-                                                    ADLANDS' DIGEST
                                        A Free subscribed Discussion List
                                                 of 25751 subscribers
                                       on web marketing and promotion
                               supported by AdlandPro World's Classifieds
                                          at http://www.adlandpro.com/
                                              Bogdan Fiedur, Publisher
                                                       contact at
                                  http://www.adlandpro.com/adlandpost.htm
                                         Moderator, Amalia Sotiriadou
                                         Vol. 1 issue #444 March 11, 2005


 

Topics in this issue:
================

Word from the Moderator
===================

Food For Thought (2)
================
1. “All work” or “all play”?

2. Re: Responses to Previous Tidbits
Robert Lee


Continuing Discussions (3)
======================

1. Re: Willie Crawford's Post
Merle

2. Re: AIM Cooperative
Walter Lyons

3. Re: Web Site Promotion In Ontario Canada
James Pendleton

New Discussions (2)
====================
1. Effective Promotion
From: Pat Belgrave

2. I too was an Internet marketing junkie
Russ Wilson/Webintel

Site Review Requests (0)
===================

Site Review Responses (4)
===================
Site Review Requests Judith Tramayne-Barth
Robert Lee (2), James Pendleton, Chris Raynor

GUEST ARTICLE (1)
=================
Ignite Your Business Success, by: Michel Richer


Joke of the Day
==============


Word from Moderator
------------------------------

Some excellent posts in this issue, folks, so don’t rush to click away to your next
e-mail and – God forbid! – don’t dump the Digest out to the trash bin without
reading it!! Thousands of people have been helped during the past six years or so
from this publication. It’s no secret that the AdlandPro Digest is considered the
BEST online business newsletter on the net by people who know what they are
talking about. What makes the Digest so special? It’s the fact that YOU, the readers,
create the content. Your comments, your questions, your experiences are the
feedback that everyone who works online behind a computer is eager for.
How do I know? Well, I was introduced to the Digest several years ago by someone
who was quite successful in our line of business as the #1 publication to read and I
have eagerly waited for each issue ever since. Having Bogdan ask me to moderate
the Digest was probably the greatest honor ever bestowed upon me since I started
working online and I try to do my best, little though that is.

On another note, this is the last week of our 4-week carnival here in Greece with
Sunday being a big party everywhere – kind of medieval really, with people
masquerading in costumes, singing, dancing and parades. It’s a Dionysian frenzy – a
last bash – as our Lent begins on Monday which is also celebrated. So… if I’m a
little late with the next issue, I’m probably trying to shake a hangover! he he

Make sure you visit the new chatroom at:
http://community.adlandpro.com/communitychat.aspx 

You can now keep track of the discussions in the AdlandPro Digest via the following
RSS feed link: http://www.adlandpro.com/archives/adlanddigest.rss

Posting in the AdlandPro Digest Forum is ONE way of beating spam filters!
The AdlandPro Digest Forum can be found here:
http://www.adlandpro.com/directad/forumShow.aspx?ForumID=176

Amalia Sotiriadou
Moderator
Adland Digest
My AdLandPro Community page: http://www.adlandpro.com/directad/go/56876/ 
My Ubifone Exec Agent # 2402501, http://amasot.ubifone.com

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=============Food For Thought=======================

=============NEW Tidbit==========================

“All work” or “all play”?
=====================

I guess the Carnival has me in a playful mood today, because I was wondering:
How do you handle your time? Are you 100% dedicated to your online business or is
it something that you do just “once in a while”?

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==================Responses to previous Tidbits (1) ================

===================Snack============================

Re: What is your “holding power”?
From: Robert Lee

My holding power comes from years of experience. Not to say I don't make mistakes
(see digest 442!), but I certainly have tuned my sales advertising to an easy to follow
process. Tracking results is mandatory for any successful business. If you don't have
the money to spend on advertising, there are other ways to get traffic, most
importantly, get involved with what you do and where you do it.

If it isn't targeted, it will never be a success.

And I am always ready to let something go. If it worked a year ago and today there
are no results, then I will let the project go. It's just business, don't get emotional
about it.

And my holding power comes from sharing what I can and watch as others find their
own successes.

Happy selling!

Rob
smartguy@stupidnewbies.com 
Because we all started with zero knowledge AND GREW!

