them monthly and remain focused on the road ahead!
1.
First and foremost, Lets look at the advantages of creating and building an online income. Our place of work is open for business 24/7 so we can work when we want and for as long as we want. Many of our regular duties can be run on auto-pilot leaving us with more time for family, social and leisure activities. This situation offers a less stressful working environment, and to a certain extent we are in control of your own rewards. However, it is important to remember that there are few 'Get-Rich-Quick' schemes on the Internet. Look upon it in much the same way as you would if you were creating an offline business, which, in order to be sucessful, requires commitment and a positive attitude right from the offset, with scant reward in the early days.
2.
Whilst it is important to have your mindset focused on a full-time successful online business, it is useful, especially early in your Internet career, as part of the learning curve, to try out a few programs in your spare time. Get the feel of the Internet marketing arena and at the same time learn a little about HTML, Scripts, creating attractive images and even building your first website! This can all be achieved as a 'spare time' sctivity. Don't sack your boss till you have the confidence in your complete ability to earn regular income. There may be a lot to learn but, trust me, if you're focused, it will be worth the effort.
3.
NEVER.. get involved in 'get paid to read email' sites, they are scams and you wont earn a penny, and they won't answer your emails of complaint! MLM too, or in fact any website telling you that your money will be doubled or trebled in a matter of days, or you will become rich overnight, are scams. Avoid them!! It's not difficult to find bona fide traders on the Internet. Look for offline contact points. An address or telephone number is a good sign they are genuine. Another good test is to send them an email before you sign up to see how efficiently they reply. Avoid the 'Get-Rich-Quick' schemes. They don't work!
4.
Imagine you discovered a method of earning huge amounts of money on the Internet. Would you then offer to tell everyone about your 'secret formula'? I don't think so! You will no doubt come across those who will try to convince you they have found such a recipe, and no doubt offer to share it with you. Believe me it will cost you, not just financially but in wasted time too. Always shy away when you see the word 'Secrets', or see boasts of huge income!
5.
Similarly, ask yourself this.. would a guy who says he's earning several million dollars a year, bother to write and market an eBook describing how he did it? I think not! Go with your first instincs, they are usually quite accurate!
6.
Dont pay too much attention to images of earnings checks or bank statements purportedly demonstrating how much the account-holder has earned, It is a simple task to create whatever you want with a little creativity. The same goes for letters of recommendation or testimonials. Anyone can write them or get their collegues to do so! They may con some, but don't let it be you!
7.
Think positive and stay focused at all times. If you were to take a close look at all the successful Internet marketers, who have made a great deal of money from their endeavours, you would find they have one thing in common! Dedication!! They are prepared to work hard and long to achieve their goals. They do not lose heart if everything doesnt come together today, and they are rarely influenced by the 'quick buck'. I cannot stress this point often enough to you...
8.
Be organised! Keep all your business activities logged and documents filed in the correct folders. Check your email accounts at least daily and file the important ones. Dont be frightened to name a file or folder with a long name (within reason). You should be able to access any file, folder, software or email within 30 seconds. So much time can be saved with a tidy desktop!
9.
Stick to the basic etiquette of Internet Marketing. Don't be tempted to send out high volume unsolicited email (spam). It won't be worth the hassle believe me! Read the Terms and conditions section when you join a program and if you decide to sign up.. then adhere to those terms. You will make useful contacts during your Internet campaigns. Try not to 'stand on toes'
10.
Avoid leaving large amounts of funding in any online marketing or promotion website! Most websites have a strict policy on spamming and if you are ever accused (rightly or wrongly) of sending unsolicited emails, you are likely to have your account closed, which could result in you losing your funding too!
So that's it! Not a set of rules... more a collection of simple guidelines which, if applied, will serve to make your Internet Marketing experience a safer and more enjoyable journey!
Trevor Taylor - <a href="http://www.quickbizmarketing.com/internet-business-entrepreneur.html">Internet Business Entrepreneur</a>
1.
