Optimizing Ad Placements with YieldBuild

There are two most important thing that make you success in online blogging business. Number one is the flow of traffic into your site or blog. The more people that visit your website, the more opportunities you have to cash in on their visits. Second, you’ll want to optimize your advertising so that you can maximize your blog revenue. While it may not be particularly helpful for the first part of this equation, YieldBuild has been designed specifically to work on that second aspect.

In this respect, I’ll take a look at how YieldBuild aims to maximize the amount of money you are currently making from your website and attempt to determine if YieldBuild is worth your while.

Optimized Income from Multiple Networks

Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. That’s why it’s so important to have a good mix of different advertising models on your website. If all you do is rely on Google AdSense, you’re leaving a lot of money on the table. However, in going through the different ad networks and all the different kinds of ads that they offer, it can take you a very long time and a lot of experimentation to find out exactly which combination generates the most amount of money.

Is it more appropriate to run AdSense inside each post and CPM ads in the sidebar? Or will you make more money if you go with an AdSense leaderboard at the top of the page and Tribal Fusion at the end of each post? What about color combinations? There are so many variables to consider that it would take a human being a literal eternity to find just the right combination. That’s where an automated solution like YieldBuild would come into play.

At this time, YieldBuild only works with the above ad networks, but support for other networks is reportedly on the way. By installing the YieldBuild code on your website or blog, the YieldBuild system will run through a series of “trial and error” sessions so that it can see which placements generate the most amount of money. Previous systems literally required hundreds of thousands of page impressions before any usable data was generated, but YieldBuild says that it can create some real results with a mere fraction of that.

Tweaking Ad Zones and Layout Styles

Not surprisingly, you’ll need to provide YieldBuild with private information regarding your various ad networks. Yes, this involves giving them your AdSense login name and password.

It’s natural to feel a little hesitant about doing this, because there really is no saying what they can do with that kind of information. Assuming that YieldBuild is not an elaborate phishing scam, it only makes sense that it would require this information to deploy all the different kinds of ad combinations. Without this ability to tweak, adjust, and alter the generated ad creatives, the YieldBuild monetization platform simply would not be able to function.

The setup process with YieldBuild involves the designation of numerous ad zones. These are areas where you can display advertising on your site, but where advertising may not necessarily appear. Going further, YieldBuild can not only determine the optimal ad network for each zone; it can also determine the right kind of ad creative from that network to be used in that zone.

Google AdSense is perhaps the simplest example of this. In AdSense, you can adjust the colors used, the style of the border, and other modifications. YieldBuild will go through several of these iterations to determine which ad format is the most profitable.

How Does YieldBuild Get Paid?

Looking at the YieldBuild Monetization Platform, it sounds like it could have a lot of promise. Having an automated system determine the ideal ad combination sounds a lot more appealing than suffering through the frustration of trying to figure it out yourself. I can’t say for certain, but the YieldBuild team says that revenue increases of 100% or more are not out of the question. You’ll also notice that there is no huge price tag associated to this platform.

How, then, does YieldBuild make money? There is no setup fee and there is no monthly subscription. While YieldBuild is absolutely free to use for the first 30 days, the FAQ says that YieldBuild will take 3% of your ad impressions after that. Assuming that you can gain at least a 3% increase in ad revenue, this sounds like it could be a worthwhile proposition.

CLICK HERE TO APPLY FOR YIELDBUILD BETA

TELL A FRIEND ABOUT YOUR BLOG WITH A SOCIAL TWIST

Those with sharp eyes may notice a new widget running at the bottom of each posts. The widget is designed to make word of mouth marketing work for you by allowing your readers to tell their friends about your blog.

Launched by Social Twist, the widget enables site visitors to share content with friends across IM, e-mail, social networks or blogs, without leaving your site. Give it a try and see how you like it.

