The Official Internet Marketing Sweetie Blog

Tuesday, July 31, 2007

Internet Based Expert Blogs

If you didn't know it already, a few months back, I sold one of the first & biggest websites I ever made. One of the reasons I sold Internet Based Moms, was that Mila had some great ideas for growing the site and offering visitors more great information.

One of those ideas came to life recently in the form of business expert blogs. If you haven’t already head on over and check out all the great info the ladies have to share.

The contributors are all experts in their particular field and have information to share no matter what stage of business you are in. Here’s who and what you’ll find when you visit.

Elaine Gordon Evans - Service Business Expert
Jenni Hunt - Ebay Expert
Kelly McCausey - Podcast & Audio Expert
Lynette Chandler - Marketing Technology Expert
Rhea Perry - Family Business Expert
Sharon Odom Fling - Local Internet Marketing Expert
Mila Sidman - Marketing & Content Creation Expert
And yours truly discussing the “sweetness” of Internet marketing and how your business can prosper by being the sweetie you are.

Oh and in case you’re wondering…nah, you don’t have to be a mom or even a woman for that matter…we’d love to have you.

Internet Based Moms Expert Blogs

Saturday, July 28, 2007

Outsourcing Your Support to Cyberspace: Going too Far?


Last night, while perusing a popular Internet marketing forum, I was a little surprised to discover that two Internet marketers claiming, "I don't answer emails."

I don't feel I should point to this thread because it's original topic was from someone complaining they didn't receive their digital download and I don't feel like "outing" anyone on that because these things do happen and my comments have nothing to do with the original intent of the thread. My comments were on the topic of: "I don't answer emails."

The marketers said they have set up customer support systems, so they see no need to answer emails. It is a more efficient way to deal with support as emails get filtered by ISPs and most companies are inundated with spam in their inboxes, leaving many customer emails unnoticed.

I absolutely can empathize with that and that is very much part of the reason I have my own ticket system set up, but what I was getting from these two people was that they simply don't answer emails - they allow everything to get lost in cyberspace.

Now, I have to admit, I wasn't sure if they were saying they, as individuals, don't answer emails. OR if they were saying, their company didn't answer emails...but in the end, I think the message was the same.

And that message is:

Someone who didn't follow the rules of going through a ticket system (whether intentionally or as a result of being unaware of the rules) - wasn't worth their time.

Even though I actually have had a business relationship with both these guys and am generally supportive of what they do - I was pretty shocked by these comments and had to speak up.

I wrote:

Hi - hope all is well, but I have a comment if you don't mind.

I think that is the biggest cop out ever. If I get an email from a customer in my inbox, I forward it to my appropriate staff member to deal with. Ignoring people is worse than email getting filtered, IMHO.

Same comment to XXX - who says he never responds to email. FORWARD it on...seriously guys...it's customer service 101.

To that, the marketer replied and said that it was just impossible. He had a membership base of 400,000 and the email address received tens of thousands emails per day. Although, I don't have to deal with that kind of volume, I can absolutely sympathize with the overwhelm on a smaller scale. But still, to let email go completely ignored is baffling to me.

We all know that when we email eBay, we get an autoresponse telling us nobody answers this address, submit a support ticket at XXX. And most of their emails come with the disclaimer that we should not reply as no one answers that address.

Well, annoying as that is...at least it's clear. We know what hoops we have to jump through to get in touch with a human being.

I don't know who is giving outsourcing advice to say it's okay not to answer email, but if you're dealing with too much volume, lost emails and generally overwhelmed - please don't outsource to cyberspace.

Here's how we deal with email:

1. I personally don't answer support requests. I am busy managing the business and making sure I provide the best resources possible...and making sure my business is as profitable as possible. It's nothing personal against my customers or potential customers, but I have very qualified help on my side that handles support issues much more quickly and efficiently than I could. However, if a support email sneaks into my personal inbox, you bet it gets forward to the appropriate person to attend to it.

2. We change email addresses to reduce spam volume. If you're still using the same email from 2002, do yourself a favor and clean things up. If spam is making it hard to distinguish between legitimate and garbage email, clean it up. Simply cancel the email address and put up an autoresponder that explains that a new address or support ticket system has been created for improved service. Apologize for the inconvenience, etc...etc...but in the long-run this will be better for you, your customers and prospects.