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MODERATOR: We are left a bit “hungry” today folks – let’s try a little harder to
bring in some food to the table next time, ok?

===========Continuing Discussions (2)===================

============Continuing Discussion (1.1)==================

Re: Willie Crawford's Post
From: Merle

Willie's post is right on and your readers should pay due diligence when reading it.
Willie Crawford is a guy who started out small years ago and now is well known
with an excellent reputation online. I also highly recommend his newsletter. He
knows his stuff.

Finding a niche online is key, you want something without too much competition but
enough that you're selling what people need. You must differentiate yourself in order
to stand out online. Remember, find a need and fill it and you'll never go wrong!


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"Must Have Marketing Resources"
http://mcebook.mcpromotions.com 
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============Continuing Discussion (2.1)==================

Re: AIM Cooperative
From: Walter Lyons

Gary,
You did such a good job describing the AIM cooperative but gave no url so
I clicked on your url at the bottom of the post and was surprised to be brought to a
web page "pushing" a lot of affiliate programs.
Was this just a catchy way to get us to visit your website?

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Walter Lyons
The internet "real estate broker"
http://www.walbar.biz/splashsearch 
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============Continuing Discussion (3.1)==================

Re: Web Site Promotion In Ontario Canada
From: James Pendleton


Joseph Guirguis

First you left out the link to your website. Leaving out a link will always raise
suspicion. Always show your link. Think big… promote around the world!

Advertising your site in the brick and mortar world is one way. Word of mouth on
your business cards. Casual conversation at parties get together. Short radio ads
spots. Newspapers ads etc. Your imagination is your only limitation as far as
promoting you site out side cyber space.

Try this site. It is one of my SEO clients and he has a super concept for brick and
mortar advertising. http://www.sitebadges.com/  His name is Paul. Tell him I sent
you. I am a SEO and I don't bust budgets I do it right. I am also working on this site
and its gonna be big. They want Canadian freelancers.
http://www.canadianfreelancers.com 

Visit my info area for free information and many tips.
www.jgp-distribution.com/distro/ 

As far as the web. You would have gained a few visitors for your very post in the
Digest! Search engine placement ranking and listing is important because most web
traffic comes from the SE's and the directories. Getting in them is key. Posting your
signature file with all post you do every where you visit also brings unique visits.
Participation in forums and blogs brings traffic. Making contact and establishing
alliances with other webmasters and their sites brings traffic.

ADLANDPRO!! That will bring you lots of traffic!

You can pay your way for traffic also if you have the budget. Pay Per Click SE's are
everywhere. A pay for listing Directories. Either way building web traffic to your
site won't come overnight. It takes time and a devotion to the task.

Good luck in your endeavors.


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================ New Discussions (2) =======================

================ New Discussion (1) =======================

Effective Promotion
From: Pat Belgrave

Hello,
I have been using submission services, classified ads, blasters, etc to get the
message about my website and services out to the public, but nothing seems to work
effectively. I get a few hits here and there, but not in sufficient numbers to really
make a difference, can anyone suggest effective marketing and promotion strategies
or systems which they have used. Please NO theories, just tried and true methods.

Thanks
Pat
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For all this and more, click here http://pat317.here.ws 
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================ New Discussion (2) =======================

I too was an Internet marketing junkie
Russ Wilson/Webintel

I spent every waking hour at my computer, looking for the ‘Golden Fleece’ of
marketing.

I spent hours, and days, and more hours in hopes of finding the one Marketing plan
that would allow me to achieve my dreams, and goals.

I spent thousands of dollars that could have been more wisely spent paying
my bills, and necessities of life.

Buying one marketing program, or E-book after another. Joining one affiliate
program after another until like so many others before me, and it appears after me: I
no longer knew which program I was attempting to promote; and giving none the
attention that was necessary to really make it a success.

Then a fortunate (?) thing happened: my computer DIED! It didn’t just crash, it laid
down and died. As in un-repairable completely dead!

There I sat, day after day in front of a blank screen with literally thousands of dollars
worth of programs locked up inside of a dead computer going thru withdrawal.

I had spent three years chasing the ‘GOLDEN FLEECE’, and had nothing but a dead
computer to show for it.