The widget is completely free to install and use. You don’t need to sign up to Social Twist in order to use it. However, if you do create an account, the widget becomes customizable and offers usage stats as well. Installing the widget is extremely easy since Social Twist offers a WordPress plugin - just upload and activate. The video below explains the service more. I’ll give an update in a week with my usage stats.

CLICK HERE TO INSTALL YOURS

INTRODUCING WEB 2 BUZZBOT

This is completely new internet technology program, more or less like Friendster, Facebook, Youtube and Myspace.

Web2Upgrade is a very powerfull networking "tool". It will help you to find like minded people from all over the world...not just in our community, but on every website on the net with the Web2Upgrade Buzzbot. With the BuzzBot you can:

• interact with social networking features on any site you type in your browser
• build your own network of contacts who share your interests
• create blogs, photo albums, upload movies, music and more
• use built-in communication services
• create classified ads and get response
• create content channels and invite people who share your ineterests
• create your own event or attend other members' events

See the Screen shoot of the Buzzbot homepage below:


What make this program different from other new web 2.0 is that all other new Web 2 Social Networking communities reside ON a website, or you have to add code to a website to enable it. Our technology upgrades EVERY website on the Internet to Web 2.0 functionality at a click of a button - Founder BJ Bishop

ONLINE SAFETY TIPS

ONLINE SAFETY TIPS FOR TEEN

We all know that the Internet is a cool place to hang with friends and check out new things. But don't forget about the Internet's risks and dangers. If you're going to use the Web, do it safely! Here are some suggestions on what you should and shouldn't be doing online to help protect you against the bad stuff.

Be careful online.

Never reveal personally - identifiable information online.

A lot of creeps use the Internet to take advantage of other people, especially kids and teens. Never reveal any personally-identifiable information online, whether it's on your profile page or in a blog, chatroom, instant messenger chat or email.

• Always use a screen name instead of your real name.
• Never give out your address, telephone number, hangout spots or links to other websites or pages where this information is available.
• Be careful about sending pictures to people you do not know very well.
• Never tell people personal or private information about your friends or family.
• Never assume you're completely anonymous online. Even if you don't put personal information online, there are different ways that people can still figure out who you are and where you live.

Never share your password with other people (except for your parents).

Your passwords to websites, email accounts and instant messenger services should not be shared with friends or strangers. Your friends may not be as safe as you are and may unknowingly subject you to danger. You should, however, share your passwords with your parents if they ask so they can make sure you're using the Internet safely.

Never arrange meetings with strangers.

Just because you've seen a person's picture and read his or her profile, does not mean you know them. Many people online lie about who they are and what their intentions are. Just because someone seems nice online, does not mean they really are. They could be trying to hurt you. Never arrange a meeting with a stranger you've met online. Even meeting a stranger in a crowded place could be dangerous as he could follow you home. If you wish to meet an online friend in person, talk to your parents and arrange a time and place where your friend can meet your parents first, just in case. If you are worried about your parents meeting one of your online friends, you probably shouldn't be friends with them in the first place.

Don't believe everything you read or see online.

Be wary of everything you see online unless it is from a trusted source. People lie about their age, who they are, what they look like, where they live, how they know you and what their interests are. Also, a lot of websites and emails contain information that is misleading or just plain untrue. If a person or deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Ask your parents to help you figure out what information is really true.

Don't download files or software without your parents' permission.

There are a lot of files on the Internet that are unsafe to download to a computer. Some files will bombard you with pop-up ads all day long. Some files will actually track everything you and your family does on your computer, including your logins, passwords and credit card information, which criminals then use to steal money from you and do other harm. There is no easy way to tell which files are bad and which are ok to download. That free desktop wallpaper you want to download might also steal your parents' credit card information. Ask your parents before you download any files or software from the Internet.

Don't respond to inappropriate messages or emails.

Some people send inappropriate messages just to see if you will respond. If you do, you are simply encouraging them to send more inappropriate material to you. Don't respond to inappropriate messages. Instead, talk to your parents about how to report them to the right place.

