Well... Here we are my friend... Lesson 9 already!  Boy... How time flies!

And before you start getting all "attitude-ish" with me, let me tell you right from the start that today we're going to finish up our discussions about our "fictitious website" Candle Lite Cooking.  Yes-sir-eee!

We're gonna dissect all of the remaining links that we've setup on the site and talk about a few of them in infinite detail - especially BLOGS.  I swear... really!  We're also going to finish up all our sub-pages (unless I get sidetracked again.. or tired... or my mother-in-law shows up, or my dog starts his crazy nonsense...)

Also, we're gonna go over a few amazingly simple yet extremely profitable tricks of the trade that you'll want to take advantage of and implement into your own marketing plan, ASAP.  These techniques are "grand slams" when it comes to bringing in FREE traffic and converting that traffic into sales!

So let's get started... shall we?
 

Lesson 9 Begins NOW!

The first thing I want to address today is our blog.  Blogs are becoming more and more instrumental in getting traffic to your website.  In addition, blogging allows you (as a business owner) to express yourself to your audience in an informal, unique way - and that's very important.  And... blogs allow you to generate additional income for your business (Yipee!).

Of course, there are entire courses written on the subject of blogging, but in my opinion the best course I've found that's packed full of brilliant information and techniques is a course created by the "Internet Marketing Center" called Blogging For Dollars. 

Here's the problem I've found with the subject of Blogs.  Too many folks get intimidated.  Worse yet, too many "gurus" make the subject way to complicated!  It's really not confusing or complicated at all.  And that's what we're going to avoid! Confusion...

I'm going to give you the simplest, easiest ways to create, publish, and advertise your blog with the least amount of effort -- skipping all that "techno-geek" babble!  This way you can concentrate on the most important aspects of your blog - content and monetization!

Sounds refreshing for a change... doesn't it?  Who cares how it works... as long as it works!  So ya ready?... Here goes...

Setting Up Your FREE Blog:

If you haven't yet done so, you should setup your own blog at www.blogger.com.  Remember... it's free.  And don't fret because you don't even have to have a niche' lined up yet.  This is really cool...

You could simply setup your blog as your "FULL NAME".  For example: http://yourfullname.blogspot.com or http://johnsmith.blogspot.com

This way, no matter what niche' you enter into down the road, your blog will always conform ;-).  And who wouldn't be proud to send folks to that link - your name?  Plus, there's no limit to the amount of blogs you can setup on Blogger, so you can always create another blog at any time in the future (with a keyword or two in the URL).

Here's a few tips to consider when setting up your blog:

1. Choose a skin (design template) that fits your personality.  Google, who owns www.blogger.com, offers a variety of pre-designed skins for you to choose from.  If you don't like their pre-designed skins, you can also check out:
   http://blogger-templates.blogspot.com or you can go to somewhere like www.freelance.com and hire someone to create a "Unique" skin for you for a few bucks.  It'll be worth it to you in the long run.  Or, do a search for "blog Skins" and I'm sure you'll find quite a few website who offer unique designs.
2. Be creative in choosing a "title" for your blog.  Don't simply call your blog "Dave's Blog" or "Floral World" or "Home Cooking Ideas"!  Who cares.  Be unique and show some personality!  For example:
    
   • Twisted Times - The "Twisted" Logic Of An Internet Entrepreneur!
   • Designers Digest - "Simple Designs For A Simple Lifestyle!"
   • Vacationer's Cove - "Exotic Vacations For Traveling Enthusiasts!
   • The Coupon Queen - "Tips And Tricks For The Thrifty Shopper!"
      
3. Add a photo to your profile.  A simple photograph goes a long way in connecting with your audience.
4. Post content to your blog often.  The search engines (and your readers) love it and the rewards for your efforts will pay off!
5. Be yourself, be controversial, be genuine... and most importantly... show your personality often.
6. Encourage your readers to submit feedback with questions and opinion polls.

    

Clever Ways To Use Your Blog Effectively:
 

1. Tell Some Stories - Everybody loves a good story.  Don't be afraid to get personal and post some interesting, real-life stories on your blog.  Once you find your niche', stay on course and weave a few stories into your blog each month that relate to your niche'.
   
