If you have been longing to start a business online, you may be coming across terms you've never heard before. You may also have found the opportunities available are overwhelming. Where do you begin? Many affiliate programs have information on how to market and give you tools such as banners, product feeds and more.
AFFILIATE PROGRAMS - EASY START
Affiliate programs may be the easiest online business to start running. Why?
With any online business you must have a product or service to sell. First you must create this product or service and then you must be able to fill orders.
Selling your own product or service also means creating a website, learning how to write ad copy, setting up a marketing plan, being able to accept payments online and obviously doing the work. If you're selling a physical product then you will need to make or buy the item, package it and pay for shipping costs. If you provide a service than you will likely have to start by doing free jobs to build your credibility and then when you are charging for your service you are still limited by how much work you can actually handle.
THE MAGIC OF AFFILIATE PROGRAMS
Affiliate programs are a great way to get started in an online business. In fact there are even some 'Super Affiliates' who are making fabulous incomes from affiliate programs. So, what ARE affiliate programs?
Affiliate programs allow you to sell another company's service or product and make a commission on every sale or lead. You do not even need to build a website or handle the transaction. Your job is to drive traffic (customers) to your affiliate link.
An affiliate link is a special URL code that will identify customers coming to the company's site from your advertising. It will likely be the website address with a code attached to the end.
Some affiliate programs also have tiers. That means if someone who is interested in SELLING the product comes through your link and signs up you will also get a small percentage of THEIR earnings.
HOW DO I CHOOSE A PROGRAM?
You should research the popularity of some of your interests. Try to determine if people are buying that product or service online. There are many sources for finding that information including free ones such as the Overture keyword tool.
When you have found an area that is popular then type the subject along with 'affiliate program' into your search engine and see which programs have services or products for that area. You can also use an affiliate program directory.
When you have found a program that looks interesting you should read the terms of the program. Make sure that payouts are not based on a high commission earning or you may never see your money. Also try to choose programs with high commission rates. Often you will find ebooks and downloadable software has the highest rates as there is no physical product to make or ship. If you are satisfied with the terms then you need to sign up - usually a simple process.
START MARKETING
The reason affiliate programs are so great for beginners is that you only need to focus on marketing - not making - your product.
Many affiliate programs have information on how to market and give you tools such as banners, product feeds and more. You can also look for other information on marketing including writing articles, creating pay-per-click campaigns, commenting in online forums etc. As you gain experience marketing you will make adjustments to your selling and start creating a wonderful income!
Find Your Niche - the Internet Marketer's Goldmine
If you haven't heard the word 'niche' being batted around by Internet Marketers then you haven't been listening. Finding a niche has become the antidote to competing in overly saturated online markets.
If you haven't heard the word 'niche' being batted around by Internet Marketers then you haven't been listening. Finding a niche has become the antidote to competing in overly saturated online markets.
What is a niche?
According to Merriam-Webster's Online Dictionary a niche is described as "a place, employment, status, or activity for which a person or thing is best fitted... a specialized market".
Have you noticed that despite the closing of many businesses in these harsh economic times, the local hobby train store is still around? That the 'hole-in-the-wall' eatery is thriving? Or that trends such as scrapbooking can start with a bang and still close within a year when four similar businesses start up in the same area?
The online business world reflects the same trends as experienced in the offline world - often with faster turnover and startup rates. Those who promote a product or site that targets a small, select audience can tap into a market that is otherwise not being served. Despite the limitations of the client base, the targeted nature of the business creates a devoted and active market - the aim of any business.
How do I Find a Niche?
Finding a niche requires diligent research. Whether you have access to software that harvests and sorts information or you take a manual approach you must first start with ideas.
With a pen and paper (or computer, if that's more comfortable) brainstorm a list of businesses, products and industries. Create a list of keywords and phrases you think would be used by individuals looking for these items online.
Use a software program such as Wordtracker or a free resource such as the Overture Keyword Selector Tool to find keywords for your niche that have a high amount of traffic.
Although a program like Wordtracker makes it easy to find details such as how many sites compete for that market, you can also do your own research.
Concentrate your attention on question phrases such as "how do I..." or "where can I...". These questions will clue you into potential markets that need servicing.
Next, look in Google Answers. Type one of your keywords into the search area. What questions are being asked and how much are people willing to pay for answers? If you find a group of keywords with a high number of questions then enter these words in your browser's search engine.
What sites come up? Do they provide answers or solutions to the problem? How are they making money? Can you see an opportunity to service these individuals?
