“Web 2.0,” is a phrase that describes the so-called second generation of the world wide web.  It refers to the new model of social networking sites and the moves to make the web community based.

Instead of having a personal website, as people did in Web 1.0, people now have blogs.  Instead of looking facts up in the online version of the encyclopedia, people now search through wikipedia, which is community-written.  In the Web 2.0 atmosphere people no longer simply surf the web now they participate in it.

Another aspect of Web 2.0 is web-based software, such as Google’s Docs and Spreadsheets.

By using software such as this, users are able to share and retrieve documents easily.  Any of the users sharing the document can modify the text, without worrying if they have the same operating system as the other users.  As long as they have an Internet connection they are able to access the information.

There is a lot of hype about this term right now and there are a lot of people who will try to make money by telling people what they need to have a Web 2.0 site.  If you want to make your site more Web 2.0 friendly there are some easy solutions that are easy on the budget.
With the move to Web 2.0, there is a design aspect to make sites less “noisy” and more user-friendly.  If it has been a while since the look of a  website has been updated try adding something such as a gradient background to make it look more modern.

Since Web 2.0 is centered on the idea of a community, adding a forum to asite will give you an instant community boost.  If your web host has fantastico, adding a forum at the push of a button is all that is necessary.  If not, there are open source php message boards that can be installed on aserver.  If you’re not a techie, you can hire someone to do that for you, or keep your forum remotely hosted and simply link to it from your site.

Blogging is another way to add a sense of community to a site.  Don’t be afraid to be a bit controversial or ask for others’ opinions on posts.  Web 2.0 is all about the interaction of multiple users.

Keep an eye on other sites and watch what they do to enhance their websites and move into this new generation.  We are still in the beginning stages and we should be in for some exciting changes in the months and years to come.

Ewen

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Search engine optimization or SEO is the hottest way to drive targeted traffic to your website. Maximizing the benefits of a well optimized website will yield lots of earnings for the marketer. However, optimizing your site might cost you thousands of dollars if you are not skilled in this area.

But to tell you the truth, you can essentially get information on low cost SEO anywhere in the Internet. But only several really show you how to work out an affordable search engine optimization endeavor. And those few that really inform include this article.

1. Link exchanges

One cheap SEO method that can get you best results is through link exchanges or linking to and from other web sites. Depending on the websites that you would like to exchange links with, this tool could even cost you nothing at all. Contact the author or owner of the web site you want to have a link exchange with. You will be surprised with the eventual spiking up of your page ranking using this means of getting your website optimized.

2. Write or acquire key word rich articles

Writing truly informative and keyword-rich articles is one surefire way to make your Internet business more visible than ever. It’s either you write your own articles or you get them from article directories that allow you to post these articles on your website as long as you keep the resource box or the author’s byline in tact. Just don’t stuff your articles with keywords that even idiots would get bore of reading them. The readability and freshness of your articles will still be the basis of whether your writers will keep on coming back to your website or not.

3. Catchy Domain Name

What better will make your target visitors remember your website but with a very easy-to-recall domain name. Something sweet and short will prove to be very invaluable. Registering your domain name is not for free. But creativity is.

4. Organize your site navigation

Providing easy steps in navigating your site is one way to make your visitors become at ease with your site. This, in turn, will improve the flow of traffic to your website.
Low cost SEO is always evolving like any other approach in information technology. There are many methods that can very well land you on the top ten rankings of Google or on any other search engines. Some may cost a lot but there are methods that can give you the same results at a low price or you can even do on your own such as those mentioned above.

Ewen

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The small business that you own may conduct most of its business online, but that doesn’t mean you are limited to advertising there.  It takes some work to increase your online presence, but all of that work doesn’t involve optimization and keywords.  You can mount an effective marketing campaign without turning on your computer.

Offline marketing is one way to increase traffic to your website and therefore your business.  Get family and friends involved by discussing what you do with them.  They can be your guinea pigs so to speak.  If they are persuaded to visit your website then you are developing a great sales pitch.

