What are consumer expectations when something is free?
Realistically, consumers subconsiously assume free means free, and while that might be the initial intent rarely is it the case.
What Exactly Does Free Mean?
Realistically, consumers subconsciously assume free means free, and while that might be the initial intent, rarely is it truly the case.
Why do Companies Offer Things for Free?
Companies or individuals may promote a free offer or service for any number of reasons. From branding to ad revenue, companies often use "free" to attract attention or interest. As a consumer, it is important to realize what "free" might really mean.
Reasons Things Are Free:
Linking
Companies may offer something in exchange for a link back to their website. As the web becomes increasingly more competitive, linking can effect more than just search engine placement, and providing a product, service or information free of charge in exchange for a link can be a good business decision. Often, publishers will create articles like this one and make it available for syndication, with the stipulation being that the author resource box that follows the article remain intact, providing links back to the author's website. Bottom line, authors often make content available for syndication in exchange for links back to their websites, which they benefit from.
Ad Revenue
Some companies provide a product or service free of charge and generate money from advertising. Perhaps they sell banner advertising on their website. A free product draws web traffic so that the number of visitors seeing the advertisement increases. The more visitors a site attracts, typically the more revenue generated from the ad space. Perhaps a software application is free of charge, but has embedded advertisements. When ads are clicked, the software developer earns a percentage of the revenue paid for serving the advertisement.
Goodwill Branding / Public Relations
On occasion, companies will provide a product, service or information free of charge. If the offering is extremely magnanimous or socially sensitive, they will often receive significant press exposure, generating free publicity for their brand. Pepsi Cola sponsors a number of athletic events and generates enormous amounts of brand loyalty and positive PR with their target audience.
Contact Information
Sometimes companies or individuals will provide something free in exchange for contact information. Ebooks are often provided free of charge if you provide an email address. The contact information may be sold at a later time or be used to market related products. It is important to check website privacy policies to determine how personal information can be used.
Exposure
Companies will often provide a light version to gain attention for fee-based products or services. This often allows potential customers to see a product's or services potential. The hope is that providing something free will generate both brand loyalty and interest in fee-based options or services.
The Problem with Free
If a business or individual is truly providing something for free, there is a cost involved. Whether time, resources or services are consumed to provide the free item or service there is an expense involved. If the cost is at any point greater than the benefit or perceived benefit of offering the free item or service, the business or individual will likely review options to better balance the cost-to-benefit ratio.
They may:
Discontinue support
Companies or individuals that provide a free product may continue to provide the item free of charge but discontinue the support. If the item is something like software, the expense has already occurred. By providing the item without technical support or customer service they can reduce their staffing costs. The only ongoing expense to provide the item free of charge would be ongoing hosting costs, which are usually relatively small. If the item is critical to a business or individual's operations, the value of the item will be lost if technical support or customer support is no longer available.
Abandon
Businesses may simply discontinue offering the free item or service without notice.
Compensation
Individuals or companies may begin requesting donations, compensation, volunteers or a benefit listed above in order to continue to provide the item or service free of charge.
Cut Corners
Often free items are of reduced or inferior quality. Cost-conscious businesses or individuals often try to minimize the expense associated with free items and will use less expensive materials for free items.
There is value to "free" just be sure that you know what it is. Next time something is offered for free, evaluate the quid pro quo and determine what you are giving in return, because very little is ever really free.
Permissions:
Permissions and notification of use not required
Sunday, November 18, 2007
What is Wiki?
Wiki is web server software that allows users to contribute content. Collaboration is the key to Wiki, which is designed as a powerful system for online communities to build web pages and web sites. Unlike blogs and forums, all users are allowed to contribute and edit existing content. Wiki is derived from the Hawaiian term "wiki wiki" meaning "quick". The concept behind a Wiki is that collaboration on projects will move it along quicker.
Wikis generally allow web pages to be written, edited and created collectively in a web browser. Wiki supports hyperlinks and simple text. Most Wikis are open, and allow any user the ability to edit the contents of a Wiki web page. While some say this opens the concept to abuse, Wiki moderators and self-policing in the Wiki sector appear to be taking hold. Wiki supporters generally feel that it is generally easier to correct mistakes than create the content from scratch. Wikipedia is a standing symbol of what many would consider a succesful Wiki.
Wikipedia - Wikipedia is a popular content encyclopedia that anyone can edit. http://www.wikipedia.com
Other topic-specific Wikis like Robin Good's RSS Wiki are proving that collaborative efforts in niche markets can work.
RSS Wiki - http://www.masternewmedia.org/reports/newsmasterstoolkit/wiki/index.php/Main_Page
It is true that Wikis are open to abuse, but by design, it is very easy for a Wiki moderator or other editor to revert the Wiki to how it appeared prior to edits, essentially rolling back the Wiki and removing any content deemed inappropriate or unrelated. Many Wikis track the IP address of visitors and editors, making it easy to track changes and roll back any edits from individuals that appear to be abusing their privileges. In rare cases Wiki operators can protect pages, making them read-only, which restricts any edits from occurring. While such actions are against the true Wiki philosophy, restrictions can be used to preserve the structure of fully-developed Wikis and protect pages from abuse.
What can Wikis be used for?
Wikis have spawned some interesting uses, including the development of knowledge bases on both intranets and the Internet. Product documentation, tutorials and online FAQs are increasingly created using Wiki collaboration. Other collaborative Wiki projects that have been spawned include a Wiki dictionary and directory of famous quotes.
Wikitionary - Wikitionary, a collaborative project to produce a free multilingual dictionary in every language, with definitions, etymologies, pronunciations and quotations. - http://en.wiktionary.org
Wiki Quote - Wikiquote, a free online compendium of quotations in every language, including sources (where known), and translations of non-English quotes. - http://en.wikiquote.org
Ultimately, Wikis are ideally suited for internal corporate projects or committee groups, when all individuals participating have the same goals in mind. Potential exists for significant abuse when Wikis remain open in competitive areas.
Overall, Wikis are influential, shaping collaborative online content development, and are likely to become increasingly popular. Sadly, as a Wiki's popularity grows, it is likely Wiki abuse will grow.
Permissions:
Permissions and notification of use not required
Wikis generally allow web pages to be written, edited and created collectively in a web browser. Wiki supports hyperlinks and simple text. Most Wikis are open, and allow any user the ability to edit the contents of a Wiki web page. While some say this opens the concept to abuse, Wiki moderators and self-policing in the Wiki sector appear to be taking hold. Wiki supporters generally feel that it is generally easier to correct mistakes than create the content from scratch. Wikipedia is a standing symbol of what many would consider a succesful Wiki.
Wikipedia - Wikipedia is a popular content encyclopedia that anyone can edit. http://www.wikipedia.com
Other topic-specific Wikis like Robin Good's RSS Wiki are proving that collaborative efforts in niche markets can work.
RSS Wiki - http://www.masternewmedia.org/reports/newsmasterstoolkit/wiki/index.php/Main_Page
It is true that Wikis are open to abuse, but by design, it is very easy for a Wiki moderator or other editor to revert the Wiki to how it appeared prior to edits, essentially rolling back the Wiki and removing any content deemed inappropriate or unrelated. Many Wikis track the IP address of visitors and editors, making it easy to track changes and roll back any edits from individuals that appear to be abusing their privileges. In rare cases Wiki operators can protect pages, making them read-only, which restricts any edits from occurring. While such actions are against the true Wiki philosophy, restrictions can be used to preserve the structure of fully-developed Wikis and protect pages from abuse.
