Web 2.0 is not only changing how we use the internet but it is also changing the way we market on the internet. While email marketing still works web 2.0 marketing is gearing up to be as successful, if not more successful than other forms of marketing.
Sites like Myspace, Facebook, YouTube, Digg and Squidoo have all revolutionized the web within a couple of years. Google purchased YouTube. Fortune 500 CEO's are jockeying for a piece of the action (such as Rupert Murdoch who owns MySpace)and more big deals are being struck between entrepreneurs and corporate buyers.
As with anything online many people are taking notice at the targeted traffic within theses sites and most are quietly adapting while profiting from it. But some are sharing their secrets.
Tiffany Dow has written a great ebook on how to effectively use Squidoo to get more traffic for your websites and leads for your business. It has been getting high praise from top marketer's Such as John Reese. I highly recommend it to anyone who is serious about marketing on social network sites.
Learn more about Squidoo Marketing.
Sunday
Responsiblity and Diligence in Marketing
This week a video of a couple became very popular in the internet marketing commumnity because they were (allegedly) making 2-5 million dollars per month. Those are astronomical figures, but when you look deeper into exactly how that money was made you see they were making it selling diet patches. Yes diet patches.
Pretty soon after hearing that images were conjured up in my brain of scammy sales people on late night infomercials making slick promises such as "slap it on and the fat is gone!"
I'm not sure why people think diet patches work. Maybe it's the promise for people who are desperate that they can put it on and the pounds will melt away. Maybe it's the copywriting or the fake testimonials. Who knows.
Further investigating revealed reports at the rip off report and plenty of unhappy customers. Now, there will always be someone who will raise the flag on any product- whether or not it is really a scam- but there were so many complaints it was hard to ignore. Immediately red flags and alarm bells were going off.
Further digging also revealed this product had no customer support whatsoever and the FTC was investigating the company and its affiliates. The couple were selling their secrets for a big ticket price at a seminar two years ago. Now it became clear how these individuals made their money.
While looking through my inbox later that day and I saw some very big names in the internet marketing industry promoting this product(possibly as affiliates). I was shocked. Some were individuals I trust and take their recommendations very seriously.
It may or may not be their fault they are promoting that certain product. Maybe an assistant sent those emails for them. Maybe they sent it themselves without checking the facts first. Whatever the case due diligence should have been taken before recommending something.
I am not immune to this. Earlier today I came across an email from a well known video site informing me of an upcoming teleseminar promoting a big ticket course on how to leverage your business with press releases and the media. The commissions earned on this product are a couple hundred dollars per item sold. That sounded good enough to me. I had never heard of the individual promoting it but he looked and sounded professional enough.
I put up the offer on this blog and went about my activities. An hour later I decided to do some research on the guest of this teleseminar. I came across a couple of websites that didn't exactly have glowing opinions about this individual. Then I came across some videos at YouTube.
After watching the behavior of this individual in a couple of videos and how he treated guests on national television I immediately scrambled to delete the post promoting the teleseminar. I am not going to promote that teleseminar or any products it offers- no matter what the commissions. If this individual was treating guests on his show like that I can only imagine what he would treat affiliates and customers like.
This reminded me there is a marketing responsibility of making sure your customers actually get value out of the products you recommend them. It also reminded me whatever your do online reflects on you. Make sure the products do what they say they do. If you wouldn't recommend something to your own family then why would recommend something to your customers? You are putting yourself at risk for trouble, not only in the form of a ruined reputation but also lawsuits. You are also putting your customers at risk. It doesn't benefit anyone.
The internet allows us to see individuals in 3D. No one is one dimensional on the internet. People can do a Google search on you, go to internet forums and get opinions about you and your products, etc...
The internet also allows marketers to do this same kind of research on products they are about to promote. Just basic scanning of the website can give you clues. If it doesn't have customer support or an email that customers can reach someone if they need help, don't promote it. Save yourself a tarnished reputation and more importantly save your customers from headaches.
I'm not always the best marketer and today I slipped up a bit but I do have a conscious and know a fundamental rule of business- always do the right thing.
Pretty soon after hearing that images were conjured up in my brain of scammy sales people on late night infomercials making slick promises such as "slap it on and the fat is gone!"
