Keywords – A Primer on one of the most important online revenue producing tools.

Copyright © Jerry D Rivera


It all begins with words typed into an online search box. A single word, or a set of specific words, that helps the user find relevant information on the subject that interests them. Type in the right words, the key words, and in a split second dozens of relevant links to information will be made available.
That simple process is why keywords are the most important first step in leading people to your product, service, website or Blog. Use the right keywords and you’ll create a flood of incoming web traffic to wherever your information is located. Like a billboard on the highway it will point the person searching in your direction, giving you the opportunity to engage them and convert their visit into a sale.
Keywords are vital to Search Engine Optimization (SEO).  Search Engines like the mighty Google use them to ‘rank’ your website, and the higher the ranking the better. Like having a company name that starts with ‘A’ in the phone book strong keywords will put your website at the top of the search engine, giving it high visibility and driving traffic towards your business.
One of the best things about keyword research is that you not only discover the best keywords and phrases to use but you inevitably discover a lot about your target customers and what they’re looking for when they search.  This info can be used to even further enhance and pinpoint the keywords that you use in the future.
Not only can you use keywords to drive traffic you can use them to predict demand shifts and respond quickly to changes in the marketplace.  That means you can use keywords to produce the products that people are actively searching for even if you aren’t producing them already, which is extremely useful information. The simple fact is that there has never been a tool that was as incredibly valuable as keywords to understand the motivation of consumers and use it to attract them to what you’re selling.
The difference between ‘short’ and ‘long-tail’ keywords.
In a nutshell, the difference between these 2 types of keywords is quite simple, but the results when using them can be dramatic.  A short keyword is usually one word, like ‘vacation’.  A long tail keyword would be ‘super cheap Caribbean vacation’. The long tail is much more specific, obviously, and many people don’t use these because they think that it will exclude more searchers than it includes.
Statistically, however, they would be wrong.  Short keywords are used less than 30% of the time when searching.  That leave 70% plus for the long tail keywords.  In fact, long tail keywords comprise the vast majority of the world’s internet search requests and contain innumerable unique searches that a single keyword might never be able to match.
Not only that but research into how keywords work has shown that long tail keywords have a much higher conversion rate than short. That means, simply, that long tails attract people ready to make a purchase.  For example, ‘perfume’ is used a lot by women browsing but not necessarily ready to buy, but ‘the best price for Chanel #5’ is the mark of someone looking to make a purchase right now.
That’s an obvious and powerful difference, and that’s way long tail keywords should be a focus of your keyword research.
Speaking of research, if you’re looking for resources here are some of the best that you can use to research your keywords. Good luck, and remember that keywords change constantly so you must research constantly.


    •    Google Adwords’ Keyword Tool
    •    Wordtracker’s Free Basic Keyword Demand
    •    Google Insights for Search
    •    Microsoft Advertising Intelligence
    •    Google Trends Keyword Demand Prediction

 

How to write Blog Articles.

Copyright © Jerry D Rivera


As a paid article writer I have been asked many times how it is that I am able to write so well.  Without tying to sound too stuck-up I usually admit that I have always been able to write well and that, since I have been writing for most of my life, it seems to come naturally.
Naturally or not, however, there is a process that I use to write my blog articles that helps me to concentrate and make them as interesting and thought provoking as possible while also not taking too much time.  The fact is, I’m always under deadlines and even when I want and need more time sometimes I just don’t have it.
I guess you could say that I’ve gotten to be very creative and quick at the same time.  Whatever the case is, I was asked by one of my customers to write an article about writing articles and so, if you please, I’ll get to explaining how I am able to write and the process I use to write well and write quickly.
The first thing that I need when I begin writing is a quiet space and a well-made chair.  As a former Chiropractor I know that proper posture, especially when sitting, is extremely important.  For me a quiet area away from distractions is also important, however it’s not always possible as I have two teenagers that semi-constantly need attention. In any case for me no TV and only soft music with no lyrics is the best and offers me a distraction free zone to let my writing flow.
The next step is the idea.  Now, keep in mind that most of the work I do is for pay so the ideas are given to me, but I still write for myself on a regular basis and most of the ideas that I write about come from my experiences, the places that I’ve been and things I’ve done in my life. 
Wherever the idea comes from the next step is the hardest; where to begin. Sometimes I sit for a few minutes in my chair and just let my mind go empty before starting, and sometimes I’ll be going so fast and furious that my fingers can’t keep up with the words in my head.  Whatever the case may be, if you can get those first few words on the page you’ll find that the next and the next and the next seem to come a lot easier.
The next step is the body of the article and, if you’ve done research on your subject you should have a few notes and references ready so that you can include the info your client needs as well as explain it in a way that makes sense.  I always ask my customers if they’d like the article to include humor or be ‘straight’, because although I love a bit of humor in my articles some people don’t.
Last but not least is the conclusion, which is sometimes as difficult as getting started. Trying to tie all your points together into a cohesive final paragraph can sometimes be a daunting challenge. I’ve found that, if I write the body well, the final paragraph seems to flow much easier. The more you write the easier it will get, of course.  Writing, like anything, improves with practice.
Speaking of which, that’s the end of this particular article about writing articles.  I hope that you’ve picked up at least a tip or 2 about the article writing process, and if you plan on writing I wish you the best of luck in your endeavors.

