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<title>Latest Articles by thamisgith</title>
<link>http://www.articletrader.com/</link>
<description>Articles at ArticleTrader</description>
<language>en-us</language>
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<title>Sony Introduce New 40GB PlayStation 3</title>
<link>http://www.articletrader.com/computers/hardware/sony-introduce-new-40gb-playstation-3.html</link>
<guid>http://www.articletrader.com/computers/hardware/sony-introduce-new-40gb-playstation-3.html</guid>
<pubDate>Wed, 17 Oct 2007 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Sony have been losing money on their 60GB PS3 since it was introduced in the UK. Volume of sales has been lower than anticipated - with one significant factor being the high launch price. The pattern has been much the same in other countries worldwide.<br /><br />The new 40GB PS3, released in the UK on October 10 2007, is the result of some significant cost cutting efforts on the part of Sony. A lot of the changes were made after discussion with PS3 users. Sony advises that it has made the changes after  "feedback from thousands of existing PS3 owners as well as research into future potential PS3 owners."<br /><br />Possibly one of the most controversial decisions was the lack of backward compatibility with both PS1 and PS2 games. However, Sony's research seems to suggest that this is not an important factor for new users. Presumably, anyone who has a lot of PS2 games also has a PS2 console on which to play them. The backwards compatibility with PS1 and PS2 games was one of the more expensive items to implement on the earlier PS3 version.<br /><br />Here's a nice quotation form Ray Maguire, the MD of Sony Computer Entertainment UK:<br /><br />"As we approach our first PlayStation Christmas, it is satisfying to be able to offer UK consumers the choice of two PlayStation 3 packages both now representing remarkable value" <br /><br />And there's no doubt about it - it does look like a better deal for consumers. It seems like a very aggressive marketing strategy by Sony in the run up to Christmas.<br /><br />It is worth noting that Sony intend that, in future, only the 40GB PS3 will be available in the UK. The price drop on the 60GB model is intended to boost their sales between now and Christmas and use up the existing stock. After the current stocks of 60GB PS3 consoles are depleted only the 40GB version will be available to the public.<br /><br />Sony also admit that they have been losing money on the 60GB consoles sold to date and, more surprisingly perhaps, admit that this will continue, even on the reduced cost 40GB console. They will lose less money than before, but they will still lose.<br /><br />Another factor which will help sales between now and Christmas is the increasing number of PS3 games becoming available.<br /><br />Current game console market leader, Nintendo, advised that there were no plans to cut the price of the Nintendo Wii. According to George Harrison, senior vice president of Marketing for Nintendo America: "We are still selling everything we can make."<br /><br />Microsoft's XBox 360 had a recent price cut in August of 2007. With the release of the latest offering in the hugely popular Halo series, imaginatively titled "Halo 3", which is currently only available for the XBox 360, a cut in the Xbox price seems unlikely in the near future.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />--<br />Hamish Hayward<br /><br /><a target="_New" href="http://www.online-bargain-shop.co.uk/"><b>PS3 Review</b></a><br /><br />Review your latest PS3 options online.<br><br>Source: <a href="http://www.articletrader.com/">http://www.articletrader.com</a> ]]></description>
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<title>Lego - Still As Popular As ever</title>
<link>http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/hobbies/lego-still-as-popular-as-ever.html</link>
<guid>http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/hobbies/lego-still-as-popular-as-ever.html</guid>
<pubDate>Mon, 12 Feb 2007 00:00:00 -0600</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Lego – the children’s toy comprising of multi coloured plastic interlocking bricks -was “born” in 1934 when Danish master carpenter and toymaker, Ole Kirk Kristiansen, combined the Danish words “leg godt” – which means “play well” – to form the now famous brand name.<br><br>In 1947, together with his son Godtfred, Kristiansen obtained samples of interlocking plastic bricks produced by Kiddicraft. These had been designed and patented in the UK by a child psychologist – Hilary Harry fisher Page. Lego began producing similar bricks in 1949, named “automatic binding bricks”.