Every city has some sort of newspaper that will let you advertise for little or nothing.  It may be a thrifty newsletter designed to tell people about all the bargains around town.  Take the opportunity to put an ad for your business in the paper.  These newsletters are distributed in grocery stores and some restaurants.  They are the reading material for you while you wait for your table.

Don’t overlook trade magazines.  If you sell crafts, think about advertising in those types of magazines.  Take out ads in any local crafting literature and visit crafting groups around town to talk about the products you offer that can help them.

Goods and services are advertised in coupon packets that get distributed around the city.  I read the offers and take advantage of the ones I like.  Design an ad to be included in the pack.  It doesn’t have to be fancy but it does have to be concise and catchy to the reader.  Include a savings coupon for the first order that they place.

The business card is a powerful marketing tool.  It is something that you can hand out to everyone as a reminder that they have met you.  My husband has tons of business cards from friends that come in handy when he is looking for a particular service.  The card should include the name of your business, a picture of you (if you want), contact information including email address, and any tag lines you use regularly.

Business cards can be dropped in bowls at restaurants, handed out at parties, and sent in mailings to the public.  Always have at least ten in your pocket at any given time.  You never know who you will meet that will be in need of your services.

Networking is a part of business.  The more people you know, the more resources you have available.  Besides, those who are also in business can provide tips and warnings to you about various subjects related to the small business.  Join the Chamber of Commerce and stay visible in the community.  Volunteer to speak at churches, civic meetings, and other venues to talk about your type of business and business topics in general.

Ewen

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Affiliate marketers have a variety of ways that they promote the companies they are affiliated with.  Some use email marketing.  Some prefer to build websites and drive traffic to them.  Each HTML newsletter or website has a different flavor, so to speak.  There are different layouts, colors and voices.

Because of the variety in affiliate promotional methods, it is essential to provide affiliates with lots of linking options to choose from.  Some prefer to use text links.  Others prefer graphics.  Many use a combination of both.  Give affiliates the option to create their own links; most of them will not be graphic designers.  So it is up to you to give them lots of graphics options.

There are many things to consider when designing graphics for affiliates.  Whether you are designing them yourself or hiring a graphic designer to do them, it is important to take some things into consideration.

Size

The size of graphics available can be the difference between an affiliate using graphics to promote the program or not using them.  Layouts often dictate what sizes of graphics a Webmaster can use.  If they are too big or too small, they could look bad or even throw off the proportions of the website.

The most common sizes of graphics used are the 468×60 banner and the 125×125 button.  It’s important to have a variety of graphics in these sizes. You can also offer some that are larger or smaller than these sizes.  Many affiliates like to use “skyscrapers” which are 100-200 pixels wide and up to 600 pixels high.  This allows them to showcase a number of products or just make the graphic more prominent.

Colors

Websites come in all sorts of color combinations.  Offering graphics in a variety of colors will allow affiliates to choose the ones that best match their websites.  Clashing colors are not pretty and they can send visitors running in the other direction.

You might even consider offering graphics with different levels of contrast.  While it is important to make sure the contrast is sufficient for easy reading, lower contrast graphics might fit in better on lower contrast websites.

Static vs. Animated

Animated graphics are eye-catching.  Too many animated graphics on one page can be annoying.  Some affiliates may not like to use animated graphics at all.  So it is important to offer both static and animated options.

Offering affiliates plenty of graphics to choose from will allow them to find one that fits well with their particular website.  It also gives them the opportunity to experiment with different ones to see which ones convert the best for them.  When your affiliates find a graphic that works well for them, it is good for all concerned.

Ewen

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Your competition may be your key to bigger profits.  Here are five reasons to partner with your competition:

#1:  Your marketing list will double.  Consider for a moment what would happen if your opt in list doubled.  It would be a pretty big boon, right?  I mean instead of 500 people to send your ezine or promotional messages to, you now have 1000.  Presumably, your competition has an opt in list that would be beneficial to your business.  You have the same product or service and you have the same target market.  Teaming up with your competition to unite opt in lists for a promotion will result in many of your partner’s customers joining your list and vice versa.  Every purchase made, every newsletter sign up, is a new contact name for you and your future promotions.

