Sunday, August 16, 2009

Inexpensive Website Design Ideas

CUTTING EDGE BUSINESS WITH CUTTING EDGE PRODUCTS

They say you need a website these days to be taken seriously on the internet. There is no doubt a professional looking website establishes your credibility online for your home based business ideas website. But how can you get that done if you don't know anything about web design? There are plenty of alternatives and choices that will help you with a good looking website design.

It can cost you hundreds of dollars to have a custom built website designed by a professional designer these days. Depending on your needs, that may be the only choice you have. However, if you don't need all the bells and whistles, you have choices you can make that will give you a website design you can be proud of for your home based business ideas website. Here is a guide to making that choice:

First, look for local designers in your area by opening you phone book, doing a google search or reading your newspapaper. I found someone in my area that specialized in website design to design my blog. Make sure you shop around. Don't pay $500 for a website design from a large company. Try to find a local person that runs their business out of their home office. The won't have the overhead expenses that larger design companies would have, and would be more flexible to work with.

Choose freelancers for your home based business ideas website carefully by going to elance.com. You'll be able to post an outline of your project, and thousands of freelancers will have the opportunity to bid on it. That way, you should be able to get a great deal. You will also have the ability to chose that designer based on ratings, past projects, and experience which will give you your best bang for your buck when it's all said and done.

Be sure to check out GoDaddy.com. They offer a website design service you can do yourself called Website Tonight. You can chose from a simple template of 5 pages, all the way up to a template of 999 pages, hosted with GoDaddy.com. You would also be able to chose your domain name with them too. It's a 'one stop shopping' site for everything you would need.

You can also design your own home based business ideas website. It doesn't take much to learn the basics of website design. If all you need is 5 simple pages, go to the library or search online for the basics of designing a website. Look for programs like Microsoft Frontpage, or Macromedia Dreamweaver to help you out. Soon, you might have a side business to help others with a good website design.

William Drapcho
http://ProfitpalsForLife.com

Tuesday, August 4, 2009

How To Live Simply

CUTTING EDGE BUSINESS WITH CUTTING EDGE PRODUCTS

Confucius once said, "Life is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated."

If we make life complicated and fill it up with a bunch "stuff," how can we ever focus on what matters most?

Many of us are running around trying to squeeze everything we can out of life when, in fact, we'd be a whole lot happier and healthier if we savored the beauty of simplicity!

Here are some tips you can use today to simplify your life:

1. Clutter. When you eliminate the clutter around you, you'll gain a deeper appreciation for the things are dearest to you.

* Ask yourself: When was the last time I read the stack of books piled up on the floor? When did I last notice the details on one of those little trinkets I got while on vacation? When did I last wear the scarf lying on the closet floor? Give this stuff to someone who needs it!

* De-cluttering will give you an opportunity to enjoy the things that truly matter to you. Plus you'll feel a sense of relief with an organized working and living space.

2. Food. Food is another aspect of your life that can be simplified in many ways. Instead of worrying about the next bite, enjoy the taste of the food that's already in your mouth. Savor it. Let it all sink in and try to taste each flavor.

* Also, consider the ingredients in your food. Take the time to use quality ingredients instead of processed or chemically enhanced foods. The end result will taste better, and your body and mind will thank you for the nourishment!

3. Gadgets. Think of all the gizmos and gadgets in your life. Do you use them all? Do you even use half of them?

* The more stuff we have to "connect" us, the more we become disconnected! Take the headphones out of your ears, turn off the car radio, and put down your cell phone. Instead of trying to be always connected, communicate with those around you. Nothing is more satisfying than a rewarding conversation or a family fun night!

4. Thinking. A cluttered mind steers you away from what's most important. The reality is that simple ideas are almost always better. By simplifying your thinking, you open your mind to new possibilities.

* A simplified mind doesn't mean you aren't thinking, it just means that you're choosing to focus on one thing with greater clarity.

