Aspiring Webmasters Want To Know, "What Makes a Website Grow?"

By: A Raymond Randall

It appears that most webmasters have come from the world of advertising. Their website content emphasizes "marketing and promotion". Just to prove my point, do a Google search on "marketing promotion". As I write, Google comes up with "about 5,910,000" entries. Gosh imagine the good fortune of a listing on page one! Of course, the number of entries for "marketing promotion" gets shadowed by "sex" which provides you with "about 192,000,000". It's not money and sex; it's sex and money.

Prominent webmasters like Jim Daniels, Cory Rudll,and Kevin Bidwell (one of my favorites) et.al teach you Internet success strategies. Of course, they all started way back in '96 (that's 1996) when aspiring webmasters wanted to know how to succeed.

Someone asked me recently if Cory Rudll's two volume manual collects dust on my desk. Chagrined, I acknowledge, "sitting just to the right of my keyboard" (been there for two years). Then I think of all the other manuals, ebooks purchased to vault my Internet marketing skills.

What then gets you the income so many claim to make? You've read the ads, "so and so made $55,000 in one month" and this was their slowest month. Or, affiliate maven makes $463,000 a year marketing affiliate programs. Each of these testimonials appear attached to some alluring ebook which you "must have" to succeed. Well, hold off before entering your credit card number.

Here are 5 considerations to ponder before thinking about income from your website.

Purpose:

I never gave much credence to business plans; however, you can't get from my house to Boston without a map. Whether you write it down (which is best) or create pictures in your mind, there must be a map. A strategy which defines what steps you take. Strategies begin with brainstorming. Sit down, put a blank paper on your desk, grasp your pen, and write. Write anything that comes to mind relevant to your purpose. Write the not so relevant ideas too; who knows they might turn out to be the most important expression of your brainstorming.

A number of routes will get you to Boston from my house: some direct and boring, some scenic and slow. Who cares what way you get there. Herman Drost's article, "8 Steps to Creating a Simple Business Plan...." provides a "how to" outline.

Persistence:

No matter what Internet hype reads, this takes persistence. Perhaps the only emotion that separates the successful from the not so successful comes down to persistence. Calvin Coolidge's (1872-1933) viewpoint may be worth memorizing. "Nothing in the world can take the place of Persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent.

The slogan 'Press On' has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race." Kevin Sinclair's article, "Persistence - The Magic Key To Success" inspires you to continue. Also, if you've never read Russell Conwell's "Acres of Diamonds", find it and read it now.

Preparation:

"There are no secrets to success. It is the result of preparation, hard work, and learning from failure," says Colin Powell. Well, historians will assess the current geopolitical "learning from failure".

Every endeavor requires preparation. Ever watch a chef work? Every summer I work a weekend at a camp which serves 250 men seven meals. Doesn't sound like much until I observed the chef arrives to work at 3AM. I would get there at 4:15AM in order to dice, chop, stir, and pour in preparation for the next meal. When meals get served, few understand the amount of "prep work" that preceded the meal. No one sees you doing it; it just has to be done. Judy Collins provides clear guidelines on Ten Steps To Prepare Yourself for Online Marketing.

Probabilities:

As this article is written, the banter of presidential poll interpretation continues. Everyone has an opinion, and every pole a changing nuance. Reading polls provides some lessons on reading the probabilities of website traffic.

Most of us read the primary poll results rather than referring to the "internal tracking polls". When reading website traffic, we look at the number of visits without reading the "internal tracking". Travis Reeder provides detailed explanations and reasons for digging deeper into the numbers in his article, "How (and Why) to Read Your Web Statistics and Analytics".

Learn to track visitors. "AWStats is a free powerful and featureful (sic) tool that generates advanced web, ftp or mail server statistics, graphically." "A reasonable probability is the only certainty," writes E.W. Howe. So what probabilities do you have for succeeding and how do you measure them?

Personality:

Ever start a conversation with someone until you recognize that person is not "there"? Many websites give the same impression. What does this webmaster think? What matters to them? What message do they want conveyed?

It takes more effort to insert your personality into your work, to evidence your opinions and world view on a website. Every website page represents you implicitly or explicitly. What matters to you should be evident on your website, and your website should reflect your values.

