If you've been using AdSense for Search, you'll know that last year, Google shut it down. If you wanted to continue to offer your users a search function -- and earn revenue from ad clicks when those users conducted their searches -- you needed to use Google's Custom Search Engine and attach it to your AdSense account. Continue Reading

(Written by guest contributor Tim Golen) This article is for three primary audiences. It's for the business owner who does his own programming and development. It's for the business owner who has hired or contracted a developer to work for him. It's for the developer doing the work. I will be discussing the single piece of software that can increase your efficiency more than any other investment. Yes, it is an investment in your business... Continue Reading

If you're experiencing a bit of sticker shock when it comes to your software needs, don't fret. Even if you are just getting started, you don't have to drop loads of cash on software right off the bat. Continue Reading

(Written by guest contributor Chris Harper) Have you ever seen a television commercial that just drives you nuts because of the spokesperson they use? I can think of at least two regional companies here in Colorado that fall into that category for me. In both cases, the "actor" has a close tie to the company being advertised. For one it's the owner, and for the other one it's the owner's kid that serves as their... Continue Reading

Joel. It's not a common name. In fact, it is the 280th most common first name. The Old Testament contains a book of Joel. He is referenced as one of twelve Minor Prophets. The word "minor" has to do with the length of the book, not implying that Joel was a small guy or that his prophecies were in any way less significant. I mean, let's face it... a Word from God is a Word... Continue Reading

(Written by guest contributor Andrew Albritton) Last week we talked about getting your Google AdWords account set up and the overall importance of SEM. This week we'll focus on optimization. Continue Reading

(Written by guest contributor Andrew Albritton) Search engine marketing (SEM), sometimes referred to as paid search, is the practice of bidding on keyword strings to increase a website's visibility on the search engine results pages (SERPs). For Internet marketers SEM can be a highly effective means for promoting and driving traffic to a website or sales page. In fact, when optimized and managed effectively, a well-performing SEM campaign is one of the most sought-after and... Continue Reading

(Written by guest contributor Andrew Krzysiak) Part 1: Purpose & Preparation Do you have a great idea for a website? Can you already picture it in your head? Are you ready to find a designer to build it? Continue Reading

Interviewing prospective web designers is often a difficult task. Some candidates might be design rock stars but unable to develop the essential business features for your site, while other applicants will have portfolios filled with high-ranking sites that look like ghosts from the late 90s. Continue Reading

If you are a small to medium-sized business that can deliver a physical product at a reduced (or matched) cost locally, then you must consider implementing a serious local search campaign. I would urge you to take a serious look at any funds in your marketing plan allocated to radio, television, or any other form of non-direct response marketing and consider using at least some of those funds for a well-planned local search effort. Continue Reading

So you've hopped on the bandwagon and set up a Facebook and Twitter account for your business. Congratulations! You have officially arrived at the cocktail party that is the 21st century. But there remains plenty to do. You can't just hide in the corner nursing your drink. You have to get out there and establish a presence, and in order to do that you're going to need a plan. Here are five steps to... Continue Reading

At this point, you've done your research, created a compelling and competitive offer, and started outreaching to affiliates. So, now that your program is gaining traction and you have some affiliates on board, what's next? Continue Reading

With all the talk of the "world wide" Internet and globalization, it can be easy to ignore the profit potential of people living in your area. People are still people, and they still prefer to buy things from people who they know and trust. So why not make sure those in your physical vicinity are able to find you and your website? Continue Reading

I did it. I bit the bullet and picked up an iPhone. I've been a faithful Treo 650 user for two years, but the buzz regarding Apple's new device won me over. So I ponied up $599 + shipping and tax to get one of these puppies in my hands, though I was unsure of what I would find once I actually got to try it out for myself. I may now render the verdict... Continue Reading