Don't post inappropriate content.

If you post information about tennis, you will attract people who are interested in tennis. If you post inappropriate content or pictures, you will attract people who have inappropriate interests. If you post jokes, photos or other content that contain sexual references you will probably attract people who are only interested in talking about sex. Be mindful of what you are communicating to the rest of the online world through the content you put onto the Internet.

Be leery of personal questions from strangers.

People you don't know who ask personal questions are often up to no good. Don't continue communicating with strangers who ask you personal questions. Talk to your parents about how to block them from communicating with you and report them to the right place.

Don't be bullied into fights.

People tend to say things online that they would never say in person. Some people even say rude and malicious things, sometimes just to see if you will respond. Don't respond to these people. Instead, talk to your parents about how to block them from communicating with you and report them to the right place.

Don't use adult sites.

There are some websites that kids just should not use. Don't use websites that contain adult content or that facilitate communication with older adults. No matter how much you think you know about the Internet, there are some people and places you just aren't ready to deal with. Enjoy websites that are designed for people your own age.

Understand what you put online will be there forever.

Assume that everything you put online--- every email you write, every picture you post, every blog or journal entry you post--- will be accessible on the Internet forever. Many search engines copy Internet pages and save them for viewing even after the pages are no longer online. Think about that before you post anything online. Do you really want pictures or blog entries to be seen 10 years from now?

Understand online risks.

Talk to your parents about what you do online.

Even though you may know more about computers and the Internet than your parents, they understand online risks better than you. Be open with your parents about how you use the Internet. Answer any questions they have honestly and completely. Talk with your parents about the websites you visit. Tell them about the people you meet online. Tell them what you know about online safety and how you make sure you stay safe while using the Internet. Listen to your parents' concerns. They're only trying to make sure you're safe.

Teach your parents about computers and the Internet.

It is natural to fear the unknown. You've grown up using computers and the Internet. Your parents probably didn't. You probably know a whole lot more about computers and the Internet than your parents. Teach your parents what you know. This is your chance to show them something for a change. If your parents understand how to use computers and the Internet better, they will probably feel more comfortable with you being online.

Follow the Internet use rules your parents and school have established.

If your parents or school establish rules on your Internet use--- the websites you can visit, where you can use the Internet, how long you can be online, etc.--- follow them. They understand online risks better than you and know what you are and aren't ready for online. Don't try to circumvent or disable the safety tools they may have implemented on your home or school computers. Don't try to get around their restrictions by using computers at other locations. If you don't think a particular policy is reasonable, talk to them and explain why. If your parents and/or school trusts that you are adhering to the rules they have implemented, they will probably feel more comfortable in relaxing them.

Visit online safety websites.

Take a look at what the many websites that offer good online safety tips for teens have to say.

Here is a list of some of the popular online safety websites:

• BlogSafety.com
• ChildrensPartnership.org
• Common Sense Media
• Child Safety Network
• Cyber Angels
• Family Tech Talk
• FBI
• Get Net Wise
• InternetSafey.com
• iSafe America
• Kids Online Resources
• Microsoft Security At Home
• National Center for Missing and Exploited Children

• Net Family News
• Net Smartz Kids
• Safe Kids
• Safe Teens
• Stay Safe
• Stop Cyberbullying
• Teen Angels
• Web Wise Kids
• Wired Kids
• Wired Safety
• Wired Teens
• Wired with Wisdom
• Yahooligans! Parents' Guide

Report inappropriate activity.

Don't be afraid to tell your parents and teachers--- their biggest concern is your safety. If they overreact, explain to them that you understand online safety is important and that is why you are telling them about your experience. Remember, a crime online is still a crime and law enforcement personnel have sophisticated tools used to investigate online crimes.

In addition to your parents, click here to find additional authorities and groups you should also consider contacting.