Little seems to be written about this subject. Terri Seymour's article, "The Power of Personality" provides further insights. Bob Baker's book, "Poor Richard's Branding Yourself Online" elaborates this premise.

Oscar Wilde's observation that "Most people are other people. Their thoughts are someone else's opinions, their lives a mimicry, their passions a quotation" deserves a webmaster's attention.

As with all enterprise, Internet endeavors involve you with something that does not happen overnight. As with all worthy efforts, it requires a purpose clearly defined, a persistence resolutely affirmed, and a daily preparation involving your complete personality. You must remain passionately focused on the belief that you add value to this incredible enterprise known as the Internet.

Article Source: http://www.articles.web.com

Podcasting – The Easy Way To Get Started

By: Philip Nicosia

Imagine this: you’re in your room facing your computer. Over the microphone you say, “Good day, listeners. Today’s podcast is on… “ And as you continue to say your piece, the recording continues. This record is what people in your neighborhood, in your city, across the country, and even in other parts of the globe can hear as they tune in from their computers or digital audio players.

What are you doing? You are podcasting! As science turns imaginations into realities, you can become a DJ or to be specific, a podcaster, and have your own radio show, and be heard. Anywhere. Anytime. Anyhow you want it. You think this is cool? This is sub-zero cool!

Just as we’re getting accustomed to terminologies like e-mail, voice-chat, blogs, and so on, we now have PODCASTING. New Oxford Dictionary defines podcasting as “the digital recording of a radio broadcast or similar program, made available on the internet for downloading to a personal audio player”. But really, what is it?

Podcasting is a conjuncture of the words “iPod”, the most popular audio digital player created by Apple Computers, and “broadcast”, which means to put on air; hence, the association of podcasting to iPod or Apple computers. However, any brand of digital audio player is okay and any computer with a built-in or add-on microphone and soundcard will do.

The recording is uploaded into a website and becomes a web feed, aptly termed a podcast. Podcasts can be any music, advertisement, or information in audio or video format that is downloadable. They range from talk radio, comedy shows, news, political views, evangelization messages, language tutorials, business reports, and so on. Any subscriber can podcatch – meaning, download - and listen to podcasts.

But you say you’re not even trained or experienced to be a podcaster? There is no need at all. The charm of podcasting is that you can be your natural YOU!

So gear up! Catch the finest podcasting software offer in the market. Get the Podcast Blaster Package and unlock a whole new world of podcasting made easy and more!

In its exclusive offer, the Podcast Blaster Package is bundled with Podcast Manual, Podcast Software, Podcast Safe Music and Podcast Sound Files. The Podcast Manual will teach you how to record your podcast step-by-step, guide you on what equipment you need or add if you want to expand, and direct you on how to get the audience you want. The Podcast Software is the recording application -- intuitive, easy to navigate, and Macintosh or Windows-compatible. It comes with built-in special effects, user-friendly editing features, and proper export modules that will transform recording into podcast, no sweat! Finally, the Podcast Safe Music has over 100 sound files, or over 40MB, such as professionally produced voice-overs, loops, background effects, stingers and Podcast-safe music. The package also includes a guide to the best websites with free music downloads. If you get stuck with a technical problem, turn to the Podcast Blaster Team who will also assist your sales, refund, and other requests or inquiries. Podcast Blaster is confident you will be satisfied with the package that it offers 100% money-back guarantee! Plus, you get a special bonus software!

Eager to get started? Go to http://www.podcastblaster.com and learn more about this new milestone and on how to be a podcaster. Try podcasting and be among those who will dramatically transform the ever-changing landscape of this digital world.

Article Source: http://articles.webblogerz.com

Earning A Living Online - Is It Defining The New Millennium?

With the creation of the internet by Al Gore, Ok, who pushed the idiot button? (Can I say that?)

There hasn't been anything that has stirred things up so radically across the U.S. and around the world as the internet has since the start of the industrial age in the mid 1800's when people started leaving their farms for the big cities to find work in industry.