#2:  Credibility. The general public will perceive you as having more credibility when you partner with another business.  If you partner with your competition your customers and prospects will perceive it as a strategic team.  The power of two or more holds much more credibility in the eyes of the public.  Additionally you will be perceived as a good business person because you have the forethought to partner with another business.  It gives your prospects faith and respect in you and your business.

#3:  Product bundles. If you have products, teaming up with your competition can result in fantastic product bundles to promote to both your list and your partner’s list.

#4: If you and your partner have affiliate programs, then a joint venture will result in not only you and your partner making a nice profit on your own, but amplifying those profits with your affiliate network.  This is particularly helpful because the affiliates for your partner’s network will be interested in and capable of promoting your product bundle, since you’re in the same industry.

#5:  Product creation. Partnering with a competitor to create products can result in tremendous profits.  Depending on your niche, products can range from books and software to seminars and workshops.  If you’re a personal coach, imagine the marketing power of teaming up with another personal coach and holding an intensive weekend coaching session with your most exclusive clients.

There is enough to go around.  When you partner with your competition, you’re not limiting your profits, you’re boosting them to a whole new level.

Ewen

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When you use your cell phone, what it your etiquette?  Hopefully it is good.  Good cell phone etiquette includes speaking clearly, not being overbearing or demanding, using language that is not offensive, keeping your tone friendly and expressing what you have to say in a non-confrontational way.  If you can keep to these few basics then you also have a good start on using the correct podcast etiquette.

The difference between a cell phone and a podcast is that the podcast is being aired to the public.  Using foul language can turn off listeners – especially since some people will be listening with their children nearby.

Different people have different opinions, and that’s the way the world should work.  If your opinions are extreme, however, it may be best to keep them out of the podcast, as there will be some people who will undoubtedly take offense to them.

Joking about various subjects is another thing that some people can take offense to.  Some topics, such as race and religion are best to avoid at all times, even in a humorous tone.

If you have a co-host or a guest, there may be times when the two of you want to express different opinions.  Arguing is a big no-no, although a gentle debate may be appropriate.  When this happens, try to stay focused on the topic that the show is about.  Maintaining a clear speaking voice will make it sound less like people bickering, and more like people debating. Keeping things light will insure that no listener is offended.

Podcast shows are done on a myriad of topics and you never know who is listening.  Keep in mind customer service skills.  Using these skills in this setting can go just as far as using these skills in a face to face situation.  The difference here is that your skills will be reaching a much larger audience.  If the show you are on is not a debate of any kind, then keep a neutral stance, and allow for the input of others if it is interactive.

If you are scheduled to be on a show, then show up.  If something happens whereby you cannot make it, then by all rights call in; do not just leave them hanging as this is rude, most definitely unprofessional and can cause an adverse effect on those running the show.  I have seen this happen and seen the disappointment of everyone involved.

Just remember that when on a show, all sorts of people will be listening – whether they are in a car or at their computer, so always maintain professionalism.  The podcast may very well spread world wide and a bad first impression is always remembered.

Ewen

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Are you looking for things to sell on eBay?  You may not have to look any further than your own house!  Many sellers have gotten started selling household items that were previously just sitting around taking up space.  And once you’ve sold some of your own items and gotten a feel for what works, you can start hitting garage sales and picking up more items to sell.

There are lots of household items that have great selling potential on eBay.  Here are ten of the best, in no particular order:

1.  Antiques – This is a pretty broad category, but if you are knowledgeable about antiques you can use that to your advantage.  Many types of antique furniture and home décor are in demand.  If you’re not sure about the origins or value of your older items, you can find information online, at the library, or from your local antique dealer.