What can Wikis be used for?
Wikis have spawned some interesting uses, including the development of knowledge bases on both intranets and the Internet. Product documentation, tutorials and online FAQs are increasingly created using Wiki collaboration. Other collaborative Wiki projects that have been spawned include a Wiki dictionary and directory of famous quotes.
Wikitionary - Wikitionary, a collaborative project to produce a free multilingual dictionary in every language, with definitions, etymologies, pronunciations and quotations. - http://en.wiktionary.org
Wiki Quote - Wikiquote, a free online compendium of quotations in every language, including sources (where known), and translations of non-English quotes. - http://en.wikiquote.org
Ultimately, Wikis are ideally suited for internal corporate projects or committee groups, when all individuals participating have the same goals in mind. Potential exists for significant abuse when Wikis remain open in competitive areas.
Overall, Wikis are influential, shaping collaborative online content development, and are likely to become increasingly popular. Sadly, as a Wiki's popularity grows, it is likely Wiki abuse will grow.
Permissions:
Permissions and notification of use not required
The Full Circle of RSS Marketing Power
RSS is a many-in-one marketing & publishing tool, although unfortunatelly most marketers still fail to understand this powerful concept.
While RSS does provide a number of benefits when used for each individual marketing function, best results are achieved when it is fully integrated in your internet marketing strategy. In more simpler terms --- when you use it to power most of your marketing online.
The key point is that RSS makes various marketing functions work together, in order to generate the best possible end result.
It’s now the time to tie it all together and see the whole picture …
1]
RSS as a content delivery channel for communicating with subscribers, customers, prospects and partners gets your content delivered and provides you with multiple new content delivery & business development opportunities. Yes, RSS gets your content to your subscribers without fail, enabling you to communicate with them and sell to them.
2]
RSS as a promotional/visibility tool increases your traffic by improving your search engine rankings, generating traffic from new RSS specific sites and getting your content published on other sites. Each of these activities brings new visitors to your site, which are now ready to be converted in to new subscribers with which you can communicate (via RSS and/or e-mail) on the long-term. In addition, the improved visibility enforces your brand and generates more credibility for your company.
3]
Content delivery to end-users and content syndication together form the basis of RSS conversations, which further spread your reach throughout the internet and serve as a strong PR platform.
4]
Once you have access to more prospective subscribers, to which you want to deliver content via RSS, you can provide them with your own branded RSS aggregator to make the switch to RSS easier for them, as well as to establish a constant connection with them, enforce your brand and develop brand experience. Your branded aggregator also serves as a sales platform for your own products and an advertising platform to generate advertising income.
5]
As a publisher, your goal is to better satisfy the needs of your visitors, establish yourself as a key content source in your industry and make your visitors come back more often. Providing access to additional information is one of the elements to make this possible. Use RSS to syndicate content from other websites and, as an upgrade to target their most focused content needs, create RSS radars for your key phrases.
6]
RSS radars will in turn also generate additional visibility, especially through improved search engine rankings, and generate new subscribers for your RSS feeds.
7]
All of the above will create advertising venue and create a new source of income.
8]
In addition, using RSS advertising as an advertiser yourself you can increase the reach of all of the above activities.
The system comes full-circle, establishing RSS as the tool that powers an important share of all of your internet marketing and publishing activities
While RSS does provide a number of benefits when used for each individual marketing function, best results are achieved when it is fully integrated in your internet marketing strategy. In more simpler terms --- when you use it to power most of your marketing online.
The key point is that RSS makes various marketing functions work together, in order to generate the best possible end result.
It’s now the time to tie it all together and see the whole picture …
1]
RSS as a content delivery channel for communicating with subscribers, customers, prospects and partners gets your content delivered and provides you with multiple new content delivery & business development opportunities. Yes, RSS gets your content to your subscribers without fail, enabling you to communicate with them and sell to them.
2]
RSS as a promotional/visibility tool increases your traffic by improving your search engine rankings, generating traffic from new RSS specific sites and getting your content published on other sites. Each of these activities brings new visitors to your site, which are now ready to be converted in to new subscribers with which you can communicate (via RSS and/or e-mail) on the long-term. In addition, the improved visibility enforces your brand and generates more credibility for your company.
3]
Content delivery to end-users and content syndication together form the basis of RSS conversations, which further spread your reach throughout the internet and serve as a strong PR platform.
4]
Once you have access to more prospective subscribers, to which you want to deliver content via RSS, you can provide them with your own branded RSS aggregator to make the switch to RSS easier for them, as well as to establish a constant connection with them, enforce your brand and develop brand experience. Your branded aggregator also serves as a sales platform for your own products and an advertising platform to generate advertising income.
5]
As a publisher, your goal is to better satisfy the needs of your visitors, establish yourself as a key content source in your industry and make your visitors come back more often. Providing access to additional information is one of the elements to make this possible. Use RSS to syndicate content from other websites and, as an upgrade to target their most focused content needs, create RSS radars for your key phrases.
6]
RSS radars will in turn also generate additional visibility, especially through improved search engine rankings, and generate new subscribers for your RSS feeds.
7]
All of the above will create advertising venue and create a new source of income.
8]
In addition, using RSS advertising as an advertiser yourself you can increase the reach of all of the above activities.
The system comes full-circle, establishing RSS as the tool that powers an important share of all of your internet marketing and publishing activities
Make Money
did a survey this week while applying to a program sponsored by Jay Abraham. The very detailed survey/questionnaire got me to thinking more about my business model. It's changed over the years as on-line and email marketing have changed.
Since I test constantly, and adjust to my test results, I thought I'd share parts of my business model... but not my numbers... with you ;-) Maybe it will give you some ideas you can use.
Like many "Internet marketers" I believe that the money is in the list. The only problem is that it's getting harder and harder to maintain contact with that list. Still, I publish a number of ezines and courses as a way of building relationships with my lists.
When I first started publishing in 1997, it was fairly easy to get new subscribers just by asking them to join your list. There are so many lists today... many of them nothing more than advertising... that you have to really sell people on the "value" of your list. That's the biggest change I've noticed for people just starting to build a list.
Over the years, I went from leading with my free ezine, to leading with my free Internet marketing course. This is a 20-lesson course, offered via email from my homepage at http://williecrawford.com/ I lead with the course because it has a higher perceived value and actually sells many people on joining my ezine list later. They're prompted in the lessons to sign up for the ezine :-)
I'll let you in on a secret here. About 2 years ago, one of my mentors suggested that not everyone wanted to wait 10 weeks to get all of the lessons in my course. He suggested also offering the course in ebook format, and charging a nominal fee. I implement that... and went one better, offering the deluxe and super-deluxe versions of the course (on CD and in print format). Naturally, I piled on a few bonuses with the upgrades. That worked great creating a revenue stream from something I had previously been GIVING away.
I still offer the free, email version of the course, but a major percentage go for the upgrade. That has a secondary benefit of not only providing name and email address but full contact information on those clients since that's required to verify the credit card purchase.
