Visitors to your blog are good. RSS subscribers are better. But the real money online is in your mailing list. Build a large list of qualified buyers, and you’ll see a much higher return on your investment than you will from any other marketing effort. The only question is, how do you build a qualified list?

Present an irresistible offer. The days of getting people to give you their email address with the promise of a monthly or weekly newsletter are gone. You need to offer your readers something of value. Downloadable products like eBooks and special reports are popular, as are software, and even trial subscriptions to membership sites.

Use highly targeted marketing. If your list focuses on gardening, and all your Twitter followers are other Internet marketers, pushing signups on your Twitter account is not going to result in a lot of conversions. Instead, concentrate your efforts where gardeners hang out – online forums, niche blogs, even Craig’s List are all good choices for getting your list in front of qualified, interested individuals.

Get traffic to your opt-in page. Common wisdom says that you need an opt-in form on every page of your site, and while that’s important, it’s even more critical to have a separate opt-in page. When linking back to your site from articles, forums, guest blogs, or ads, link to that page rather than your home page. You’ll see conversions increase dramatically.

Test, analyze, tweak, and repeat. No headline or opt-in page is perfect from the start. Keep an eye on your stats, and systematically change out elements to test performance. You can use scripts to split-test headlines and other parts of a squeeze page, or you can just manually track which ones work and which do not. And keep notes, you’ll want to refer back to them later for other campaigns.

Change your offer, too. Today’s hot ebook will eventually become yesterday’s news, and a new offer will often rejuvenate a quiet list.

Getting sign-ups is only part of your overall list building campaign, however. Once people are on your list, your job turns to keeping them there. Start by living up to the promise you made them. Revisit your opt-in page and welcome letter and make sure you’re doing what you said you would do. Did you promise a weekly newsletter? Then you need to get it out in a timely manner. Regardless of the promised schedule, don’t let weeks go by without contacting your list. An out-of-the-blue email from someone they haven’t heard from in three months will likely result in an unsubscribe.

At the same time, don’t make every contact with your list a sales pitch. Sure, they know they’re going to be marketed to when they sign-up, but they expect (and deserve) some value from being a member as well. It’s impossible to say what the exact ratio of information to sales pitch should be, but you should definitely test and analyze your results until you find the optimum mix for your market.

Building a list and keeping it healthy should be your highest priority as a business owner. Whether your business is selling diaper patterns to new moms, or multi-thousand-dollar software systems to IT professionals, your list is your biggest asset. Treat it well, and you will reap the rewards.

For even more tips and ideas check out our free list building report

photo credit: mccheek

There are many different ways to use PLR content, and I’ve shared some of them here on my blog, such as creating a niche blog or making a viral ebook…but in this post I want to share a free report with you that talks about using PLR content to help build your mailing list. I don’t really know if I should even be calling this a “report” as it’s over 20 pages, but it’s jammed pack with ideas and action steps to help you create a profitable mailing list.

In this report we’re going to cover:
• The many benefits of list-building
• Reasons for creating your own list
• Proven list-building strategies, and how to use them successfully
• How to manage your subscription process, including what to do with email
addresses you find offline
• What list-building tools you should be using
• How to use a squeeze page to earn more subscribers, and how to make sure
Google smiles on yours
• The benefits of co-registration
• How to alleviate your customers’ concerns about privacy
• List-management tips
• How to avoid the most common list-building mistakes

Download this free report here

Still have PLR content sitting on your hard drive? Here’s another way to get some use out of that dusty content.

Here we go again. The 10 Day May Madness is making it back again for its second year and the products and services that are available from my fellow members of Mom Masterminds are just awesome.

From 5/10/2010 to 5/20/2010 you will be able to grab any of the products and or services that are being offered for ONLY $5!

This year there is over 30 listings at 10DayMayMadness.com and I’m already seeing a few that I would like for myself.

You will find PLR, advertising options, study courses (one of which I’m offering from IMCleanup.com), coaching, graphics and tons more.

So stop on by 10DayMayMadness.com from May 10th to May 20th and save a bundle on Mom Masterminds members stuff.

I want to share one way that you can profit from the PLR content that you already have sitting on your hard drive. Enjoy!