PARENT GUIDE TO ONLINE SAFETY

We all know that the Internet can be a fun place and a useful resource for teens. But it is also full of risks and dangers. No one person can ensure teen online safety. However, parents play the biggest role in keeping teens safe online. Parents must be willing to elicit the support and advice of other parents, educators, online safety specialists, and teens themselves to be successful. It takes a village to raise a child. It takes the concerted efforts of all of us, working together, to make sure teens are safe online.

Every parent should have an online safety plan for their teens. Below are some suggestions on how you should go about developing one for you and your teens.

Consider Your Teen's Maturity Level.

Is your teen ready?

Children mature at different rates and have different levels of responsibility. Parents know best whether their children are ready to use the Internet without parental guidance. Parents should consider whether their teen is mature enough to understand the various risks that exist online and whether they are responsible enough to follow the suggested guidelines for online teens. If not, parents must take every effort to make sure their children do not use the Internet without parental guidance.

Prevent access to inappropriate websites.

There are some websites that teens just should not use. Teens should not be allowed to use websites that contain mature content. Similarly, teens should not be allowed to use websites that facilitate communication with older adults. Parents should take efforts to prevent their children from accessing inappropriate websites by using the various parental tools that are available

Teach Your Teen To Be Safe Online.

Visit online safety websites.

Take a look at what the many websites that offer good online safety tips for teens have to say.

Here is a list of some of the popular online safety websites:

• BlogSafety.com
• ChildrensPartnership.org
• Common Sense Media
• Child Safety Network
• Cyber Angels
• Family Tech Talk
• FBI
• Get Net Wise
• InternetSafey.com
• iSafe America
• Kids Online Resources
• Microsoft Security At Home
• National Center for Missing and Exploited Children

• Net Family News
• Net Smartz Kids
• Safe Kids
• Safe Teens
• Stay Safe
• Stop Cyberbullying
• Teen Angels
• Web Wise Kids
• Wired Kids
• Wired Safety
• Wired Teens
• Wired with Wisdom
• Yahooligans! Parents' Guide

Communicate with your teen about online safety.

Online safety begins at home. Parents should teach and continually reinforce to their children the importance of being safe online. Parents should educate their children about the various risks that exist online and teach them how to be safe online.

Make the Internet a family affair.

Use the Internet with your children. Ask them to show you the websites they use. Have them login to their accounts at various websites and instant messenger services. Ask them to teach you about things you don't understand. Point out safety concerns as they arise. Explain to them that you are not trying to invade their privacy, you are just trying to make sure they are being safe online.

Ask your teens what they are doing online.

Many parents express concern because they don't know how their teens are using the Internet but haven't taken the first step in finding out: asking. Parents should ask their children what they are doing online, directly and routinely. Here are some suggested questions to ask to start the conversation:

What are you doing online?

printable version

• Where do you access the Internet? At school? At home? At friends' homes? Elsewhere?
• How do you access the Internet? Whose computers do you use? Do you use web-enabled mobile phones?
• How much time do you spend online? How often do you use the Internet?
• With whom do you use the Internet? By yourself? With teachers? Friends? Adults?
• For what do you use the Internet? What websites do you visit regularly? What websites have you visited recently? What are your favorite websites?
• Do you communicate with people online? Who? Have you met new people online? Who? Have you been contacted by adults online? Who?
• Do you have personal web pages? Where?
• At what websites do you have accounts? What usernames do you use?
• What email addresses do you children use? Do you have any others?
• What instant messenger services do you use? What are your screen names? Do you have any others?
• Do you ever put personal information online? Pictures? Where? How do you protect this information?
• Have you come across inappropriate content online? When? What did you see? Where did you see it? How did you come across it? What did you do when you saw it?
• Has anyone communicated with you online in an inappropriate manner? When? What happened? Where did it happen? What did you do?
• Do you know how to be safe online? What would you do if they were contacted by a stranger online?

Remember: these questions should only be used as a means to start an ongoing dialogue with your teen about online safety. The goal is to make sure you fully understand how your teen is using the Internet so you can take appropriate measures. No matter what your child says, try not to overreact. Take some time and consider what your children have told you before taking serious action.