What is a Landing Page or Lead Capture Page?

 Copyright © Jerry D Rivera


 If you’re an affiliate marketer making a living online you probably know all about Landing or Lead Capture Pages, but if you’re new to internet marketing and sales this information is vitally important so sit back, relax and have a good look.
At its most basic a Landing Page is a website that internet marketers and salespeople use to get the name and email address of anyone who ‘lands’ on their webpage. The point of a Landing Page is to acquire the name and email of anyone who might possibly have an interest in your service or product so that you can use that email to promote your product or service to them in the future. Any person who leaves their info is called a ‘fresh lead’ and is considered an individual who is ready to buy or at least interested in buying what you have to offer.
Landing Pages, when they are well-made, will target people who have a decided interest in your product or service.  In order to entice them to leave their info a Landing Page will usually have an offer of something for a vastly reduced price or for free.  This ‘free’ info is the targeted part. For example, if you sell tax services you could have an offer for a free e-book about ’10 Tips for Surviving Tax Season’.  When a possible client leaves their info they get the free e-book and you get the name and email address of a someone that you can then advertise to in the future as much as you like.
The beauty of a Landing Page is that, when they give you their info the possible new client also must give permission for you to contact them through their email, opening the legal door for you to send them email advertising and messages about your product.
Landing Pages can also be used to direct possible customers to do exactly what you want them to do, whether its buy your service, order something from your product line, or whatever. If the target is defined well enough once they arrive they will actually be ready to buy, leaving you only to give them what they want.
A mistake that many internet businesses make is that they send their advertising, social media and email leads directly to their website homepage rather than to a well-designed landing page. The question is, where would you rather send your newest leads, to your homepage with a lot of convoluted info or to a Landing Page that prompts them to do exactly what you want and make a decision on what they need right now? Hopefully you answered the latter.
The simple fact is that if you don’t use Landing Pages to direct your possible customers to where you want them and to take action (leave info, purchase, commit to purchase, etc.) on what you are selling you’re missing out on one of the most powerful tools on the internet, hands down.
If you don’t know how to make a Landing Page don’t worry. There are plenty of excellent web companies that can build you a great landing page and start driving targeted traffic to your door. Once set up, you’ll wonder how you ever did business on the internet without them.

What are Blogs, what are they used for, how do I start a Blog?

 Copyright © Jerry D Rivera

Web Logs, or Blogs as they are known by almost everyone, are online diaries that have taken the world and the internet by storm in the last few years. There are now literally millions of Blogs on the net and thousands are being made daily. People Blog about anything and everything, from apples to zippers and everything in between, and those Blogs are happily read by millions of internet surfers every day.  Blogs have become so popular that even magazines and newspapers are starting to have their own Blogs and Blog writers.

What can you use a Blog for?

Think of a Blog as an online information diary. If there is information that you want to tell people you can easily use a Blog to do it.  For example, if you are a small business owner and want to tell people about your product you can do that with a Blog. If you are a Dentist and want to tell people about teeth whitening you can use a Blog to do it, or if you are a fan of the New York Giants football team and want to tell people how awesome they are a Blog is a great way to do it.

Some people use Blogs to make money as ‘affiliate marketers’. They start a Blog about something specific, for example Nike sneakers, and when people are on the Blog they can click on ‘links’ in their Blog to be taken to a website where Nike sneakers are sold. Some write Blogs about their services and include links back to their ‘regular’ website where prospective customers can get more information.

What do people write about on Blogs?

There are Blogs for fashion, sports, politics, religion and just about anything else you can think of.  Starting a Blog is easy with many of the free Blogging websites that mow abound on the net like WordPress and Blogger.  They are easy to use and easy to learn, and you can even put pictures and videos on them now to share with the people who read your Blog.

Many people use Blogs to try and change the world, such as someone who is trying to save the whales or wants to advise people about the dangers of smoking. Others like to talk about movies or their favorite television stars. There’s really no limit to what you can write about in your Blog and believe me people are writing about everything these days in their Blogs.