* When your attention is split in several directions, it's awfully hard to make rational decisions. And if you're dwelling in the past or worrying about the future, how can you live in the moment? Release distractions from your mind and you'll not only feel better, but you'll regain a sense of peace within you.

5. Schedule. If you're trying to jam a week into a single day, you'll feel a tension that will tug you away from where you're meant to be. Instead of wondering what's next, savor the here and now.

* Eliminate some of the clutter in your hectic schedule and do what's best for you and your family, not everyone else.

Living life simply is extremely rewarding. When you do so, you eliminate many of the useless cares and are able to focus on what's really important to you. Give it a try!

William Drapcho
http://ProfitpalsForLife.com

Sunday, July 26, 2009

What To Look For In A Mentor

CUTTING EDGE BUSINESS WITH CUTTING EDGE PRODUCTS

Before deciding to seek out a mentor, you must first determine what you hope to gain from the relationship. That means you need to spend time thinking about both your short and long term goals. Once you're fully clear on where you want to be, the selection process becomes that much easier.

When people think about mentors, they often visualize a classic business setting, where everything is formal and methodical, but mentoring relationships aren't limited to business. The truth is, you may desire a mentor for any number of reasons.

Consider these types of mentors:

Life Guidance. These life mentors are often referred to as "life coaches."

Spiritual Advisors. You can look to a priest, pastor, or friend to mentor you spiritually.

Everyday Mentors. Sometimes we even have unofficial mentors who are simply people we admire in our community or peer group with great ideas on home based business.

Choosing a Mentor

When looking for a mentor, seek someone who possesses the qualities, skills, and experiences you hope to one day have yourself. A mentor should be someone who fits your idea of success, has a positive attitude, and openly shares his or her knowledge with you.

You might want a mentor who's at the pinnacle of success within your field so you can learn from the best. Alternately, you might want to select someone as a mentor who's only slightly higher ranking than you, this way you can learn what you need to help take you to the next level.

Choosing the high ranking executive helps you with long term goals, while selecting the mentor who's closer to your own experience level makes it easier to focus on a specific area of expertise so you can achieve your shorter term goals.

An ideal situation may involve both types of mentors. This way you get a well-rounded experience that allows you to benefit both in the short and long term. Either way, you should find someone who isn't afraid to challenge you to reach your true potential.

Establishing a Beneficial Relationship

When you've selected your mentor candidate, draw up a plan to present to them detailing what you hope to give and receive from the relationship. This will help the potential mentor decide if they can provide you with the experience and knowledge you desire for your home based business ideas.

It's only fair to both of you to be as upfront as possible about your expectations. If you aren't clear on what you hope to gain, the relationship has little chance for success.

Successful Mentorship Begins with You

Once the relationship has been established, actively communicate your needs to the mentor in order to take the sessions in the direction you'd like to go.

You should be in the driver's seat, even though you're the junior party in the relationship. Without providing your mentor with guidance, the mentorship may not be fruitful for you. After all, if you don't let your mentor know what you need, he can't possibly give you what you hope to gain.

It's important throughout the relationship for the mentor to be supportive of your home based business ideas. A good mentor will be patient with you. They'll create an open and welcome environment that allows for earnest questions and concerns while making you feeling safe.

A successful mentorship will enable you to feel more confident, skilled, and knowledgeable. The reward for the mentor will be seeing the results of the positive impact they were able to make on someone else's life.

Follow these tips to find great mentors in any area you'd like to strengthen and enjoy a relationship that brings fruits to your labor and greater life fulfillment to both of you.

William Drapcho
http://ProfitpalsForLife.com

Wednesday, July 15, 2009

Dealing With Job Loss

CUTTING EDGE BUSINESS WITH CUTTING EDGE PRODUCTS

With the economy taking a nosedive, many people are landing in the unemployment line. If you've suffered the loss of your job, it's heartening to discover that there are specific actions you can take to cope with this challenge and get back on your feet. You might even consider a home based business idea. Opportunities are endless if you are looking online. If you think your job search will take a while, explore the benefits and advantages to having a home business.