Monitor your teen's internet use.

Watch your teens when they're using the Internet.

• Put your home computer in an open space.
• Check frequently to see what websites your teens are using. (Look at the browser's history and cache of websites if necessary.) If you see your teen close a window as you approach, ask why.
• Review email messages your teen has sent and received.
• Review active instant messenger conversations.
• Look at photos and other files saved on your teen's computer.
• Consider parental tools that will allow you to monitor your teen's Internet usage when you're not present.

Explore the websites your teens use. Your teen should not be using websites that allow communication between users that do not have the following minimum safeguards:

• Control over who is admitted into your teen's network of friends.
• The ability to block certain users from sending messages to your teen.
• A means of reporting inappropriate content and users to a user safety department.
• The ability to remove content previously posted by your teen.
• The ability to completely delete your teen's account.

Keep your passwords secret.

As a parent, you should maintain secure administrator access to each computer in your home and with your Internet service provider. Also, remember that some of the websites you visit may not be appropriate for your children. Be sure to keep your login and passwords secret and change them frequently. This includes access to your email accounts.

Talk to the parents of your teen's friends about Internet use.

Your children may be using the Internet at their friends' homes. Talk with the parents of your teen's friends to understand how they approach online safety. Prohibit your teen from visiting any friend whose parents do not take appropriate measures.

Know school policies regarding Internet use.

Your teens are likely using the Internet at school. Talk openly with teachers and school administrators regarding how they handle online safety. Also, understand how your teen's Internet use at home may affect school policy. Many schools hold teens accountable for their actions online whether done at school or elsewhere.

Establish rules regarding Internet use.

Determine appropriate Internet use guidelines for your child. Communicate and enforce them. (Some parents find actual written Internet use agreements to be helpful.) Make sure the rules you establish are reasonable based on your teen's age and maturity. Assess your teen's compliance with your rules on a regular basis.

Get tech-savvy.

Your teen may know more about computers and the Internet than you do. Don't be intimidated. Read up on the latest technology developments, especially those that teens have embraced. Talk with other parents to learn what they know about the Internet. Ask your kids to teach you what they know about computers and the Internet. Do not underestimate your teen's knowledge of computers.

Know and use available tools.

There is a wide variety of software and tools available to help you keep your teens safe online. Generally, these tools fall under three main categories: (1) tools that block and/or filter inappropriate websites and content; (2) tools that monitor your teen's online activity; and (3) tools that block your teen from posting personal information online.

Check with your Internet service provider (ISP) to determine what Internet safety features it offers. Many ISPs also offer software and tools for parents seeking additional protection for their children.

Click here for a list of popular software and tools for parents seeking to protect their teens online.

Report inappropriate activity.

If you believe your teen has experienced criminal action, do not hesitate to contact your local authorities. A crime online is still a crime and law enforcement personnel have sophisticated tools used to investigate online crimes.

Click here to find additional authorities and groups you should also consider contacting.

SOURCE: TAGGED.COM

FREE DOWNLOAD BLOG HEADERS

For freebies like me I always look for something free, not all the free stuff are low quality, some are much better than the paid stuff.

I'm not only new to blogging and I know nothing about IT like graphic design and photo editing but I'm willing to learn. I prefer to use straight forward software and I don't like something complicated.

Here I like to introduce some free Blog Header for download, some I am using for my blog. If anyone have some free stuff, I would appreciate it if you can share with me.

Here they are:

Just choose any design you want for your blog.

So here’s a couple header image sites I’d like to recommend to help you dress up and personalize your blog.