<br><br>They were not an immediate success as plastic toys were considered to be inferior to wooden ones at this time. There were some early problems with the brick’s locking abilities and it was not until 1958 that the modern design was developed. <br><br>Even then, it took a further 5 years to find exactly the right material for optimum performance. <br>The material chosen in 1963 was acrylonitrile butadiene styrene - or ABS – very common today, but groundbreaking and innovative at the time.<br><br>In 1959 Lego was introduced to the UK, Belgium and France. The product was launched in the USA and Canada in 1961 and was an immediate success. Continuous development and the introduction of new ranges – often tied in with major motion pictures – has ensured that Lego remains popular today with the children and grandchildren of the first generation to get their hands on it.<br><br>There are product lines for all ages – starting from the youngest children whose needs are catered for by the Duplo range, the standard range and The technic and Mindstorm ranges for older children, teenagers and even adults. Themed sets exist for Pirates, Dinosaurs, Star Wars, Harry Potter, Batman, Bionicles etc.<br><br>There are currently no fewer than four “Legoland”  theme parks in existence (one in Denmark, one in the UK, one in Germany and one in the USA) . Adults and children can visit to see fantastic examples of lego models and creations, visit themed areas, go on fun rides and even drive electric lego cars or pilot lego boats.<br><br>There is also, of course, a website, where children can see the latest lego creations, get hints and tips on how to use their lego toys, take part in online discussions and get access to a wide variety of downloads.<br><br>It is even used for business training events, as a tool to both demonstrate production processes and engender teamworking! There seems to be no end to its versatility.<br><br>However, whilst there can be no doubt that the wide and frequently updated product range is a major factor in Lego’s ongoing success, and the marketing and web presence also help, the key enduring factor is that it stimulates children’s creativity and appeals to their innate curiosity. The fundamentally educational nature of the toy, and the fun that it’s use provides, means that it also receives widespread approval from adults. <br><br>All in all, it seems likely that the multi coloured plastic blocks are likely to be around for a long time – in some shape or form.<br><br><br><br /><br />--<br />Hamish Hayward<br><br><a target="_New" href="http://www.perfectsystem.co.uk/lego"><b>Buy Lego Online</b></a><br><br>Save up to 60% on RRP when you buy lego online.<br><br>Source: <a href="http://www.articletrader.com/">http://www.articletrader.com</a> ]]></description>
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<title>Day Job Killer - Oh yeah?</title>
<link>http://www.articletrader.com/internet/affiliate-programs/day-job-killer-oh-yeah.html</link>
<guid>http://www.articletrader.com/internet/affiliate-programs/day-job-killer-oh-yeah.html</guid>
<pubDate>Wed, 07 Feb 2007 00:00:00 -0600</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ The last 3 months of 2006 saw a quite phenomenal number of new product launches – each of which claimed, of course, to be the magic solution to all your internet marketing problems. Indeed, the launches were coming so thick and fast that, at the very height of the guru-fest, one very well known guru issued a report entitled “The Death of Internet Marketing”.<br><br>Needless to say, reports of the death of internet marketing were premature. In fact, the “Death of internet Marketing” report was a splendid example of just how effective internet marketing can be when done properly. Mike Filsaime built a huge opt-in list in the space of a couple of weeks and will no doubt profit hugely from his sensationalist (but very clever) tactics in future. The fact that his report contained some original and thought provoking material does seem to have slipped under a lot of people’s radar.<br><br>Whilst it is unlikely that internet marketing is dying, there does seem to be a marked change which is making it more difficult for new internet and affiliate marketers to make a profit and give up their day job as easily as they might have a few years ago. Even the most optimistic souls are beginning to realise that there is no “magic bullet” and that they will not purchase a $97 e-book, or $147 course and achieve instant success.<br><br>The massive proliferation of e-books, products, courses and membership sites at the end of 2006 has led to a certain level of apathy towards current offerings and a greater degree of reality awareness has set in.<br><br>Internet marketing, and the first choice for new internet marketers – affiliate marketing, can still provide either a good source of supplementary income or a salary replacing option – but it’s no longer the wild, wild web and some effort will required to make a profit.