Now, as if we were rolling back the calendar of time in the new millennium, people are working feverishly hard, spending free time at their computers, working evenings, late into the night, and weekends to achieve the ability to work at home again. All of this is due to the internet, which is creating more small business owners and entrepreneurs than ever before.

If one has a computer, access to the internet, and some spare time, he or she can have an internet business up and running in as little as 24hrs. That my friends is the ultimate in entrepreneurship.

Right now we are in what's called a paradigm shift and according to the numbers, a complete reversal in the workforce. This isn't going to happen overnight; however, it is estimated that somewhere around 70% of the people will ultimately work at home with a home business or a job. Furthermore, the remaining 30% will remain on the job in the workforce.

Now I don't know about you, but two incredibly gut wrenching words "job and workforce" were enough for me to decide that maybe I should look into this work at home business with a little different kind of mind set.

At this point in time there are thousands of people earning a living online. Will these workforce numbers begin to be seen as accurate? That's truly hard to say. Looking back, not so long ago, "they" said that no one would ever want to have a personal computer in their home. Is that one still kind of up in the air for everyone?

Oh, and they (who are "they" anyway?) stated that no one would ever need, want, or use a cell phone. Their reasoning, "Because who would want to be able to be found at anytime or anywhere." I don't know about you, but my teenage daughter starts getting real fidgety when her phone gets below 20 minutes of airtime. "Dad, what am I going to do? How are my friends going to able get a hold of me? What if they can't find me? Dad, I need more minutes!" Now, I can't look into those big beautiful blues eyes and say no, so I start running. Yes, she costs me a fortune and she's worth every penny.

With these extreme examples of missing the mark, you may indeed be looking at one that "they" may actually come close with. The estimated number of people who will be earning a living online is expected to jump to 15 million by 2008.

At this point you may be thinking, "This is all fine and jim dandy, but where do I fit in on the grand scale of things?" Actually, the opportunities are boundless. With a few pivotal pointers, some revealing suggestions, and your willingness to learn and seek direction, the opportunities are unlimited. The most critical part to your success, is to stay focused on one business and make it work. You cannot achieve success by jumping from one hot market to the next.

A good business example is the resell rights market, which is a favorite to many because of it's low start up cost. A brief explanation: resell rights are your ability to purchase rights to other peoples products. It doesn't matter if those rights are to reports, software, e-books or many other information marketing products, you may sell them and keep 100% of the profits for yourself.

A fantastic deal for sure, most resell rights will come with a ready made sales page, header and graphics already done for you, as you can see getting started in the resell rights business is truly and entrepreneurs dream.

Because we are in the information age, information marketing products are hot and people are looking for information and immediate answers. They want everything now! The internet has created an information hungry society. What are people looking for? If you can name it, you can get it. More importantly you can sell it and profit from your sells. Now, if that doesn't fire up your imagination, find someone to check your pulse.

Several people may be sitting on the fence, undecided about whether or not they really want to be earning a living online. Yes you will face challenges, yes you will grow, and yes with perseverance and tenacity you will succeed.

There is a treasure trove of information to be had on the internet. The truly underlining allure is your ability to test the waters, without actually jumping in tush first (misprint). You are able to continue with your number one source of income, and begin a part time business with as little as a few hours a week added to your current schedule.

The old saying, "nothing ventured, nothing gained", is only a tantalizing clue to the adventures the cyberspace world may hold in store for you. Put on that entrepreneur cap and let the magical mystery tour begin. Take action now, it's your future. Are you going to be the one who will say that earning a living online has defined the new millennium for you?

Article Source: http://www.articles.myprofession.org

Secure your Web Pages. Never before this easy!

Find out for yourself. Not just any video. No more writing codes. See for yourself Just HOW easy it is to secure your web applications.

Shopping Cart Scripts Review

By: Kevin Dark

OsCommerce is an open source software to create online shops. Many hosting providers include osCommerce into their Fantastico bundle. Even the default version is full of various features while add-ons may expand the script abilities to an enormous extent. While osCommerce is positioned as easy to install and configure, this is not always true. In order to utilize all the advantages of osCommerce you'd better find a qualified integrator of this product who will tune everything the way you need it.

OsCommerce shopping cart allow you to add multiple products and organize them, run discounts and promotions, set prices in different currencies and accept payments through all most popular methods.