You can study how I implemented using a course as a list-building tool, and lead generator, at http://williecrawford.com/
If you're familiar with the funnel system of marketing, you understand that you use lots of different tools to attract new prospects. Then over time, you develop a relationship with them. They gradually go from prospects, to subscribers, to customers/clients. Then, theoretically you just offer your clients the products and services they want and they'll buy from you forever. It's a little more complicated than that but not too much more.
Let me share with you several more pieces of my funnel system:
Given the challenges of getting email through, I've now gone to offering podcasts. With podcasts, your clients subscribe to an RSS feed, and software such as iPodder downloads your audio message to their computer or listening device. Tools such as iPodder check for updates at a specified interval, download the updates, and your subscribers listen to the recorded broadcasts at their convenience.
I started out offering "Premium Podcasts." These are podcasts that contain such useful information that subscribers will actually pay you to listen to them. This takes more work that just putting out a regular podcast since you really do have to work at providing tremendous value, or you lose your subscribers very quickly.
I use an old marketing tool (the free sample) to get new subscribers to my paid podcasts. They get the first 2 weeks free. In that time I need to deliver enough value that they'll want to stay subscribed. After the two week period, I charge only $10 per month for the subscription. The price is low enough that I should have a very high retention rate. I've not been doing this long enough to know what that rate will be long-term.
If you'd like to check out how I've implemented my premium podcasting model, you can check it out at: http://williecrawford.com/premium-podcast.html This very simple webpage shows you how I've set it up.
If you'd like to know more about the premium podcasting service I use to run the whole thing, check out: http://williecrawford.com/profitable-podcasting.html
If you aren't listening to podcasts yet, you're missing a lot of good stuff. You can download tons of recorded broadcasts and then listen to the MP3 at your convenience. I mentioned iPodder earlier because it's the free software that I downloaded and installed on my laptop. It works beautifully. You can grab it at:
http://ipodder.sourceforge.net
A big part of my business model is setting up things that offer recurring income. That way, you do the work once and get paid for a long time. That's the idea behind the premium podcasting service... although I do have to continuously create new recordings. However, I don't need to constantly chase after new customers. The service that I use will actually drive customers to me. Word of mouth also generates a lot of new customers.
Other low-cost tools I use to build relationships with my customers include my discussion board, and my blogs. The blogs are an excellent way to get information out without having to contend with email. The blog posts are syndicated as RSS feeds. Lots of visitors have subscribed to my RSS feed. Just as important, lots of websites have subscribed to my RSS feeds and integrated my content right into their websites. This is a great way of getting new customers by having other webmasters indirectly endorse you. If you'd like to see how I've implemented my blogs, you can check out the "Internet marketing" one at http://williecrawford.com/blog/
While we're on getting endorsements from others, writing articles and allowing them to be published on others websites, in their ezines, and in their ebooks works great at attracting customers. Getting your articles on others websites is also a GREAT way to get one-way links pointing to your website. That's why I've written over 350 articles over the years. They can be as simple as this one, which will undoubtedly appear on hundreds of websites eventually.
Back to the recurring income... another proven part of my model is a membership site. Membership sites can be low maintenance, and produce tremendous customer loyalty. Mine is fairly simple. It's a collection of software, ebooks, and MP3 recordings relevant to internet marketing. Many of the recordings and ebooks are one of a kind, and that's my edge over other membership sites. That's the secret... the easiest way to distinguish your membership site is to make it unique. The easiest way to do that is to produce, or have produced, your own unique content.
So there's a quick "down and dirty" on the revenue model that has proven to work for me. On the backend I do upsell from inexpensive ebooks, to course, to video products, to live seminars, to personal coaching and consulting. It's really fairly simple.
I'll end by pointing out that one success factor most struggling Internet marketers seem to miss is that exclusivity or uniqueness is often what makes an item sell. Even if you're marketing something sold by tens of thousands of others, find a way to make it unique and you'll do well.
Since I test constantly, and adjust to my test results, I thought I'd share parts of my business model... but not my numbers... with you ;-) Maybe it will give you some ideas you can use.
Like many "Internet marketers" I believe that the money is in the list. The only problem is that it's getting harder and harder to maintain contact with that list. Still, I publish a number of ezines and courses as a way of building relationships with my lists.
When I first started publishing in 1997, it was fairly easy to get new subscribers just by asking them to join your list. There are so many lists today... many of them nothing more than advertising... that you have to really sell people on the "value" of your list. That's the biggest change I've noticed for people just starting to build a list.
Over the years, I went from leading with my free ezine, to leading with my free Internet marketing course. This is a 20-lesson course, offered via email from my homepage at http://williecrawford.com/ I lead with the course because it has a higher perceived value and actually sells many people on joining my ezine list later. They're prompted in the lessons to sign up for the ezine :-)
I'll let you in on a secret here. About 2 years ago, one of my mentors suggested that not everyone wanted to wait 10 weeks to get all of the lessons in my course. He suggested also offering the course in ebook format, and charging a nominal fee. I implement that... and went one better, offering the deluxe and super-deluxe versions of the course (on CD and in print format). Naturally, I piled on a few bonuses with the upgrades. That worked great creating a revenue stream from something I had previously been GIVING away.
I still offer the free, email version of the course, but a major percentage go for the upgrade. That has a secondary benefit of not only providing name and email address but full contact information on those clients since that's required to verify the credit card purchase.
You can study how I implemented using a course as a list-building tool, and lead generator, at http://williecrawford.com/
If you're familiar with the funnel system of marketing, you understand that you use lots of different tools to attract new prospects. Then over time, you develop a relationship with them. They gradually go from prospects, to subscribers, to customers/clients. Then, theoretically you just offer your clients the products and services they want and they'll buy from you forever. It's a little more complicated than that but not too much more.
Let me share with you several more pieces of my funnel system:
Given the challenges of getting email through, I've now gone to offering podcasts. With podcasts, your clients subscribe to an RSS feed, and software such as iPodder downloads your audio message to their computer or listening device. Tools such as iPodder check for updates at a specified interval, download the updates, and your subscribers listen to the recorded broadcasts at their convenience.
I started out offering "Premium Podcasts." These are podcasts that contain such useful information that subscribers will actually pay you to listen to them. This takes more work that just putting out a regular podcast since you really do have to work at providing tremendous value, or you lose your subscribers very quickly.
I use an old marketing tool (the free sample) to get new subscribers to my paid podcasts. They get the first 2 weeks free. In that time I need to deliver enough value that they'll want to stay subscribed. After the two week period, I charge only $10 per month for the subscription. The price is low enough that I should have a very high retention rate. I've not been doing this long enough to know what that rate will be long-term.
If you'd like to check out how I've implemented my premium podcasting model, you can check it out at: http://williecrawford.com/premium-podcast.html This very simple webpage shows you how I've set it up.