I'm not sure why people think diet patches work. Maybe it's the promise for people who are desperate that they can put it on and the pounds will melt away. Maybe it's the copywriting or the fake testimonials. Who knows.
Further investigating revealed reports at the rip off report and plenty of unhappy customers. Now, there will always be someone who will raise the flag on any product- whether or not it is really a scam- but there were so many complaints it was hard to ignore. Immediately red flags and alarm bells were going off.
Further digging also revealed this product had no customer support whatsoever and the FTC was investigating the company and its affiliates. The couple were selling their secrets for a big ticket price at a seminar two years ago. Now it became clear how these individuals made their money.
While looking through my inbox later that day and I saw some very big names in the internet marketing industry promoting this product(possibly as affiliates). I was shocked. Some were individuals I trust and take their recommendations very seriously.
It may or may not be their fault they are promoting that certain product. Maybe an assistant sent those emails for them. Maybe they sent it themselves without checking the facts first. Whatever the case due diligence should have been taken before recommending something.
I am not immune to this. Earlier today I came across an email from a well known video site informing me of an upcoming teleseminar promoting a big ticket course on how to leverage your business with press releases and the media. The commissions earned on this product are a couple hundred dollars per item sold. That sounded good enough to me. I had never heard of the individual promoting it but he looked and sounded professional enough.
I put up the offer on this blog and went about my activities. An hour later I decided to do some research on the guest of this teleseminar. I came across a couple of websites that didn't exactly have glowing opinions about this individual. Then I came across some videos at YouTube.
After watching the behavior of this individual in a couple of videos and how he treated guests on national television I immediately scrambled to delete the post promoting the teleseminar. I am not going to promote that teleseminar or any products it offers- no matter what the commissions. If this individual was treating guests on his show like that I can only imagine what he would treat affiliates and customers like.
This reminded me there is a marketing responsibility of making sure your customers actually get value out of the products you recommend them. It also reminded me whatever your do online reflects on you. Make sure the products do what they say they do. If you wouldn't recommend something to your own family then why would recommend something to your customers? You are putting yourself at risk for trouble, not only in the form of a ruined reputation but also lawsuits. You are also putting your customers at risk. It doesn't benefit anyone.
The internet allows us to see individuals in 3D. No one is one dimensional on the internet. People can do a Google search on you, go to internet forums and get opinions about you and your products, etc...
The internet also allows marketers to do this same kind of research on products they are about to promote. Just basic scanning of the website can give you clues. If it doesn't have customer support or an email that customers can reach someone if they need help, don't promote it. Save yourself a tarnished reputation and more importantly save your customers from headaches.
I'm not always the best marketer and today I slipped up a bit but I do have a conscious and know a fundamental rule of business- always do the right thing.
Wednesday
3 Easy Ways to Create an Ebook
Most times when people sit down to write their ebook, or any other written material, they may run into writers block and are often stumped on what to write about. Other times someone’s mental editorial process takes over and critiques what’s been written getting in the way of a writing flow. While it’s fun and exciting producing your own ebook it can also be frustrating, tedious and even challenging at times. Here’s 3 easy ways to create an ebook even if you hate writing.
1. Incorporate public domain content
The public domain contains content, which is not under copyright any longer. Many works in the public domain are old works from the early 20th century but this does not mean they don’t contain valuable information or are irrelevant to modern times. A wealth of information on a surprising variety of topics can be found in the public domain at various websites. This is one of the great secrets of some established ebook authors. You can find tons of public domain content at Project Gutenberg.
2. Interview an Expert.
Everyone is an expert on some topic. Including a transcript of an interview in an ebook or part of the dialogue gives your creation a unique edge over other content in your niche because interviews are often useful for readers and provide a unique break from the rest of the content. To provide more value for readers you can even record the interview, burn it to a disc and give away or sell it along with your ebook. An expert may be easier to find than you think, it may even be someone in your own family.
3. Get other people to help
Four little words make all the difference when you want get something done, “can you help please?” Friends and family are naturally inquisitive about your online projects and sometimes even what to get involved. You can get a group of like-minded friends or family members together who have the same interests as you and each person can write a chapter of the ebook. The book will not only have an interesting tones and points of views for the readers, but also your group will have fun writing together.
