Online Business Tips

The world of online business provides a wealth of opportunity for people with even the slightest hint of entrepreneurial spirit. But there can sometimes be a great big difference between the dream of owning a successful online business and the reality of achieving this goal. Here are 3 keys to online business success to help my fellow entrepreneurial spirits to bridge that gap.

 1. Action

To realize any goal, you must take action. This may seem obvious to some, but you would be surprised at how many people fail to reach their goals because they were afraid to take that first step. Nothing great has ever been accomplished without someone taking action. If you’ve got a great business idea, go for it! You’ll never know unless you try!

2. Consistency

Once you’ve taken the initial steps to get your online business off the ground, consistency becomes the next most important aspect to ensuring your success. Whatever you do, do it regularly & stick to a schedule. This is a simple yet powerful tool which will help you stay on track toward your goal through both good times and bad.

3. Share the Wealth

The practice of “giving back” is a powerful concept which has actually been utilized as a positive business tool as far as hundreds or even thousands of years back. This extends beyond just “sharing the wealth” when you begin to experience financial success. Even as you travel the road to initial financial gain in your online business, by offering a sort of bonus value to customers, potential customers, and even to the general online community, you build loyalty. This “offering” can be anything you choose. A free, informative e-book in your market niche is a great example of a little something “extra” that doesn’t cost you, the business owner, anything, really, to produce but it provides value to your customer base.

Do you have a dream of online business ownership? Take action, remain consistent, and don’t forget to give a little back. The next thing you know, you’ll be enjoying the wonderful feeling of success!

General Information

See that? It’s a play on the old adage “what’s in a name?” But where the saying is pointing out the insignificance of a name as compared to the potential of the person, the answer to the question what’s in a URL actually has quite the opposite meaning. In other words, your URL is extremely significant in relation to the potential success of your online business.

In today’s world, the internet provides business opportunities to people who would not otherwise have the means to start their own enterprise. This is a great thing, but it also means that just about any niche you choose can be highly competitive, and the secret to success basically boils down to finding a way to land your website at the top of the SERP’s. There are many ways, typically used in conjunction with one another, for the savvy internet marketer to accomplish this, not the least of which is by starting with a carefully chosen and researched URL.

How to Choose a URL

If you have an already established brick and mortar business, then obviously your URL should reflect the business that your website represents. But even within this context, some keyword research is in order, as you may be able to word your URL in a way that is search engine friendly while still maintaining your traditional business name.

In the case of online businesses, however, the wording of your URL can mean the difference between potential customers finding you first – or at all. Here are some tips for choosing a URL for your online business.

• Your URL should accurately represent the topic of your website.
• Your URL should be easy for your visitors to identify and remember.
• Your URL should, as much as possible, be comprised of relevant keywords.
• Try to avoid extra words or characters which might interrupt the flow of your URL as a keyword or phrase.

Correcting URL Mistakes

So what do you do if you already have an established URL which doesn’t follow these guidelines? Should you discontinue it and start a new one with a more effective URL? Not necessarily. You do have options if you named your website something witty instead of something searchable and practical in your newbie days as an online marketer (and don’t feel bad about that – happens to some of the best of us.) Here are some things you can do to rectify the situation.

• Make sure that the content on your website is keyword optimized. You should do this anyway, but if your URL is not keyword based, this step is extra-important.
• Build a network of mini-sites which reflect your primary keywords in their URL’s and use them to direct visitors to your main website.

Choosing an effective URL for your online business isn’t necessarily the most important aspect of setting yourself up for success, but understanding its importance is definitely a plus.

General Information

When it comes to website marketing, the term “SEO” is flung about like tennis balls at Wimbledon. But what does it really mean? How do you use this elusive “SEO” to effectively market your website, and maybe…just maybe…get an edge over the massive competition out there? The answer, fortunately, is relatively simple. You gain that much-needed edge in the SEO marketplace by staying one step ahead, and knowing just a little bit more than those whom you are competing against.

What is SEO?

This might seem like a question that doesn’t even warrant answering – at first. But ask yourself this…do you really know SEO? Naturally, SEO involves keyword optimization. And that’s about as far as most people take it. Now, this is where you have the opportunity to rise above the competition – by knowing just a bit more about SEO than they do. And the truth is, most of them know very little.

So, if SEO is more than keyword optimization, then what is it, really? It’s true that keywords are important to a successful SEO marketing campaign, but keywords alone are not enough to launch your website to page one of the search engines. You must also establish relevancy and credibility.

So, what does that mean? Essentially, relevancy and credibility are the two factors that tell the search engines that your website is worth looking at. Relevancy and credibility are established through a process called backlinking. Oh, you’ve heard of that one, too? Good. You’re on the right track. But are you using this powerful online marketing technique to drive traffic to your website? And do you know how to use backlinking effectively?