<br><br>In the first instance – just as an offline business needs premises of some sort - most affiliates will find it very difficult, if not impossible, to operate effectively without their own web site or blog. And, if you’re offering  a product which proposes to make your customers rich, it’s unlikely to build your credibility any if you’re using a free web site host – is it?<br><br>Secondly, just like any “real” bricks and mortar business, internet marketers and affiliates must expect to have advertising costs and budget accordingly. Traffic won’t just magically appear at your site – expect to pay for pay-per-click campaigns, classified adverts and – who knows – maybe even offline advertising.<br><br>Thirdly, and again drawing parallels with offline businesses, internet marketers cannot expect to simply throw up a website, slap on a few ads, buy some Google PPC traffic and get into profit. Just as in the real world, they will need to undergo some training.<br><br>Which brings us neatly back to where we came in – all those e-books and courses I’m afraid. And they all cost money – but in the words of Abraham Lincoln “if you think education’s expensive try ignorance”. Affiliates must learn that, whilst there is no magic bullet, they do have to invest in their own internet marketing/affiliate marketing education. And it should be considered as an investment, not a cost.<br><br>Internet marketing is not dead. It’s just grown up and matured. Like any evolutionary process there will be casualties – but those who invest in their websites, fix and advertising budget and undergo training will survive – bigger and better than before.<br><br><br><br /><br />--<br />Hamish Hayward<br><br><a target="_New" href="http://www.perfectsystem.co.uk/intro/Day_Job_Killer_Reviewed.html"><b>Day Job Killer</b></a><br><br>Discover the latest affiliate marketing techniques for 2007. Not for the squeemish perhaps - but these are the exact methods used by high earning affiliates in today's cut-throat market.<br><br>Source: <a href="http://www.articletrader.com/">http://www.articletrader.com</a> ]]></description>
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<title>Multiple Streams of Income - Why You Need Them</title>
<link>http://www.articletrader.com/internet/online-business/multiple-streams-of-income-why-you-need-them.html</link>
<guid>http://www.articletrader.com/internet/online-business/multiple-streams-of-income-why-you-need-them.html</guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 02 Jan 2007 00:00:00 -0600</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ One of the great things about the internet is that things change so quickly. This is good as it allows new marketers to take advantage of novel trends and new developments. On the other hand of course, if you don’t respond quickly to new market conditions, your business – and income – can be adversely affected.<br><br>That’s why you need to have multiple streams of income – so that if your current top earner disappears off Google’s radar or one of your many competitors introduces a new product that wipes the floor with your best offering, you have other income streams to fall back on.<br><br>It’s just like buying stocks and shares – you want to have a diverse portfolio to avoid any sudden spikes and glitches in the market. Or put it another way – don’t put all your eggs in one basket.<br><br>That’s all well and good, but just where are you going to find these multiple streams of income? Sometimes it can be difficult to find even one business opportunity that’s worth investing your time, energy and money in. The first logical place to look is the market.<br><br>It’s not always easy to get hold of hard facts and figures when it comes to marketing and often, when you do get some, they are well out of date. However, the figures below show the UK market percentages of directly sold goods for 2000, a year when the total spend in this area was $2 billion. These figures are sourced from the UK Direct Selling Association and make interesting reading.<br><br>SERVICES 32%<br>(telecoms, utilities)<br><br>PERSONAL 26%<br>(cosmetics, fragrances, skincare…)<br><br>FAMILY 17%<br>(Books, toys, games, business aids …)<br><br>HOUSEHOLD 14%<br>(Security, water treatment, electrical…)<br><br>WELLNESS 7%<br>(Nutritional, diet plans, supplements)<br><br>FOOD 4%<br>(Frozen & other)<br><br>The size of the market may vary, and the relative positions may change – but the top five above will probably be able to provide consistently good income streams. The obvious omission from the above list would be online gaming, which is a relatively new phenomenon.