Keep in mind that, while it's certainly distressing to lose your job, it has the potential to bring you an exciting new beginning. The right attitude can help you immensely in seeing this hardship through!

Here are some things you can do in the meantime to minimize the damage and come out on top:

1. Openly discuss your job loss with your spouse. Since this affects both of you, be sure to make plans together and agree on implementing changes in your spending habits to lessen the impact.

* Evaluate where you stand financially. Determine how much savings you can rely on and what bills are coming due around the corner.
* Draw up a short-term financial plan to follow while you figure things out.

2. Check with your employer. Even though your job has ended, the final details are important to your financial future.

* Be sure you understand your insurance options, such as COBRA, so that you and your family can remain covered without any lapses during your search for a new job.

* Ask if you can receive a severance package. If one is available, find out every detail, such as beginning and ending dates for each of the benefits. Account for every dollar closely.

3. Apply for unemployment benefits from your state. Most states offer online applications to help expedite the process and get you enrolled quickly. Unemployment benefits can bring in some much-needed income while you're job hunting.

4. Pull out your resume, dust it off and add your most recent information. Consider posting your resume online on job sites and Craigslist and print plenty of copies to drop off or mail.

* Start your job search by looking online at job boards, forums, and classified ads, as well as applying directly to companies via their websites. The internet allows you to search the entire world right from the comfort of your own home, and can open doors of opportunity that were previously unavailable to you!

5. Develop an unflagging optimism about this opportunity you've been given. Offer positive, affirming thoughts to yourself and your family to keep everyone's spirit high.

* Positive thinking can make a huge difference on how quickly you find the right job. Enthusiasm will impress prospective employers much more than if you sink into a negative outlook and carry it with you unintentionally during interviews.

6. Talk about your unemployment with your kids, too. Your children should know that times are a little tougher and that you need to cut back on spending. Reassure them that things will be okay and use age-appropriate information so as not to stress or scare them.

7. Consider all options. Many times in life, what initially appears to be negative ends up being a blessing in disguise, and losing your job is no exception.

* Perhaps you weren't completely happy with your job, but were hesitant to leave it. Now that the decision has been made for you, you finally have the opportunity to try out a new profession, company or that home based business idea you have been thinking about.

* The possibilities are endless. You can even use a layoff as an opportunity to explore a new area of the country, travel the world for a new job, or work online with one of the many home based business ideas.

You can find success in the face of adversity. As long as you think positively and work hard, don't be surprised if you come out of this entire experience better off than you were before!

William Drapcho
http://ProfitpalsForLife.com

Tuesday, July 7, 2009

Starting Your Own eZine Isn't Too Difficult

CUTTING EDGE BUSINESS WITH CUTTING EDGE PRODUCTS

Starting your own eZine can be a lot easier than you think for a home based business idea. This is because in the most basic necessity, all you really need to get started publishing your own paperless newsletter are a wealth of content, auto responder with broadcast feature, and a website (which is optional). You can control the content for your eZine to attract the type of reader you want to build your list. As they say, the money is in the list.
Content

You can compile weeks of content ahead in advance and slowly dispense them to your subscribers. For example, you can compile 100 short tips in one day and dispense 10 tips once a week. In other words, you can compile 10 weeks worth of content in just one day!Article network sites have many articles that you can use for your eZine newsletter.You can have tons of content at your disposal if you belong to an article publishing site.

Auto responder

Your auto responder is your asset. To store your data base of subscribers, and send out your eZine, you will need an autoresponder. Some recommended auto responders include GetResponse.com and aWeber.com.Do a search for other autoresonders and you might find some that are free.Make sure any other autoresponder can handle to traffic and do the things you'll need it to do as you grow.

Website

You may be surprised that this is actually an optional component for this home based business idea. Many publishers of eZines publish without a website! You can however have a website, which could deliver you more subscribers and index your site higher in top Search Engines.If you want to increase your sign-ups, make sure you have an attractive squeeze page or capture page. You can use this to advertise your eZine and capture the information such as name, email address and even phone number.