If you'd like to know more about the premium podcasting service I use to run the whole thing, check out: http://williecrawford.com/profitable-podcasting.html
If you aren't listening to podcasts yet, you're missing a lot of good stuff. You can download tons of recorded broadcasts and then listen to the MP3 at your convenience. I mentioned iPodder earlier because it's the free software that I downloaded and installed on my laptop. It works beautifully. You can grab it at:
http://ipodder.sourceforge.net
A big part of my business model is setting up things that offer recurring income. That way, you do the work once and get paid for a long time. That's the idea behind the premium podcasting service... although I do have to continuously create new recordings. However, I don't need to constantly chase after new customers. The service that I use will actually drive customers to me. Word of mouth also generates a lot of new customers.
Other low-cost tools I use to build relationships with my customers include my discussion board, and my blogs. The blogs are an excellent way to get information out without having to contend with email. The blog posts are syndicated as RSS feeds. Lots of visitors have subscribed to my RSS feed. Just as important, lots of websites have subscribed to my RSS feeds and integrated my content right into their websites. This is a great way of getting new customers by having other webmasters indirectly endorse you. If you'd like to see how I've implemented my blogs, you can check out the "Internet marketing" one at http://williecrawford.com/blog/
While we're on getting endorsements from others, writing articles and allowing them to be published on others websites, in their ezines, and in their ebooks works great at attracting customers. Getting your articles on others websites is also a GREAT way to get one-way links pointing to your website. That's why I've written over 350 articles over the years. They can be as simple as this one, which will undoubtedly appear on hundreds of websites eventually.
Back to the recurring income... another proven part of my model is a membership site. Membership sites can be low maintenance, and produce tremendous customer loyalty. Mine is fairly simple. It's a collection of software, ebooks, and MP3 recordings relevant to internet marketing. Many of the recordings and ebooks are one of a kind, and that's my edge over other membership sites. That's the secret... the easiest way to distinguish your membership site is to make it unique. The easiest way to do that is to produce, or have produced, your own unique content.
So there's a quick "down and dirty" on the revenue model that has proven to work for me. On the backend I do upsell from inexpensive ebooks, to course, to video products, to live seminars, to personal coaching and consulting. It's really fairly simple.
I'll end by pointing out that one success factor most struggling Internet marketers seem to miss is that exclusivity or uniqueness is often what makes an item sell. Even if you're marketing something sold by tens of thousands of others, find a way to make it unique and you'll do well.
5 Secret Benefits That Bloggers Love And Enjoy
1: Building Trust Relationships
Blogging allows bloggers to share their expertise and knowledge with a very large audience. Building a loyal audience is something that every small business owner would love to accomplish and bloggers are able to do this by simply sharing their thoughts using their business blogs. Building a community that trusts you and follows your blog updates on a daily basis is one of the key ingredients that hundreds of bloggers are using in their business.
2: Easy To Publish
Blog software is simple to use. With the push of a few buttons you can post your thoughts, link to resources and publish your blog. Blog software companies provide bloggers with all the tools necessary to get started. Bloggers can update their blogs much quicker than a website which usually requires contacting a web designer or uploading yourself.
3: Search Engine Traffic
One of the greatest benefits that bloggers receive is search engine traffic. Search engines love to spider pages that contain quality content and are updated with fresh content on a regular basis. Smart bloggers optimize their blogs by keeping their content focused on a specific niche.
4: Cost Effective
Blogging is a low cost alternative to having a web presence. Blogging has given small business owners the opportunity to create a web presence without the time to learn html or the income to hire a web designer. Blogging is quickly growing with popularity as an inexpensive method to get the name of your business out on the internet. Gone are the days of having to come up with a large investment to create a web presence.
5 Spam Free
With Spam problems and email filters creating a huge challenge for email marketers to publish their newsletters, bloggers are now using blogs as an additional option to communicate with their subscribers. The advantage of using blogs is that you don't have to worry about spam and email filters because your message will be delivered by using RSS (Really Simple Syndication). You can use these syndicated RSS "feeds" to display the latest news from major newspapers, for example, on your own web site or read them on other sites collecting these feeds. There are special programs and web-based services called "RSS feed readers" or "RSS aggregators" that, given the URL of an RSS feed will fetch the latest headlines periodically and let you read them comfortably and efficiently.
In Closing...
If you are looking for another source of traffic that is cost effective, spam free, search engine friendly, and perfect for building relationships, start publishing your own blog today. Once you get started, you too will experience the secret benefits that bloggers love and enjoy.
Blogging allows bloggers to share their expertise and knowledge with a very large audience. Building a loyal audience is something that every small business owner would love to accomplish and bloggers are able to do this by simply sharing their thoughts using their business blogs. Building a community that trusts you and follows your blog updates on a daily basis is one of the key ingredients that hundreds of bloggers are using in their business.
2: Easy To Publish
Blog software is simple to use. With the push of a few buttons you can post your thoughts, link to resources and publish your blog. Blog software companies provide bloggers with all the tools necessary to get started. Bloggers can update their blogs much quicker than a website which usually requires contacting a web designer or uploading yourself.
3: Search Engine Traffic
One of the greatest benefits that bloggers receive is search engine traffic. Search engines love to spider pages that contain quality content and are updated with fresh content on a regular basis. Smart bloggers optimize their blogs by keeping their content focused on a specific niche.
4: Cost Effective
Blogging is a low cost alternative to having a web presence. Blogging has given small business owners the opportunity to create a web presence without the time to learn html or the income to hire a web designer. Blogging is quickly growing with popularity as an inexpensive method to get the name of your business out on the internet. Gone are the days of having to come up with a large investment to create a web presence.
5 Spam Free
With Spam problems and email filters creating a huge challenge for email marketers to publish their newsletters, bloggers are now using blogs as an additional option to communicate with their subscribers. The advantage of using blogs is that you don't have to worry about spam and email filters because your message will be delivered by using RSS (Really Simple Syndication). You can use these syndicated RSS "feeds" to display the latest news from major newspapers, for example, on your own web site or read them on other sites collecting these feeds. There are special programs and web-based services called "RSS feed readers" or "RSS aggregators" that, given the URL of an RSS feed will fetch the latest headlines periodically and let you read them comfortably and efficiently.
In Closing...
If you are looking for another source of traffic that is cost effective, spam free, search engine friendly, and perfect for building relationships, start publishing your own blog today. Once you get started, you too will experience the secret benefits that bloggers love and enjoy.
When Something Online is Free
What are consumer expectations when something is free?
Realistically, consumers subconsciously assume free means free, and while that might be the initial intent rarely is it the case.
What Exactly Does Free Mean?
Very few things these days are free in the real sense of the word. There are very few free items that do not have any strings attached.
Why do Companies Offer Things for Free?
Companies or individuals may promote a free offer or service for any number of reasons. From branding to ad revenue, companies often use "free" to attract attention or interest. As a consumer, it is important to realize what "free" might really mean.
Reasons Things Are Free:
Linking
Companies may offer something in exchange for a link back to their website. As the web becomes increasingly more competitive, linking can effect more than just search engine placement, and providing a product, service or information free of charge in exchange for a link can be a good business decision. Often, publishers will create articles like this one and make it available for syndication, with the stipulation being that the author resource box that follows the article remain intact, providing links back to the author's website. Bottom line, authors often make content available for syndication in exchange for links back to their websites, which they benefit from.