<br><br>So how do you get started? Simple, just pick one of the areas and do some background research. Remember to use a logical approach when evaluating your options – the key areas to look at are; the company; the pay plan; the product; the level of admin; the sales methods available and the cost – both start up and running.<br><br>If this is your first business then try to start off with an opportunity that will provide you with residual income. Concentrate on only one business at a time. Work this until you get it to an acceptable level where it is growing without too much time input on your part. It doesn’t need to be making thousands of dollars every month – it’s easier to arrange for 5 businesses to return $1000 each than it is to arrange that a single business will return $5000 a month (the law of diminishing returns).<br><br>When you are achieving consistent growth month on month, pick a business opportunity in a different sector and repeat the process. Then do it again – and again. Aim for at least 3 and preferably 5 solid businesses. Try to have at least 40% of your income as residual income – this is your baseline.<br><br>It will probably take at least 6 months, and possibly more, to get each business to the steady growth phase, but it’s well worth the effort. This will provide you with a diverse income which will be stable and highly unlikely to be severely impacted by changes in market conditions.<br><br>If an opportunity arises in one particular area you can focus on that for a period of time in order to maximise your profits. And if there is a downturn in an area you can always use the income from the other sectors to weather the storm.<br><br>And when you eventually have your multiple income streams online and they’re all working well – always be on the lookout for any new opportunities to add to your business portfolio. You can never have too much of a good thing.<br><br><br><br /><br />--<br />Hamish Hayward<br><br><a target="_New" href="http://www.perfectsystem.co.uk/">Internet Business Tips ......</a><br><br>Discover the key criteria you must evaluate when starting your own online or offline business. Free e-books and newsletter packed full of hints and tips.<br><br>Source: <a href="http://www.articletrader.com/">http://www.articletrader.com</a> ]]></description>
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<title>Adsense - Google Paint A New Picture</title>
<link>http://www.articletrader.com/internet/ppc-advertising/adsense-google-paint-a-new-picture.html</link>
<guid>http://www.articletrader.com/internet/ppc-advertising/adsense-google-paint-a-new-picture.html</guid>
<pubDate>Fri, 22 Dec 2006 00:00:00 -0600</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ A lot of people use Google Adsense on their websites to generate extra income. Some people earn enough to pay their web hosting costs – others earn substantially more.<br><br>Basically, you sign up for an Adsense account, cut and paste some code on your website and you’re done. The code displays Google ads and, whenever one of your website visitors clicks on an ad, you get paid. Simple. Good for the surfers, good for Google and good for you.<br><br>As with any online money earning technique, users try to maximise their earnings by a variety of methods – trying different types and positions of ads, different background colours, different link colours etc. Most of these techniques are accepted as fair practice by Google – but some are frowned upon.<br><br>One very common method used to increase the probability that visitors will click on the ads has been the alignment of thumbnail images beside the ads. This has always been a bit of a grey area - and Google never really gave definitive advice on whether or not it was considered to be a legitimate tactic to use.<br><br>However, Google has now made a clear statement that this is not allowable - you can see the full post at the Google Adsense Blog - but it's summarised below.<br><br>AD AND IMAGE PLACEMENT: A POLICY CLARIFICATION<br>”We've recently received a number of emails from publishers asking how we feel about the placement of images near Google ad units. There's been some confusion on this issue, and so we turned to our policy team to set the record straight.”<br><br>CAN I PLACE SMALL IMAGES NEXT TO MY GOOGLE ADS?<br>”We ask that publishers not line up images and ads in a way that suggests a relationship between the images and the ads. If your visitors believe that the images and the ads are directly associated, or that the advertiser is offering the exact item found in the neighbouring image, they may click the ad expecting to find something that isn't actually being offered. That's not a good experience for users or advertisers.<br><br>Publishers should also be careful to avoid similar implementations that people could find misleading. For instance, if your site contains a directory of Flash games, you should not format the ads to mimic the game descriptions.”