Establishing Relevancy for Your Website

Relevancy is established by placing your backlinks within other websites or web content that is relevant to your own website. In other words, it is not enough to simply establish a bajillion backlinks – they must lead back from online entities which have something in common with your own website.

Establishing Credibility for Your Website

Credibility is established by the volume of links pointing back to your site, provided they are directing users from relevant sources. The more relevant backlinks you have established, the more traffic will be generated to your website, and this additional traffic also helps to boost your credibility.

Your backlinks, naturally, will be constructed around your keywords, leading to the ultimate strategy in effective SEO marketing, and putting you one step ahead of the competition.

General Information

Whether you’re just getting started in this great big world of online business, or whether you’ve been hanging around here for awhile and are now looking to expand (congratulations, by the way!), you’ve undoubtedly discovered that there are about a bajillion options out there when it comes to finding a place to host your website. Shared hosting and dedicated hosting are your primary options. Within those two categories, there will still be decisions to be made, but here’s a little breakdown to help you narrow down the selection.

Shared Webhosting

While it sounds highly technical, shared webhosting is the platform with which most of us are familiar. Shared webhosting consists of, well, exactly as the name indicates…a web server that is shared among many different online entities, or websites. The benefits of shared webhosting services include technical support services, user friendly construction and maintenance tools and low monthly fees. So, with all these benefits, why would anyone choose to go with a dedicated server? Well, the appropriate choice depends on the type of business you are operating.

Dedicated Webhosting

Dedicated webhosting requires a significantly greater degree of technological acumen, but for some online businesses this is simply the wisest option. Granted, a dedicated server will no doubt cost you more money per month, but it includes such advantages as: broader bandwidth (which equals greater speed), more customization options, higher traffic capabilities, and, what is for some the greatest advantage, complete creative control with regard to not only appearance, but also functionality. This is also the best option for businesses hosting multiple websites, and can prove to be more cost effective in the long run.

Regardless of which webhosting option you go with in the beginning, you can always change it later if it turns out you need more – or less – functionality or assistance in your website maintenance. There is also no shame in hiring out the task of building and maintaining your website(s). For those with experience in this industry, it’s no secret the amount of time and labor that goes into successfully promoting a website (let alone many websites!), and outsourcing a lot of these time-consuming tasks can actually result in greater profit margins overall.

General Information

Many of us grew up in an environment where a very straightforward, non-flexible, traditional business ethic was taught. Quite simply, the formula went like this: get an education, find a 40 hour a week job with an established company, work hard to advance within said company over the next 40 or so years, and retire comfortably with the combined financial resources of social security and your 401k and/or pension plan. Fast forward to the 21^st century, where no one needs to be reminded of just how short sighted and volatile this seemingly solid life plan could turn out to be. With the extreme financial uncertainty faced by millions in today’s world, online businesses have proven to be a solid solution for many people in search of an alternative means to achieving the American Dream.

The Versatility of Online Business

Probably the most appealing aspect of starting an online business is the absolutely endless list of possibilities. Your online business can literally be tailored to suit your own, individual interests as well as your own, individual lifestyle. What do you like to do? What are you passionate about? If you could tailor a career around anything, what would it be?

The Income Potential of Online Business

Naturally, owning an online business – whatever type or niche you choose – will require a bit of training and education (particularly in marketing) in order to be as successful as possible. But the beauty of online businesses is that every would-be entrepreneur is on equal footing in this market place; every person – with just a bit of insider knowledge – has the same chance of “making it,” so to speak. In other words, you don’t need a college degree or any special connections or experience to become successful with your online business.

The Life You Want to Live

It’s true that the past few years have been really tough, economically, for many, many people. But now, with the new perspective which seems to be emerging on the heels of these difficult times, these same people (aka…us!) are realizing that there’s more to life that just showing up for that meager paycheck which we receive as a reward for our endurance of the daily grind. Online business ownership answers this internal desire, as well. In most cases, your online business can be operated at any hour of the day, from anywhere in the world – as long as you have an internet connection. Want to travel? Fine. Take your business with you. Want to catch your kids’ soccer game? You can work later, after their in bed…in your pajamas if you want to. When you master the ins and outs of online business, you can live the life you want to live. For some, this means experiencing true freedom for the very first time.

General Information

With the end of the year quickly approaching, it will soon be time to start thinking about taxes. Hardly something to look forward to, right? But online business owner’s who operate their business out of their home – which is quite a lot of us! – don’t need to dread the coming of tax time, as your home office can leave you with quite an advantage when the final calculations come in.

