Tag Archives: online marketing

Website Hacking Info 101

1 Reply

If you are a website owner then you know that nothing is more horrifying than seeing a message saying that your website have been hacked.

There is a lot of possibilities as to why this happens.

Today we will look at the possible underlying circumstances as to why your website is hacked or is susceptible to website attacks and hacking.

Three things come to mind on why websites are usually hacked:

  1. To send out spam email\
  2. To gain access to your personal data, mailing list, credit card info, and others.
  3. Gain access to your site so that they can install malicious software that they can use your site.

The benefits of hacking for the hacker boils down to mass exposure, reduced overhead, tools, increased rate of success.

Why Hackers Hack?

Economic Gains

Obviously the first reason as to why a website gets hacked is purely economic. Hackers do this to make money from your audience.

One way they do is by the means of a Drive-by-download. This is the act of injecting your site with a malware hoping to infect your website visitors.

It works like this, whenever your readers visit your site, chances are they will be downloading a fake software that you recommended and that software is has only one command, to extract vital credit card info. The effects are rather devastating to say the least.

System Resources

Another reason why a hacker will hack your website is farming your system resources. This comes in the form of increased bandwidth and physical server use.

This is big business as a successful hack not only mean that the hacker has now increased bandwidth, but moreover, he can build a leasing environment off yours.

Hactivism

This is a bit tacky to quantify but nonetheless too real not to consider. If nothing else, some hackers derive maximum pleasure and satisfaction from being able to take control over a site, in this case, a government site to protest or show their agenda.

They then show this to their peers and use as bragging rights. One famous example is a group of hackers who call themselves “anonymous”

Boredom

Yes, some hackers, out of sheer boredom (for having too much time on their hands) with nothing better to do will actually find hacking a site the actual cure for their boredom.

In closing

Being hacked is not a pleasant experience. It will demand your full attention if you want to restore your site and remove the malware installed.

In our next installment I’ll present some anti-hacking and security guides that you can use to avoid being hacked again or hacked in the first place.

Join me and let’s make money!

Blog your way to success!

How to Launch an Easy SMS Marketing Campaign

1 Reply

Hey everyone!

Utilising the power of short messaging service (SMS) for your marketing campaign is a fast, cost-effective and highly converting way to generate leads and reach out to repeat customers.

sms messaging image 1

text message

If you haven’t leverage this system, it’s never too late to start using it now, especially since there’s a fairly large demographics of individuals who own at least one mobile device which they carry with them all the time.

Here’s a quick a run-down on how to launch a successful SMS or text messaging marketing campaign.

Start an SMS Campaign Now

CTA ( Call to Action)

call to action image

Hurry!

Make sure that you state this right away in your SMS campaign.

One effective way is to always tell your text message recipients what they would gain if they would subscribe to your solution or brand.

Have the end in mind even at the start of your text message to avoid long boring text message. The time window you have for this is less than 5 seconds tops!

Keep it short

Essentially, you only have 160 characters to get your most important point across. So choose your words very carefully. Use the direct approach method. Don’t dilly dally.  Your brand’s advantage should be immediately clear to your recipient.

Right Time

sms marketing image 3

is it the right time?

Always consider the time when you want to send your text message out.

If you hope to gain an action or response, it is important that you give your recipients ample time to think about your offer during the course of their day.

One way to achieve this is by preparing a scheduler that you can view and track what is the best time to send your text marketing and to which group of people you want to send it out.

Avoid repetition

Avoid sending text after text to the same group of people continually within a single day! This is considered spamming and many will definitely frown upon you which would result in lost of possible conversion for you.

Learn to manage your database properly to avoid texting the same marketing campaign to the same group of people. Also, try to keep your text message engaging and most importantly, fresh!

Be clear about the opt-in rule

sms marketing image 4

Opt in?

Always remember to use an SMS keyword for this type of action. (e.g. Text JOIN to 10110 to receive the latest offers and updates.)