Ad Revenue
Some companies provide a product or service free of charge and generate money from advertising. Perhaps they sell banner advertising on their website. A free product draws web traffic so that the number of visitors seeing the advertisement increases. The more visitors a site attracts, typically the more revenue generated from the ad space. Perhaps a software application is free of charge, but has embedded advertisements. When ads are clicked, the software developer earns a percentage of the revenue paid for serving the advertisement.
Goodwill Branding / Public Relations
On occasion, companies will provide a product, service or information free of charge. If the offering is extremely magnanimous or socially sensitive, they will often receive significant press exposure, generating free publicity for their brand. Pepsi Cola sponsors a number of athletic events and generates enormous amounts of brand loyalty and positive PR with their target audience.
Contact Information
Sometimes companies or individuals will provide something free in exchange for contact information. Ebooks are often provided free of charge if you provide an email address. The contact information may be sold at a later time or be used to market related products. It is important to check website privacy policies to determine how personal information can be used.
Exposure
Companies will often provide a light version to gain attention for fee-based products or services. This often allows potential customers to see a product's or services potential. The hope is that providing something free will generate both brand loyalty and interest in fee-based options or services.
The Problem with Free
If a business or individual is truly providing something for free, there is a cost involved. Whether time, resources or services are consumed to provide the free item or service there is an expense involved. If the cost is at any point greater than the benefit or perceived benefit of offering the free item or service, the business or individual will likely review options to better balance the cost-to-benefit ratio.
They may:
Discontinue support
Companies or individuals that provide a free product may continue to provide the item free of charge but discontinue the support. If the item is something like software, the expense has already occurred. By providing the item without technical support or customer service they can reduce their staffing costs. The only ongoing expense to provide the item free of charge would be ongoing hosting costs, which are usually relatively small. If the item is critical to a business or individual's operations, the value of the item will be lost if technical support or customer support is no longer available.
Abandon
Businesses may simply discontinue offering the free item or service without notice.
Compensation
Individuals or companies may begin requesting donations, compensation, volunteers or a benefit listed above in order to continue to provide the item or service free of charge.
Cut Corners
Often free items are of reduced or inferior quality. Cost-conscious businesses or individuals often try to minimize the expense associated with free items and will use less expensive materials for free items.
There is value to "free" just be sure that you know what it is. Next time something is offered for free, evaluate the quid pro quo and determine what you are giving in return, because very little is ever really free.
Realistically, consumers subconsciously assume free means free, and while that might be the initial intent rarely is it the case.
What Exactly Does Free Mean?
Very few things these days are free in the real sense of the word. There are very few free items that do not have any strings attached.
Why do Companies Offer Things for Free?
Companies or individuals may promote a free offer or service for any number of reasons. From branding to ad revenue, companies often use "free" to attract attention or interest. As a consumer, it is important to realize what "free" might really mean.
Reasons Things Are Free:
Linking
Companies may offer something in exchange for a link back to their website. As the web becomes increasingly more competitive, linking can effect more than just search engine placement, and providing a product, service or information free of charge in exchange for a link can be a good business decision. Often, publishers will create articles like this one and make it available for syndication, with the stipulation being that the author resource box that follows the article remain intact, providing links back to the author's website. Bottom line, authors often make content available for syndication in exchange for links back to their websites, which they benefit from.
Ad Revenue
Some companies provide a product or service free of charge and generate money from advertising. Perhaps they sell banner advertising on their website. A free product draws web traffic so that the number of visitors seeing the advertisement increases. The more visitors a site attracts, typically the more revenue generated from the ad space. Perhaps a software application is free of charge, but has embedded advertisements. When ads are clicked, the software developer earns a percentage of the revenue paid for serving the advertisement.
Goodwill Branding / Public Relations
On occasion, companies will provide a product, service or information free of charge. If the offering is extremely magnanimous or socially sensitive, they will often receive significant press exposure, generating free publicity for their brand. Pepsi Cola sponsors a number of athletic events and generates enormous amounts of brand loyalty and positive PR with their target audience.
Contact Information
Sometimes companies or individuals will provide something free in exchange for contact information. Ebooks are often provided free of charge if you provide an email address. The contact information may be sold at a later time or be used to market related products. It is important to check website privacy policies to determine how personal information can be used.
Exposure
Companies will often provide a light version to gain attention for fee-based products or services. This often allows potential customers to see a product's or services potential. The hope is that providing something free will generate both brand loyalty and interest in fee-based options or services.
The Problem with Free
If a business or individual is truly providing something for free, there is a cost involved. Whether time, resources or services are consumed to provide the free item or service there is an expense involved. If the cost is at any point greater than the benefit or perceived benefit of offering the free item or service, the business or individual will likely review options to better balance the cost-to-benefit ratio.
They may:
Discontinue support
Companies or individuals that provide a free product may continue to provide the item free of charge but discontinue the support. If the item is something like software, the expense has already occurred. By providing the item without technical support or customer service they can reduce their staffing costs. The only ongoing expense to provide the item free of charge would be ongoing hosting costs, which are usually relatively small. If the item is critical to a business or individual's operations, the value of the item will be lost if technical support or customer support is no longer available.
Abandon
Businesses may simply discontinue offering the free item or service without notice.
Compensation
Individuals or companies may begin requesting donations, compensation, volunteers or a benefit listed above in order to continue to provide the item or service free of charge.
Cut Corners
Often free items are of reduced or inferior quality. Cost-conscious businesses or individuals often try to minimize the expense associated with free items and will use less expensive materials for free items.
There is value to "free" just be sure that you know what it is. Next time something is offered for free, evaluate the quid pro quo and determine what you are giving in return, because very little is ever really free.
Top 10 Reasons
IS Permission Email Marketing In Trouble?
With the rising concern of Spam Filters/Blockers, Blacklisting, Bounce Backs and CAN-SPAM Act laws, email is sadly becoming a VERY unrealible vehicle to deliver your marketing messages to your customers, Therefore, resulting in "Time Wasted" and "Loss Of Profits".
IS there a solution to this never ending concern for Permission Email Marketers?
You bet there is.
There called... "RSS Autoresponders".
You read right, RSS autoresponders.
They've now taken the newest technology (RSS - Rich Site Summary or Real Simple Syndication) that hit the net and turned it into a permission email marketers dream come true.
And... the cool thing about RSS autoresponders is they work much like a traditional email autoresponders, just with a few different features and benefits.
Time is something I value dearly, as I'm sure you do as well, especially when you work so hard on a email to your subscribers, I would think you would want to make sure it reaches them.
So... for the rest of this article I'm going to give you the...
Top 10 Reasons WHY "RSS Autoresponders" Are Becoming A Permission Email Marketers BEST Friend
... and WHY you should Seriously consider the switch if your a Permission Email Marketer.
The Internet is changing, so we must change with it.
So, with that said, lets get down to business by going to the first and my MOST favorite reason.
Reason 1. 100% delivery rate of your messages.
This is probably the single most BIGGEST benefit you'll receive by using an RSS autoresponder is getting 100% of your marketing messages infront of your prospects and/or existing customers.
Reason 2. Blacklisting is the thing of the past.
Never worry about being Blacklisted again because of someone else using your shared server and sending SPAM emails through it and getting you Blacklisted as the end result.
Reason 3. Forget CAN-SPAM and Email Laws.
You can now forget about all the email laws and CAN-SPAM because now they no longer apply to you because you are no longer an email publisher, your a RSS publisher.