Most people have a general awareness of the fact that there are tax deductions associated with operating a business from their home, but the potential benefits could be a lot greater than you think. Here are a few of the more common types of tax deductions which business owners can take for their home based online business.

• Office space: What percentage of the square footage of your home does your office represent? The same percentage can often be deducted from your rent or mortgage payment.
• Utilities associated with your home office are subject to deduction, as well. Do you use your phone for business? Internet access is a must for any business, so at least a portion of that should be deductible, as well. Electricity, heating/cooling and water are other examples of possible utilities deductions which may be available for home based online business owners.
• Transportation is essential to any business, whether the majority of it occurs via automobile or airplane. Track your mileage for expense purposes, as well as insurance and any other fees associated with business travel.
• Office supplies are an obvious deduction, but many people overlook the depreciation factor on larger, more expensive pieces of equipment. Depreciation is another element that can sometimes present an additional tax deduction opportunity for home based businesses.
• Entertainment expenses incurred in relation to clients and/or suppliers and vendors can sometimes be deducted as a necessary element of maintaining business relationships.

There are scores of other tax deduction opportunities available to home based online businesses. Of course, it’s wise to consult a tax professional to determine which of these valuable deductions apply to your particular situation.

General Information

The term “social media” is a household phrase these days. Most people have a pretty good idea of what social media marketing is, but very few know how to go about employing it correctly as an online business promotion strategy. Because of all the competition out there, owning a successful online business now involves so much more that the simple creation of a website. If you want to stay on top of the competition – namely at the top of the search engine rankings – you simply must become adept at utilizing the many social media vehicles to your advantage. Sometimes the best way to start is by first learning what not to do, so let’s begin with these 3 common newbie mistakes to avoid in your social media marketing strategy.

1. Don’t Overlook Your “Human Factor”

One thing holds true no matter what kind of business you’re running, and that’s the fact that no one likes to be sold. In the highly competitive world of online business, what are you doing to set yourself apart from the competition on a human level? Are you just a logo, or are you a person? In other words, when you’re using social media marketing to promote your business, don’t just post about your product or services. Offer friendly tips and advice, within your niche, of course. Make some friends along the way. They’ll not only become repeat customers, but also help you promote your business via word of mouth for free!

2. Don’t Put All Your Eggs in One Basket

This old adage actually carries a lot of wisdom when it comes to marketing an online business. In other words, don’t funnel all of your marketing resources into one place. Sure, you might have a great Facebook following, but don’t forget about all the other social media outlets out there, such as Twitter, StumbleUpon and Digg (to name only a few!) The more exposure you can gain, the more traffic you’re going to get. Period.

3. Don’t Neglect Your Blog

It’s easy, especially when business is good, to get busy and forget about the basics – like your blog. But this is an important factor in your SEO strategy, as well as an important touchstone for both your loyal repeat customers and for those potential customers looking to get a feel for what you’re all about. Even if it’s just a few minutes, spend some quality time with your blog everyday, updating it with current events and generally informative and even entertaining content. This will keep people engaged and, when done correctly, can even make them more receptive to your product or service.

Marketing your online business through social media can be a very effective strategy, as well as a fairly simple one, especially when you are aware of these 3 newbie pitfalls to avoid.

General Information

So, let’s get right down to it. You got into your online business to make money, right? Not to throw your money away by hiring out contractors to do your marketing for you. And, it’s true you could choose to view it that way. Many people do. And that’s just fine for some people; for people who are experienced in all of the ins and outs of successful online business marketing strategies; for people who are expert SEO writers and content creators and backlinking pros; for people who have the time to keep up with all of the daily tasks which absolutely must be accomplished every single day in order for all of their efforts to actually manifest themselves into lots of website traffic. Does that describe you? That’s okay…it doesn’t describe me, either. That said, here are 3 solid reasons you might want to consider outsourcing as a time management solution for your online business.

1. No One is a Master of All Trades

We are all proficient at something, but very few of us are proficient at everything. If you want your online business to be successful, first of all, it’s important that it remains enjoyable for you. Stick with the aspects in which you are experienced; with the aspects you find fulfilling. Hire out the rest. With this strategy, the initial financial investment will be peanuts compared to the financial gain on the back side.

2. Take a Break!

Similarly, no one is expected to do everything all by themselves! Even if you are pretty proficient at all of the skill required to successfully market an online business, honestly, do you really want to have all of that on your plate every day? Or would you maybe rather reserve a slot of time for actually living your life from time to time. Implementing and maintaining an effective marketing strategy is extremely time consuming, even for those who do know exactly what they’re doing. When it comes down to it, couldn’t your time be better spent, whether for business or pleasure?