These are the things you need to get started on publishing your own eZine at its bare minimum. Some eZine publishers only survive with content and an autoresponder, and never use a website. And you can, too! This is your home based business idea, so you control everything. But at least keep these several components as the base that holds it all together.

William Drapcho
http://ProfitpalsForLife.com

Sunday, June 28, 2009

Cash and Pay-per-click Affiliate Programs

CUTTING EDGE BUSINESS WITH CUTTING EDGE PRODUCTS

Millions are paying to get a ride on the Information Super Highway everyday. Now, it is widely known that the Internet is an accessible resource of many income-generating activities. Whether you belong to a private sales company or you are just interested in internet marketing, PPC affiliate programs can be a powerful venue to make money from the Internet. A partnership with an affiliate merchant is a win-win situation for the merchant and the affiliate: sales are soaring because of exposure and traffic while the affiliate is earning good cash.

To make things much simpler: the affiliate merchant provides a strip of advertisement and pays you when someone clicks on the ad’s link. You can get a commission of $0.10 to $0.30 for every click, but it sometimes it can go higher depending on your merchant affiliate. Sometimes, merchants require a quota ($1.4 for every 1000 clicks). Plus, you can get discounts from your merchant affiliates if you happen to like their products too. You can just kick back and relax while your website is generating cash. Sounds easy, doesn’t it?

What is PCC Affiliate Program?

PPC means pay-per-click, wherein you get in partnership with an affiliate company that literally pays you for every click. There are actually two types of PCC affiliate programs – those who pay a commission based on the number of clicks and the other based on the sales. The pay-per-click scheme is much more popular than pay-per-lead because the affiliate gets paid by just clicking the ad, regardless of whether the visitor buys from the affiliate merchant or not. Plus the chances of a visitor purchasing something from the affiliate merchant are not really that high.

In choosing an affiliate program, read the fine print carefully – some pay-per-click programs get the ratio of the number of people who went to your site and the actual people who clicked on the ad. If you have a heavily targeted website, this can hurt your earnings.

How do I start?

Of course, you need to have a website. Depending on your target audience, choose the best affiliate merchant that is most related to your topic. For example, your website is about Carpentry then you can search for affiliate programs that sell tools used in carpentry.

However, if you don’t have a website, that’s not a problem. You can put up a content site about absolutely anything under the sun like ‘Taking Care of Dogs’ or ‘Decorating your own Home.’ But wait, its not over yet. We are faced by a dilemma – on how to increase traffic! You first need to get internet surfers to see your website, then the ad.

How do I increase my traffic?

First, design your website in such a way that it will attract internet users. A user-friendly site is always recommended so that the customers will know which one to click. Take into consideration the look and feel of the advertisement. If it doesn’t look professional, most likely, users will just ignore it. Place the ad on a strategic location – one where users can see it clearly. Visibility of the ad is always important.

Another way is to post a link to your website in forums, web communities, ezine articles or bulletin boards. However, this method requires a lot of effort – that defeats your purpose of getting easy money in the first place! The key is to do something once and forget about it. It’s like putting your business on autopilot. To maintain you pay-per-click business, be sure to track down site activity, so you are updated on how much money you are making.

Can I make more money?

If you think you can go to the next level, you can try a two-tier affiliate program. This gives you the power to recruit affiliates. Other than the money you get from your website’s clicks, you will also get a percentage of what your affiliate generates. Some companies give 30% to a soaring 50% commission on all referral sales.

Remember, you should be able to manage and monitor your affiliate program. If you can recruit more affiliates, then you can get paid more without even moving a finger! Choose affiliates that can most likely attract more internet users and bring more traffic. You just have to know the right people.

William Drapcho
http://ProfitpalsForLife.com

Tuesday, June 23, 2009

PPC Advertising Benefits and Drawbacks

CUTTING EDGE BUSINESS WITH CUTTING EDGE PRODUCTS

Engaging in pay-per-click (PPC) advertising has its own benefits and drawbacks. But what exactly is PPC advertising and what it can do to your business?

