My Inspiration

There are many ways to increase web traffic; the most valuable of course is offering some ongoing and dynamic value such as blogs or online discussion that keep the same people coming back, but a host of other options exist including:

1. Search Engine Optimization

We’ve touched on this in previous chapters but “Search Engine Optimization” or “SEO” as it is often referred to is a huge success for many sites, and has even spawned a service industry in its own right where people are getting paid to optimize your site and site submissions to try and increase how well your site ranks on various search engines. Ideally you should do this yourself by submitting to various directories and using the tips and hints I’ve already mentioned but if you are ‘Internet Impaired’ it may be worth paying a consultant
to assist you.

2. List your site in Directories and Search Engines

There are many search engines and directories out there where you can list your website for increased exposure. Some charge a fee while others are free or low-cost but the important thing to remember is to go through each one IN PERSON and optimize the data you provide each to ensure the listing provides the best interface to your site as possible.

3. Participate in Link Exchanges

A ‘link exchange’ refers to the act of having a URL or ‘hyperlink’ from another site either on your page or another site pointing to pages on your site. With Exchanges another webmaster will link to your site in exchange for you linking to theirs – hopefully complimenting each others sites.

3. Advertise your site via AdWords or other resources such as banner ads

There are many advertising avenues out there to get your website increased recognition, the simplest of course link exchanges and wordof-mouth, but paid methods such as using Google’s AdWords program to pop up a link to your site when certain keywords are entered into search engines is a very effective way to increase traffic to your sites. From the vendor side it works like this: you bid (or offer) an amount that you will pay for a list of keywords used when people query. Depending on your bid and the maximum daily expenditure settings
you specify (the largest amount of payout you are willing to do on any given day) your ad shows and you’re charged for each user who “clicks through” the ad to your site.

4. Get published on other sites

The Internet is a wide place and a lot of people are out there every day so try to participate in other sites with a similar interest to yours and post articles and stories – be sure to include a link or reference to your web site and viola! Free advertising!

5. Post in chat rooms and on blogs

Just as with posting articles using chat and blog entries to promote your site is a good ‘semi-permanent’ way to get your website address out there before the public.

Not long ago, a diary was a deeply personal thing — a journal of thoughts and observations, kept under lock and key and often buried in a dresser drawer.The Web has a way of changing things. Now, a diary of thoughts, observations and insight — posted on the Internet — may be a way to boost your business.Web logs, or “blogs” as they’re better known, have become a way to engage readers and potential customers of businesses big and small.

A blog is a journal posted on a Web site, updated on a regular basis and containing news, opinions, ideas and brainstorms. It might also have links to other sources of information, other Web sites and other blogs.Many blogs cut both ways, inviting readers to post feedback on what they see. While that can apply to everything from sports and entertainment, it can also generate interest — and, ultimately, income — for your business.

No, blogs aren’t for everyone. But see how they can accomplish these five basic business objectives.

1. Expose a new or little-known product or idea

For Grant Smith, blogging makes a world of sense on a number of levels. Smith operates a business that provides streaming video e-mail and related video communications products. Since many prospective clients might know little about video e-mail, Smith says his blog is a natural way to provide specifics.

That, in turn, can lead to a more informed customer and a more time-effective sales process. Rather than taking time to pitch your product or service to a client who may not need it, a blog supplants you as an information source. If a prospect contacts you, that’s great. If not, you’ve wasted no time in explaining something that generates nothing in return.

2. Improve your search engine rankings

Blogging also puts you in touch with prospects in other ways. As any company with a position on the Internet realises, Web site visitors that come via Google, MSN and other search engines can provide numerous leads. Blogs can add to the frequency with which search vehicles identify you and your company, particularly if your blog allows readers to post a response.

If done properly, blogs have a tremendous benefit relative to search engines, according to Brad Fallon, president of SEO Research, a search engine marketing firm. “With blogs that allow comments, every new post and every new comment becomes an additional Web page filled with additional keywords to be picked up by the search engine spiders,” he says.

3. Position yourself as an expert in an industry or field

Blogging also can also prove an effective marketing tool to establish yourself as an authority in your field. Not only can that generate leads, it also sends a positive message about your credentials through the marketplace and also gives your business a face and a personality.

4. Influence public opinion

Blogging also allows users to bypass traditional journalistic venues and, in effect, become a publisher of their own thoughts and viewpoints. For Steve Rubel, vice president of client services at a public relations firm, blogs are also fast becoming a powerful influence on public opinion.

5. Engage in a forum openly with your customers

Just as important, blogs that solicit reader comments can provide a sense of immediacy with your customers. In one respect, that’s a ready source of feedback on what you’re doing right and what you need to improve.

So you’ve decided to start a home-based business? That’s great, but where do you start? If you’re online quite a bit, then there’s no reason you can’t start a business right from your own home on the Web. There are so many resources available online today that you can benefit tremendously from the research of others while building your own business. And, there are many companies that will do lots of the work for you when you join with them.

Here are five easy start-up ideas for your home-based business to save you time and money.

1. Choose Your Hours

Decide how much time you will be able to invest in your home-based business. To be honest, there are many new business owners who never make it because they’re not willing to invest their time. If you work a full-time job and plan to keep it while your home-based business builds, then you should determine how many free hours you can spend working. Can you invest a few hours per day, or week perhaps?

Once you choose your hours, stick with them on a consistent basis. Treat the home business just as you would a store with operating hours. If you open a store from 9 to 5, then someone must be there during those hours. So, if you plan to work on your new business from 8:00 p.m. until 11:00 p.m. five nights per week, then let this be your “operating hours!”

2. Choose a Business

Even if you plan to start a business selling products of your own, you might find it useful to join with a company to sell their products to build extra income at first. You can even do both if you can invest enough time and effort into both businesses. Choose a product or service that you enjoy selling. No business is fun if you dislike it. The more you enjoy it, the more likely you are to be successful.

3. Prepare Your Home-Based Business Work Area

Before you start a home-based business, be sure your home office is up to par. Upgrade your computer to a fast one with a super-fast Internet connection so your work will not be hindered by outside factors. Also, get a very comfortable desk chair with plenty of back and arm support. Choose a keyboard and mouse that you’re comfortable with, and organize your desk. Working in a well-organized environment clears your thinking so you can work and promote without distraction.

4. Investing Your Money

Before you invest a dime, be certain it’s the right business for you. When selling products for others, you might be asked to invest money before getting started for inventory, membership, a website, and so forth. If so, study every aspect of the business before doing so. Any business start-up will require some monetary investment, but you need to think before you invest.

Once you’ve chosen a business to invest in, set up a budget solely for your business. Having a business account at your local bank will help. Also, set up an account with an online payment processor if possible. PayPal and StormPay are two of the most popular ones online right now. If signing on with an MLM company, find out how they issue their payments first.

5. Use Your Talents and Skills

Whether you sign on with an MLM company or start a business selling your own products and services, remember to use all your talents and skills. Maybe you’re a great typist or a very savvy Internet user. Perhaps you know how to design websites, printed flyers, or promote online. Use your talents to maximize your home-based business profits.

Don’t just sit at home and dream of owning your own business. Use these five start-up tips to get your home-based business moving today!