2.  Collectibles – If you are a collector, you probably have a great deal of knowledge about the things you collect.  You may even have found some of your pieces on eBay.  Collectors are often willing to pay top dollar for items that are missing from their collections, so it is possible to make a great deal of money selling collectibles.

3.  Small Appliances – Do you have a fancy blender that you never use tucked away in your cabinet?  Chances are there’s an eBay buyer out there who would love to have it.  Small appliances that are in good condition are hot sellers.

4.  Books – Book lovers often search eBay for out of print or limited edition books.  You can get more money out of books that are in good condition, but those in fair condition often sell at lower prices.  Consider selling book series together, or offering reduced shipping to customers who buy more than one book to cut shipping costs.

5.  Tools – There are lots of tools that sell well on eBay.  Power tools are quite popular, but there is quite a market for quality hand tools as well.  Specialty tools are also good sellers.

6.  Musical Instruments – If you have any musical instruments or accessories sitting around gathering dust, eBay is a great place to get some cash for them.  Vintage or signed instruments often bring great prices, but any instrument in good condition is worth listing.

7.  Computer Hardware – Printers, scanners, laptops, and PCs that are in good working condition are in demand on eBay.  If you have replaced all or part of your system, you might be able to unload your old hardware by auction.

8.  Sporting Goods – eBay is a great place to get rid of unused sporting goods.  Some popular items in this category include golf clubs, fishing poles and reels, snowboards, and hunting equipment.

9.  Toys – Some toys sell well on eBay.  The best bets are older or rare toys that you can’t find at your local discount store.  Train sets, Star Wars toys, and vintage Barbie dolls are hot sellers.

10.  Kitchen Items – Dishes and pots and pans often bring good prices on eBay.  They may be difficult to pack and ship safely and efficiently, however, so be sure to do a trial run before listing them and charge enough to cover the shipping.

Ewen

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In order to have the most effective membership site possible, it is a great idea to have a membership software program to manage your site.  The main function of this program will be to protect the area of your website that is reserved for members by asking for a username and password.

Membership programs can do a lot more for you than just protect your site from non-members.  There are many programs to choose from, and the decision process can seem almost overwhelming.  Here are a few things to consider when trying to choose the perfect program to run your membership site:

Is the program you are considering purchasing an established program?  Have the developers been in business and tested their program extensively?  The last thing you want to do is purchase a new program, only to find out that it is so new the developers haven’t found all the “bugs”, or you find out the company closed up shop and isn’t there to help you with your technical questions.

You may want to seek feedback from other membership site owners and find out what program they use and what their experiences have been.  You can find other membership site owners by visiting internet marketing forums and work at home forums.

Installing the membership site program script onto your server can be a bit tricky, especially if you are not technically inclined.  Some programs will install the script for you at no additional charge.  If you are hesitant to install this on your own and don’t want to hire a techie to do it for you, a free installation offer could be an attractive bonus for you.
When you compare membership programs, take notice of the payment integration they offer.  If you are just starting out, you may use Paypal for your payment processing, but as your membership site grows you may want to look into a credit card processing service such as authorize.net.  The reason behind this is that not everyone has a Paypal account, and Paypal is not available in all countries.  You don’t want to lose out on potential subscribers because they don’t have a Paypal account.

Since you may not know what processing service you will be interested in using in the future, it is best to choose a program that offers integration with a wide variety of processors.  When the time comes, you will be able to choose the best processor for you, rather than being stuck with the one and only processor your program accepts.
You may want to offer free memberships as a way to add people to your marketing funnel and offer them an upgrade to a paid membership.  Does the membership program you are interested in offer a choice of free memberships?

One of the biggest tasks in the daily maintenance of your membership site will be handling renewals and cancellations.  A good membership program will do this automatically for you.  This is one feature that can save you lots of time as your membership grows.

Of course, there really is no such thing as a “perfect program”.  Each program will have its own benefits and flaws.  The key to finding the best program for you is to find a program that offers the majority of features that you are looking for, as only you know what your needs are.

