Friday, November 16, 2007

Internet marketing: A reflection after one year in the business

As autumn and cold crawl their way into Canada and the sun sets before 4 p.m., this darkness and quietness bring along a time of reflection for all of us. The assessment I want to share with you is about internet marketing. Although my list of things to do seams never-ending, I am very happy to realize all I have accomplished in less than a year ( over 40 active web sites, a hypnosis for childbirth program that already got international recognition, over 100 published articles on the net, etc)

I have been in internet marketing for a little less than a year and I have attended ten internet marketing seminars in 2006. I am the kind of person who likes to get to the bottom of things. I want to share my findings with people who are starting, thinking of starting or even stalling in the internet marketing business.

The ten biggest pieces of wisdom I want to share with you about internet marketing I have learned are:

1)The price of Internet Marketing products is highly exaggerated. Many marketers are comfortable taking hundreds of dollars for useless e-books or software. They are able to overcharge such big money for two main reasons: their customers believe their well-written sales letter promising them to become a millionaire by working only two hours per day. The second reason is that since other people have raised the bar before them, they feel comfortable with overcharging for their products.
I encourage everyone who is about to purchase any internet marketing product to take a deep breath, back up and do an internet search. Most probably, the product or its equivalent is already available for a fraction of the price on the internet.

My opinion is that no e-book is worth that much unless it provides me with the code of the safe at the bank for this internet marketer.

2)In the internet marketing business there are dreamers and there are doers. I have repeatedly met some people at internet marketing seminars who have not taken action and just keep buying the next product promising them a fast an effortless income. My experience is that it takes work (but then again I don’t see it as work as I enjoy it very much) at least in the beginning to secure a decent income in the internet marketing business.

3)Many internet marketers made their fortunes by selling products to people who want to make a fortune in the internet marketing business. Willie Crawford draws the parallel that the people who got the richest during the gold rush were the ones selling shovels and sticks to the gold diggers.

Anyone interested in internet marketing has to ask themselves if they have just been enriching the people selling them promises to make millions in the internet business.

4)There are basically three categories of internet marketers out there: the ones who just want your money, the ones who give you a good deal for your money and the ones that genuinely care about helping you making good money by sharing their efficient tactics.

I will, of course, not name any names here and I think that deep deep down people know what kind of marketers they are. I can tell you that upon trying to do a mental list of the genuine, caring ones, I had enough of my ten fingers to do the complete list.

5)The real successful internet marketers are often not on stage at seminars. I have met some very successful and knowledgeable people by talking to the person sitting next to me at seminars. I highly recommend you get to know the attendees at any given seminar; you will be surprised to sometimes find out that they know more than the speaker upfront and wiling to share everything with you…for free.

6)A masterminding group is a great resource to learn and share tricks and tips about internet marketing. The rule is to be part of a group that is about (or even better, a little above) your level of knowledge and accomplishments in internet marketing.

7)Action is power. Whatever piece of gold nugget you learn is useless if you do not take action on it. Many people are eternal course takers but have yet to get their first web site up. Even the best intended internet marketer will not make a penny if he doesn’t get his product out there. I have heard numerous times the advice to put out your product and fix the fine details later. It has been a little challenging for a perfectionist like me but, honestly, it works great. Often, customer comments allow me to go back and improve my product in ways that I would have never thought of.

8)Internet marketing is a number’s game. If you put all your eggs in one basket, you might rise very fast very high and then tumble down as fast. Diversity is the foundation for a solid business.

9)There will always be new things to learn. One cannot stay in their basement and hope that the world will not change. The internet marketing world is one that changes at the speed of light and one has to keep informed of the new trends and developments.

10)The Internet is here to stay. Internet has been growing at an astonishing rate and those who got in the game will be ahead of the pack in this exciting and powerful window to the world. The possibilities are infinite.



http://www.articleson.com/Article/Internet-marketing--A-reflection-after-one-year-in-the-business/29137

Web Design - Some Quick Tips To Get Started

Web design can be quite a daunting prospect if you are new to the Internet. You would like to create your own site but have no idea where to start. Html? Photoshop? Fireworks? FrontPage? Dreamweaver?

This article/tutorial will give you some tips and hints on how to get started with web design - and which shortcuts to take!