   For example, let's say I wanted to put up an interesting story on our blog for Candle Lite Cooking.  I do do something like this...
   
   Hi folks,
   
   You'll never guess what happened to me last night while I was cooking dinner for the family (my favorite Chicken Parmesan Recipe... of course).
   
   Really, this is TOTALLY true (and you could look at the pic I uploaded to my website at the end of this post if you don't believe me - for proof!)  I'm still laughin my noodles off!
   
   Anyway... I was in the middle of putting dinner on the table when in walks my brother John... followed by two police officers.  John's got a gaping gash down his right arm and he looks pissed off at the world!  I couldn't imagine what the hell happened (and why he was at my house instead of his own)...
   
   Blah.. Blah... Blah...
   
   Ya see, you don't always have to be stale and boring on your blog (like most)... JUST BE YOU!  Tell me a story once in a while for God's sake!.  Tell a joke or  call somebody a "fart-knocker" once in a while... It keeps folks interested...
   
   Naturally, if your expertise is politics or child abuse or the homeless, you have a certain rapport you need to convey to your audience, but I hope you're catchin' my drift.  Show some personality!  Serious, intellectual subjects can still be very interesting and appeal to an even larger audience just by the way the content is delivered!  Don't BORE your readers!
    
2. Product Reviews - Your blog is a great way to not only interact with your readers, but you can also use it to review your own products and also affiliate products as well.  This could generate a nice additional income.  The important thing to remember when providing product reviews is to be HONEST.  If a product you tried out sucks... give your readers your true opinion.  Yes... you might not make any money on referrals for that product, but when you do strongly endorse a product in the future, your readers will be much more responsive and trust you (TRUST -- now there's a cool concept ...eh?).
    
3. FAQ's - Here's a clever way to keep all your customers updated about your products and services in an informal way.  Use your blog to address "frequently asked questions" and use those questions as a "selling tool" to further illustrate the benefits of your products and services.
    
4. Customer Service - Many companies (both small and large) are now using their blog to handle customer service issues.  What a marvelous idea!  Let your customers know that they can visit your blog at any time to have their concerns addressed -- and they'll love you for it.
    
5. Special Offers - It very common practice now for blog owners to promote "special offers" to blog readers "ONLY"!  This is a great way to help insure your customers are visiting your blog regularly and it's also a great way for you generate additional sales.  Just be sure to keep those "specials" for blog readers only as promised!
    
6. Contests - Use your ingenuity and come up with some clever contests for your readers.  You can offer valuable prizes that don't cost you anything to produce and deliver.  For instance - a FREE download of your latest ebook, a special report, a free membership into your discount club, etc.  Again, be creative and you'll see the rewards pay off quick!
    
7. Surveys and Polls - This is a great opportunity for you to get some much needed feedback from your customers.  Do it right and you'll have an army of readers telling you exactly what they want to buy from you.  Then, it's just your job to "Give It To Them"!

Monetizing Your Blog:

In reality, there are dozens and dozens of ways to start profiting from your blog.  Below I've listed some of the most lucrative.  Remember, this is just a small list so start brainstorming about other ways you can take advantage (be creative):

1. Setup your very own Adsense account and start generating revenues from every click-through you receive.  Best of all... The links Google will display on your website will be targeted to your blogs keywords!  Plus, you can strategically place the ads wherever you chose to match the layout of your blog.  Your ads will be shown "tastefully" to a highly targeted audience which, in turn, translates into more revenue for you! 
    

2. Amazon.com - As I mentioned previously, Amazon is one of the largest drop shippers on the net.  Surprised to hear me say that!  Don't be.  Amazon will pay you a commission for each sale you referral to their website.  These commission fees can add up to a lucrative additional revenue stream when used effectively.  They stock tens of thousands of items and they have the largest book store on the net.  Simply add a few display ads to your blog post and leave the rest to Amazon.  Here are a few examples we could consider for our website at Candle Lite Cooking:
    

   • Scenario 1 - Let's say we submit a post on our blog about how to make your own cappuccino.  Let's also assume that in the post we mention that it's very important to use a quality "coffee bean grinder" for the recipe.  We can then simply place an add from amazon.com at the end of the post for a "Deluxe Coffee Bean Grinder" that's on sale.  If someone found the article interesting, they just might jump on over to Amazon.com (from our link) and make a purchase.
     