(And no...I don't recommend things like Spam Arrest...but that's a whole other blog entry for another day)

3. We use a support ticket system, but we don't leave people guessing. I agree a ticket system is a more efficient way of dealing with support and if there is any email address we don't answer, an autoresponse is always created, directing them to the ticket system.

Now, I'm not saying we're perfect...and there are bumps in the road when trying to provide support online. I just think that it is very POSSIBLE to do everything that we can to ensure we make things as straightforward as possible.

Thursday, July 26, 2007

FAQ Update: Who Can I Trust with My Business Tasks?

Being online business owners we tend to have a somewhat difficult time finding help that we can trust to do a good job and not rip us off. Even if you can see the person face-to-face, it’s still difficult to put all our trust in someone when it comes to our business.

So, how do you know who you can trust with your business baby? Find out in the newly updated FAQ:

How Do I Know Who I Can Trust to Handle Business Tasks?

Wednesday, July 25, 2007

Ain’t Kelly McCausey Sweet

She nominated me for the Blogger’s Choice “Best Marketing Blog” award.



Looks like, I’ve even been deemed worthy by 5 other people too! Thanks if you’re one of the ones who submitted your vote.

Looks like Copy Blogger, Andy Beard and Seth Godin are way ahead of me in votes, but hey that’s ok. Popularity contests kind of freak me out anyway.

Congratulations to all those who have been nominated and if you have a blog you’d like to nominate for the Blogger’s Choice Awards, go for it here. There are tons of categories, one of my guilty favorites is the Best Gossip Blog…might have to waste some time and have a look-see at some of the ones nominated for that one too!

Going to Big Seminar X See Ya There!


This fall is the 10th Big Seminar and it looks like it’s going to be a doozy! October 5th-7th, the seminar will be held in Atlanta, Georgia and I’ll be there with bells on!

This will be my 3rd Big Seminar and I can’t wait. I love attending seminars. I always learn a lot and apply those things to my business in ways that help me recoup the cost (and then some) of attending, but for me it’s all about the networking and connecting with other attendees to open doors for bigger and better things. No, I don’t mean because I go and push my products to everyone who will listen hoping to gain more customers and make more sales, but because the friendships I make are priceless and will serve me well into the future. It may be on a business level or a personal level, but either way I’ve gained something priceless.

The coolest part is that in the process of networking and creating long-term relationships, I’m learning too. But if you’ve been to one of these seminars, you know the danger of information overload. I avoid it by focusing on the big picture and keeping my pen on the table, instead of in my hand. Yep, that’s right I don’t spend all of my time frantically jotting down each and every detail from every speaker’s presentation. If I did, I’d miss out and be left with notes that I don’t need and can’t read because after a few speaker’s my hand would be aching and they would just look like chicken scratches anyway! I arrive at the seminar with my business plan in mind and collect and gather the information I need for MY business. If you go to a seminar, don’t let yourself get distracted…stay focused on your plan.

So, if you’re looking for a good time with like minded people (and trust me these people KNOW how to have a good time) where you’ll learn more than you ever thought possible while having so much fun, check out what Armand’s got cooking for the Big Seminar X.

By the way, I’m taking my fellow Mom Mastermind members who attend the Big X out to dinner on the Sunday night! If you’re a Mmer who’s in the area, be sure to check out the members area for my offer.

Look out Atlanta, here we come! ;-)

Step Off The Project Train - Life's Better Here

I just emailed this to my Internet Marketing Prescriptions subscribers, but if you missed it or have a comment, question...here it is again.

If I had a dime for every time an online entrepreneur told me they had trouble staying focused, completing projects, etc., I could retire from Internet marketing and live quite comfortably. ;-)

We’ve ALL been there.

With so many ideas and opportunities popping up, it’s easy to lose focus. Even though many people online make it seem that new projects and ideas are the answer, but seriously – those things aren’t really the way to make more money online…especially in the long-term.

Whenever I see someone following the too-many-projects path, I ask:

“What can you do to take you’ve already got and make it better?”