Have this printed everywhere. Text messaging is an invasive strategy and thus it may violate some regional laws.

Be sure to read what your local Privacy and Electronic Communications policy has to say about this.

Protect your brand’s reputation by making sure that all of your recipients have actually opted in.

Simple to opt-out

sms marketing image 6

easy opt out

In my many years of being an on-line marketer, I found it really exasperating when you’re opting out of a solution but you are constantly  STILL being bombarded with countless proposal.

Some text messaging campaigns I’ve encountered are like that, for me, it’s a sign of unprofessional ism and is blatantly unethical. AVOID THIS PRACTICE at all cost.

Make sure your opt-out option is simple in your texts. Make it a point to let go of your clients when they have decided to opt-out of whatever current solution you are promoting.

Who knows in the near future they will even subscribe to another solution that you are promoting just because of the excellent experience they had with you in the past.

There you go, I hope this article have you itching to start your very own text messaging campaign now.

3 Reasons Why Quizzes are Good Marketing Strategy

1 Reply

Hey everyone!

Quizzes image 1

Take the quiz!

One effective way to take advantage of people’s interest and their penchant for defining themselves is by using quizzes.

This is the reason why you see a lot of quizzes posted on your social media networks.

The result may not be 100% scientific, but they offer a lot of entertainment value for the taker plus more importantly, you’d get an insight into his personality.

This undeniable popularity of quizzes should be taken into serious consideration when formulating your marketing strategy.

Let’s face it, people love taking and sharing these entertaining quizzes with their friends, so the wise marketer can also use them as lead generation tool.

Quizzes are Good Marketing Strategy

They are irresistible

quizzes image 2According to Buzzsumo, “the top shared quiz over the last 12 months was ‘What colour is your aura’, with nearly 4 million shares.

” “The top 5 quizzes in the last 12 months all had well above 1.5 million shares.”

By employing quizzes, you are in fact giving your audience a chance to learn something interesting about themselves.

This can in turn generate sharing by having them grab that opportunity to start a conversation with their friends. This quality is unique to quizzes.

They are Shareable

quizzes image 3

hit like and share!

One good way to start a conversation with your friends is by sharing quizzes results to them.

Christine Whelan, a sociologist at the University of Wisconsin, echoed this sentiment to NBC News.

“These personality quizzes, at their best, are conversation starters, and give you a shared language to discuss things that are meaningful for you,” Whelan said.

Results get shared because people are eager to let their friends take the same quiz and they could in turn compare notes.

They are always going viral

quizzes image 4

viral!

One particular quiz that comes to mind regarding this ability of quizzes to go viral is the “what colour is this dress” that became insanely popular some months back.

It was shared so many times it even got extra mileage on the evening news!

Watch this short video

 

“A quiz is a really quick way to newsjack a topic, such as a breaking meme or a show that’s returning, or a celebrity having a moment.” – Buzzsumo

So there you go, another strategy that you can definitely use in promoting your brand!

Let’s make money easily!  Make money via blogging!

Blog Commenting 101

Leave a reply

Hi everyone!

One way to properly increase brand awareness, create additional inbound links and drive traffic to your site is through blog commenting.

blog commenting image 1If executed correctly, blog commenting can generate favourable results for you. (Especially when you do the commenting on authority sites.)

In my ongoing effort to increase your marketing awareness, I’ve listed down some basic blog commenting do’s and don’ts.

Here’s my take and hope you can learn a thing or two from it. Read on!

Blog Commenting Etiquettes

Some shrewd on-line marketers will always grab the opportunity to comment on a blog site because they want to add their own link (usually their site or solution) in the comment that they are posting.

Can You Post Comments with Links?

Is this an acceptable method when doing blog commenting?

blog commenting image 2One main reason as to why marketers would want to leave a comment with a hyper link in it is because they want to generate a back link.

This back link usually leads to their site or sometimes even to a landing page.

While this practice can be frowned upon, still if approved by the blog site administrator, it’s  an excellent way to get a lot of views for your brand.