My wife (Bless her) seeing my misery, decided to give me a new computer for
Christmas. I was overjoyed!

My addiction reared its ugly head to be heard again.

But good fortune had smiled on me while I sat without a computer.

I had had a reprieve from my addiction.

I knew what had been my downfall before, and vowed not to make the same
mistakes again.

I had finally learned; that the shotgun approach to business, while exhilarating, (the
hunt for the ‘GOLDEN FLEECE’ was exciting,) it by no means was the avenue to
success.

I spent 2 more months deciding what it was I wanted in a business.

I decided I wanted a business that had a Successful Marketing Program, with
tremendous support; that others following, could duplicate and grow for
themselves…

And I would only promote one major product with 2 minor products that tied into it.

I had learned that in order to achieve the financial success that had always been just
(in the next program) out of reach; I needed to finally settle in, and promote the one
best program I had, or could find.

Just one, and give it my full attention…

The 2 minor products not only support the major product, I couldn’t do without
them; they are opt-in list builders.

The Major product I finally decided on is one that every person that surfs the web
really and truly desires; an honest real business of their own.

I’ve overcome my addiction; I’m a happy man. I’ve found my Successful
Niche!


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Russ Wilson/Webintel is a Franchise Owner,
http://webintel-home-income-portal.com & Pro Web Realtor.
WEB REAL ESTATE: is a ‘patented’ “Search Engine Driven Web Advertising
BillBoard” Get yours ~free~ here: http://www.search-the-web-with-webintel.com  
----------------------------------------------------------------

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MODERATOR: I truly have to admire Russ’ skillful advertising!! Russ, your story
(if true) has merit, so I decided to post it – but this is your last warning… I will NOT
publish another “trick ad” or if I do, I will delete every reference to your product!
Folks, Russ’ attempts are a great lesson on how to advertise (where it is allowed).
Take a lesson from them!

Amalia
 

===================Site Review Requests (0)=================


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================Site Review Responses (4)==================

================Site Review Response 1====================
Site Review: www.mysteryread.com 
From: Robert Lee

Hello Judith,
Quote: Do you think it is appropriate to put up a donate button from Amazon and
explain the money would be used to pay for the additional bandwidth for this site?
End Quote

No, it is not appropriate to beg for loose change. Ever.
If the books are yours to give away and/or charge for as you see fit, then do so, but
don't beg for loose change, it demeans the whole Internet experience, in my opinion.

Again, your site http://www.mysteryread.com/ is not well created for larger
monitors. You need to change table widths to a fixed dimension rather than a
percentage. Build your look, in my 1280x1024 monitor there is way to much empty
space.

The right side links "Conspiracy & Other Free Mystery Books" are actually only one
link. Correct this. It is not even and there is no second link. Is your site just not
completed?

Ahhh, it is just one link, for one book.

Something does need to be corrected here. Think less text, more graphics.
You seem pretty crafty (a good thing), couldn't you make an actual book cover for
your book and photograph that on a table a bookshelf, wherever?
Get away from those graphics and text that wants to 'capture your imagination' but
doesn't.

Oh, there are more free books:
http://www.mysteryread.com/freemysterybooks.html 
You need to fix that front page link then.

And as far as download bandwidth goes, that's part of what you offer.
Take a look at the web hosting deals on my website. I run a downloads site
(www.robrob8.com) that does 3GB traffic per day! Less than US$10.00 a month.
Tons of features too.

Judith, go to it!

Rob
smartguy@stupidnewbies.com 
Because we all started with zero knowledge AND GREW!

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================Site Review Response 2====================

Re: Site Review Requests Judith Tramayne-Barth
From: James Pendleton

Hello Judith Tramayne-Barth,

I am sort of a throw back. I like the plain looking site designs. So my opinion is a bit
biased toward your layout.

http://www.agoodread.com/ 
You have a solid design style. Clean and straightforward. Colors mild and peaceful.
Load speed 19 sec at 28.8.
I am impressed with the PR of 4/10 on all your pages.
Meta content right on target.
The content: right on point for your purpose. As far as a donation link. I should think
why not! Nothing wrong with asking for donations.

http://www.mysteryread.com/ 

For some reason the Black font color clashes in the words Mystery Read.com. But
maybe its just me. Maybe it’s clashing with the stairs. But the general design is the
same solid straight forward look of your other site. Should you make it different?
Some diversity from one site to the other? Just a question. PR 0/10 but sure after you
cross link that will be like your other site. You do good work!