There's a BIG difference.
Reason 4. Subscribers can Opt-In via web forms or links.
This is a critical feature to have with RSS autoresponders because it will allow an easy switch by simply replacing your email web forms with RSS web forms on your website/s.
Plus, this will make sure there won't be any confusion for your potential subscribers with some new Opt-In method.
Reason 5. Personalize your out-going messages.
That's right, you can personalize your out-going mssages with custom data fields of your choice, just like a traditional email, giving your marketing message a professional look and giving you more credibility as a professional marketer.
Reason 6. Write freely with all the forbidden email words.
Now you have the freedom to write using any Word or Phrase you wish without the worry of SPAM filters/blockers intercepting your messages and labelling it as "SPAM", and still have your message achieve 100% delivery rate to your subscribers.
Isn't that great or what?
Reason 7. Unlimited message delivery.
Like I said earlier in the article, RSS autoresponders work just like traditional email autoresponders with the same functions.
What I'm saying is, you are able to set-up Unlimited timed sequential autoresponder messages that will automatically follow-up your leads for you at your desired time or dates.
And, the real cool thing here is, you'll be able to sleep knowing 100% of your messages are reaching your potential customers.
Reason 8. Broadcast as often as you like.
With RSS autoresponders, your also able to broadcast to your subscribers as often as you like with your marketing messages and/or special offers just like traditional email autoresponders.
The only difference is, 100% of your marketing messages are reaching your subscribers, meaning, more profits in your pocket.
Reason 9. Many options for managing your subscribers.
Just like traditional email autoresponders, RSS autoresponders also give you many different options for managing and editing your subscriber lists.
I won't go into alot of detail on this simply because it basically works the same as an email autoresponder list manager.
Reason 10. Ad tracking and report generation.
You can even track who, where, when, what week or month your subscriber subscribed and much more using RSS autoresponders, giving you valuable statistics and information about your subscribers and much more.
I think these 10 reasons I just outlined above are in my mind pretty beneficial to a Permission Email Marketer wouldn't you think?
In conclusion, I would have to say that the BIGGEST benefit to RSS autoresponders is that they GUARANTEE 100% delivery on your marketing message to your subscribers, saving You valuable time and frustration, and giving you the edge you need in order for you to make the most Profit from your broadcast.
The technology is here, so we must adapt.
This concludes the "Top 10 Reasons WHY "RSS Autoresponders" Are Becoming A Permission Email Marketers BEST Friend".
With the rising concern of Spam Filters/Blockers, Blacklisting, Bounce Backs and CAN-SPAM Act laws, email is sadly becoming a VERY unrealible vehicle to deliver your marketing messages to your customers, Therefore, resulting in "Time Wasted" and "Loss Of Profits".
IS there a solution to this never ending concern for Permission Email Marketers?
You bet there is.
There called... "RSS Autoresponders".
You read right, RSS autoresponders.
They've now taken the newest technology (RSS - Rich Site Summary or Real Simple Syndication) that hit the net and turned it into a permission email marketers dream come true.
And... the cool thing about RSS autoresponders is they work much like a traditional email autoresponders, just with a few different features and benefits.
Time is something I value dearly, as I'm sure you do as well, especially when you work so hard on a email to your subscribers, I would think you would want to make sure it reaches them.
So... for the rest of this article I'm going to give you the...
Top 10 Reasons WHY "RSS Autoresponders" Are Becoming A Permission Email Marketers BEST Friend
... and WHY you should Seriously consider the switch if your a Permission Email Marketer.
The Internet is changing, so we must change with it.
So, with that said, lets get down to business by going to the first and my MOST favorite reason.
Reason 1. 100% delivery rate of your messages.
This is probably the single most BIGGEST benefit you'll receive by using an RSS autoresponder is getting 100% of your marketing messages infront of your prospects and/or existing customers.
Reason 2. Blacklisting is the thing of the past.
Never worry about being Blacklisted again because of someone else using your shared server and sending SPAM emails through it and getting you Blacklisted as the end result.
Reason 3. Forget CAN-SPAM and Email Laws.
You can now forget about all the email laws and CAN-SPAM because now they no longer apply to you because you are no longer an email publisher, your a RSS publisher.
There's a BIG difference.
Reason 4. Subscribers can Opt-In via web forms or links.
This is a critical feature to have with RSS autoresponders because it will allow an easy switch by simply replacing your email web forms with RSS web forms on your website/s.
Plus, this will make sure there won't be any confusion for your potential subscribers with some new Opt-In method.
Reason 5. Personalize your out-going messages.
That's right, you can personalize your out-going mssages with custom data fields of your choice, just like a traditional email, giving your marketing message a professional look and giving you more credibility as a professional marketer.
Reason 6. Write freely with all the forbidden email words.
Now you have the freedom to write using any Word or Phrase you wish without the worry of SPAM filters/blockers intercepting your messages and labelling it as "SPAM", and still have your message achieve 100% delivery rate to your subscribers.
Isn't that great or what?
Reason 7. Unlimited message delivery.
Like I said earlier in the article, RSS autoresponders work just like traditional email autoresponders with the same functions.
What I'm saying is, you are able to set-up Unlimited timed sequential autoresponder messages that will automatically follow-up your leads for you at your desired time or dates.
And, the real cool thing here is, you'll be able to sleep knowing 100% of your messages are reaching your potential customers.
Reason 8. Broadcast as often as you like.
With RSS autoresponders, your also able to broadcast to your subscribers as often as you like with your marketing messages and/or special offers just like traditional email autoresponders.
The only difference is, 100% of your marketing messages are reaching your subscribers, meaning, more profits in your pocket.
Reason 9. Many options for managing your subscribers.
Just like traditional email autoresponders, RSS autoresponders also give you many different options for managing and editing your subscriber lists.
I won't go into alot of detail on this simply because it basically works the same as an email autoresponder list manager.
Reason 10. Ad tracking and report generation.
You can even track who, where, when, what week or month your subscriber subscribed and much more using RSS autoresponders, giving you valuable statistics and information about your subscribers and much more.
I think these 10 reasons I just outlined above are in my mind pretty beneficial to a Permission Email Marketer wouldn't you think?
In conclusion, I would have to say that the BIGGEST benefit to RSS autoresponders is that they GUARANTEE 100% delivery on your marketing message to your subscribers, saving You valuable time and frustration, and giving you the edge you need in order for you to make the most Profit from your broadcast.
The technology is here, so we must adapt.
This concludes the "Top 10 Reasons WHY "RSS Autoresponders" Are Becoming A Permission Email Marketers BEST Friend".
Is it important that RSS thing for us the users
Before starting out and decide if this "thing" is useful, we need to get some meaning and grab some light, let us take a look: RSS stands for “Really Simple Syndication” or “Rich Site Summery”, Does it tell you something interesting ? I doubt it, then here we got nothing...
And guess what?... Don't Panic... RSS is a new format to display information coming from content-rich-sites (at least this is what you hear), the truth is, they can be any kind of sites that You decide to walk around.
But here is the most important thing... it doesn't matter what RSS is, the unanswered questions you have in your mind could be : how can I be sure this new technology is valuable for me, the end user?