3. The Ultimate in Multi-Tasking

Ever wish there were two – or even a dozen – of you to get the whole to-do list checked off in a reasonable amount of time? Well, outsourcing is the way to accomplish a very similar effect to cloning yourself. Decide what tasks need to be accomplished, and then hand what you can off to the professionals, while you tic off all the other items on your list. Before you know it, your work is done…and your marketing campaign is already showing results you hadn’t dared to imagine.

It takes a little research, a little consideration, to finally make the decision to outsource your online business marketing tasks. But those who do enjoy a greater level of success as well as a much improved quality of life as a result of this critical delegation decision.

General Information

The world of online business literally opens so many doors for those with an entrepreneurial spirit that it can actually become overwhelming trying to determine what type of online business you should pursue. Should you open an online store? Do you have a product of your own creation to offer for sale to consumers? Or is your expertise in a more service-based area, such as marketing or consulting? Affiliate marketing is yet another option in the vast world of online business, that’s perfect for those with multiple interests. So what type of online business is right for you?

Online Store (e-store)

If you’ve dreamed of owning your own store one day, you already have an idea of the massive start-up and operating costs that can be involved with a traditional brick and mortar type storefront. But you can open an online store, or e-store, with the same products and principles in mind, at a tiny fraction of the cost or risk involved with a traditional business.

An online store can focus solely on one or two specialty items, or it can feature multiple departments. Similarly, these can be items of your own creation, or your online store may act as a third party distribution center for products manufactured elsewhere.

Your online store can also specialize in service-based products, based on your particular area of expertise.

Affiliate Marketing

Affiliate marketing involves promoting products or services offered elsewhere, paying you a commission for products and services purchased via your referrals to the affiliate site. Affiliate marketing is a fast and easy way to get your feet wet in the world of online business.

There are affiliate sites, such as Clickbank and Commission Junction, where you can partner up with a variety of companies who offer affiliate commissions. However, this is such an effective marketing method that many companies now offer affiliate partnerships directly, as well.

With affiliate marketing, you are never responsible for the business end of things, such as order taking, payment processing, shipping, returns, etc. You simply refer people to the company (or companies) you choose to represent through your affiliate link, then sit back and enjoy the commissions. There is no charge to form an affiliate partnership, so you can get this entire business started for basically the cost of a website.

Regardless of what type of online business you choose to start with, the key to success and personal happiness is to focus your business endeavors in areas you enjoy. You’re going to be spending a fair amount of time promoting your website from this point on, so it’s best if you can pour that energy into something you find both interesting and rewarding.

Here’s to your online business success!

Welcome!

Owning a web based business can be very rewarding, indeed, but it’s only a living if you can crack the code to making money with your website. As every internet marketer knows, traffic generation is one of the most important keys to success with virtually any online endeavor. But driving traffic to your website is no easy task, especially not if you’re trying to accomplish all the necessary tasks yourself. You do have options in this arena, however; the primary two to consider being 1) hiring and training employees, or 2) outsourcing your marketing tasks to a professional website promotion company. Here are a couple of things to consider as you determine which option will work best for your specific business marketing needs.

1. Hiring and Training Employees

You might consider hiring and training either part time or full time employees to handle the promotion and maintenance of your online business. The truth is, however, that even contracted employees can wind up costing you more than their services are worth in the long run. Some of the difficulties you might run into trying to train and manage employees include:

Very few potential employees are experts in all of the areas in which you need assistance. It is more likely that you will have to hire multiple employees to perform multiple tasks, and that’s going to mean a lot of time and effort on your part for screening, hiring and training.
Most web-based employees work remotely (or telecommute). This makes it extremely difficult to accurately track productivity, making hourly positions pretty risky from a financial standpoint.
Keeping employees, once you’ve gone to the trouble to find them and train them, requires regular, steady work. Can you guarantee that at this point? Otherwise you’ll find them seeking work elsewhere, as their financial livelihood depends on it, after all. Then you’ll be starting at square one with the hiring and training process. At this point, you might as well have just completed the tasks yourself!

2. Outsourcing vs. Employees

By choosing to outsource your website marketing tasks, you can eliminate the headaches involved with hiring and training employees.

Outsourcing companies have already screened and trained employees for just the specific marketing tasks you need to have completed.
When you outsource, you don’t have to worry about having a steady stream of work or the productivity of your employees on an hourly basis, as you can hire your tasks out on a per-project basis, paying a pre-set amount for the completed assignment.
You won’t ever have to be burdened with employee issues or paperwork when you choose, instead, to outsource.

Outsourcing your marketing tasks can lighten your workload significantly, while streamlining your promotional efforts and ultimately bringing you much-needed website traffic (aka success!)

Affiliate Marketing