Ebook creation can be a daunting task for one writer by himself or herself and the writing process can be frustrating sometimes. Instead of forcing yourself to bang out an ebook include public domain content, interview an expert, collaborate with friends and family or do all three. Creating an ebook shouldn’t take months and be a task for the writer, it should be fun and naturally easy. By following these three simple steps you’ll make sure it will be.
1. Incorporate public domain content
The public domain contains content, which is not under copyright any longer. Many works in the public domain are old works from the early 20th century but this does not mean they don’t contain valuable information or are irrelevant to modern times. A wealth of information on a surprising variety of topics can be found in the public domain at various websites. This is one of the great secrets of some established ebook authors. You can find tons of public domain content at Project Gutenberg.
2. Interview an Expert.
Everyone is an expert on some topic. Including a transcript of an interview in an ebook or part of the dialogue gives your creation a unique edge over other content in your niche because interviews are often useful for readers and provide a unique break from the rest of the content. To provide more value for readers you can even record the interview, burn it to a disc and give away or sell it along with your ebook. An expert may be easier to find than you think, it may even be someone in your own family.
3. Get other people to help
Four little words make all the difference when you want get something done, “can you help please?” Friends and family are naturally inquisitive about your online projects and sometimes even what to get involved. You can get a group of like-minded friends or family members together who have the same interests as you and each person can write a chapter of the ebook. The book will not only have an interesting tones and points of views for the readers, but also your group will have fun writing together.
Ebook creation can be a daunting task for one writer by himself or herself and the writing process can be frustrating sometimes. Instead of forcing yourself to bang out an ebook include public domain content, interview an expert, collaborate with friends and family or do all three. Creating an ebook shouldn’t take months and be a task for the writer, it should be fun and naturally easy. By following these three simple steps you’ll make sure it will be.
Sunday
Thinking Outside of the Box
A lot of new Internet marketers or individuals who are trying to make money online express frustration with how to make money or that they aren’t making as much as they thought they could. Many of these individuals start out marketing information products from Clickbank. While that is a good route to go in it is not the only route.
Many people can leverage their money-making efforts if they think outside of the realm information products and start marketing physical products. It is important to set up multiple streams of income. Marketing physical products online is a very good way to make money online-possibly more money than could be made marketing ebooks. Commission Junction has some excellent affiliate programs including ebay.
You can sell anything on ebay as an affiliate including big-ticket items: cars, designer dresses, boats, even planes. The possibilities are endless. Currently eBay’s commission structure is slightly complicated as it is tiered but affiliates earn 30% of the 4-6%% of eBay’s profits on the lowest tier.
What this means for affiliates is if your sell a $20,000 dollar car you will earn 30% of what eBay gets (around 4%) Ebay gets $800 and the affiliate gets around $200- in one day. That may sound like small earnings to some that was the earning from only one item. What if you sold another car? Or a $50,000 car? Affiliates monthly earnings potentials are incredible.
How do you even go about selling a car that costs 20,000 or even more online? You need to position yourself with people who are looking for items like that online. The best place to start is with the Craigslist wanted section. You can search through wanted sections for all the cities all over the world and connect people with the items they’re seeking.
EBay commissions are sometimes higher in other countries, for example eBay Germany will pay out larger commissions.
Here’s a simple and easy step-by-step plan that you can do to take action now.
Step 1: If you’re not already an eBay affiliate apply to become one at Commission Junction.
Step 2: One you’ve been accepted to the program or if you’re already an affiliate go to Craigslist and search through the wanted section in a city (cities) of your choice.
Step 3: Once you find someone who is looking for an item which will give you a reasonable commission go to Ebay’s affiliate tool section and go to the “Flexible Destination” tool to link to eBay listings related to what they are looking for.
Step 4: Go to eBay and search for item they are looking for. You can even search by relative location to their area and by price range. Once you’re done that copy the URL link (select, right click is the easiest way) in your browser and paste it into the flexible destination tool. Don’t forget your publisher ID.
Step 5: Give it some clickable text if your want (such as Chevy Camaro) and create the link.
Step 6: Contact the poster by email. You can use their temporary Craigslist email (Ex: sale-##########@craigslist.org) and it will redirect to their personal email account.
Step 7: Compose your message. A typical message is short, is written in a courteous, respectful manner, and politely links them to the listing. Using Chevy Camaro as an example:
Hi Joe,
I saw your wanted ad and thought I could be of some help. I did a quick eBay search and found a couple Chevy Camaro’s in your area. (Your link goes here) Hope that helps.