     

     
      

   • Scenario 2 - We just published a post discussing the benefits of eating fish once a week to keep your body healthy.  We can have a small banner at the end of our post such as:
     
     

     
      

   • Scenario 3 - We just published a post explaining the perfect table setting for a romantic dinner.  Low and behold... look what's displayed at the end of our post:
     
     

      

   So... ya see, you can use Amazon.com for thousands of products and generate a nice secondary income stream... and that's just one additional way to monetize your blog!
    

3. Clickbank - This is personally my favorite site for generating affiliate commissions.  Here's why:
    
   • Thousands of information products to choose from
   • Huge commissions on every sale (as much as 70%)
   • Commission are monitored and paid out by Clickbank themselves so you never have to worry about not getting paid!

   NOTE:  We're going to talk much more about Clickbank in our next lesson, so if you don't yet have an account setup with them - get one now!
    

4. Commission Junction - I love C.J.  I've made a lot of money promoting many of the companies on their website.  And, once again, CJ handles all the accounting aspects for their accounts so you know you're gettin paid for your referrals.
   
   Here's how I look at things when I'm developing a website and want to add some affilaite links, etc.
   
   -- Amazon.com for "Hard Goods" like books and toys and blenders, etc.
   -- Clickbank for Info-Products - very lucrative!
   -- Commission Junction For Business Services
   
   Simple as that!  C.J. has thousands of companies in their directory who offer phenomenal services at very affordable prices.  Don't be afraid to (subtly) let your readers know about some of them.  For instance, if you searched C.J. looking for cheap web hosting affiliates, you'll find dozens (even hundreds) of top notch companies who will pay you a very generous commission for your referrals.  You simply let your readers know about some great deals and savings on those service (subtly) in your blog post... they buy... and you make money!
    
5. Opt In Forms - Never setup your blog without a link (preferably a form) on your blog that offers some type of opt-in offer!  The whole purpose of having a blog in the first place is to get folks to opt-in to your list!  Make it obvious, blatant, FLASHING if needed, but get folks to give you their email addy!
   
   One way that's been very effective for many has been a "notify me of any new posts" link that you can easily setup.  This way, you can send one email to your entire list letting them know you've made a new post.  Then, when you publish an offer or promotion to your blog simply send an email to your list letting them know you've published a new post.  No need to email those offers any longer! (we'll cover much more on email marketing in upcoming lessons).
   
   The critical point to this is that you keep your posts "Valuable".  If you hold a reader's interest, stimulate their brain, and provide exceptional insight and wisdom, your blog will become a treasure chest.  But bottom line - get the email address!
    

6. Links - Blogger will allow you to place navigation links on your blog (where you place the links will depend on the template you choose) so take advantage and use them creatively.  Again, opt-ins are what you really want so keep that in mind at all times, even when creating the links on your blog.  Write your links to entice your readers to click them.  For example:
   
   * Don't write - Subscribe to my newsletter - Golfing Tips
   
   * Instead say - Take Seven Strokes Off Your Game This Weekend

   ---

   * Don't write - Visit My Article Archive
   
   * Instead say - If this one-armed golfer can shoot under par... so can you!

   ---

   * Don't write - Sign Up For My Free E-Course here
   
   * Instead say - My Guarantee - Chop Three Strokes Off Your Game - Or I'll Buy Your Next Round Of Golf!

   ---

   * Don't write - Download My Newest Ebook - Shoot Par Every Time!
   
   * Instead say - Shoot Par Every Time - Unlock Your Three Complimentary Chapters **Free**
   
    

7. Direct Sales And Promotions - As I mentioned earlier, you can do special sales and affiliate promotions directly in your published posts.  Let's say you wanted to offer $5.00 off your newest ebook that you just wrote.  Publish a post outlining all the benefits your book has to offer and make the offer - right in the post.  Just be sure you put a link directly to your "Buy Now" page in the post as well.  You'll see a much better conversion rate on your offer when you do this.  Be creative... Use your BRAIN!
    