Ewen

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Promoting online is the focus of most affiliate programs. Affiliate program managers give their affiliates text links, graphics, articles and more that they can use on their websites and send to their mailing lists. Although offline promotion works well for many businesses, when it comes to affiliates it is often overlooked.

Offline promotion targets those who do not spend a lot of time on the Internet. Many people only go online when they need something, not to socialize or just surf. They do, however, often visit websites learned about from offline sources.

There are also those who do not use the Internet at all. It might be hard to believe but there are still a number of people who do not have Internet access at home or elsewhere. Some products promoted by affiliate marketers would not sell well to this group but others might.

How Do I Get Affiliates to Promote Offline?

There are lots of ways that affiliates can promote offline. Flyers and direct mail pieces are effective if they are targeted well. Radio and television commercials also work well but they do cost more. Ads in newspapers and other print publications are another option.

If you want your affiliates to promote offline, you will need to give them the materials they need to do so. Providing ad copy and design for flyers, print publications and direct mail makes it easy for affiliates to use those mediums. Flyers and mailers in PDF form make printing at home an option. Print them for your affiliates and charge them a fee to cover materials and labor.

For potential customers who are uncomfortable with the Internet provide a toll-free number that they could call to order or request a print catalog. Each affiliate could have a unique extension number to add to their advertisements. Then when a customer uses that extension number the affiliate would get credit for any resulting sales or leads.

Using Incentives for Customers and Affiliates

Coupon codes are a great incentive for first-time customers. Giving affiliates coupon codes to pass on to their customers can help them get more referrals. These can be used online or when ordering over the phone or by mail.

Offering incentives to affiliates who promote offline effectively is a great way to encourage them to give it a try. Give them a special affiliate link for offline use only to aid in tracking where their referrals are coming from. Affiliates who get a certain number of offline referrals could get a bonus or a higher commission rate for a specified period of time.

If you are not promoting offline, you could be missing out on a lot of customers. Affiliates will often be happy to promote offerings offline if you give them the tools they need to do so. Offering them incentives for promoting offline will motivate them even more.

Ewen

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Part of marketing your website is finding resources that can make that job a bit easier.  This includes networking with others who are interested in similar markets.  Finding forums that deal with your particular area of niche marketing is a plus for any online business.

Finding forums can be as easy as a keyword search.  You can type “forums” in the search box and see what comes up.  It will return over a million results so you’ll have to narrow it down from there.  What is your niche?

Add that name to “forum” and try again.  You will still get a large number of results but not as much as just plugging in the word “forum”.  You can go through each of these, or you can further whittle down the niche to a finer type of product.

There may be hundreds of thousands of forums for your niche.  Try a few to see if they deal with issues that you are looking to explore.  Some of those niche forums may be for customer comments.  On websites, these types of forums draw more customers to the site.  They get a chance to compare notes and talk about what they have purchased.

These forums can be helpful as far as hearing what customers have to say about the products and what they would like to see.  But, as a business owner, you are looking for forums that deal with the business aspect of selling these products.  You want to connect with other business owners so you can pick each others’ brains for useful information.

What is the advantage of these business forums?  A business forum for your niche will give you the support you are seeking to help with your business.  People with similar interests can work together to build partnerships so both businesses increase their profits.

Some forums will let you advertise your business when you post.  This is a way that others can find leads on new businesses.  When you find a good forum, don’t just visit to post information about your business and then leave.  Be a member in good standing.

Being a member of a forum is just like being a member of a social club.  The more often you show up and participate, the more people will know your name.  If someone is looking to partner with a business like yours, another member can recommend you because they know you.  It will be considered selfish to only focus on your own interests and not contribute to the forum as a whole.

As a business owner, join at least a couple of forums.  Don’t join more than you can possibly participate in, and stay current.  However, you want to get a good mix of different types of forums.  Find something special about each forum that you haven’t found anywhere else so that each offers something new.

Ewen

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