While there is a lot of value to be enjoyed whenever a blog comment with a hyper link is approved by a high authority site, still it’s inappropriate especially if it’s a “link-bait and switch” type strategy.

Let’s not forget that blog commenting is all about giving your personal or professional take on the subject at hand.

It’s a proven practice that you should leave a comment in respect to the material mentioned, meaning the comment should be relevant.

If you were to add a hyper link in your blog comment, then it should offer value and be related to the topic of the blog.

Here’s a good example of how blog commenting should be done.

This is taken from a blog in Product.com blog.

3 key elements of a quality blog comment

Use an Avatar

blog commenting image 3Whenever possible, have a Gravatar or info image embedded every time you do blog commenting.

This will prove that you are a “real-and-alive” living individual and not just a robot or a pigment of some shrewd marketers or black hat ops imagination.

Use your Real Name

blog commenting image 4When commenting on a blog, there’s an option to either use your name or to stay anonymous,

it’s a proven effective practice to use your real name and if you are asked for an email or website in the comment form, add them as well.

Never use a keyword that you are trying to haggle for

This is a clear signal of  spamming. Leave a comment that offers actual value. Likewise, please don’t ever, ever use the comment box to introduce yourself or your brand.

Time and time again we see a lot of comments that take 10-15 seconds to read!  These are obviously just for self-promotion and are geared to get a back link to their brand.

Give real value every time you blog comment and in time you’ll see your connection grow. Why? because people will notice that you know your stuff and this will lead them to seek you out.

That’s all it takes!

Now, can you start commenting on my blogs?

Make money now via blogging =====>joinstevemack.com

You can make money on-line very easily =====action111.com

5 Elements of a High Converting Video Blog

2 Replies

Hi everyone!

A high converting video blog contains five key elements for its success. Knowing these video blog imageelements is your key to creating a very potent and effective video blog.

Taking off from our last blog, the video blog (which incidentally garnered a lot of views) I’m following it up with what constitute an effective video blog.

Did you know that are five elements that make-up for a very high converting video blog?

Watch this short video to learn more

5 Elements of a Video Blog

Keep it Simple

video blog simpleOne rule of thumb to follow when creating your video blog is to keep it simple. Simple in its presentation.

Although the context maybe complex, keep the presentation very simple. This entails using a “clutter-free” approach. How to achieve this?

Keep the on-screen graphics very minimal, same with pop-ups and to some degree animations.

Also keep it under 5 minutes as the attention-span of most people these days have become relatively shorter.

Use minimal lighting if you’re going to speak in front of the camera. Use a tripod as well to stabilize the camera or any video recording device that you will use.

Keep it Short

short video blogDon’t bore your viewers to death please. If you can present your solution or whatever you want to get across between 2 to 5 minutes will be great!

Now if you need more time to present it properly, then make it a series. This way, you can keep the content simple and short.

Be Up to Date

An effective video blog must employ the latest video techniques, ideas, content and technology. Taking advantage of the available material online will ensure an updated approach to creating a video blog. Moreover, employing the latest in videography will always make your video blog look fresh and cutting-edge.

Inform, Educate, Entertain

The three types of video that are popular online are: informative, educational and entertaining video. Any of these types can stand on its own when employed.

Of course, most often than not, people would always lean on watching entertaining type videos. But not to be outdone, providing informative or educational type videos will do the job just the same.

Keep your audience in mind

video blog audienceMake sure that what you are putting out, in terms of video blogs, will always be directed towards your target niche or audience.

Always use terms that are associated with that particular industry or niche.

Like if you are doing a video blog about playing golf, make sure to know what the words ”par, bogey, hole in one, handicap or eagle” means. This will make your video more believable even if you have never played golf in your life before.

Video blog is always a great way to promote your product or service. Being able to effectively tap into this medium entails using these 5 elements.

Try it now!