<br><br>WHAT IF I PLACE A SPACE OR A LINE BETWEEN MY IMAGES AND MY ADS? WOULD THAT WORK?<br>”No. If the ads and the images appear to be associated, inserting a small space or a line between the images and ads will not make the implementation compliant.”<br><br>DOES THIS MEAN I CAN'T PLACE ADS ON PAGES WITH IMAGES?<br>”You can definitely place Google ads on pages containing images -- just make sure that the ads and images are not arranged in a way that could easily mislead or confuse your visitors. For example, if you run a stock photography site with a catalogue of thumbnail images, don't line the ads up with the thumbnails in a way that could be misleading.” <br><br>So, if you're a Google Adsense publisher and using this technique, you may want to remove the images - otherwise you risk having your Adsense income removed.<br><br><br><br /><br />--<br />Hamish Hayward<br><br><a target="_New" href="http://www.perfectsystem.co.uk/">Internet Business Tips ......</a><br><br>Discover the key criteria you must evaluate when starting your own online or offline business. Free e-books and newsletter packed full of hints and tips.<br><br>Source: <a href="http://www.articletrader.com/">http://www.articletrader.com</a> ]]></description>
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<title>Network Marketing - Ask Mr. Kipling</title>
<link>http://www.articletrader.com/internet/online-business/network-marketing-ask-mr.-kipling.html</link>
<guid>http://www.articletrader.com/internet/online-business/network-marketing-ask-mr.-kipling.html</guid>
<pubDate>Sat, 16 Dec 2006 00:00:00 -0600</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ I kept six honest serving men,<br>They taught me all I knew. <br>Their names are What and Why and When<br>And How and Where and Who.<br><br>These well know lines by Rudyard Kipling offer sound advice for many situations in life. They can be usefully applied if you're thinking of geting involved in network marketing or any other type of work at home business.<br><br>WHAT CAN I DO TO MAKE A PROFIT?<br>Simply put, you provide a product or service in return for money. Don't worry if you don't "have" a product - just get one from somebody else and then sell it on, or get involved in an affiliate marketing scheme. Successful merchants have been doing this for thousands of years.<br><br>You don't have to make the product yourself. You don't even have to own it. You can simply sell it on someone else's behalf and then take a percentage of the profit.<br><br>If possible, try to market a product or service that is provided on a monthly subscription basis. That way you will get your percentage every month - residual income.<br><br>Do not get involved with any business that doesn't have a genuine product and which pays you for recruiting others into the business. This type of arrangement is characteristic of a pyramid scheme.<br><br>WHY CHOOSE NETWORK MARKETING?<br>Network marketing, coupled with the power of the internet, is ideal for a start-up business. No premises are required and there are no employees, so both start-up and running costs are very low compared to a traditional business.<br><br>The internet can be used for both selling and recruiting and many of the tasks associated with these activities can be automated using websites, autoresponders, email etc. You also have the ability to reach a world wide market - the possibilities are endless.<br><br>Unlike many traditional small businesses, you can work your network marketing opportunity part-time to begin with. You don't need to give up your day job until you're good and ready, so the risk is very low for you.<br><br>WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO START?<br>The sooner the better. Start-up costs are low and much of your initial outlay will be covered by money back guarantees. Your risk exposure is minimal.<br><br>However, even if you already have some business experience, you should expect to be on a learning curve to begin with. So do your research, pick a company with good training and support, find a good mentor and get going. The sooner you learn the tricks of the trade, the sooner you can start to build your business and make a profit. One thing's for sure - you won't make any money "thinking about it".<br><br>HOW DO I IDENTIFY THE RIGHT OPPORTUNITY FOR ME?<br>Don't sign up for an opportunity because it has a nice website or a good sales letter/email. Do investigate the six key criteria: Product, Cost, Company, Commission, Administration and Sales.<br><br>Make sure that you're completely happy with each of these areas and you'll avoid any nasty surprises.<br><br>WHERE SHOULD I SET UP SHOP?<br>Keep costs down by working from home. The power of the internet means that you can tap into the world market working from your spae room in your pyjamas. You can work offline if you want using leaflets, brochures, direct mail etc. - but don't limit yourself geographically.