The main thing to remember when starting a Blog is that people love interesting info that either entertains them or helps them somehow.  If you think that what you will be writing about does one (or both) of those things then you’re ready to get started!

Blogging can be a lot of fun and some people even make a living Blogging. Just remember to always update your content and keep it interesting and soon you’ll be a Blogger with your very own audience hanging on your every word.  Good luck!

News Letters: What Are They? How Can It Benefit Your Business!

 Copyright © Jerry D Rivera


Businesses are constantly looking for ways to increase profits, expand their customer base and ensure business stability. While there are many ways to accomplish this, one of the most proven strategies is to use newsletters. What are newsletters? Newsletters are informational updates mailed out on a regular basis, usually either weekly or monthly. Mailing via snail mail is acceptable, but electronic newsletters sent through email are the preferred method, as it is much more convenient for both the business and the customer. Some of the most successful businesses on the planet use newsletters to keep the line of communication open between customer and client. Here are some of the benefits your business can take advantage of by utilizing newsletters.
Newsletters are one of the best ways to gauge the level of trust and loyalty of your customer base. Customers who choose to subscribe to your newsletter signal to you that they are generally satisfied with your business, and are interested in returning to you in the future. If you have customers unsubscribing, however, it is a sign that something is making them unhappy. Maybe use the newsletter email list to send out a customer satisfaction survey and find out how your customers feel so you can try and remedy any issues.
Increased sales and performance are another great benefit you will enjoy by using newsletters. Marketing through your newsletter is a no brainer. Send customers special offers, promotions, or whatever you want. That letter popping up in their inbox might just be the reminder they need, or spark their curiosity to visit or shop at your business. As long as you remember to keep your newsletter informational, that is, focused on news and updates strictly about or related to your business, customers will have no problem hearing about your promotions. Newsletter composition for marketing is a delicate art, but if they always contain relevant news and updates you will have no problems.
A newsletter keeps the important line of communication open between your business and your customers. This is one of the really great, but often overlooked, benefits of using newsletters. Have your businesses contact information clearly available and customers will always know the best way to get in touch if they need help or have questions. Seeing your newsletter will keep them interested in your business and if they ever need your product or service, they will know exactly where to go.
So if you are looking for an effective way to increase sales and performance, and keep your customers happy and interested, a newsletter is one of the easiest tools at your disposal. Receiving that letter from your business will make customers feel like they are part of the business, they will be excited about your success, and are extremely likely to take advantage of any discounts or perks offered to them. Not to mention, sharing it with one of their friends is as easy as a mouse click. So get started using newsletters with your business today and take advantage of all the benefits they have to offer! 

Online Business: Can Mentors Help You Become Successful?

  Copyright © Jerry D Rivera

In sports, a good coach can help you when you need it, give you feedback, and criticize constructively when necessary. All of the great sports heroes have had great coaches, and many of them thank their coaches when they win the ‘big game’. It’s been said that very few professional sports players would be where they are if they had not had a great coach at their side.

A Business Mentor is very similar to a coach, and if you are in business on-line it is a great idea to have an on-line business coach that can help you to steer your business in the right direction and help you avoid major problems and continually grow and prosper.

On-line business mentors are like a mini support group for your company. They help you to keep focused on your agenda, discuss your business with you from a knowledgeable position, ask questions that make sense for your particular business, and provide feedback when you need it.  They can bring a new or different perspective to a problem when you have one, and share their knowledge and experience. They can also motivate and inspire you if you need it (and if you don’t). In short, there are many advantages to having a good on-line business coach on your team.

Let’s face it, if you are a business owner or are a senior executive it can be very lonely as there are very few people that you can turn to for support and help when you have a business problem and need  to make a decision to solve it.  If you are working on-line it can be even harder because many people who work on-line work from home and have very few if any support staff (save maybe their spouse). An on-line business mentor, when called upon, can be your on-line sounding board to listen to your problems, discuss options, challenge you and support you.

Having an on-line mentor can help you to ‘step back’ from a problem and take a look at it from another angle or point of view.  They can enable you to work on your business, not just in your business, and can give excellent advice about your strategy when you want to move the business forward or make a big decision.

A mentor can help you maximize your business and even help you with your personal performance by improving your thinking process, maximizing your efficiency and achieving the potential that you might not achieve if you are working solo. Like a good coach they can tell you what you are doing wrong from an objective standpoint, and can be especially helpful because they have been there before.

