Almost everyone has heard of blogging these days. Simply put a blog is a web page that is made up of posts and is updated regularly. That is the simple definition however, a blog can be much more then that. If you are starting a business with a small budget then there are so many ways blogging can help.
First, with a click of your mouse you can put your thoughts, sale pitches, articles and various web page links out to the world by publishing it on your blog. This is especially great if you have started your business using any type of affiliate marketing. The blog owner registers with any affiliate program of choice and then puts various links, banners and products on the blog site. When visitors click on these links and purchase a product, the blog owner is paid a commission for generating the sale. How much easier can that be?
The second way a blog can help in starting your business is that it is a whole lot cheaper then getting a web site. You can usually set up a blog site for free. Compare that to buying a domain name and paying for the cost of designing a web site. Add to that the monthly cost of web site hosting and the cost starts adding up real quick. A blog is a great alternative until the money starts coming in from your business.
Third, less technical knowledge is needed so it is easier and faster for the beginner to start on the web. There is no need to learn html or programming because the software is already there for you to use. Also most successful marketers agree that to get traffic to your site you must update the content often and consistently. With a blog you can add or update the content whenever your want without hiring someone else to do it for you.
Also, blogging can give your business an edge over the competition because it is in real time and there is no waiting. Customers and visitors of your blog can easily join in and post their own comments and suggestions to your site and your products. It is a good tool to have testimonials about your product or service on your blog. Also be sure to post answers to any questions or problem in a quick and complete manner. It shows that you like to reach out to prospective customers and you will quickly gain repeat customers and acquire a following. Customers always prefer personalized attention.
In summary, blogging should not be overlooked as a great business tool. It is especially helpful to the beginner Internet marketer because it is cheap and it has no boundaries. Add to that your own creativity and you are well on your way to establishing a successful business.
Jump Start A Diet
Most people recognize two steps in the viral distribution process. Create the product, let others pass the offer along for me. This is the theory behind viral product offers, but the key ingredient is the middle step. Getting the word out so that people can find it, to distribute it for you. This step is often overlooked when planning a viral product distribution system.
Assuming you have already got your report written and formatted into a distributable package and a landing web page that visitors can retrieve your report from let's look over the "Jump Start Check List" so we can get your report out to the people!
If you have seen other product offers you probably realize how important it is that you provide an digital cover for your product. This gives your information a "tangible" feel. A well designed cover can increase the download and re-offer response rate by 70% !
Step 1:
Create a box cover art graphic.
Make it in 3 sizes. Large, med. and thumbnail.
Save it in 3 formats. - .jpg gif and bmp if possible.
These two steps will save you time in the long run.
Next thing we want to do is get our small ads written. Let's write these ads all at once and save them into our favorite clipboard or text management utility software program.
Step 2:
Write your ads.
Consider target markets and create different headlines/ads as appropriate.
Write several ads.
Set up a simple strategy for tracking those headlines.
If you need a brief refresher on classified ad structure here are some guidelines. If you feel you need more instruction doing a search will bring up many helpful opinions on classified ad writing.
Classified Structure
Strong headline
Benefit or solutions
Call to action
Provide action contact or link
After you start your campaign you are going to receive many confirmation emails and link requests, so lets take a look at how we can manage these tasks without going nuts.
Step 3:
Be Prepared.
Create a "friends of" or "resource" page - Some directories will require a link back
*tip* Never call a link page a "links page"
Create a separate email address just for your viral offer
Create email rules to help you manage the incoming replies into a specific folder
The following 10 minute "set up" will save you hundreds of hours of your valuable time. Open your clipboard utility, if you haven't decided on one yet, please do. Your clipboard utility and/or form filler will quickly become your best friend. Having a workable system will save you from burnout, tiredness and frustration. I have used WinM8 and RoboForm for many years and have little advise on what programs are on the market today - these two programs do everything I need them to and do not hog up my computer resources.
Step 4:
Getting Set Up
Common Information to Place in clipboard segments
Name
Email
Title of report
Download url
Link to eBook cover
Description
Url to your back-links page
Step 5:
Get the word out.
Anywhere you can advertise on the web is a potential for advertising your landing page. This includes directories, exchanges, using Google Adwords and more.
Look into web sites that are closely related to the theme of your report. Notify webmasters of these closely related sites of your offer, and be sure to let them know how offering your report can benefit their visitors. Is there any benefit to the webmaster that you can promote as well?
An example of this could be .. You create a eBook on "How to Store Your Precious Silver". A jewelry dealer offering silver rings may be very happy to offer your eBook to their visitors, and the visitors will thank the webmaster for the helpful information. Another vendor may sell "How to Clean Antique Silver" your free report would make a nice bonus offer that will benefit both vender and consumer - by being an added value offer.
Many people and webmasters search eBook directories for information and value added products on a regular basis. It can pay off big to make sure your eBook is listed in eBook directories and resource pages of related web sites.
One surefire way to get your offer some attention is to write an article on your topic and add your landing page to your author bio box.
Ask for reviews from your favorite, topic related forum boards or discussion lists. This can be a great way to get feedback on the quality of your report too.
This system has worked for me.
Good luck, I hope to see your next free eBooks or report everywhere!
Both Sam Crowley & Dawn Wentworth are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Sam Crowley has sinced written about articles on various topics from self improvement and motivation, Build Online Business and Marketing Tips. Sam Crowley is a . Sam speaks nationally on the topics of motivation and personal development.You can view Sam Crowley's website at. Sam Crowley's top article generates over 135000 views. to your Favourites.
Cardboard Boxes For Shipping Never put books or heavy glassware in thin cardboard boxes. Instead, find a thicker grade of cardboard to pack your heavier items. This will save you time and the hassle of some broken items