Join me and let’s make money via blogging! =====> joinstevemack.com

You can make money online now!=====>action111.com

Digital Marketing 101

1 Reply

Hi everyone!

As the world market gradually becomes smaller everyday – thanks to the internet and the growing globalization, one can’t help but notice the technological breakthroughs that take place on a regular basis.

digital marketing imageTake the case with online marketing. Now there’s even a new form – digital marketing. Digital marketing involves the use of non-traditional form of marketing to get the message out.

Digital marketing involves tapping the internet as the main platform for bringing the marketing message to consumers in a faster format complete with metrics that will enable you to vary your approach in real time.

What does this means?

Simply put, digital marketing is the promotion of your brand or product using one or more forms of e-media.

Now with the definition out of the way, we can focus on how to effectively use digital marketing in your brand campaign.

Watch this short video to learn more

4 Digital Marketing Tips

Always Target the Right Audience

digital marketing image 2Knowing how to answer the “who” and “where” questions are important for a successful digital marketing campaign.

This entails knowing where your audience usually spend their time when they are online. If it’s Twitter or Facebook, then you can work on building your online presence within those social media platform.

Be Always Accessible

digital marketing image 2With more and more people going online via their mobile device, going mobile-friendly is not an option anymore – it’s a MUST.

Don’t let the competition beat you to the punch, be easily shareable and accessible by being mobile-friendly.

Build your Connection then Collaborate

digital marketing image3What you can accomplish, even to the maximum of your ability is limited.

You need to maximize output even with a limited input by asking your connections to do the work for you.

Like the case with Instagram where users are encourage to post their pictures, you can adapt this technique any which way you want to drive home your brand. You can always start somewhere but with the end result in mind.

Watch those Numbers

digital marketing image4Sure we tend to take pride in having a lot of likes or following or even connection on our social networking accounts, but if those numbers are not being converted into sales, then take heed.

You must pay attention on how many conversions you are actually making on, let’s say a daily basis.

You can then use the metrics to plot out what your next move should be. What is more important are the numbers that generate the sale. Keep that in mind.

Digital marketing, if done properly, is an effective medium to add to your online marketing strategy. We’ll focus more on this next time!

If you feel this topic has helped you in any way, please don’t forget to hit the like button.

If you have any questions, suggestions or comments, you can write them below.

Let’s make money via blogging join me! =====>joinstevemack.com

You can make money online now!=====>action111.com

5 Elements of a Winning Landing Page

Leave a reply

Hi everyone!

landing page imageContinuing on where we left off last time, I jotted down some important features of a landing page to help you create one that is cool and a sure winner – that is if you still haven’t designed
one.

As usual, this is still in my ongoing desire to help you become a better online marketer.

Here it goes:

5 Elements of a Landing Page

USP (Unique Selling Point)

landing page image 2This segment of your landing page contains your main headline, supporting headline, the reinforcement statement and the closing statement.

The Hero Shot

This is the visual representation of your solution. It may come in the form of an image or photo, or much better yet, if you can prepare a short video clip, the better. This is where the synopsis or the gist of your solution is stated in an entertaining fashion.

The Benefits of your Solution

landing pageEnumerating the benefits of your solution is always vital in the creation of your landing page. Of course you want to seal the deal and have your prospects opt in or buy from you.

Presenting them in a bullet form is always a good practice. It’s also an accepted practice to include the details of your solution as well.

Social Proof

If there’s a powerful persuasive concept in your landing page, then it’s this one. Adding testimonials or social proof is another key element that adds a powerful hook to your claim. Adding at least 5 short testimonies from satisfied customers will further add weight on your landing page. It’s also cool if customer’s photos are included in their testimonies.

Call-to-Action (CTA)

 call to action imageAlways aim for a single conversion goal. Focus all your efforts in creating a winning CTA form.

This is where the rubber meets the road.  How you position, design and what it says all plays an important part.

It’s important to articulate what your prospects will be getting once the click. Try to refrain from using “CLICK HERE or SUBMIT.”