1. 45 Free Beautiful Blog Headers - This is a great list compiled by Smashing Magazine. Some of the headers include the .psd source files so you can really customize the header if you’ve got Photoshop experience.
2. Free Webpage Headers - A very nice collection of hundreds of 800 x 200 website headers which can easily be used for Blogger. Images are organized by category which makes it much easier to find what you’re looking for.
3. Dreamstime - This is actually a pay for image site but they have a free images section you can benefit from. Click on the “Free Images” tab once you get to their home page.
4. stock.xchng - By looking at the name of their site you wouldn’t think it was any good but looks can be deceiving. They’ve got thousands of free images that would work for your blog header or for inserting them into a blog post.
5. Stock Vault - This free image site is dubbed the stock photo sharing website where designers and photographers can meet to share their images. Decent selection and more targeted towards designers but you might be able to find some goodies for your blog.
6. FreeFoto - This last one is a bonus since the list was only supposed to be 5. It’s a pretty good site where you can find all sorts of images for your blog header, etc

Happy blogging to everybody! I’d love to hear if you’ve got some other sites our readers might be interested in as well. Also, if you’ve pimped out your blog with a new header image post your link below to share with everyone!

HOW TO USE PHONE SUCCESSFULLY

Keys To Using The Phone Successfully

Today I'm receiving a newsletter from online friend

Steve Mitchell

regarding the right way how to use phone. Phone is one of the most important communication for us to market our product, we often use phone to communicate on whatever matter because phone is the most convenient way for us to convey our urgent messages, there will be the time for us to use phone for marketing.

However, since phone is the most important tool for our business we have to use it right to be cost effective and productive. We have to make our call short and brief.

Key No. 1 - Learn to get use using phone, so that you will feel comfortable with whatever result you received.

Sometimes when we want to call people, the feeling of no confident always haunting our mind, scared of being rejected and humiliated, but we have to overcome all that enemy, our scared enemy. Just call, the sooner you start talking with people, the sooner you will realise that the phone is not the monster you thought it would be. Just start making calls.

With each call you make, you will find your nerves ebb away, and you will get stronger and more confident on the phone. Try it and you’ll see what I mean. The more you use the phone, the more confident you will get.

OK, not the most profound solution but certainly one of the quickest to get you positive results, both by overcoming your nerves and for getting results that increase your business.

Key No. 2 - Always open your calls with a Time Qualifier

What does it mean. There is nothing worse than when you are in the middle of something, your phone rings, you answer, and someone starts hosing you down with what they’re trying to market to you. Your attention is weak, your patience thin, and often your sense of humour for being interrupted has long left the room!

You certainly don’t want the same result when you call someone.

So, the easiest way to avoid this is to qualify the time you’re calling by using a simple opening phrase along the lines of:

‘Hi John, Simon here. Have you got 10 minutes now?’

or

‘Hi John, Simon here. Is this a good time to run something past you for 10 minutes?’

By doing this, you extend respect that they might be in the middle of something and in doing, allow them to tell you its not really a good time. You also have prepped them with the fact that you only need 10 minutes of their time. And, if they say ‘it’s a bit difficult right now’, you haven’t wasted your time talking to someone whose attention is elsewhere.

Key No. 3 - Build in a Disclaimer

How do you feel when someone says ‘I’ve got something that is JUST RIGHT for you’? I bet you immediately think to yourself how do they know its right for me; I’ll be the judge of that; it probably isn’t right for me, and so on.

Well that’s how the people you speak to on the phone will react when you try to market to them in a presumed way.

So disarm them straight away with a simple change of phrase:

‘John, I’m not sure if what I want to share with you is for you or not, only you can decide but I did think that if it wasn’t for you, then you then may know someone who would be interested?’.

By suggesting it may or may not be for them offers them what is known as a ‘disclaimer’. In doing this several positive things has happened:

A) Firstly, by saying I’m not sure it’s for you has put the person you are talking to at ease because they then don’t think they’re on the spot to ‘buy’ whatever you are marketing or selling.

B) Secondly, it gets the person you’re talking to thinking quietly to themselves ‘why isn’t it for? It might be; I’ll be the judge to decide if its for me’. In other words it turns their mental posture from ‘I don’t want it’ to ‘I might want it’.