8. Content, Content, Content - Last but not least, the main focus of your blog should be to provide quality, entertaining content for your readers.  Sales will follow once you start building and strengthening your relationships with your readers.  Plus, the search engines love content so your chances of moving on up in the ranks will tip in your favor the more you add new content to your blog.  Remember:
   
   - keep it fresh
   - keep it entertaining
   - keep it real
   - keep it informative
   - and keep it coming!

Promoting Your Blog:

This is - by far - most important.  After all, what's the sense of having a blog in the first place if no one knows it exists.  All the clever jargon, entertaining posts, superb affiliate endorsements and brilliant content won't mean a darn thing to your traffic or sales if no one even knows your blog exists.  You have to get your blog out there.

On the "Settings" screen, you'll see your "Site Feed URL" (RSS URL).  This is all you need to get started.  In this instance, the site feed URL for our blog for Candle Lite Cooking is http://candlelitecooking.blogspot.com/atom.xml.

Note:  You'll also see a brief line of text at the bottom of the setting page that reads:

Enter your AdSense for Feeds code snippet to enable item-level ads in your site feed. You must also enable Post pages (in Archiving settings) and set Descriptions to Full (in Site Feed settings).

Well, I'll be a monkey's uncle!  You can even put your Adsense code directly into your site feeds!  Do ya think that could generate some revenue?  Doy...

Okay... moving along... Now we need to learn how to create those cutesy little images for our blog that will allow our readers to subscribe to our site feed.. right?

Again, there are dozens of ways to do this... but I'm going to show you the absolute EASIEST, QUICKEST way to get this done in three minutes tops!  Just go to:

http://www.toprankresults.com/tools/button-maker.php

Top Rank will ask you a few simple questions.  You'll need to provide the answers  into a form and they'll automatically generate all the code for you.  Then, all you have to do is paste that code into your blog template and you're ready to rock!  That's it!  That's all you need to do to get those images for your website and allow your readers to subscribe.

Once your readers are subscribed to your site feed, it's actually better than having them opt-in to your list.  You no longer have to worry about getting your emails delivered or folks changing their email addresses, etc.  You simply post to your blog and your subscribers will automatically be able to access your content immediately through their feed reader.  Brilliant... eh?

 Submit Your Blog Feed To Feed Directories - There are too many RSS directories online to list here, but here are a few of the most popular:

• www.syndic8.com
• www.feedster.com
• www.2rss.com
• www.newsisfree.com
• www.rss-network.com
• www.blogdigger.com
• www.blogarama.com
• www.bloguniverse.com
• www.bloglines.com

You can also do a search on Google for "RSS Directories" and you'll find many more.

Submit your blog to popular blog directories - Again, there are literally hundreds of blog directories however here is a list of the most popular:

• www.blogwise.com
• www.technorati.com
• www.search.blogger.com
• www.blogsearch.google.com
• www.blogsearchengine.com
• www.blogdex.com

Submit your blog to these directories for added exposure and traffic!

Getting your blog in the top of the search engines

• Let the search engines know about your blog - Again, there are entire books written about this subject but I want you to be able to do this easily and quickly.  So, simply go to http://pingomatic.com and submit your blog for free.  They'll take care of the rest!  Really... it's that easy!
  
  Each time you post to your blog, go to http://www.pingomatic.com and enter your Blog's URL in the form and press submit.  That's it!  You're all done.  Ping-o-matic will let the search engines know that there's new content posted on your blog.  The search engines will spider your blog, archive your new content, and add it to their search results.
   
• Provide quality, informative, "Keyword Rich" content.  For example, if your blog deals with the subject of cooking, try to use as many keywords for "cooking" and related terms as possible in your posts.  This way, when someone does a search for your keywords, you'll have a lot of informative, "Keyword Rich" content to offer and the search engines will certainly reward you for that with a better ranking.  Also, be sure to include your best keywords in your titles as well!
   
• A great place to find thousands of keywords for your website and you blog is www.wordtracker.com.  This is a FREE service (paid services also available) that you can use to find the best, most searched keywords for your niche'.

And that's the whole "Blog Thing" in a nutshell.  Naturally, you should do some research on your own and learn as much as you can about blogging, but for now, take my advice and setup your own blog and follow the steps I've outlined above and the benefits for your business will certainly pay off.