Be more specific, try something like “Get your 7-days free trial”.

Creating or designing your landing page is an art in itself, be creative but most importantly, be informative. Don’t forget to lay it out in an easy-to-read manner. It might just be the seal dealer you are hoping for.

Join me and let’s make money via blogging! =====>joinstevemack.com

You can make money very easily =====>action111.com

If you find this topic interesting or informative, please don’t forget to click the like button. You can also leave your comment below.

Landing Page 101

1 Reply

Hi everyone!

A landing page forms an integral part of your online marketing site as it is “lands” your visitor
example of landing pagesto where you want them to go next.

Usually this happens when a reader clicks to your online marketing’s call-to-action. The landing page is a standalone page with a single focused objective.

There are two classifications of landing page – the Lead generation and the Click through.

Watch this short video to learn more
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OeuS3PnjTH8

Classifications of a Landing Page

Lead Generation Landing Page

The lead generation landing page is used to capture vital information about your visitor like his lead gen page imagename, contact details and email address.

This piece of information is needed to further continue the communication through emails.

Oftentimes, once the permission (via filling out the lead generation form) is given to proceed, the “lead” or prospect is convinced to convert into a customer by offering him “x-deals” and freebies. These are addition hooks that the online marketer can employ to seal the deal.

Some of these freebies include:

  • Webinar registration
  • Discount coupon/voucher
  • Free trial
  • A physical gift (via direct mail)
  • Notification of a future product launch
  • Consultation for professional services
  • Contest entry

The Click Through

click through image The conduit between your marketing ad and it’s final destination.

The click through landing page’s main objective is to successfully convince potential customers to click through another page, which usually is the CTA or call-to-action.

Typically, the click through page should land on the shopping cart or registration page. This is ideal as it forms an essential part of your sales funnel.

Finally

Structuring these two important pages is crucial, the message should be cut out in an obvious fashion. The page should also be laid out in a way that will maximum readability.

There are elements that make up a good landing page, may it be the Lead gen or Click through, but always remember this valuable saying ” NEVER START A  MARKETING CAMPAIGN WITHOUT A DEDICATED LANDING PAGE”. 

If your marketing website does not have a landing page, then you are missing a lot of possible conversion. Create one now.

If you find this post helpful, please don’t forget to click the like button. You can also share this. If you have any question, suggestion or comment, you can write them down in the comment box provided in this post.

Join me and let’s make money via blogging today! =====>joinstevemack.com

You can make money now! =====>action111.com

Press Release 101

Leave a reply

Hi there!

prLet’s say you have a brand that has started to advertise on amazon and you want to get the word out as fast as you can to as many individuals as possible, what do you do?

Issue an online press release of course.

Top Reasons to Issue a Press Release

  • Press release works because it helps you garner that much needed publicity that goes with the launching of a new or not so new product to a targeted niche or focused audience.
  • amazonA press release also offers fast publication, usually a day after the initial issuance. A press release also holds a high ranking in Google News, Yahoo News, MSN News, and other major search engine for targeted related search items.
  • The coverage is also far and wide with hundreds of relevant sites with distribution through Rich Site Summary (RSS) services.
  • High visibility when published on your site.
  • Wide distribution to dedicated people like journalists, researches and most importantly, consumers.
  • Your brand increases its awareness to both existing and new clients.
  • Online Press release tools also offer tracking capabilities.

msnA keyword rich and SEO approved press release effectively launches your brand online through various channels.

You can also track the result quite quickly and see how many individuals or organizations were able to receive your press release.

A press release also contains link/s and images of your product, so contrary to what you may have in mind, it’s not all text that’s in there.

There are a lot of press release tools online that can cater to your specific needs. These press release tools also have their own listings and dedicated channels where to launch your press release.

So if you’re still a bit unsure on what marketing strategy to use while you have a listing in Amazon, issue a press release now. It works!

Let’s make money via blogging now====>joinstevemack.com

You can make easy money online====>action111.com