Here’s a question for you… Do you spread the word about your favorite service providers that have a hand in helping you with your online business?

I recently received an email from one of my graphic clients (I am also a service provider offering ecover & other web graphic design at GeteCovers.com), in which she said that she really loves my service and thinks it’s great that I offer an affiliate program as well, but would never promote it because she doesn’t want others to know about me. 

Basically, she wants to keep me all to herself and is worried that if I become “really known” I won’t have time for her any longer.

I use service providers on a daily basis and enjoy “spreading the love” about their services if I have found them to be invaluable, but I can also see where my client is coming from.

Where do you stand on this? Do you keep your service providers a secret from the world or are you happy to share with others?

Hiring a copywriter is one of the most important investments any businessperson makes.

Even if you know how to write your own copy, you’ll still find that working with a good copywriter brings positive results to your bottom line.

That’s because you could be too close to your product or service to properly write copy for it.

Or you could be at that point in your business, when you no longer have the time and/or energy to do your own copywriting.

One place I recommend for copywriting is All Custom Content.

If you’re still on the fence about the value a high-calibre copywriter can bring to your business, then read on, because here are…

12 Reasons to Hire A Copywriter:

Even before a good copywriter writes one word for your promotion, he or she will ask you questions that will help you:

1. Clarify your target market

Your copywriter will help make sure that you have a clear idea and understanding of your target market, and that your product/service matches it.

2. Communicate your USP

A copywriter will also help you identify and communicate your Unique Selling Proposition. That’s what makes you stand out from your competition.

3. Identify the features and benefits of your product

Another part of preparing to write your promotional material is identifying your product’s features and benefits. Without communicating this, you won’t give your prospects enough reasons to buy your product.

4. Assess the strength of your offer

A copywriter can also assess if your offer is irresistible, or if it’s something your prospects can easily pass up.

5. Come up with all-purpose headlines

Your copywriter will brainstorm dozens of headlines before choosing the best one for your material. You can use these for your website, landing pages, text ads and banner ads.

6. Craft an engaging “About” page

Writing your personal story can feel awkward. A copywriter can write your “About” page copy, so that it helps readers know, like and trust you.

7. Come up with a laser-targeted, benefit-oriented title for your website and a headline for your home page

Make sure your home page communicates your USP within 3 seconds. A well-crafted website title, sub-title and home page headline are necessary for this.

8. Describe your products and services in a customer-focused way

If you have a catalog-like page of your products and/or services, a copywriter can write descriptions for them in a way that focuses on what your customers want and are looking for.

9. Create an effective opt-in form for your site

Effective copy makes a big difference in how many of your site readers sign up for your mailing list.

10. Write a high-conversion landing page for your products and/or services

A good copywriter will create a landing page for your product/service that effectively gets you more orders — even with the same traffic.

11. Write promotional emails that get opened, read and clicked through

If you have a list, you’ll want to occasionally promote your products or affiliate products to your subscribers. You’ll need good copy to get more of them to actually read your emails and click on your links.

12. Create promotional materials for your affiliates to use

Affiliates need promotional materials to help them pre-sell your products. Make their job easier by having a copywriter prepare solo promos, articles, blog posts, text ads and even Twitter tweets.

As you can see, copywriting plays a big role in your business.

You could do all the copywriting for your business if you want.

Or, you can focus on other strategic areas of your business and hire a copywriter to take care of all this for you.

All Custom Content can take care of all your copywriting needs. Click here to send a request for quotation

Copy can make or break your business. Make sure you get the best you can afford.

photo credit: Capeside.

If you find you’ve strayed from your business goals slightly or are simply looking for a way to refocus and recharge, then these tips will help you get back on track.

1 – Write it down. You may have written your goals down previously, but perhaps your situation has changed or you simply need reminding. This is a good time to write your goals down and start focusing on what it really is you want.

2 – Plan for success. It’s been said that if you fail to plan you plan to fail – a statement that many entrepreneurs have found to be very true. Start planning your success by creating a clear outline of what you would like to achieve on a day-to-day basis. This step, along with a clear list of goals, will help you really narrow in on what you’re working towards.