Now, lets talk about the next link on our website - Romance Forum
 

A forum is a great way to build a community of loyal readers and followers in your niche'.  The problem, most folks think they're too complicated to setup and manage.  Well... they can be!  But I've got good news for you.  There's a great resource you could use to build your own forum absolutely FREE with just a few clicks of your mouse!  Just go to http://www.boomp.com and click on the "Sign Up" link to get started.

If you haven't yet checked out the forum I've setup for Candle Lite Cooking you can go to our Homepage and select the 'forum link'...

Or, you could go directly to our forum at: http://www.boomp.com/board/index.php?mforum=gold1828

I setup this forum in 5 minutes just to demonstrate how easy it actually is.

So... why a forum?  And how will this benefit our business?  Well, let's take a quick look at some of the benefits and strategies we could implement.

• Help your customers with the questions, problems, and concerns.

• Provide great resources and feedback in a professional, relaxed atmosphere

• Setup and moderate any forum topic you choose

• Add topics specifically beneficial to your forum members only

• Offer forum members a "special deals" section where they could submit special offers and discounts on products and services only available to other forum members

• Build another opt-in list of email subscribers!  (All members will have to register ;-))

• Cross promote your blog and your forum for added exposure and higher search rankings

• Monetize in the same ways we discussed monetizing our blog:

  • Adsense

  • Amazon

  • Clickbank

  • Commission Junction

  • etc, etc
     

• Create a "Buzz" in our niche

• Establish credibility and share our knowledge and expertise

• Build our relationships with our customers

And, while we're on the subject of forums... Here's a GOLDMINE technique that you should practice everyday!  Are ya ready... here goes!

VISIT LOTS OF OTHER FORUMS IN YOUR NICHE!

Yup!  This simple (no cost) method of marketing yourself and your website is by far the most lucrative free advertising you'll ever find!

Let me explain...

In Lesson6 we talked about all the benefits of submitting your articles to various article directories and publishers... remember?  Well, now you could compound this strategy 100-fold simply by posting on various forums in your niche as well.

Here's what I mean...

Remember how we also talked about adding a signature file to all your emails in Lesson 7?  C'mon... you remember, don't ya?  We talked about creating a sig file that's a "super salesman" at work and takes no prisoners!  Here's the example we used from that lesson:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Is your outdoor landscaping the envy of your neighborhood?  Would you like it to be?  Download our FREE "DO IT YOURSELF" LANDSCAPER'S GUIDE TODAY!

"12 Amazing Yet Affordable Ways To Turn Your Lawn
Into A Tropical Paradise In One Weekend!"
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

There!  Do you remember now?  Cool...

Well, a sig file can also be placed at the end of every single post you make in any online forum.  And that, my friend, is a HUGE traffic generator! (But Only If You Know What You're Doin!)

Let's analyze...

You see, there are online forums that cover every topic imaginable..  Just do a search on Google for the topic your interested in and... Walla!

So, if you're an avid gardener and you want to get incredible amounts of "LASER TARGETED" traffic to your website... all you need to do is visit the online forums focused on gardening!

If you're niche is cooking, find the cooking newsgroups!

If your website focuses on hunting and fishing gear... YUP... Find those forums that talk about hunting and fishing.

It doesn't matter what niche' you're in, there's forums and newsgroups on that topic.

But here's the most important key!

Don't become part of an online forum or newsgroup with the sole intent to promote your website!  That's VERY important! Folks will see right through you!

Do you want to be a leader in your niche?  Then you need to give to those looking for advice and direction without expecting anything in return!  Be helpful, sympathetic, caring, concerned, and SOLVE PROBLEMS!

*************SIDEBAR*******************
 

Follow Life's GOLDEN RULE - "The Law Of Reciprocity"

Ah! The Law Of Reciprocity!  My personal favorite...  We really need to talk about this for just a minute...

Perhaps you know about reciprocity,  or maybe this is the first time you've heard the term.  Let me assure you,  if you're not living this by golden rule in all aspects of your life,  your chances of finding wealth and fortune, or more importantly, keeping those fortunes you find, are slim to null.

The Law Of Reciprocity doesn't only apply to business or money.  It applies to every aspect in life.....