It doesn’t matter if you have just one content site, a few ebooks for sale or are selling consumer goods. There are ALWAYS things you can do before you jump overboard a ship you’ve worked so hard to get afloat.

(And ahem, please don’t tell me, “I already knew this,” because if you aren’t ACTUALLY doing these things, you don’t REALLY know them.)

1. Track Your Links

Track it all. Track links in every email, every thank you pages and on your web pages. Sure, there may be some search engine benefits to some of your web page links…but do some tracking, so you know what’s working. Tracking helps you gain a deep understanding of your readers and will help you shape future promotions, content creation, etc. Don’t just GUESS what your readers want.

2. Improve Your Current Offers

Use your tracking data to improve the offers your making in all aspects of your marketing. If a product isn’t performing, try a new one. Change your copy to include a stronger call-to-action and track the results. Always work to make things BETTER.

3. Create Better Backend Offers

Don’t forget your backend sales. Many times I see people who aren’t even using this part of their business to their advantage. A satisfied customer that has purchased once is more likely to purchase again. Instead of focusing all your attention on getting NEW customers, make the most of serving and satisfying the customers who have already proven they’re willing to open their wallets.

4. Leave No Leaf Unturned

Are you using all of your valuable real estate? Have you customized your thank you pages, emails, error pages, etc.? Have you reviewed all your content pages and autoresponder messages to ensure you’re making the most of EVERYTHING? Sure, it can be time-consuming but it’s easier to get more out of something that you already have in place than to start from scratch.

If you’re feeling distracted and less than excited about your current business situation, just take one or two of those ideas today and start to make your business BETTER, instead of throwing more irons in the fire to distract you even further once the fizzle has worn off.

See ya next time,
Alice Seba
Your Partner in Online Success

P.S. If you need help getting more focused and maximizing what you’ve got, be sure to get on the priority notification list for my next Internet Marketing Spring Cleaning Session.

Tuesday, July 24, 2007

All Private Label Content – So Easy Even a 9 Year Old Can Do It

There’s a new kid on the Internet marketing block!

With the help of his mom, 9 year old Caleb, a budding young entrepreneur posted his first batch of PLR content on his site. Once his mom showed him how to copy and paste articles, Caleb took the reins. He’s a real go-getter and he proved that last week when he added 30 articles to his blog in about 15 minutes.

Look out Internet world…here comes Caleb! :-)

Check out his website at CyberCaleb.com

Friday, July 20, 2007

Rockin’ Out With Michel Fortin

I’ve known for some time that Michel Fortin was a drummer and he often jammed with a band, but it looks like he’s part of a new group called Ninth Round.

And ahem, I see he’s using WordPress as the format for his band website. Given yesterday’s post, I hope I’m still cool cuz I am a Blogger user. ;-)

We already knew that The Success Doctor’s rocked at writing and critiquing copy…but now we see he REALLY can rock…literally!

Thursday, July 19, 2007

FAQ update – Making the Decision Between Blogger & WordPress

I often read comments from marketers saying you’re not a real blogger if you use Blogger, but let’s get serious. If you’re using a blog as a blog (and not converting WordPress into a more complex content management system), either platform will serve you well. And ahem, I make a little cash from this blog and I’m a happy Blogger user. I’m also a happy WordPress user too.

One of my readers asked, ”Which blogging software is the best for someone just starting out? I’ve heard a lot about blogger.com and WordPress. Is one easier to use than the other or should I start with a different one altogether?”

…and I’ve added a new FAQ to help you decide what will be easier for you here.

Wednesday, July 18, 2007

FAQ Update: Bring Your MLM/Direct Sales Business Online

Here’s a question I just added to the Internet Marketing Sweetie FAQ:

Q: "With so many people involved in MLMs and other direct sales companies, how do I turn that type of business model into a profitable online business?"

I get questions like this all the time. In fact, I also have this one in the Internet Marketing Sweetie FAQ virtual mailbag:

Q: “What is the best way to market your business when you have the company's websites that you cannot alter?”

The new FAQ answers both questions here.