<br><br>WHO SHOULD I BE WORKING WITH?<br>Obviously you're the star of the show. It's your business and you will enjoy a much higher degree of autonomy than would be available in almost any job. You're not entirely isolated though, and finding the right people to work with is very important.<br><br>Pick a good company to work with. Ideally one that's been around for a while and which provides good training and support. Selecting the right company to partner with will significantly increase your chances of success and minimise the probability of being scammed.<br><br>Most scammers and con artists tend not to stick around too long. They make their money and then move on before they get caught - so choosing to work with an established company is always a good idea if you want to reduce risk.<br><br>Another key player is the person who recruited you or introduced you to the opportunity. They may be referred to as your "upline", "team leader", "sponsor", "mentor" etc. depending upon the company that you're working with.<br><br>This person doesn't need to be at the very top of the business. If they were then they might find it difficult to find time to help you. However, they should be experienced and willing to help. Exchange emails with them, talk on the phone and see how responsive they are. If they're not right for you then you can always get involved in the same opportunity but with a different mentor.<br><br>Finally, you will build your own team or "downline". Try to be a good sponsor to your team members and help them out as much as you can. Remember - just because you introduced them to the business you're not their boss. Offer them advice and encouragement but don't forget that they came into your opportunity to have their own business - just as you did.<br><br><br /><br />--<br />Hamish Hayward<br><br><a target="_New" href="http://www.perfectsystem.co.uk/">Internet Business Tips ......</a><br><br>Discover the key criteria you must evaluate when starting your own online or offline business. Free e-books and newsletter packed full of hints and tips.<br><br>Source: <a href="http://www.articletrader.com/">http://www.articletrader.com</a> ]]></description>
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<title>Why Should I Open Your E-Mail?</title>
<link>http://www.articletrader.com/internet/email/why-should-i-open-your-e-mail.html</link>
<guid>http://www.articletrader.com/internet/email/why-should-i-open-your-e-mail.html</guid>
<pubDate>Fri, 01 Dec 2006 00:00:00 -0600</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ According to a survey by Doubleclick, the "average" consumer receives 308 e-mails each week. Of these, 62% (191) are considered to be spam. Most of these e-mails will be deleted unread.<br><br>So, if you're one of the many internet marketers using e-mail to promote a product, service or opportunity, how will you ensure that your e-mail messages get opened? What can you do to keep your prospect's finger off the delete key?<br><br>The answer is provided by the same survey and may surprise you initially. According to Doubleclick's survey, 63% of consumers base their decision on whether to read or delete an e-mail based upon the information in the "from" field. Simply put, most people check to see who sent the e-mail before they decide to open it or not.<br><br>Think about it - isn't that what you do? Don't you generally tend to read e-mails from people you know and trust in preference to others?<br><br>So how, exactly, do you first become known to and then become trusted by your prospects? Certainly this is something that's easier said than done - but it can be done and it's well worth the effort.<br><br>First of all don't spam. You will become known to your prospect -but for all the wrong reasons. Your e-mail messages will be deleted unread and you may lose your ISP account.<br><br>Use permission e-mailing. Build a list of opt-in e-mail subscribers. Use a sign up form on every page of your website. Use a special "gateway" page where people can join your list. Give away free e-books, reports, white papers etc. as an incentive to join your list.<br><br>Provide your subscribers with useful information. Don't bombard them with a daily hard sell and don't send them information or offers unrelated to the original topic in which they expressed an interest.<br><br>Intersperse your information with relevant offers which they may be interested in.<br><br>It's that simple. Build your opt-in list and provide your subscribers with real and valuable information. Yes - it takes time and effort, two commodities which many internet "marketers" seem reluctant to invest - but the results are worth it.<br><br><br><br><br /><br />--<br />Hamish Hayward<br><br><a target="_New" href="http://www.perfectsystem.co.uk/">Internet Business Tips ......</a><br><br>Discover the key criteria you must evaluate when starting your own online or offline business. Free e-books and newsletter packed full of hints and tips.<br><br>Source: <a href="http://www.articletrader.com/">http://www.articletrader.com</a> ]]></description>