~ Tip 1: Learn HTML ~
I can hear you groan. I said I was going to give you some shortcuts, now I suggest you learn HTML! Unfortunately there is no way around it. Even if you make use to the shortcuts to web design that I am going to suggest, learning HTML will still be the best investment that you can make. It is really not that difficult and it will greatly aid in your understanding of web design.

A really good place for online tutorials on HTML can be found here: http://www.w3schools.com/html/

Depending on your enthusiasm and level of technical skill I would also suggest that you learn a bit about CSS (Cascading Style Sheets). Cascading style sheets can assist you tremendously with controlling the layout, colors and images on your web page. You can also find good CSS tutorials on the w3schools website.

~ Tip 2: Use a web template for web design ~
Now this is really a shortcut to web design! I suggest that you create your first website by making use of a web template. There are lots of commercial templates available, and frankly, they are beautiful, but I am going to give you some hints on where to find free web templates. Most people would think that searching for 'free web templates' in Google would be the most obvious way of doing it - but I suggest that you rather search for 'open source web templates'.

Here are three sources with open source (basically - free to use) web templates. The advantage of these templates is that they are normally well designed and will also teach you good web design principles (as opposed to most of the commercial templates which, while they are undeniably beautiful to look at, they are normally not built making use of good web design principles).

My favorite Open Source web design site is http://www.oswd.org
This site has over a 1600 free designs to choose from. Download any design and build your site! Most of these designs make use of CSS as well which is why it is a good idea to learn CSS.

Another site with lots of free template designs is http://www.daydreamgraphics.com
I suggest that if you are just starting out you stick with the designs made with tables. These are the easiest to manipulate and use. The templates on Daydreamgraphics are not for everyone - they are mostly geared towards a young funky look, so if you are looking for a design that you can use for your business or company, you might do better to rather select a design from OSWD, but if you are looking at setting up a personal website, a hobby site or a site related to music or entertainment, these designs will work very well.

~ Tip 3: Use Wordpress or Joomla to create your site ~
This option is really by far the best way to create your website in the long term. Theoretically you do not need to know HTML and CSS to create and modify your site but in practice it pays off to learn these skills since it will help you master these tools just so much faster.

The steps to creating your website using these tools are as follows:

1. Log into your CPanel control panel (if you are not using a host that provides you with a CPanel control panel and Fantastico scripts - frankly, my only advice is to change to one that does!)

2. Select Fantastico from the control panel

3. Select either Wordpress or Joomla from the menu on the left.

4. Install Wordpress or Joomla in the root folder. You will have to select an administrator username and password to access the admin side of your site.

Log into the admin backend (normally /wp-admin for Wordpress and /administrator for Joomla). There are lots of free Wordpress tutorials available - just do a Google search for 'free Wordpress tutorials' and to get started in Joomla, do a search for 'how to use Joomla'.

To change the look and feel of your Wordpress or Joomla website is really easy! You simply install a new template. Wordpress and Joomla templates are specific to these tools (you cannot use any templates). For a guide to where to find the best free Wordpress and Joomla templates you can take a look at these resources:



http://www.articleson.com/Article/Web-Design---Some-Quick-Tips-To-Get-Started/32545

Thursday, November 15, 2007

The Future Of Internet Videos

The popularity of internet videos is increasing and being boosted daily by thousands of new website across the world wide web so much that people now spend more time watching them than watching television, listening to the radio and going to the cinema.
The future of internet videos is bright and growing at a fast pace and a key factor to its continuing growth is that users have control of what they watch.

A new video website that features 3d short animation films is gaining popularity across the world wide web. Unlike other video sharing sites 3dTune features only 3d short animation films making it specific to its users. Every week new videos are featured on the homepage of 3dTune making it easy for users to know when there is something new to see. The website has a simple layout with catchy still images and its slogan “Entertain you” adds a laid back feel to its community. Video clips quickly become popular with users sharing them with friends using viral forms. The popularity of 3dTune is widespread and multiplying.
Most features on the website are submissions from students looking for exposure. Some of the notable film schools with students featured on 3dTune are Vancouver Film School, Florida State University and The German Film School.