Tuesday, July 17, 2007

Where In the Web is Google Adsense? – Great for Beginner Adsense Users

We all know who Joel Comm is correct? And how many of us played the game “Where in the World is Carmen SanDiego?” when we were kids? Well today you get them both.

Joel Comm, aka Mr. Adsense, posted on his AskJoelComm.com, site the video below that shows him at a seminar discussing Adsense placement. If you’re new to Adsense or just need some guidance with blending ads into your site, press play below.



And if you liked that, you might try Joel’s Adsense Game as well. Build your website, place your ads and make (or lose) money (play money, of course!).

Saturday, July 14, 2007

Staff Review: Affiliate Classroom

Here's a new staff review of Anik Singal's Affiliate Classroom. This staff member was interested in honing her affiliate marketing skills and want to take a sneak peek on what was inside, so it was a perfect product for her to review. The site has recently been updated and upgraded and here's what she had to say:

----- START STAFF REVIEW ----

Who’s it for:
Beginner to intermediate marketers. It's NOT for anyone who has been building successful affiliate sites.

What’s Included:
Special deals/discounts
Forums
Blog
Keyword Estimator
Cloacked Link Coder
AC Magazine Archives
Training System
Expert Interviews
Case Studies
Tutorials

More Details:

Everything is nicely organized with the areas very easily accessible. You know exactly where to go when you log-in. The main attraction to this membership is the step-by-step program they have in place. For beginners, it won’t be overwhelming. They basically hold your hand through the whole process of building a new affiliate site.

They start you with what they call an SBS (Step-by-Step) Training. You enter a name for this project. It takes you to Step #1 – Research Niche Products. You have a guide and tutorials to review. Then you create an Affiliate Program Profile. Once you complete your assignments, you go on to Step #2.

This is the hand-holding you’ll get throughout the program. It’s also why it’s not for advanced marketers and those who have found success already. I believe it would be a little too ‘simple’.

I do believe it’s a great program for someone who wants a plan of what to do and how to do it. There isn’t any guesswork here. The forum is also a great way to connect with other affiliate marketers to bounce ideas off of.

----- END STAFF REVIEW ----

Sound like if you're at the beginning of your Affiliate marketing journey and you really like to have everything laid out for you - at a more reasonable price than hiring a full-on coach/mentor - this might be worth checking out. Joining Affiliate Classroom is simply a $1 investment for your trial period and then $29.95 per month after that.

Thursday, July 12, 2007

What Kind of Content Do YOU Need? Free Gift for Your Opinion

If you love PLR content and want even more ideas on using it effectively, this is for you.

In exchange for your opinion, we'd like to offer you our no-charge, no strings attached "PLR Content Quick-Reference Sheet". This sheet includes 20 winning strategies for using your PLR (private label rights) content.

If you do have just a moment, please go to the link below and submit your opinions. Once you've completed the three simple questions, you'll receive a link to download your reference sheet.

Just click here to submit your opinions.

Wednesday, July 11, 2007

If You’re a VA, Check This Out

Back in April, Tawnya Sutherland, a local Internet Marketer whom I’ve shared plenty of lunches and good business talk with, launched the first podcast just for virtual assistants, VA Talk Show.

If you’re a VA, you’ll definitely want to have a listen. Tawyna knows her stuff and she is definitely someone to listen to. She is a successful VA herself and the founder of the extremely popular Virtual Assistant Networking Forum, VANetworking.com.

Tuesday, July 10, 2007

Come Chat with Me about Info Products

I’m excited to be speaking about info products at the Hot Summer Seminar Series tomorrow night.

You can join me free and find out what info product ideas sell and ways to guarantee their success. So, if you’ve got an idea for an info product, but aren’t sure whether it’s beneficial to your business, I’ll tell you tomorrow night.

I’ll be chatting at 9pm EST, Wednesday July 11th. In order to receive the call in number and password, you’ll need to sign up for free here. See you there.

If you can’t make the call, it’s ok...you can still purchase the transcripts and recordings (as well as Kelly’s personal notes if you grab the season pass)!

Third Time’s A Charm - IM Spring Cleaning Open for Registration

I have to tell you, I love this coaching stuff! I’m enjoying myself and my students so much that I’ve decided to do it again. In case you missed the previous two sessions, you’re in luck. IM Spring Cleaning is open for registration until this Friday.