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<title>Targeted Traffic to Your Site - 5 Ways To Get It For Free</title>
<link>http://www.articletrader.com/internet/site-promotion/targeted-traffic-to-your-site-5-ways-to-get-it-for-free.html</link>
<guid>http://www.articletrader.com/internet/site-promotion/targeted-traffic-to-your-site-5-ways-to-get-it-for-free.html</guid>
<pubDate>Sat, 25 Nov 2006 00:00:00 -0600</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Everybody wants more traffic, and not just any old traffic – targeted traffic. Streams of prequalified visitors who are genuinely interested in your website and product are every smart webmaster’s dream.<br><br>If you’re mainly interested in your hit counter, you can sign up with any old autosurf program and you’ll soon be happy. However, if quality counts for you, then here are 5 methods of getting genuine, interested and ready to buy visitors to your site:<br><br>1. Testimonials. <br>2. Writing Articles.<br>3. Forums.<br>4. Press Releases.<br>5. Your Newsletter.<br><br>Testimonials<br>Sometimes it really is better to give than receive. Internet marketers are always on the lookout for testimonials – it lends them credibility. The next time you use a product or service that you genuinely like send the supplier a testimonial. Include a link to your website and, if they use your testimonial, they will almost certainly include the link – so that their customers can verify that you’re a real person.<br><br>Depending on the product and the type of website that you have, you could even host a review on your site. You would be highly likely to get a link using this method. You will get traffic using this method and, since the supplier of the product is likely to be promoting his site quite extensively, you could get a very high quality back link - which will help your search engine rankings as well.<br><br>Only endorse products that you are genuinely happy with. Remember, your name will be associated with it, so make sure it’s a good one.<br><br>Writing Articles <br>This is a great way to promote both yourself and your site. All you have to do is submit articles on your chosen topic to one or more of the free article banks available and content hungry webmasters will use your work on their sites and in their newsletters. It's amazing how quickly these can be distributed around the internet.<br><br>Put a link to your site in your signature file, along with a few words of explanation on the content and purpose of your site. The visitors that you get in this manner have already read your work and know about your site – so they are highly targeted.<br><br>Three of the best article banks on the net are listed below – but just type “free articles” into google and you’ll soon find plenty more places to submit your purple prose.<br><br>http://ezinearticles.com/ <br>http://www.isnare.com/ <br>http://www.goarticles.com/<br><br><br>Don't worry if you don't consider yourself to be a great writer. You can submit a list of 10 or 20 things to do in order to ....... whatever.<br><br>Forums<br>These can be a really good way to get your name in front of people. Put your website's URL in your signature - you'll be surprised at how many visitors you attract by this method. The good thing is that, as with the articles, they already "know" you from your posts – so you can consider them to be "targeted" visitors.<br><br>Press Releases <br>Press releases can be an amazingly powerful way to market your website. You can pay for these but it is possible to get them for free.<br><br>Don't worry that you know what to say - a couple of paragraphs is all that's required. Visit the site below and have a look at some of the live releases available - you'll soon get the hang of it.<br><br>http://www.prleap.com<br><br>Prleap is free and has good statistical reporting so you can keep track of how many views your release gets and which of the search engine robots have indexed it.<br><br>Your Newsletter or Ezine<br>You should have your own opt-in list and be in communication with your subscribers on a regular basis. Some webmasters send out a full e-mail newsletter, with the contents in the newsletter. Others just send a notification that the newsletter is available to read online.<br><br>Whichever method you use, make sure that your newsletter contains plenty links to your main site.<br><br>All of the above methods will provide you with very high quality traffic. It may take time to implement them but it’s well worth investing a little time and effort.<br><br><br><br><br /><br />--<br />Hamish Hayward<br><br><a target="_New" href="http://www.perfectsystem.co.uk/">Internet Business Tips ......</a><br><br>Discover the key criteria you must evaluate when starting your own online or offline business. Free e-books and newsletter packed full of hints and tips.<br><br>Source: <a href="http://www.articletrader.com/">http://www.articletrader.com</a> ]]></description>