Simply put... life pays us back "TEN FOLD" for the good we do for others!  Give someone in need $50 without any hopes of getting ANYTHING in return.  Give it simply because you want to....  because you want to help that person in their time of need.  Give it without reservation,  and reciprocity will give it back to you TEN FOLD!

I live each day trying to give something back to my community, my Church, and my customers.  Needless to say, life has paid me back 1000 fold.  If you learn to live by the Law Of Reciprocity, I guarantee you this...

"You will be handed great fortunes, each and every day, for the rest of your life!"

...And after you do...  promise one thing...

Promise you'll start passing on some winning strategies to others.  Reveal some of your secrets you never thought you'd dare share with anyone....  Your BIGGEST money makers!  Do it because you want to help others succeed like you have.

As I now know you understand, the "Laws Of Reciprocity" will bring it back to you 1000 fold.  You can count on it!
 

*************END SIDEBAR***************

So, you've joined several online forums all targeted on your niche.  Now, you need to setup your "sig file" that will show up with every post you make to the forum.  And here's what you want to keep in mind when setting up your sig file...

Don't try to sell something in your signature... Entice folks to sign up for a FREEBIE you're offering and get them on your LIST!

Here's that sig file again that we were just looking at...

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Is your outdoor landscaping the envy of your neighborhood?  Would you like it to be?  Download our FREE "DO IT YOURSELF" LANDSCAPER'S GUIDE TODAY!

"12 Amazing Yet Affordable Ways To Turn Your Lawn
Into A Tropical Paradise In One Weekend!"
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Obviously, I'm not trying to sell anything from this sig.  I'm simply offering a FREE report that folks could download instantly.  If a customer clicked on the link in my sig file, they would simply be taken directly to a page with a sign up form to enter their name and email address to download their free report!

Nothing else.. no links, no articles, no sales... NOTHIN!  JUST AN OPT-IN FORM to get my free report.  Now I've Got a Potential Customer For LIFE!

Remember, you've joined these forums to simply offer your expertise, help, and advise... and that's what you give.  And once you begin to show others in the forum that your a resourceful, intelligent, unselfish, caring individual... an incredible thing will happen...

Your opt in list will begin to explode - just from your signature file in your posts! 

And these names and email addresses will be folks who are "Highly" targeted and very interested (and responsive) to what you have to offer!  Cherish the opportunity and don't abuse the privilege to correspond with them.  Build a good rapport with your list.  Give them some freebies once in a while.  Offer Great Advice... And sales will follow.

How do I know for sure...?

...Because we're going to discuss (in great detail) all the ins and outs of emailing your list, setting up your autoresponders, and promoting affiliate products and services in lesson 11 - so don't be scared ya little sissy-baby ;-)  You Will SUCCEED!  I Guarantee!

UT-OH... Sorry... I think the meds are startin to wear off!

Okay Dave... Stay Focused...C'mon...
 

Okay... so let's quickly recap about this lesson.

• Setup and market your blog.  It's a great traffic generator.  It's also a great way to earn additional revenue.  Get your free blog at www.blogger.com
   

• Setup an online forum at www.boomp.com.  Folks in all niches are looking to participate in forums.  Join other forums and cross promote your own forum, blog and opt in list.
   

• Setup a killer sig file for all your forum (and email) posts and don't try to sell in your sig.  Just be helpful, offer solid advice, and show your personality.
   

• Learn more about how to monetize your blog and drive stampedes of traffic to it with my favorite home study course Blogging For Dollars. 

Well, that's a wrap for today's lesson.  We've covered quite a bit of great traffic generators.  If you follow the lesson closely and step up your pace, you'll find you'll be receiving more traffic to your site than you ever could have imagined - and it cost you a whopping $0 to get it!

In lesson 10, we're going to go over our store link, newsletter link, and "flowers or chocolates" link.  Plus, I've got a nice surprise in store for ya!  After lesson 10, we'll go over all our email techniques in detail in Lesson 11, and then we'll put it all together in Lesson 12.  By the time you're finished... you'll be marchin' to the beat of a different drummer!

So... keep it real and always showcase your incredible personality and talents...  You're magnificent... whether or not you realize it... YET!

I'll see ya at the top (sooner than you might think),

I'd love to hear your comments or any feedback you might have about this course.  Please send your comments to joegolson@homefreebusiness.com