Actually the only way to know is to make available this information installing a feed reader, it works like a browser where you can choose the content to look at: Go to your preferred search engine and key in "feed reader", get a free one, give it a try, who knows it can be the new way you can get information from the IT world.
Let me explain in a few words how this works.
The publisher, marketer, webmaster, or any group or individual that want to communicate with you using this technology create a channel or feed in their web site, when the feed is on and you are subscribed to that specific channel your computer detects modifications, and get the updated data, this is the feed reader work that previously you installed in your computer, the feed reader is a RSS aware program that reacts to information changes.
I will tell You something extra on feed reader technology
RSS aggregators (other name for feed readers) are special browsers that display content to final users, the most common are the ones you can install in your desktop and the ones that you integrate in your website.
Desktop Reader: download it to your computer, and install it. Look for sites of your interest, check whether they are delivering content in RSS format, subscribe, and you are ready, from now on every time there is new content in the feed you'll be notified automatically.
Website Integration: Create an account with a website that offers aggregation web services, and your website can see RSS content directly from their website.
RSS is changing the way to search for information, don't look for it, RSS puts it in your computer.
You are going to see more websites with valuable content... You are the winner!.
In order to clarify.. carry these simple steps out:
Download RSS feed reader
Install it
Go to your favorite website and look for Xml/RSS orange button (its the common one, it can be different), copy that address and paste it in your feed reader.... you are subscribed.
Enjoy.
Easy.
These aggregators are popular in the weblogging community and some other advertisers have started to move toward this technology that promises to maintain users with the last news and information in general.
Do you love information?, then for sure you surf hours every single day on internet looking for the last updates... don't waste your time!, here you have the answer: RSS technology.
But there are still two things that you are going to love ......
Subscribing - Your personal information is not required, only add your feed to Your online or desktop RSS reader and that’s it.
Unsubscribing – Stop receiving messages, any time by simply deleting the feed from your RSS reader. Simple as that
And guess what?... Don't Panic... RSS is a new format to display information coming from content-rich-sites (at least this is what you hear), the truth is, they can be any kind of sites that You decide to walk around.
But here is the most important thing... it doesn't matter what RSS is, the unanswered questions you have in your mind could be : how can I be sure this new technology is valuable for me, the end user?
Actually the only way to know is to make available this information installing a feed reader, it works like a browser where you can choose the content to look at: Go to your preferred search engine and key in "feed reader", get a free one, give it a try, who knows it can be the new way you can get information from the IT world.
Let me explain in a few words how this works.
The publisher, marketer, webmaster, or any group or individual that want to communicate with you using this technology create a channel or feed in their web site, when the feed is on and you are subscribed to that specific channel your computer detects modifications, and get the updated data, this is the feed reader work that previously you installed in your computer, the feed reader is a RSS aware program that reacts to information changes.
I will tell You something extra on feed reader technology
RSS aggregators (other name for feed readers) are special browsers that display content to final users, the most common are the ones you can install in your desktop and the ones that you integrate in your website.
Desktop Reader: download it to your computer, and install it. Look for sites of your interest, check whether they are delivering content in RSS format, subscribe, and you are ready, from now on every time there is new content in the feed you'll be notified automatically.
Website Integration: Create an account with a website that offers aggregation web services, and your website can see RSS content directly from their website.
RSS is changing the way to search for information, don't look for it, RSS puts it in your computer.
You are going to see more websites with valuable content... You are the winner!.
In order to clarify.. carry these simple steps out:
Download RSS feed reader
Install it
Go to your favorite website and look for Xml/RSS orange button (its the common one, it can be different), copy that address and paste it in your feed reader.... you are subscribed.
Enjoy.
Easy.
These aggregators are popular in the weblogging community and some other advertisers have started to move toward this technology that promises to maintain users with the last news and information in general.
Do you love information?, then for sure you surf hours every single day on internet looking for the last updates... don't waste your time!, here you have the answer: RSS technology.
But there are still two things that you are going to love ......
Subscribing - Your personal information is not required, only add your feed to Your online or desktop RSS reader and that’s it.
Unsubscribing – Stop receiving messages, any time by simply deleting the feed from your RSS reader. Simple as that
RSS(Real Simple Syndication
RSS(Real Simple Syndication) is the talk around the net these days because of its many benefits.I'm sure you've received several emails(like I have) telling you to jump on the "RSS" band wagon and that it's the answer to all your Internet and Email marketing woe's because of its syndication capabilities.With RSS Directories and Search Engines coming into the mix as well these days for RSS feeds you really have to decide whether or not you really want it get in on the "RSS" craze.Now, before I get to far ahead of myself here I want to make sure you know exactly what RSS "IS" and WHY it's becoming such an essential tool for Your online business and other businesses around the world.I've received a lot of feedback from people just starting out online and/or other webmasters who are not quite sure asking... "what is "RSS" in Plain English and do I need it for my online business?".I wrote an article earlier this year stating the "10 MOST Powerful Reasons WHY You Should Be Using RSS", but I guess I clearly didn't explain what "RSS" IS which left the readers kind of stumped.If you wish to read that article as well I've provided the link below.http://www.internetwondersezine.com/article_15.htmlWith that said, lets 'Now' define what RSS(Real Simple Syndication) "IS" in plain english for those of you who are NEW to it and for those of you who are still a little bit confused about it and its uses.RSS is by definition -- an acronym for "Really Simple Syndication" or "Rich Site Summary", and the .XML extension is the format used for distributing YOUR news headlines via the Web, which is known as "Syndication"."Syndication" is where the TRUE power of RSS is unleashed, getting your message or information across the web in an INSTANT to websites, your subscribers and/or readers.Now, to put this in plain english, "RSS" is simply a technology that distributes YOUR information(whatever it might be -- ex. Articles, Special Offers, Product Reviews, Resource Announcements) by syndicating it across the net.It's that simple.It doesn't have to get any more complex then that.The more websites, subscribers and/or readers that opt-in to your RSS feeds, the more FREE targeted TRAFFIC you'll receive from their websites.How can you take advantage of this NEW technology... Starting Today?Set up a BLOG!Blog's are great because they are "RSS" ready.If you don't know what a "BLOG" is here's a link to another earlier article I wrote that explains BLOGS in full detail since the nature of this article is to make sure you understand what "RSS" IS.Here's the link:http://www.internetwondersezine.com/article_12.htmlYou can set-up a Free BLOG account through Blogger.com -- http://www.blogger.com -- and begin posting to it within minutes.All you have to supply is the 'Content'.Well, there you have it, "RSS(Real Simple Syndication)-- EXPLAINED In Plain English".I truly hope this article cleared up any confusion you might of had about "RSS" and will help you take that next step to deciding whether or not "RSS" is for You and your business.My final thoughts are, don't be afraid to do a little research, you'll be amazed at what you might find if you spend a little looking for it on the net.