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================Site Review Response 3====================

Re: Site Review: www.agoodread.com 
From: Robert Lee

Hello Judith,

You'll need to completely redo your site again. Here's why:
Your navigation structure is unbalanced. You should have one type of links (text or
images) on the right or left side of the page and the same links, although in text only
format, across the bottom of the pages.
Navigation should lead from one page to another in the order that YOU want your
visitor to visit your website, how you want them to be able to find information. Your
navigation moved from one side of the page to the other, it does not maintain an easy
to follow path and it does not appear the same on every page, which is most
important.
Take a specific look at this page:
http://www.agoodread.com/freebooksdirectory.html 
The tables are out of space (I'm looking on a 17" LCD monitor at 1280x1024 pixels).
At 800x600 pixels everything looks good but that's just over half of your visitors.
Everyone else sees unbalanced pages.
The above page also has a link that leads to this page:
http://www.agoodread.com/freebooks2.html which has space issues of it's own. Go
back and forth between the two pages and you'll see what I mean.
Now, while being on this second page, look at your book titles (Free eBook 8 –
Make Your Site Spider Friendly). Why are you numbering them like that? You're the
only person that cares about their numbers. Honestly.
You need to reinforce their 'titles' not their book number. And look at your cookie-
crumb navigation:
Free Books • • > Fiction Non-Fiction
A cookie-crumb navigation as you have should have a link for every word.
"Free Books" should be a link to your main free books page. "Fiction" and
"Non-Fiction" should also be linked to something and the page where the person is
the link in the cookie crumb can be bolder, italicized, different colored, anything
rather than just left alone. If you are trying to separate the "Fiction" and "Non
fiction" pages, do it through your header text, not a badly formed cookie crumb
navigation. And I have to ask, is this third navigation element really necessary?

http://www.agoodread.com/selfpublishbooks.html watch out for glaring spelling
errors.

Move that picture of you in your PJ's to your home page. You want your site to be a
book community 'with a leader' so put your face on it.
Redo your links so they are the standard blue underlined color. Dark blue with a
hover may be a little fancy (?) but they hide the link, especially when you have them
bold, not bold, and even brown.

Watch for broken links!
http://www.agoodread.com/JTB/index.html 
Your site isn't that big that you should have this happening. If it was really important
for you to move this page to a different location, then update your links. Geesh!

Which leads me to this page:
http://www.agoodread.com/fengshui/ 
UGH. Too much color. Too hard to read!

Your book club page:
http://www.agoodread.com/bookclub.html 
Either should be a sales page or a lead-in page to a sales page. You've got both aims
mixed up here. I'd rewrite it to be a full out sales page.

"My purpose in life is to help you with yours!"
Unless you’re a licensed something or other, I'd be very afraid about having such a
statement on any of my websites. You should be too.

Now, get to work!

Rob
smartguy@stupidnewbies.com
Because we all started with zero knowledge AND GREW!

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================Site Review Response 4====================

Re: Review of AGoodRead
From: Chris Raynor

Hi Judith.

You sound like a wonderfully balanced person, with lovely photos of yourself on
your site.

Personally, I would add a few colours to your site, and be more consistent in the
placement of your menu. It hops from the left to the right side of your site.
My favourite colour tools are
http://slayeroffice.com/?c=/content/tools/color_palette.html and
http://wellstyled.com/tools/colorscheme2/index-en.html 

Your book club seems affordable, but if you want more returning visitors,
I would offer a few more resources - links to other free downloadable books, and
other things that your audience are interested in. Try to be more of a reference site.

I would recommend placing Google Adsense ads on your site, to generate some
income. Your have a lot of wasted space that could be used for this.
They are so common, and actually useful, that most people don't mind them if you
place them nicely.

During the week I saw a font site that offered fonts for free - or for commercial use,
if you bought him a book from his wish list at Amazon. He had lots of low cost
books on his list, and it gave an interesting insight into his personality. It was a great
way of rewarding a creative person.

Good luck and best wishes with your health.

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