X-Cart is another popular and powerful solution. This shopping cart script has more than 100 features and it has a very demanded module that allows to deliver software products online.

X-Cart payment gateway supports over 60 different methods and the cart itself is very comfortable and easy to configure. The developers of the script offer installation and configuration services so that you can have a turn-key project in the end.

X-Cart is a commercial script offered in two varieties - Pro and Gold. The only difference between them is that the Pro version allows you to set up unique accounts for different merchants.

CubeCart is an open source script which is very similar to osCommerce and other shopping cart solutions alike. CubeCart needs your hosting to support PHP and MySQL. The script has extended configuration capabilities and can be connected to different payment gateways including PayPal and VeriSign.

Zen Cart is an open source product developed by a group of shop owners who know what they need in product implementing this into Zen Cart. Designers, programmers and ecommerce consultants help them on the way. This is probably one of the most user-friendly shopping cart scripts, though the functionality is still to be extended.

Shopping cart script named Agora is also quite a popular solution which is like osCommerce is often bundled into hosting providers' Fantastico installation packs. It is one of the best shopping carts for beginners and has enough features to satisfy advanced users as well. Agora is famous for the excellent tutorials and support forums. Even if your HTML knowledge is not your strong side, it is quite possible you'll be able to set up a nice online shop if you use Agora.

Of course, it's up to you what to choose. It could be a wise decision to try all of the products described above and maybe some else to understand which of them offers the features you really need to create the online shop you think will be fantastic. Sometimes open source projects are more suitable than commercial ones. Sometimes it's the other way round.

Combining Affiliate Links,Adsense and PLR Articles to Make Money

By: ian Williamson

One of the most frequently asked questions of all time is, "How do I make money on the Internet"?

If you have been trying to make money on the Internet for even a short while, you have undoubtedly heard quite a few names being thrown about. It seems as if everyone sees themselves as an expert and everyone who is anyone knows everyone else who is someone. It is like a marketing guru clique. And they make you think that if you do not know somebody, you will always be a nobody.

You have probably encountered product launches, audio and video streaming, teleseminars, and joint ventures, etc. The gurus that are selling these products and services are making money hand over fist. In all fairness, these products and services are genuine and valuable to the folks who buy them.

But what most of them will not tell you is that there are thousands of people on the Internet making thousands of dollars a month without spending a lot of money. They do not fly to every seminar in the country just to make contacts. They rarely do joint ventures, because frankly, no one knows who they are. They literally sit in front of their computers in their underwear, click a few links, and wait for the money to roll in.

How do they do it? Affiliate links, Google Adsense, and content.

Take Google Adsense, for instance. Search engines love good content, the more, the better.

When you create multiple content pages on your website, the search engine spiders crawl the site, then follow each link to more content, which helps raise your rankings.

How does this make you money? By placing Adsense ads on every page. As readers click through your pages, many will also click the Adsense links. Every time they do, you make a commission from Google. It can be anywhere from a few cents to several dollars.

They do not have to buy anything. Just clicking the link makes you money. The more people you drive to your site, the more people will click the links, and the more money you will make.

Now all you need is content. If you are a good writer, you can write your own. But most of us are not.

One option would be to use articles written by others. Go to any of the popular article directories and you will find thousands of articles. Most can used free of charge as long as you include the resource box with each article. Since you are not promoting your own product, this is a very viable option.

The major downside to using other peoples articles is that the reader will view them as the expert and likely click the link in the resource box instead of the Adsense links, and you lose money.

However, the best option is Private Label Rights articles. Just a little editing can turn these articles into your own creation. The reader will view you as the expert, since you are not competing with another writer.

You can also include your own resource box with a link to an affiliate program, so whether they click the Adsense links or your affiliate link, you have increased your chances of making money. And you have done it without a single product of your own.

Making money on the Internet is not as difficult as some would have you believe. As with any business, give the people what they want and they will keep coming back.

Article Source: http://www.articles.web.com

Create your own XML channel within 10 minutes.

Short, step by step ysw web tutorial shows how to create very simple and functional XML channel (RSS) for distrubution of media content as adio or video files.