3 – Set up a dedicated space. Laptops are very convenient but sometimes it’s really worth setting up a dedicated space to work in. This will help you keep all your files and important documents in one place and may also help you set up a clear work routine. In other words, you know that when you sit at that space it’s work time.

This can be extremely helpful, particularly if you’re struggling to stay motivated and focused during work hours.

4 – Create a goals board. Goal boards can be very inspiring. This is simply a board that reminds you of all your important goals and desires. For example, you can print out your written goals and stick them to your goals board. You can then cut out items from a magazine or print visuals that represent those goals. If your goal is to move into your dream home, then cut out a picture of your dream home and place it on your goals board.

You may also want to include pictures of your family and friends and other important reminders that will help you stay focused and inspired. Have fun with it and decorate the board however you choose – it is after all your goals board and should be unique to you.

Staying focused on your goals isn’t always easy, but with a few small steps it’s certainly possible. These tips will help get you started and keep you motivated and focused.

If you’d like even more help refocusing, check out my 6 week self-study course at: http://IMCleanup.com

photo credit: jaytkendall

Spring is a time of change, renewal and refreshing growth. Why not apply this wonderful season to your website and give it a spring lift. Here are a few ideas to get your creative juices flowing.

1- Change font colors. Font colors have more impact on your visitors and sales than you may think. Use this opportunity to test the effectiveness of a few different font colors. It’s an easy way to change your website, give it a new look, while at the same time maintain a high degree of continuity and perhaps increase your sales and conversions.

2-  Update your photo, or add a photo if you don’t already have one on your website. A personal touch, like a photo or a personal audio or video message, is a wonderful way to connect with your visitors. People like to see who they’re doing business with, who created the website and a photo or an image of you helps them make that connection. Spring is a perfect time to update your photo or update your audio or video message. Refresh it and add new life to your website.

3- Add a social networking tool. You can add a twitter feed, a connect with me on twitter, facebook or whichever social networking sites you have a profile on. These small feeds help boost your followers and again they can be a personal connection – people are able to see what you’re posting.

4 – Update your banner ads. If you’re like many affiliate marketers or website owners, they find a few good banner ads relevant to their niche, paste the code in the sidebar and let them be. The trouble is, these banner ads become stagnant. Now is the time to evaluate the success achieved from these banner ads and to update the ones that are working and replace the ones that aren’t.

5-  Add a new technology. News feeds, as they relate to your industry, are a fun and valuable technology you can add to your website to add a spring lift. You can also add a new survey, contest or other small bit of interest that also serves to engage your audience and/or provide you with valuable information about your customers.

6- Update and make sure all of your links are working.  This can be a tedious task if you have a lot of links however, it’s important because one broken link can send a visitor away.  The goal is to keep them on your website, right?!

Spend some time reviewing your website to see where it can be improved. Explore technology available and analyze your customer’s needs and problems. If you can enhance the user experience on your website and add value, go for it.

Want to take your website’s “spring lift” even further? Check out this 6 week self-study course that will help you dust off your virtual cobwebs –> http://imcleanup.com

photo credit: meramerah

Below you will find a guest article from Jimmy D. Brown, developer of the Mutiple Streams Theme wordpress blog theme.

For more information on turning on ten “built-in” ways to make money from your blog, visit http://marluckmarketing.com/mst

The Easiest Way To Outsell Other Affiliates

If you’re an affiliate marketer, then you’re always looking over your shoulder to see if the competition – your fellow affiliates – are catching up to you.  Or, worse than that, you’re looking up ahead trying to catch up with them!

At times any market can be crowded, so selling the same thing to the same group of people means you’re lucky to get just a small share of the market.  Imagine having thirty-five Wal-Mart stores in one small town, all competing with each other to get the local business.  You get the idea.

But it doesn’t have to be that way.  The easiest way to outsell other affiliates is this…

Turn your AFFILIATE offer into a UNIQUE offer!

You see, most affiliates try to sell the product as is. If your prospects are shopping around, they’re going to skip all the “buy from me” offers.

Instead, they’re going to focus on those offers that give them an incentive to buy. And that means you can outsell the other affiliates simply by offering a bonus product to anyone who buys through your affiliate link.