What was the name of your ezine again
Strategic planning for your ezine will keep your subscribers coming back for more week after week. You know that you need to start your newsletter and you've been putting it off so long that days have turned into weeks, and weeks into months. Don't let that go on any longer. It's not necessary.Whether you're just now breaking onto the publisher scene or you've got a subscriber list and you want to revamp your ezine, answer the following questions before taking any additional action.Q1: What topic do you intend to cover in your newsletter?- Pick a topic that you're extremely interested in. You don't need to be an expert. Become an expert. If your interest level is high enough, you'll naturally be driven to research and study your topic. Pick a topic for your ezine that you'd love to write about for 29 subscribers or 290,000 subscribers.- Will you be a generalist or a specialist? There's a place for both.- RE: The Generalist... Newsletters that cover a broad range of topics and treat them "superficially" tend to attract subscribers who are new to that topic. Your challenge as a generalist will be holding on to your subscriber's attention. You'll need a "hook" each week. This might include short powerful tips and tricks or perhaps you can feature a favorite free resource with each ezine issue.- RE: The Specialist... Your target audience is smaller, but the chances of developing a very loyal following is better than if you choose the generalist path. Specialists have to dig deep and if you like to write and train on the nitty gritty "how-to's", then the specialist path could be your calling.Q2: Where will you find material for your ezine?- Is it all inside your head just waiting for an escape route? Great. Let it flow.- Can you take advantage of articles with reprint rights?- Will you need to do a lot of research every time your write your newsletter? If yes, that's OK. Just be prepared to set aside the time required so that you can consistently deliver your newsletter to meet your subscribers' expectations. Which leads to the next question...Q3: How often will you send out your ezine?- What's the right frequency? It varies. Monthly. Weekly. Twice per week. Daily. It all depends on your subscribership, how much time you can devote to writing your newsletter and the amount of content you plan to include with each issue.- You'll want people to remember your name, and this is tough to accomplish when you're publishing your ezine monthly. I think weekly is good and when special occassions arise send out two issues in the same week. Surprise your readers every once in a while. Mix it up.Q4: What format will you use for your ezine?- Permission-based email publications are still the mainstream. However, ISP filters continually make it more and more difficult to deliver email newsletters.- Consider a blog. Consider setting up an RSS feed. Give your subscribers options on how they'd like to hear from you.- Do you want to write lengthy in-depth articles or short punchy tips and tricks?- Will you podcast (audio) or publish streaming video?Q5: What name will you choose for your publication?- Does your ezine name communicate anything about the kind of content that people can expect to receive in your newsletter?- Catchy is good. Topical is good. Short is good. Descriptive is good.Finally, an exercise you can do that might be helpful is to make a list of the newsletters that you consider to be outstanding. These are the ones that you open and read 100% of the time they land in your inbox. Write down the title, author / editor's name, subject matter.Next, make a list of the newsletters you receive that you could unsubscribe from and you'd never miss them.What are your general observations about these? I'll make an educated guess that the "loosers"...1) Never offer any substantial or useful advice. 2) They don't specifically focus on any particular topic that you're interested in. 3) You receive messages from them 3 or 4 times per week and 95% of the time it's an ad that's been "cut n' pasted" from the latest flavor-of-the-week affiliate program / hot opportunity.Don't let this describe your ezine.Strategically plan your ezine so that when it comes time to monetize it, your readers will appreciate knowing about the products and services that you're promoting. Deliver value up front and you will be rewarded in time.
RSS as a Change Agent
To better understand how RSS is changing the way companies and individuals deliver and consume content on the macro scale, let us first remember how content is traditionally delivered and consumed. People subscribe to e-mail newsletters or e-mail update services to get content delivered directly to their inboxes. It's (or better yet, was) convenient, easy and simple.But, in order to get content delivered to their inboxes, they must first reveal their e-mail addresses, which are basically ID numbers that allow anyone who knows them to send whatever they like to these ID numbers. In a perfect world people would only receive the content that they requested and only from the people that they wanted to hear from --> the people that can provide them with relevant information, specific to their interests and current situation.But this is not a perfect world.Since the “ID number” allows anyone to contact anyone, people have very little control over who actually does contact them and what information they send them. In a way, it's a “perfect democracy” that just doesn't work. Because, in reality, we don't want to hear from everyone that thinks they have something to say to us. In reality, we only want to hear from a very limited circle of people and receive very limited types of content categories.But, for the sake of the argument, let's presume that we are actually getting information only from the people that we want to hear from. Unfortunately these people still have the power to send us whatever information they like, not just the information we want to receive from them. Basically, they have the power to push any kind of content to our e-mail inboxes. We can either unsubscribe, if they give us this opportunity, from their e-mail service or continue to receive their content as it is. One of the problems with this is that unsubscribing can be a rather tedious process, definitely not a two-click affair, and some people even doubt that the unsubscribe feature will actually work.This is our reality. We are, more or less, forced to receive content we mostly don't want to receive, and for the content that we do want to receive, we also have to put up with much information we don't want to get. This is the “democratic” nature of e-mail and many marketers and publishers have been abusing it for a long time. It's not the medium's fault of course; it's just that people are who we are.And now enter RSS in to the picture, a “new” channel that users need to proactively add to their content consumption mix, including proactively adding content publishers they want to hear from, thus eliminating the “democracy” of e-mail, conversely, limiting our “content diet” only to the publishers we actually want to hear from.But there's more. One of this channel's characteristics is that it's extremely easy to remove content publishers you don't want to hear from.Now, all of us have very limited time for online content consumption. It's always been this way, but with e-mail content consumption we usually don't even bother ourselves with unsubscribing from the content we don't want to receive, since we already receive hundreds of SPAM e-mails per day anyway, so why bother with unsubscribing from a few e-mail lists and the few additional e-mails we receive per week. Most people don't even know anymore what they subscribe to since they have no unified view of all of their e-mail subscriptions.However, this new channel, RSS, is quite different. Here you have an exact view of what you subscribe to. You see exactly which content publishers are on your list and you can remove any of them immediately, without even a second thought. It's quick, easy and comfortable.Compare this with the relative difficulty of unsubscribing from e-mail lists, and even with the e-mail mindset where you just don't care to be bothered anymore with unsubscribing, since you don't have a view of what you subscribe to anyway.This new channel takes the democracy right out of content delivery for publishers and brings it back for end-users.If RSS content publishers want to keep and grow their readership, they cannot afford to do the things they could have easily been doing with e-mail. Instantly, all the content needs to be highly relevant. You can no longer afford to send out blatant advertising messages or too much content that is of little interest to your target audience. If you want to survive you need to tailor all of your content specifically to the needs of your target audience.RSS content delivery must in nature be more relevant than content delivered by e-mail.RSS content publishers know this and most are providing exactly this, very relevant content, usually more relevant than what most e-mail publishers are doing, since they are taking in to consideration the specific characteristics of the channel. And there are more publishers like this every day. And eventually, even those that use both e-mail and RSS to deliver content, change the way they are delivering content using e-mail. Their entire content production becomes more relevant to the user's needs.It's quite easy to imagine the larger-scale implications of this.Since more and more publishers are starting to offer more relevant content, that also raises the bar for other content publishers, even those not using RSS. Our expectations are increasing every day. We are no longer content with mediocre content, we actually expect and even demand more relevancy.And so the circle is completed. Early RSS publishers have started raising our expectations of what to expect from internet content and have thus affected our internet content consumption habits. Users, in affect, are starting to demand more, which in turn forces other publishers to comply with the increased demands. This process has just begun and still has a long way to go, but it has begun and will not stop.
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