First and foremost, Lets look at the advantages of creating and building an online income. Our place of work is open for business 24/7 so we can work when we want and for as long as we want. Many of our regular duties can be run on auto-pilot leaving us with more time for family, social and leisure activities. This situation offers a less stressful working environment, and to a certain extent we are in control of your own rewards. However, it is important to remember that there are few 'Get-Rich-Quick' schemes on the Internet. Look upon it in much the same way as you would if you were creating an offline business, which, in order to be sucessful, requires commitment and a positive attitude right from the offset, with scant reward in the early days.
2.
Whilst it is important to have your mindset focused on a full-time successful online business, it is useful, especially early in your Internet career, as part of the learning curve, to try out a few programs in your spare time. Get the feel of the Internet marketing arena and at the same time learn a little about HTML, Scripts, creating attractive images and even building your first website! This can all be achieved as a 'spare time' sctivity. Don't sack your boss till you have the confidence in your complete ability to earn regular income. There may be a lot to learn but, trust me, if you're focused, it will be worth the effort.
3.
NEVER.. get involved in 'get paid to read email' sites, they are scams and you wont earn a penny, and they won't answer your emails of complaint! MLM too, or in fact any website telling you that your money will be doubled or trebled in a matter of days, or you will become rich overnight, are scams. Avoid them!! It's not difficult to find bona fide traders on the Internet. Look for offline contact points. An address or telephone number is a good sign they are genuine. Another good test is to send them an email before you sign up to see how efficiently they reply. Avoid the 'Get-Rich-Quick' schemes. They don't work!
4.
Imagine you discovered a method of earning huge amounts of money on the Internet. Would you then offer to tell everyone about your 'secret formula'? I don't think so! You will no doubt come across those who will try to convince you they have found such a recipe, and no doubt offer to share it with you. Believe me it will cost you, not just financially but in wasted time too. Always shy away when you see the word 'Secrets', or see boasts of huge income!
5.
Similarly, ask yourself this.. would a guy who says he's earning several million dollars a year, bother to write and market an eBook describing how he did it? I think not! Go with your first instincs, they are usually quite accurate!
6.
Dont pay too much attention to images of earnings checks or bank statements purportedly demonstrating how much the account-holder has earned, It is a simple task to create whatever you want with a little creativity. The same goes for letters of recommendation or testimonials. Anyone can write them or get their collegues to do so! They may con some, but don't let it be you!
7.
Think positive and stay focused at all times. If you were to take a close look at all the successful Internet marketers, who have made a great deal of money from their endeavours, you would find they have one thing in common! Dedication!! They are prepared to work hard and long to achieve their goals. They do not lose heart if everything doesnt come together today, and they are rarely influenced by the 'quick buck'. I cannot stress this point often enough to you...
8.
Be organised! Keep all your business activities logged and documents filed in the correct folders. Check your email accounts at least daily and file the important ones. Dont be frightened to name a file or folder with a long name (within reason). You should be able to access any file, folder, software or email within 30 seconds. So much time can be saved with a tidy desktop!
9.
Stick to the basic etiquette of Internet Marketing. Don't be tempted to send out high volume unsolicited email (spam). It won't be worth the hassle believe me! Read the Terms and conditions section when you join a program and if you decide to sign up.. then adhere to those terms. You will make useful contacts during your Internet campaigns. Try not to 'stand on toes'
10.
Avoid leaving large amounts of funding in any online marketing or promotion website! Most websites have a strict policy on spamming and if you are ever accused (rightly or wrongly) of sending unsolicited emails, you are likely to have your account closed, which could result in you losing your funding too!
So that's it! Not a set of rules... more a collection of simple guidelines which, if applied, will serve to make your Internet Marketing experience a safer and more enjoyable journey!
Trevor Taylor - <a href="http://www.quickbizmarketing.com/internet-business-entrepreneur.html">Internet Business Entrepreneur</a>
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