I have surveyed online business owners a number of times over the years. I have discovered a common thread in the problems that the majority of them are experiencing. 1) They are frustrated with the amount of traffic they get to their websites. Can you identify? 2) They are concerned that their online presence is not generating enough leads and new customers. Does that describe you? 3) They are upset with themselves (or vendors) for... Continue Reading

In the last year my company has had a lot of success with Clickbank, the world's most trusted digital marketplace. We currently have a half dozen products in the Clickbank marketplace and they generate a steady income for my company. One thing all those products have in common is that they were all setup, launched and managed by my VP of Ideas, Dan Nickerson. Dan has become an expert at the rapid development and launch... Continue Reading

If you have been following this blog for any time, you probably know that it is not like other blogs. I don't have a template or formula for this blog. It is mine and I use it however I want. When I started blogging in 2003, my first entries were about my dog, my family and my travels. I blogged about my political views, current events and films I had recently seen. Then it happened... Continue Reading

There's a very disturbing trend taking place in the Internet marketing world. I am specifically referring to the Infoproduct "make money online" niche. I've had one foot in this market for the past few years, but I am increasingly dismayed by what I see happening. I say "one foot" because my products and services are very diverse and most are not in the IM niche. However, it's time someone came forward to draw a line... Continue Reading

So much of building an Internet business is simple. You don't need to know HTML any more. You don't need to mess around with ftp uploaders or hire designers. These days you can buy a ready-made template, plug in the ad systems and just paste in the content you need. And that's where things start to get tricky. Continue Reading

(Written by guest contributor Fletcher Groeneman) Last time we discussed the first step in the process of branding, "know yourself." This time I would like to build on that foundation. If you feel you have a solid idea of what you or your product wants to become, it is time to learn how to best present it. While it's true you may have a great product, every product has its weaknesses. The good news is... Continue Reading

(Written by guest contributor Chris Harper) Live video broadcasts using Ustream and podcasts each have their pros and cons. I've had some experience with both, and I want to share with you what I see as the plusses and minuses of each. In the end, you can decide which method might be best suited for your needs. Continue Reading

When Chitika brought out its Premium units in 2008, it did something unique. And a bit selfish. The company raised its conversion rate by filtering out those users who were least likely to buy. Continue Reading

(Written by guest contributor Carrie Wilkerson) I know just enough to be dangerous. Seriously. Continue Reading

(Written by guest contributor Chris Harper) I just can't make a video. I don't have a nice camera or any equipment and I certainly can't afford any of that high-end editing software. I'm just too busy and there's not really any time. Besides, I wouldn't know where to begin even if I had the equipment or the time. Continue Reading

(Written by guest contributor Dan Nickerson) If you asked someone off the street (let's call him Joe Internet) what it costs to start an online business, chances are he would say hundreds, perhaps even thousands of dollars. Those with basic Internet knowledge probably realize it's not that expensive, and most online marketers know you can get started for free. All you need is a Blogger account, AdSense, and the ability to write articles. Continue Reading

(Written by guest contributor Sarah Jane Griesemer) Having an idea, product, video, or marketing plan go viral is something of a holy grail for online marketers. Sure, everyone wants it to happen to them, but how do you do it? What is the magic formula for a successful viral marketing campaign? The answer, unfortunately, is that there isn't one. You know a good viral campaign when you see one, and since by its very definition... Continue Reading

Have you ever asked a child what they want for Christmas? They'll tell you exactly what they want, describe it in glorious detail, even point it out to you in the store so that you don't make a mistake and come home with the wrong version. Then on Christmas morning you get to see their eyes light up as they open the wrapping. It's a thrill... until New Year's Day when the toy is lying... Continue Reading

I've been paying close attention to customer service wherever I go these days. In my business, I tell my support team to go the extra mile when assisting customers. I believe this pays off big time in the long run. But I am amazed at how many businesses do not pay attention to the simplest of customer service details. In the past few days, I have made observations at Best Buy, Gamestop, Qdoba and... my... Continue Reading