If you’re ready to get rid of the virtual clutter in your business and start making some serious changes, I’m ready and willing to help you do just that. In just 6 short weeks, you’ll be free of the fog and more focused and making the progress you want to be making in your business.

Here’s what a few of my previous students had to say about the class.

“The personalized plan that you produced was so easy to understand and follow. Not only was it a wealth of information, it was very detailed and the way you scheduled my tasks into manageable chunks kept me from feeling so overwhelmed.

Your teaching is perfect for those who, like me, learn best from a straight forward, no nonsense 'here's-what-you-need-to-do, here's-how-you-do-it, now-go-do-it' kind of approach. I will be reaping the benefits of your personal coaching for a long, long time. Again, thank you so much."
– Linda Hinkle

“The course was tough, but it forced me to really analyze by business structure and all of the projects, web sites, and domains I had accumulated.
You helped me to see with clarity what I was doing that was working and more importantly what was NOT working for me.

The best part is, my profits increased before the course was even over. I am excited to continue my business now on a better footing and I am confident that it will be able to grow like never before. Thank you!”
– Tiffany Washko

Find out everything that’s included in the 6 course and sign up at
www.IMSpringCleaning.com, but hurry I’m only accepting 30 students and if those seats fill up before Friday I’ll have to close registration early because this teacher can’t handle more than 30 eager to learn students!

Thursday, July 5, 2007

More PLR Research Bundles Comin’ At Ya

Last month, I mentioned the addition of research bundles to AllPrivateLabelContent.com and how they serve a purpose (a few actually).

We introduced our research bundles with Kid Fun & Parent Sanity and Empowered Moms. The feedback we’ve received for these two bundles alone let us know just how much of a need there is for this type of PLR content.

As promised we’ve added 3 more of them. The new bundles include research on 15 topics including links to find more information and a list of possible affiliate programs to help you monetize the content you create. Use the research to create whatever your heart desires.

Dieting & Weightloss
Exercise & Fitness
Online Marketing

Grab the new research bundles above as well as our 2 new topic focused, pre-written article bundles today!

Natural Cleaning
Family Travel

FAQ Update – Ebook, Sell it or Give it Away?

If you’ve been wondering about whether to sell or give away your ebook, you can now find your answer in the FAQ.

Should I Sell My Ebook or Give it Away?

Gofbot.com - Is Your Next Project Bigger Than a Big Mac?

I always get a chuckle out of the McDonald’s commercial for the fictional up and coming “Gofbot.com” creators tout as being “bigger than the Big Mac”. If you haven’t seen it, you can watch below:


Thanks for Lunch, Ladies!


While many of my American Internet marketing friends enjoyed 4th of July celebrations, a few of us Canadian gals met for a great lunch on a Vancouver patio. With a view of the mountains, yummy food and great conversation, it was loads of fun.

From the left, that's Vera Raposo, Liane Wood, some girl that just barged in on the party and Diana Walker.

Thanks for a great time everyone.

Tuesday, July 3, 2007

Staff Review: Blogging to the Bank 2


Here's another thorough product review from one of our staff writers. This time it's for Rob Benwell's Blogging to the Bank 2. After rave reviews of version #1 of his ebook, Rob has put together an updated and expanded version.

----- START STAFF REVIEW ----

I just finished reading the “Blogging to the Bank 2.0” ebook by Rob Benwell. I have heard over and over again that it is possible to make money with a blog, but I couldn’t see how. As someone who has read many blogs, the concept is appealing to me. I’m all for sharing what I know, and if I can make money while I’m at it, I might just have to give this a try.

I have to admit, I’m coming into the whole blogging to make money concept as a complete newbie. I have read a number of blogs, and even have thought about starting one of my own; however this ebook might be what it takes to get me past the point of thinking about it to actually doing it.

One of the things I liked about the ebook is that it wasn’t written JUST for people that are already in the midst of blogging. It was written from the standpoint that not everyone has a blog, so the information was easy to understand. There was a lot of information in it, as well.