Best of luck,
Your email here.
I’ve actually gotten emails from people who have thanked me for giving them leads. I didn’t expect that. As it’s always nice to get recognized for your help it also makes you feel like you’ve made their life better in some way.
You can expand to other online classified websites. You can even take your efforts offline and connect buyers with products. You can post fliers in your area. Or even go to local business owners who need monthly supplies. Junkyard owners are always looking to buy and sell auto part or cars, which could be repaired and resold later.
Classic auto enthusiasts in general, who are looking for those rare, old cars, are also another group on the look out for deals. You can go to car collectors forums and see if there is a wanted section . (Be sure to read the forum rules first so you don't spam) Don’t limit yourself to just cars though, remember you can earn commission on any item. It's mind boggling when you first realize this.
The possible ways of promoting your ebay affiliate links are endless. So take action and most of all have fun.
Many people can leverage their money-making efforts if they think outside of the realm information products and start marketing physical products. It is important to set up multiple streams of income. Marketing physical products online is a very good way to make money online-possibly more money than could be made marketing ebooks. Commission Junction has some excellent affiliate programs including ebay.
You can sell anything on ebay as an affiliate including big-ticket items: cars, designer dresses, boats, even planes. The possibilities are endless. Currently eBay’s commission structure is slightly complicated as it is tiered but affiliates earn 30% of the 4-6%% of eBay’s profits on the lowest tier.
What this means for affiliates is if your sell a $20,000 dollar car you will earn 30% of what eBay gets (around 4%) Ebay gets $800 and the affiliate gets around $200- in one day. That may sound like small earnings to some that was the earning from only one item. What if you sold another car? Or a $50,000 car? Affiliates monthly earnings potentials are incredible.
How do you even go about selling a car that costs 20,000 or even more online? You need to position yourself with people who are looking for items like that online. The best place to start is with the Craigslist wanted section. You can search through wanted sections for all the cities all over the world and connect people with the items they’re seeking.
EBay commissions are sometimes higher in other countries, for example eBay Germany will pay out larger commissions.
Here’s a simple and easy step-by-step plan that you can do to take action now.
Step 1: If you’re not already an eBay affiliate apply to become one at Commission Junction.
Step 2: One you’ve been accepted to the program or if you’re already an affiliate go to Craigslist and search through the wanted section in a city (cities) of your choice.
Step 3: Once you find someone who is looking for an item which will give you a reasonable commission go to Ebay’s affiliate tool section and go to the “Flexible Destination” tool to link to eBay listings related to what they are looking for.
Step 4: Go to eBay and search for item they are looking for. You can even search by relative location to their area and by price range. Once you’re done that copy the URL link (select, right click is the easiest way) in your browser and paste it into the flexible destination tool. Don’t forget your publisher ID.
Step 5: Give it some clickable text if your want (such as Chevy Camaro) and create the link.
Step 6: Contact the poster by email. You can use their temporary Craigslist email (Ex: sale-##########@craigslist.org) and it will redirect to their personal email account.
Step 7: Compose your message. A typical message is short, is written in a courteous, respectful manner, and politely links them to the listing. Using Chevy Camaro as an example:
Hi Joe,
I saw your wanted ad and thought I could be of some help. I did a quick eBay search and found a couple Chevy Camaro’s in your area. (Your link goes here) Hope that helps.
Best of luck,
Your email here.
I’ve actually gotten emails from people who have thanked me for giving them leads. I didn’t expect that. As it’s always nice to get recognized for your help it also makes you feel like you’ve made their life better in some way.
You can expand to other online classified websites. You can even take your efforts offline and connect buyers with products. You can post fliers in your area. Or even go to local business owners who need monthly supplies. Junkyard owners are always looking to buy and sell auto part or cars, which could be repaired and resold later.
Classic auto enthusiasts in general, who are looking for those rare, old cars, are also another group on the look out for deals. You can go to car collectors forums and see if there is a wanted section . (Be sure to read the forum rules first so you don't spam) Don’t limit yourself to just cars though, remember you can earn commission on any item. It's mind boggling when you first realize this.
The possible ways of promoting your ebay affiliate links are endless. So take action and most of all have fun.
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