C) By saying ‘you might know someone who would be interested’ you are in effect using the ‘3rd party approach’ (we’ll talk more about this in future articles). If the person you’re talking to then really isn’t interested, he can see a way out for himself by simply saying ‘it’s not for me but Bob might be interested’.

D) You potentially could pick up two customers - the person you called and a referral.

What I am learning from the Newsletter might greatly help me to enhance my knowledge to increase my sales, to market my product offline and to gain more prospects.

THE 7 SECRETS OF INTERNET MARKETING

I'm sharing these important tips to those who are serious in wanting to involve in Internet business. Before starting your Internet business or if you have already started your Internet business especially to those involved in affiliate marketing, the following tips are the most important key to drive your business to success.

Many marketers have been shifting their marketing budgets to the web over the past few years. Marketing online allows you to target specific audiences and easily track return on investment, commonly referred to as ROI. Unlike traditional marketing methods, results of Internet marketing campaigns are almost immediate. This allows you to better evaluate what elements of your campaign are producing results and which are not. When buying online media, you must be willing to shift your marketing dollars to the online methods that produce a positive return.

To be successful at Internet marketing, you must understand the essential secrets of Internet marketing. These secrets can allow you to achieve success by finding the right audience, communicating your message properly, and leading consumers down the path to purchase. These secrets include:

1. Website Directory Listings. Before you begin any marketing campaign, make sure that the website you're promoting has been listed in the common directories such as DMOZ, Yahoo!, and Google. Even if you're using a marketing page off of the root directory of your website, be sure that the primary site is listed. This ensures that prospects can continue to find your marketing pages long after you've launched your campaign.

2. Generating Traffic. In order to realize a return on your investment, you need to generate traffic to your marketing pages. There are a number of ways to do so online. Some of the most popular include Google AdSense, Overture, and Looksmart. Other methods include affiliate programs and targeted website advertising. Research other websites that have the audience you're looking for and negotiate favorable ad rates for your online marketing campaign.

3. Marketing Pages. Don't lead prospective purchasers to a generic website. If you do, potential buyers won't know what to do next. The easier you make if for prospects to take advantage of your offer, the better. Whenever creating a marketing campaign online, provide a specific page for leading purchasers to your product or service or a billboard that showcases the offer. Take the guess work out of making a purchase and more consumers will buy.

4. Testimonials. Customer testimonials are the most powerful way to sell your product or service. When consumers hear from those who have purchased and used your product or service, they gain a certain level of trust and comfort in what you have to offer. Solicit testimonials after each purchase and use those that are the most convincing to prospective purchasers.

5. Create a Compelling Offer. Be sure to offer something that no one else is currently offering. If your offer is similar to your competitors or is not very interesting, consumers have no reason to learn more. Of course providing something for FREE is often a great way to entice potential customers. Maybe it's a 3-day free trial or a free evaluation of some kind. Be creative, try something new, and measure the response.

6. Developing Trust. Before anyone will buy from you, your website or company needs to be seen as reputable. This means that consumers can purchase from you and not worry about the safety of their credit card information, personal information, or anything else being exchanged. A good method for developing trust is to purchase and display safety and reliability icons such as BBB Online, Trust-e, and VeriSign.

7. Provide a Guarantee. Nothing makes a consumer more comfortable with a purchase than offering a guarantee. Perhaps you can offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee or a money back guarantee. A guarantee is a great way ease the risk of making a purchase. If your competitors are offering a guarantee, you want yours to be equal or better.

Internet marketing is an incredibly powerful medium for segmenting your prospects and delivering targeted advertising. Online, you can easily measure you return on investment and refine your marketing campaign over time to improve results.

If you are a local business you can benefit from Internet marketing as well. Look for local directories to list your business or service. Or, you can supplement your local advertising with product marketing pages on your website. Internet marketing is more than just placing ads online, it's using the web to communicate the value of your products and services.