Finding a niche can open the door to a profitable online business. Research the market and be certain that your product or service is valuable to this group. Find forums or groups that target this audience and pay close attention to their concerns.
If you can help these people you WILL make money. The best of both worlds!
Wednesday, November 03, 2010
Tuesday, November 02, 2010
Get your Home Office in shape
Setting up Your Organized and Functional Home Office
So, you're going to work from home? Congratulations! Now comes the hard part: deciding where to have your home office, and how to set it up properly. There are certain qualities that you will need from your home office. Some are privacy, functionality, organization, and the tools you need for your career.
Let's begin with privacy:
If you have a spare room in your home, consider yourself lucky. You can set up your office there, and shut the door when you need to work. Sometimes it?s hard for family to understand that you're actually working, since you are home, so you could make a sign of some sort to hang outside the door to let them know you are working and shouldn?t be bothered.
If you don?t have a spare room, that?s all right. The majority of freelancers use a portion of a room as their office. Take a look around your home and think about what would be a good place for you to work.
I use the corner of my living room as my home office. It works well for me, because I can work at my leisure. Having two small kids makes working from home a little difficult, but I can work when they?re busy doing something else, or after they go to bed. After several years of freelancing, I have mastered the art of working and caring for my kids when need be. If you have children at home it will be quite difficult at first, but you and they will get used to it.
Now, on to functionality and tools:
Like most households today, I can probably assume you own your own computer and printer. If not, you will need these items; they are at the core of your much-needed tools for working from home. Sometimes a laptop is a nice computer to have, because of its convenience value.
Other basic items you will need:
- Scanner
- Fax Machine
- Large Desk with many compartments
- File Box
- Comfortable Desk Chair
- Internet Connection
You might also need a business phone line or a cell phone for business use only, depending on your job. There may also be software or other tools suited for your work. Your employer should inform you of these, or supply them to you. I recommend a high-speed Internet connection, such as broadband or DSL if you don?t already have this type of service. Working from home with dial-up just doesn?t cut it.
Organization is an important part of your home office:
Without excellent organization, your office will become cluttered and disheveled, leaving you feeling unnecessarily stressed and overwhelmed. Keeping your home office organized can be a task in itself. A good, initial setup will have you off on the right start. Everything should have a place of its own, and should be put back in its place after use. Place your desk first where you think you will get the best use out of it, and enough room to move around in your desk chair. Next, you should place your tools on your desk where you think they will work best for you, such as your printer, scanner, fax machine, etc. Then move on to your other supplies, all the way down to writing utensils. You can always change things later to suit your needs. Set up your file box somewhere you can easily open the drawers completely. You can use that to file anything you need to save, such as contracts, tax documents, client information, finances, etc.
Keep everything in its place as often as you can. If possible, take 5 minutes after a workday and clean up what was messed during the day. Make it a point to give your office a thorough cleaning and organizing at least once a month. Do it more often if you can. Throwaway things you don?t need, file items you need to save, and rearrange your office if you feel the need.
Now you are on your way to having a functional, organized home office to work with, even if it's in the corner of your living room. Just remember the golden rule: everything has its place.
So, you're going to work from home? Congratulations! Now comes the hard part: deciding where to have your home office, and how to set it up properly. There are certain qualities that you will need from your home office. Some are privacy, functionality, organization, and the tools you need for your career.
Let's begin with privacy:
If you have a spare room in your home, consider yourself lucky. You can set up your office there, and shut the door when you need to work. Sometimes it?s hard for family to understand that you're actually working, since you are home, so you could make a sign of some sort to hang outside the door to let them know you are working and shouldn?t be bothered.
If you don?t have a spare room, that?s all right. The majority of freelancers use a portion of a room as their office. Take a look around your home and think about what would be a good place for you to work.
I use the corner of my living room as my home office. It works well for me, because I can work at my leisure. Having two small kids makes working from home a little difficult, but I can work when they?re busy doing something else, or after they go to bed. After several years of freelancing, I have mastered the art of working and caring for my kids when need be. If you have children at home it will be quite difficult at first, but you and they will get used to it.
Now, on to functionality and tools:
Like most households today, I can probably assume you own your own computer and printer. If not, you will need these items; they are at the core of your much-needed tools for working from home. Sometimes a laptop is a nice computer to have, because of its convenience value.