StoneKernel Entertainment a film production company says it has created the website especially to showcase short 3d animation films with the aim of making them into mainstream form of entertainment with the same impact as feature length films.


http://www.articledashboard.com/Article/The-Future-Of-Internet-Videos/338013

Wednesday, November 14, 2007

Improve Your Internet Experience, Get A High Speed Internet Service Provider

How quickly the computer has changed the way we live, think and perhaps even dream! Computer technology itself has evolved so quickly over 10 years as have the Internet services. It wasn't too long ago that dial-up services meant one had to wait forever before connecting. At least that's how it seems on hindsight. Actually, when dial-up services were launched, it seemed the greatest thing in the world! However, we tend to take progress in our stride and always want better. So when high speed Internet made its entry, those of us who had it were ecstatic with the speeds and those of us who didn't, just turned green with envy and watched.

A question most people are asked is which service should they use? Do they prefer DSL or cable Internet? But it all boils down to what is right for you. What is the service provider offering me? What is it going to cost me? Does my usage justify the higher cost? What really, do I want? Most people would agree that in this day and age of fast access, dial-up services seem like dinosaurs that are slow and cumbersome. The slow speed, the slow connectivity, the sound - they all add up to prehistoric compared to what's available today. The good news is that the cost of high speed internet connectivity has come down considerably and down is the only way it's going to go in the days to come. So what seemed like a luxury is fast coming into the "necessary" category, especially as prices spiral downwards.

Across the US, high speed internet service providers like Roadrunner and Comcast ensure good connectivity at great speeds. For people to whom the computer is essential for work and as a means of communication, internet cable services are very much a necessity. For the young gaming community of this world, slower speeds would be unthinkable. All in all, with the passage of time, the higher speed that cable internet companies offer will soon be the norm, not a choice one has to make.

Do you still use dial-up? I hope not. Dial-up is certainly an outdated concept. Why even bother with the horrific sound and the turtle-like speed when you could be enjoying cable high speed Internet at a decent price? If you have not already switched to high speed internet, then jump online today. I think you will be surprised at the reasonable rates you will find. While some people like to save a few bucks and go with DSL, I don't recommend this. I surf the web for work and play far too much to tolerate any slower speeds. Nowadays you can find cable high speed Internet services for very reasonable rates in most areas of the country and the whole novelty of the technology has worn off. Now high speed Internet has become the norm for many households. Check what is available in your area now and improve your internet experience.



http://www.website-articles.net/Article/Improve-Your-Internet-Experience--Get--A-High-Speed-Internet-Service-Provider/1881

Is Spyware More Dangerous Than We Thought

To many PC users spyware, adware and viruses has just been a necessary annoyance of being online. While most people are aware of the terms and most have implemented some sort of strategy to protect their PC from being infected there are just far to many people who are still complacent as to the potential harm and destructiveness that a spyware can create for a PC user.

We are finding that the perpetrators of spyware are becoming more and more sophisticated in how they are distributing them and to the extent to which they are utilized once infiltrated. The main target for spyware is to record or obtain your private information so that they can be used maliciously without your consent. Right at the top of the list is obviously financial institutions.

With more and more users gravitating towards using online banking because of its ease and convenience so to have we seen a proportionate increase in spyware targeting at obtaining your information and using it to infiltrate you bank accounts. Some of the major banks have been targeted to the likes of Citibank and Deutsche Bank in recent years.

Spyware these days aren't just hidden inside free shareware software downloads and the like, they are now also being downloaded through pop up ads. The unsuspecting user then goes and visits there online bank and the information has now been captured.

These pop-up ads aren't just located in your niche sites, they are being found more and more in your popular sites like Ebay.

The problem is getting so large that today it is rare to find many PC's which are connected and using the internet to not contain some spyware. So how do you protect yourself from being a victim of spyware phishing.

Some clues that you may be infected include a sluggish computer, pop-up ad inundation, hijacked home pages or redirection to unintended sites. Standard anti-virus and security software offers limited protection.

So how do you avoid being another victim of spyware phishing. The simple answer to that is to install a spyware removal software and keep it updated. You will want to be running a scan on your computer on a regular basis, cause even though a scan will clean existing spyware if you visit the same site that the original spyware was downloaded from you can often find you are infected again practically the same day.


http://www.website-articles.net/Article/Is-Spyware-More-Dangerous-Than-We-Thought/371

Tuesday, November 13, 2007

Rules to Follow for Internet Marketing

Internet marketing can be confusing for most people. If you are at all familiar with the Internet, then you may believe that content riddled with keywords is the key to success. However, this is not necessarily the case. The content needs to read well, be informative, and not consist of mindless plastering of keywords throughout the copy. Content is EVERYTHING!

Many of us have limited time and cannot be troubled to write the articles that will sell what our company has to offer. Also, many of us simply do not have the necessary skills.