Business nowadays is doing different kinds of austerity measures when it comes to advertising their products and services. This is because of high rates of placing ads on print and on television. But there is a fast growing approach that businessmen can utilize to bring their services closer to the people and that is through Internet Marketing.

One tool that is causing internet marketing popularity is PPC advertising. This is a technique used in search engine marketing that requires one to pay a fee every time someone clicks an ad on your website. Usually this placement is done through a bidding process. If you are a top bidder for your keywords/phrases, you are sure to be on the number one spot on all search engines. Just be sure of the effectiveness of your ad copy to get the most number of clicks you need for your business.

Here are the benefits of PPC advertising are:

1. You need not be a genius in computer and technology to be able to run this ad campaign.
2. Immediate results are seen after a few days.
3. No need to make a website conform to the SEO rules.
4. Nothing to lose even if you do not top the pages of different search engines. You can still always choose PPC advertising.
5. You can make use any search engine available.
6. You can type in any keyword you like.

Cons of PPC advertising includes:

1. Fixed payments every month to the search engine you choose.
2. Pay for each click received by your website. At times, visitors are just competitors or people playing pranks on search engines. This hassle wastes money you put in to this advertising.
3. Inability to pay for the fees next month would mean removal of your website on the paid listings.
4. This advertising can only be used temporarily because it is difficult to handle in the long run.
5. Pay-per-click pricing can be costly for long periods of time, therefore, this should be stopped after an ad campaign.

But how exactly PPC advertising can increase traffic, leads and sales?

PRE-QUALIFIED TRAFFIC. All visitors of your website are already considered as a qualified consumer or buyer of your product. PPC advertising leads your customers to you for a lesser cost.

INSTANT EXPOSURE, IMMEDIATE PROFITS. PPC search engines enable you to get your desired results fast. They will have your website live within just a few hours which means immediate increase in sale.

CONSISTENT TOP LISTINGS. This is to get your website on top of the sponsored search results for free. You just have to choose the keywords related to your site and business and place them within your web pages. After this, you are done.

PPC advertising enables advertisers to control their advertising campaigns. Advertisers have effectively targeted their audience and set their own price per click. PPC advertising networks provide the platform to identify the desired audience by geographic setting, topic and industry. These networks have a list of websites of the publishers where the ads will be placed.

Tools are provided by the networks to check how the pay per click limit is working for a certain advertiser. If its still competitive, would it be even listed among the paid search lists or does it generate sales? Of course, if the advertiser made the highest bid, the better chances the ad will be seen in the search engine. These networks too provide protection for the advertisers against click fraud. This advertising set-up allows advertisers to set a daily budget for his ads, thus, less spending for unnecessary clicks. Advertiser will never go over his budget.

In PPC advertising, what are important are the keywords and phrases. You have to select at least ten "very specific" keywords that would give you the best traffic in the search. Then, write the ad creatively but straightforward. Tell the truth about your product or service and do not lie. Good thing if your product or service will not disappoint those that are relying on your ad's promise - but what if it did otherwise? Important too is the clarity of the ad. Do not use very vague languages. Include important details like the price.

You should also remember to budget your bids. Do not go overbidding because you will only lose your money and do not go so low that your ads will never get the chance to show up. Check your profit against your spending. If you see no progress then most likely you have to drop your ad campaign.

More and more advertisers have been using PPC advertising and it will continue to grow faster than any online advertising techniques. From revenues of $2.6 billion in 2004 to $5.5 billion in 2009, cost per click will dramatically go up as well from $0.29 to $0.36.

PPC advertising is new in online marketing and it is going to continue in the years to come. For advertisers, this means increase revenues with fewer advertising expenses, savings, more sales, good return of investment (ROI) and effective ad campaigns in the days to come.

William Drapcho
http://ProfitpalsForLife.com