Other basic items you will need:
- Scanner
- Fax Machine
- Large Desk with many compartments
- File Box
- Comfortable Desk Chair
- Internet Connection
You might also need a business phone line or a cell phone for business use only, depending on your job. There may also be software or other tools suited for your work. Your employer should inform you of these, or supply them to you. I recommend a high-speed Internet connection, such as broadband or DSL if you don?t already have this type of service. Working from home with dial-up just doesn?t cut it.
Organization is an important part of your home office:
Without excellent organization, your office will become cluttered and disheveled, leaving you feeling unnecessarily stressed and overwhelmed. Keeping your home office organized can be a task in itself. A good, initial setup will have you off on the right start. Everything should have a place of its own, and should be put back in its place after use. Place your desk first where you think you will get the best use out of it, and enough room to move around in your desk chair. Next, you should place your tools on your desk where you think they will work best for you, such as your printer, scanner, fax machine, etc. Then move on to your other supplies, all the way down to writing utensils. You can always change things later to suit your needs. Set up your file box somewhere you can easily open the drawers completely. You can use that to file anything you need to save, such as contracts, tax documents, client information, finances, etc.
Keep everything in its place as often as you can. If possible, take 5 minutes after a workday and clean up what was messed during the day. Make it a point to give your office a thorough cleaning and organizing at least once a month. Do it more often if you can. Throwaway things you don?t need, file items you need to save, and rearrange your office if you feel the need.
Now you are on your way to having a functional, organized home office to work with, even if it's in the corner of your living room. Just remember the golden rule: everything has its place.
You Can Make Money working online
Would you like to earn money working online? People choose to work from home for several reasons including the desire to stay home with their children, the need for extra income, or simply being dissatisfied with their current job. A home-based business will provide you with an exciting way to earn money and be your own boss. Numerous opportunities are available to internet marketers.
When starting your online business you should develop a business plan and research your options thoroughly. Making wise decisions and following your business plan each step of the way can help you in creating a steady stream of income. Operating a home-based business will require hard work and effort. You will not become wealthy over night. It will take determination to succeed as an internet marketer. The amount of money you make will be directly related to the amount of work you are willing to do.
When making your business plan, include both short and long term goals. Determine how you will achieve those goals and put your plan into action. Affiliate programs are excellent home-based business programs and there are numerous other internet marketing offers that will create steady income if you are willing to make the effort. Some of these opportunities may require an initial investment from you and others are advertised as free. Research all internet-marketing opportunities carefully to make sure you understand the terms and conditions.
As an internet marketer, you will have to distinguish yourself from the competition if you want to succeed. You should know your target audience and know your competition even better. Do not let self-doubt stop you from accomplishing your goals. Every successful internet marketer gives their business the very best effort possible. Hard work and determination will make your home-based business a success and provide you with a steady stream of income.
Starting a home-based business is one of the most exciting and challenging endeavors you will ever undertake. A sound business plan and the will to succeed will set you apart from the competition. Choose the products or services you provide carefully. Make certain your services will be needed over the long term and make customer service your top priority. A loyal customer base is the key to the success or failure of your home-based business. A home-based business is an excellent way to gain independence and financial freedom. A sound business plan and a strong work ethic are all it takes to succeed.
When starting your online business you should develop a business plan and research your options thoroughly. Making wise decisions and following your business plan each step of the way can help you in creating a steady stream of income. Operating a home-based business will require hard work and effort. You will not become wealthy over night. It will take determination to succeed as an internet marketer. The amount of money you make will be directly related to the amount of work you are willing to do.
When making your business plan, include both short and long term goals. Determine how you will achieve those goals and put your plan into action. Affiliate programs are excellent home-based business programs and there are numerous other internet marketing offers that will create steady income if you are willing to make the effort. Some of these opportunities may require an initial investment from you and others are advertised as free. Research all internet-marketing opportunities carefully to make sure you understand the terms and conditions.
As an internet marketer, you will have to distinguish yourself from the competition if you want to succeed. You should know your target audience and know your competition even better. Do not let self-doubt stop you from accomplishing your goals. Every successful internet marketer gives their business the very best effort possible. Hard work and determination will make your home-based business a success and provide you with a steady stream of income.
Starting a home-based business is one of the most exciting and challenging endeavors you will ever undertake. A sound business plan and the will to succeed will set you apart from the competition. Choose the products or services you provide carefully. Make certain your services will be needed over the long term and make customer service your top priority. A loyal customer base is the key to the success or failure of your home-based business. A home-based business is an excellent way to gain independence and financial freedom. A sound business plan and a strong work ethic are all it takes to succeed.