There is no need to go reinventing the wheel, so here are four simple tips to help you with your web content.

One: Humorous Quotes are Always a Good Idea

Try crafting a web page geared towards famous and amusing quotes. This is an often missed method for attracting visitors to websites. You can use books already out there to help you such as: "Great Quotes from Great Leaders" by Peggy Anderson. Or, try typing some popular quotes into search engines and this will lead you straight to sites filled with great quotes to use.

Finding the perfect quotes takes some effort so be sure to make some time to finding them. You can either copy and paste them to your website or, if you have the means to do so, pay someone to do it for you but be sure there is a link to your website somewhere on the page.

Two: Existing Internet Articles

You will seldom see any online copyright laws enforced. You can basically copy text, rewrite it, and then sell the material you locate. While investing money into a copyright website is an option, it is often too costly for most small businesses. You will generally find it pretty easy to research the material, then reword it, rather than start from scratch.

It is unethical to "steal" the material, but it isn't uncommon to use the material as a resource.

3. Use Directory Pages

The popularity of the Internet is in no small part due to the fact that it is a great resource for locating information. Surfers are constantly browsing topics on self-improvement, home decor, and a number of products and services. Every link they use gets them that much closer to finding the information they seek. Your site would gain more traffic than you would think simply by adding in a directory page.

Adding a directory will put your site up next to the search engine directories. Visitors are likely to bookmark your site, which means they will return. Of course, you don't want to lead business away from your company. Instead, add link partners that are not direct competitors. This will add to your exposure.

Four: Content For Free

Other people's work is the best time saver you can find. Why spend all of your time holed up next to the computer when the world is filled with writers just itching to take care of it for you? Use an online directory to find people willing to help you with your articles and help market your website. There is a site named www.arciticlecity.com that can help you locate the right writer for you and your business.

In the end, you will have a fully operational site in far less time and with less hassle. Keywords and content are vital for success but why worry about them yourself when people with far more experience are willing to provide it to you at lightning speed?




http://www.articlejoe.com/Article/Rules-to-Follow-for-Internet-Marketing/34072

Joint Venture and Affiliate Tips Every Internet Entrepreneur Should Know

Whether you are new to the Internet business world or a seasoned professional, joint ventures are a powerful way to increase your business presence, reputation, and income. Therefore, many Internet entrepreneurs seek out joint venture partnerships to get their business rolling or improve their earnings from a last year.

One common question about Joint Ventures is where can you find these opportunities? One option is to log onto ClickBank at http://www.clickbank.com. ClickBank is the Internet’s leading retailer of digital products. You can search for your niche and find products that relate to your niche. If you are satisfied with the products then you can contact the creator of the product to set up a Joint Venture partnership.

However, you may find that all the products in your niche on ClickBank are of low quality. They are so low quality that you feel promoting these products would tarnish your reputation in your niche. What should you do? Create a product of your own! The presence of low quality products demonstrates the need for a better product. You can create this product and crush your competition in the process.

What product should you create? You can create a book or eBook. It may seem like a daunting process, but is in fact easy. You can create an audio of the contents of the book and then turn this content into a book or eBook.

Why should you create a new product? One reason is tat you will be selling your own product and will take all the profit instead of a 50-50 split in a Joint Venture partnership. Meanwhile, you will have other Internet entrepreneurs clamoring down your door asking to start a Joint Venture with you.

Now let’s take a look at affiliates. The big question about affiliates involves figuring out ways to get people to sign up to be your affiliate. The sad fact about many affiliates is that they don’t really sell any of your products. Either the incentive is not high enough to constantly promote your product or they just simply won’t put forth the effort. Therefore, many times you won’t make much money from affiliates.

However, there is a way to conquer the low sales through affiliates. The key is to get your affiliates involved. People love to be a part of something and are more apt to promote your product if they are invested in the entire process.

For example, let your affiliates know that you have a new product coming out. Let them know explicitly what your goals are for this product. Also provide a specific date of when the product will be launched. Enroll people into your idea so they sign up as affiliates and sent out an email for your product. You need to put a deadline or date; otherwise affiliates won’t take the initiative to sell your product. Running a contest is also an effective way to garner affiliates.



http://www.articlejoe.com/Article/Joint-Venture-and-Affiliate-Tips-Every-Internet-Entrepreneur-Should-Know/34514