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<title>Starting An Internet Business</title>
<link>http://www.articletrader.com/internet/online-business/starting-an-internet-business.html</link>
<guid>http://www.articletrader.com/internet/online-business/starting-an-internet-business.html</guid>
<pubDate>Fri, 24 Nov 2006 00:00:00 -0600</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ WHY START YOUR OWN BUSINESS?<br>Starting an internet business is something which more and more people are considering and investigating. It makes good sense for many reasons. <br><br>* Lack of job security in the traditional work market.<br>* Pension worries.<br>* Lack of recognition.<br>* Poor prospects.<br>* A desire to have more quality time with friends and family.<br>* Freedom of choice - "be your own boss".<br>* A sense of achievement.<br>* The possibility of earning large amounts of money.<br><br>The possibility of earning large sums of money is last on this list quite deliberately. This is important for most people but it is often a secondary goal (admittedly a close second) when compared to the increased freedom, additional spare time and sense of achievement that running your own business can provide.<br><br>In the USA alone there are estimated to be 25,000,000 people who currently run a home business of some kind. Over 5,000,000 of these home businesses produce an annual gross revenue of between $100,000 to $500,000. We're not talking about hobbies here!<br><br>The pattern is the same worldwide. More and more people are rejecting "conventional" working patterns or, are discovering that the conventional working patterns - a job for life, mutual respect and trust etc. - are no longer in evidence.<br><br>WHY AN INTERNET BUSINESS?<br>Starting an internet business has many advantages over a more traditional small business:<br><br>* Low start up costs.<br>* A worldwide market.<br>* The ability to work part time in the first instance, until your business takes off.<br>* The possibility to automate certain tasks by the use of software.<br>* The ability to take orders online, to collect cash and to arrange for goods to be shipped without having to handle them.<br><br>These are very significant advantages. the low start up cost alone makes it possible for many people, who would otherwise have no realistic opportunity to start a business, to get up and running quickly and cheaply. Low start up costs also mean that there is considerably less risk involved and it should be easier to recover your investment more quickly.<br><br>WHERE TO BEGIN?<br>There are - or there seem to be - thousands of opportunities presented on the web. How do you choose between them, and how do you avoid being ripped off? You need to have some kind of system for evaluating the available options in a logical manner. don't just sign up for something because it has a nice website or sales letter - do your homework and you could easily find yourself with a profitable business before you know it. <br><br>There are 6 key areas to research if you're thinking about starting your own business:<br><br><br>THE COMPANY<br>You need to be working with people who can be trusted, and who will be around to pay you in the future. <br><br>THE PRODUCT<br>A good product is essential. Ask yourself if would you buy it if you weren't a distributor. <br><br>THE PAYMENT OR COMMISSION SCHEME<br>What do you get paid for? When do you get paid? How do you get paid? <br><br>THE SALES METHOD<br>Are you comfortable with the sales method? can you produce your own adverts? <br><br>THE LEVEL OF ADMIN REQUIRED<br>This should be low. You don't want to waste your time on paperwork do you? <br><br>THE COST - BOTH STARTUP AND RUNNING<br>Is it affordable? Will others be prepared to invest when it comes time to build your own team?<br><br>Do your research into each of the above areas and you might just find the right opportunity for you.<br><br><br><br><br /><br />--<br /><br>Hamish Hayward<br><br><a target="_New" href="http://www.perfectsystem.co.uk/">Internet Business Tips ......</a><br><br>Discover the key criteria you must evaluate when starting your own online or offline business. Free e-books and newsletter packed full of hints and tips.<br><br>Source: <a href="http://www.articletrader.com/">http://www.articletrader.com</a> ]]></description>
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