So You Want to Work Online? How-to Decide on a Home Business
So, you have decided you want to give it a go at working from home? It's a big decision in itself, but only the first step in many to becoming self-employed.
We all want it for varying reasons. Maybe you are a stay-at-home mom or dad and want to make some money, or keep yourself busy during down times. Maybe you work outside of the home, either part or full time and are too independent to work for someone else. We all get to this point one way or another.
The number of people becoming self-employed is steadily growing each year. There are great benefits for working for yourself. You can create your own schedule, wear what you want, work wherever you feel like, etc.
However, it is hard work and takes perseverance, dedication, determination, careful planning, and a bit of luck. Running your own business means you are the employer and the employee. You have to handle all departments: accounting, sales, marketing, not including the work itself. I'm not trying to talk you out of it, just stating the facts of being self-employed. There are pros and cons.
If you live with a spouse and/or have children, you should have a talk with them about your plans and see what they think of it. They will probably have some questions and concerns, and may even get you thinking about some things that you didn't before. Your family should be fully aware of your plans, because it will effect them as well.
Now that all of that is out of the way, what will you do? How do you decide what trade to take up on your own?
Here's some help to get you started:
If you currently work outside the home and love your job, you could talk to your boss about doing your work from home. Suggest that you could start once a week, and eventually work your way up to your current hours over time. While this isn't starting your own business or being self-employed, you would be working from home and possibly even be able to keep all of your benefits.
If you don't love your job, or are currently unemployed, you'll be starting from scratch. Here are some questions to help you brainstorm some ideas (Really think about these questions, and jot down anything that comes to mind):
* What do you love to do?
* What are your hobbies?
* What do you do to relax?
* What did you love to do as a little kid?
* What did you want to be when you were little?
* What skills do you currently have that you could use? Can you type 80 word per minute? Write stories that awe anyone who reads them? Do you love children and work well with them? Do you make homemade gifts that everyone enjoys to receive on occasions?
* What do people compliment you on?
* What do they say that you do well?
Write down everything no matter how silly it might seem. Put your notes away for a day, and go back to them tomorrow. What could you do as a business? Start crossing out ones that don't really appeal to you, and narrow down your list. Once you have it narrowed down to a few, start researching what it would take to start this type of business. Talk to others who already have and ask for their advice. Soon, you will be doing it yourself! You are already on your way!
We all want it for varying reasons. Maybe you are a stay-at-home mom or dad and want to make some money, or keep yourself busy during down times. Maybe you work outside of the home, either part or full time and are too independent to work for someone else. We all get to this point one way or another.
The number of people becoming self-employed is steadily growing each year. There are great benefits for working for yourself. You can create your own schedule, wear what you want, work wherever you feel like, etc.
However, it is hard work and takes perseverance, dedication, determination, careful planning, and a bit of luck. Running your own business means you are the employer and the employee. You have to handle all departments: accounting, sales, marketing, not including the work itself. I'm not trying to talk you out of it, just stating the facts of being self-employed. There are pros and cons.
If you live with a spouse and/or have children, you should have a talk with them about your plans and see what they think of it. They will probably have some questions and concerns, and may even get you thinking about some things that you didn't before. Your family should be fully aware of your plans, because it will effect them as well.
Now that all of that is out of the way, what will you do? How do you decide what trade to take up on your own?
Here's some help to get you started:
If you currently work outside the home and love your job, you could talk to your boss about doing your work from home. Suggest that you could start once a week, and eventually work your way up to your current hours over time. While this isn't starting your own business or being self-employed, you would be working from home and possibly even be able to keep all of your benefits.
If you don't love your job, or are currently unemployed, you'll be starting from scratch. Here are some questions to help you brainstorm some ideas (Really think about these questions, and jot down anything that comes to mind):
* What do you love to do?
* What are your hobbies?
* What do you do to relax?
* What did you love to do as a little kid?
* What did you want to be when you were little?
* What skills do you currently have that you could use? Can you type 80 word per minute? Write stories that awe anyone who reads them? Do you love children and work well with them? Do you make homemade gifts that everyone enjoys to receive on occasions?
* What do people compliment you on?
* What do they say that you do well?
Write down everything no matter how silly it might seem. Put your notes away for a day, and go back to them tomorrow. What could you do as a business? Start crossing out ones that don't really appeal to you, and narrow down your list. Once you have it narrowed down to a few, start researching what it would take to start this type of business. Talk to others who already have and ask for their advice. Soon, you will be doing it yourself! You are already on your way!
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