I’ve been teaching this concept since 2001 and, all things being equal, those affiliates who put this into practice will outsell those who don’t virtually 100% of the time.

It’s a very simple strategy.  Let’s break it down into three steps…

Step 1: CHOOSE Your Incentive

Your goal is to make your offer stand out from the crowd by offering an incentive to buy from your link, thereby boosting your conversion rate. And that means you need to offer a bonus that enhances or otherwise complements the affiliate product.

Did you catch that?  Your bonus should “enhance” or “complement” the product you are promoting as an affiliate.  That’s what makes for the best incentive.

————- Case Study ———–

Let me give you a “real” case study (not made up … actually done by one of my customers).

A customer – who is also one of my affiliates – recently purchased my Multiple Streams Theme wordpress blog theme.  He loaded it to his site.  Then, he invested a little time writing a small report that teaches how to customize and tweak the theme.  He offered this small report, filled with insider shortcuts and tips for enhancing the theme, as an incentive to anyone who ordered the Multiple Streams Theme through his affiliate link.

Brilliant.

I’m just guessing, but I bet the report didn’t take him half an hour to write.  He just logged his own personal experiences.  And yet it has high value to anyone who has plans to order the theme.

That’s how you outsell other affiliates.  You turn your AFFILIATE offer into a UNIQUE OFFER.

————- Case Study ———–

One way to do this is by reading the sales letter for the product and choosing one particularly enticing bullet point.

Example #1: If the sales letter tells prospects they can learn how to get traffic from social media sites, then you can create a report called “27 Ways to Use Social Media to Drive Traffic to Any Website!”

Example #2: If the sales page for a diet book promises a month of low calorie recipes to customers, you can create a supplementary low calorie recipe book and give it away to those who buy from your link.

Example #3: If you’re promoting a dog training book and you see a bullet point about eliminating bad behaviors such as jumping, incessant barking, digging in the gardening, etc. You can create a report or even a video called, “The Secrets of Training the Perfect Dog: How to Keep Your Dog’s Paws Off Your Guests, Off Your Counters and Out of Your Garden!”

The point is, your freebie should be directly related to the affiliate offer. You want your prospects to buy through your link just because the incentive is so enticing.

What kind of incentive?  You can do videos, software, coaching, advertising, installations, services, etc.

But, “pound for pound”, the best and easiest incentive to create is a small report.

Step 2: CREATE Your Incentive

Once you decide on the topic, your next step is to create the bonus product. If you’re creating a short report or video, you can probably finish it in one day. Otherwise, you can hire a trusted freelancer to do it, which frees your time to focus on marketing the offer!

Tip: You find ghostwriters on sites like WarriorForum.com, Elance.com, and GetAFreelancer.com. You can also ask for recommendations from your colleagues via your social networks or on business forums.

Step 3: CIRCULATE Your Incentive.

Finally, your last step is to promote your offer by letting prospects know that anyone who buys the affiliate product using your link will get the bonus product.

Let your list know.  Tell your blog readers.  Tweet about it.  Purchase advertising.  Distribute free marketing materials such as ezine articles.  Mention it in sig files at forums.  You know the drill.

Now, there are a few ways to deliver the product:

1.  On the download page. If you’ve developed a relationship with the product vendor, he may agree to set up a special sales page that promotes the bonus plus a special download page so that customers can download it instantly after purchasing.

2.  Manually. You can have customers forward their receipts and then you send them the link to the bonus.

3.  Automatically. You can also set up a special email address with an autoresponder, so that anyone who sends you a receipt gets the download link automatically. (Naturally, some people will try to “cheat” this system.)

And there you have it – the simple three-step strategy you can use to outsell your competitors and put more money in your pocket.

It’s so easy you could be making more money by tomorrow… if you get started today!

Speaking of “making more money”.  If you have a blog, how would you like to have ten “built-in” ways to increase your affiliate commissions from your blog?  Visit http://marluckmarketing.com/mst to learn more. 

NOTE:  The offer mentioned at the website will no longer be available after Friday, March 19, 2010 at 10PM.  Jimmy is “retiring” it then and discontinuing all sales.