Benwell began the book by giving The 5 Blogging Commandments:
  • Imitate nature
  • Add some visitor value
  • Make it sticky
  • Don’t let your blog die
  • Market = profit.
He then explained each of the commandments in a way that was easily understood.

He further explained how to research niche blogging. The ebook has a lot of links for free software to do the research; he also included images of actual pages from places like Google that would let the reader glimpse what they would “see” on those research pages.

Another thing that I liked is that Benwell had specific, point-by-point action steps to take in setting up a blog and how to create the needed links to make the most of your blog.. He then went on to explain how to come up with content for the blog, and the various resources on the internet that provide content – whether for free or for a fee.

What I found interesting is that the whole process of optimizing your blog to make money isn’t as hard as it sounds. There are various websites that will help you see whether or not your blog is generating traffic. He also gave the steps to set up affiliate links on your blog.

Included in the “Blogging to the Bank 2.0” is a section by Mike Worthingham. He shared top four ways to get huge amounts of traffic to your blog. This information, which could easily have been an ebook on its own, was very informative. I would say it was worth getting this ebook on its own merit, but this made it that much more valuable.

There were also a few extras tacked on the end of Benwell’s ebook. He included “Money Squeeze Techniques,” as well as hints on “Advanced SEO.” This information will help anyone new to blogging.

My biggest complaint about the ebook was that it had some typographical errors that detracted from it. While they don’t affect the content, and most people may not realize they’re there, I felt it made the ebook seem less professional.

Typographical errors aside, I would say that “Blogging to the Bank 2.0” was fact-filled, to the point, and helpful in the details. He gave great tips about creating a blog and how to make money from it. The information was systematic and well thought out. I would say that anyone considering blogging, and specifically about trying to earn money from blogging, would be well-advised to read Benwell’s ebook.

----- END STAFF REVIEW ----

Full information about the ebook is available on Rob's website. Sounds like it's worth taking a look at if you've been wanting to earn some cash from blogging.

A Happy 4th to My Friends Down South


Just a quick post to wish all my friends a fun and relaxing 4th of July away from the computer. ;-)

By the way, if you need any free 4th of July clipart you can grab a few cool images.

Me, I'm actually getting together with a few Canadian IMers for lunch. So...I get a fun and relaxing day too.

Monday, July 2, 2007

Sweetie-Made RSS Reader - It's Yours...Free!

Lynette Chandler (who I absolutely looove) has saved my technophobe butt yet again. She created this awesome (and free) software.

Introducing the Sweetie Reader. A free RSS Reader that includes the Internet Marketing Sweetie blog and FAQ, along with Lynette’s Tech-Based Marketing feed, Sweetie Reader lets you to add other blogs or feeds of your choice so you don’t miss out on anything when they are updated.

There are also some other really cool features you'll want to check out. Click the link below to get all the details.

Free Sweetie Reader

Outsourcing – Is It Really Just for Business?

As you probably know – either by experience or having me shove it down your throat - outsourcing tasks in your business allows you to open up time to do other things like spend time with family, concentrate on parts of your business that may be getting neglected or expanding your business.

You may outsource your bookkeeping, administrative tasks, support, programming, writing, etc.

But what about the details of your life that can distract you from working or worse yet keep you from your family just as much as before? Did you ever stop to think hiring assistants to help with your business so you can have time to do laundry, mow the lawn or accomplish can actual backfire? Think about it…if you’re so strapped for time now that even after you hire business help you find yourself still needing more time with family or to focus on your business, then maybe it’s time to think about outsourcing for your personal life too.

For instance, I outsource a good chunk of my cleaning to a housekeeper 6 hours per week and my house is cleaner than it would ever be if I was in charge and that’s a real stress reliever. There’s nothing worse than looking around at a messy house and feeling like you should be doing something.

If you happen to be a parent of school-aged children, you’ll know that the summer break can bring a challenge. I’m in the same boat. This summer my kids will be going to a very close family friend’s house twice per week. They’ll be able to play with her two kids that they adore, have a great time and don’t have to listen to mom say, “Just a minute…” over and over again while I’m tapping away on the computer.

What do you outsource in your personal life to give you more time for business? If you don’t outsource anything now…what do you think you could outsource to give more focused work time and less stress?