When you have new ideas about running you on-line business, changing something, introducing a new service or taking away something a mentor can give you the sound advice that you need to make the best decision. They have the experience and knowledge that comes from having done the same things that you are doing and possibly having made some mistakes along the way, mistakes that you can learn from without having to make them yourself.

When you have a challenging situation (and every on-line business owner will) an on-line mentor can help you to solve the problem faster.  You can use them to ‘bounce’ ideas around, and a good mentor will let you do just that even as practice to help you learn.

Oftentimes, especially when you are working alone on your on-line business, it is hard to stay focused and productive. A mentor can help bring you that focus and give you the clarity that you need to say on-track, get things done, and gain the success that you deserve. A good mentor will review your work regularly and give you feedback based on where you are, where you were, and where you need to be in the future. All of these are very helpful and necessary if you want to be successful and run a successful on-line business.

A good mentor will also challenge you and help you to expand your belief system by asking important and intelligent questions about your business and your decisions. They can help you see where you are making good decisions and, conversely, which of your decisions may be adversely affecting your on-line business. Because they do not directly affect your business they are also very trustworthy and you can rest assured that their advice is always going to be advice that will affect you in a positive direction.

In short an on-line business mentor brings many positives to your business and can be a valuable asset to your business goals. They bring experience, knowledge and a valuable 2^nd opinion to the table, and can help you to stay the course and steer you through troubled waters when you encounter them. In the end, having another person there to help steer once in a while can give you a chance to step back and see where you are headed.

Autoresponder: Can It Help Your Business!

  Copyright © Jerry D Rivera

If you have a web-based business, an e-newsletter, or a large base of members that you keep in touch with through email, an autoresponder is something that would be a good investment for you.

A program that automatically generates a pre-recorded response when it is activated, an Autoresponder historically has been used to respond to emails sent to a specific email address. When the email address holder was not available, away on business or on vacation, the autoresponder let anyone who contacted that person or companies know by way of an automated response. Today autoresponders can be found on many websites also, and can be a powerful communication tool for everything from internet marketing to sales generation, profile management and branding.

Interestingly, the autoresponder was first designed to return an ‘error’ message when an email address was either not correct or was no longer in service. After a certain number of attempts had been made to contact a specific email address with no response the autoresponder would automatically go into effect, ‘contacting’ the sender and informing them that the email address was not responding, out of service, or not valid. Depending on the email address and where it originated the autoresponder could offer up detailed information about the cause of the error.

Within a short period of time this concept was adopted by internet users looking to inform their contacts of a certain number of important facts, including that the email was received, when a reply could be expected, and other important info. On sites that are selling services or products an autoresponder is often used to tell customers that their requests have been received, are being processed, or have been sent. Marketing companies have successfully adopted the autoresponder to keep in touch with possible customers by sending out a quick, automated response that asks for certain basic info and lets the customer know that they have gotten their info.

There are a number of different types of autoresponders. The one that is right for you will usually be based on a number or criteria and certain aspects of the type of on-line business that you have.

A simple or basic autoresponder simply sends an automated response when someone sends you an email. Whatever pre-written message that you want to send can be included in the body of the response, such as that you are out to lunch, away from your desk, or on vacation.

If you use an Advanced or Intelligent Autoresponder things work a little differently. When a customer or contact sends you an email your intelligent autoresponder will reply with a pre-written message and also automatically add the name and email address to your mailing list. It can also be programmed to respond instantly or at a specific time in the future.

Sequential Autoresponders are often used by internet marketing firms that want to send a series of timed responses to a certain group of people. For example, if your company has a particular program that is broken up into 9 parts these 9 parts can be sent out to a specific recipient list at pre-determined intervals like once a day or once a week. The timing can of course be pre-set by the owner of the autoresponder program. Other "follow up" messages can also be sent out after your customer asks for information, asks a question, or buys a product.

Autoresponders can also be used to generate leads. For example let’s say that you sign up for a newsletter because you want to keep up on the latest news about widgets. The website owner can set the autoresponder to automatically send you the newsletter and also to send you other, pre-written emails, offers or information related to widgets. The autoresponder software manages the list for you and automatically sends out the correct email to the correct type of email sent. If you have a web business that is information related this is an excellent way to generate information automatically to many people, bringing in revenue and freeing you up for more important duties.

Finally, autoresponders can also be incorporated into electronic mailing list software and used to confirm subscriptions, un-subscriptions, member posts, and any other list activities that you want to set as a parameter.

Whether you’re an internet entrepreneur looking to increase revenue or just want to let your contacts know that you’ve stepped out to get a coffee, an autoresponder can add simplicity to your daily routine or a whole lot more.