Homesteading Blogs

Partner with homesteadingblogs.com
Home

World Wide Web

Six Ways To Supplement Your Website's Content

Author: Peter Brittain

While many website marketing efforts focus on either content building or link building, many webmasters forget that the new social media gives you many ways to add value to the user experience for free. Adding to your online presence will enhance your site's familiarity - and give users another way to keep track of what you're up to. No matter what form your web business takes, you should be able to use at least one of these:



1. YouTube videos



Having your own channel on YouTube is becoming more of a necessity than a perk. Celebrities, performers, writers, artists, and content creators of every stripe are getting a personalized YouTube channel on which to deliver podcasts, press releases, video-blogs, life-streaming, and anything that would be enhanced by the audio-visual medium. You have to admit, some people watch better than they read! Video content can help reach a new audience, and videos can be downloaded and enjoyed on a mobile device later.



2. An IRC channel



After all these years (The IRC protocol is older than the World Wide Web), IRC is making a comeback. Hip, new social media companies are branching out into their own IRC channels and attracting a new audience. What are the benefits of having an IRC channel available for your site? It's free and easy to use, and also ubiquitous across all platforms. It gives a new option for customer service and support, lets your online community thrive, and gives a nice "the door is always open" feeling to your online business.



3. Twitter



We almost don't have to tell you that Twitter is the hottest new tech in social media. Celebrities are racing to establish homestead accounts on it already. When you get your own Twitter account in your website's name, you can alert users and customers to new offers, news, and events connected with your online business. You can say, "We're upgrading our app to 2.0 this month - watch our Twitter feed for up-to-the-minute notification!" or "We'll be attending the business expo this week, and streaming live updates from Twitter." Users eat this stuff up.



4. Social news sites



A lot more social news sites are catering to webmasters, by allowing them to create custom places on their site for links pertaining just to their business. On some you can start a sebreddit with updates to your blog. Like twitter, you can use social news media to give your visitors one more reason to keep coming back.



5. Profiles



Where's your Linked-In profile? Or your Facebook page? Or your About-Us page? These sites are now functioning as a kind of yellow Pages for businesses on the web. Having a personal page up for your business will give you some credibility. It's also one more smart way to enhance your online presence - search engine optimization sometimes is just a matter of having enough sites verifying that you are who you say you are!



6. Shoutboxes



These are like a special embedded chat room that you can host self-contained, right on the page. This gives your users another way to talk to each other, if you're building a community, or for your customers to write in with comments and questions if you sell a retail product or service.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/internet-articles/six-ways-to-supplement-your-website039s-content-2171789.html

About the Author

Peter Brittain is a search engine optimisation specialist from Slinky, who specialize in website seo

10 Ways to Promote "Brand You" Online

Author: parmentier christiansen

The internet is everyone's "go to" source for information, so your marketing campaign must include an online strategy. If you're currently incorporating any of these tips, congratulations! You are already a step ahead! How about incorporating one more new strategy per week or per month to increase your online visibility? Just taking a few small steps can make a big difference in promoting you!

#1 WEBSITE:

To promote you or your business online you need to have a website. There are so many inexpensive (and even free!) options available now that everyone can have one.

What you need to do:

o Get a domain name. Getting a domain name is your piece of internet real estate. I've even set up my name as a domain name.

o You can purchase a domain name for about $10 (annual registration). Hosting can be free (with advertisements) or as little as $4 a month. My favorite website hosting provider is GoDaddy. Other popular providers are 1and1 Internet and Homestead.

Be sure to put your website address on all of your promotional materials, letterhead, labels, business cards, and email signature, etc. Just because you build it, doesn't mean they will come, you need to let everyone know.

#2 EMAIL SIGNATURE

Sign every outgoing email message with a customized signature. It's like having a digital business card. The signature can be up to 5 lines of text, it must include your contact information, web site address and tagline (what you do). Most email programs today will allow you to create a signature that will automatically post with every email you send. You can also have several different email signatures to use for all of the things you do. Check the "help" function of your email program, or just search Google for "email signature" and your program name for detailed instructions how to set it up.

o A text email signature can be as simple as your name, tagline and contact information. For example, Michelle Brubaker Create a profitable internet presence Internet Marketing | Web Design | Videography with my phone number and wesite address.

o An HTML email signature includes images that are hosted. You can use a free online service to create an email signature, or have your web designer or a graphic artist create one for you.

#3 LINKS

Links are the doorway to your publicity. The more relevant links pointing to you online the easier it is for people to find you. Links also add relevance and increase your rankings with Google.

o Incoming Links: are links that when clicked on take the viewer to your website. Google counts incoming links from relevant sources the highest when ranking your site online.

o Outgoing Links: are links on your own website that when clicked take the viewer to another page (yours or someone else's) online. Relevant outgoing links may point viewers to further information.

o Reciprocal Links: are links going both to and from your website. Google counts reciprocal links, but don't try to fool the system. Google knows when you are just swapping links for the sake of linking so apply them sparingly.

Use links to your website when you are posting in online blogs, forums, and social media sites. Also be sure to set up links to all of the places you are online in your Google Profile (#8 below). Important! You need to use the http:// in front of the www for the link to work.

#4 ARTICLES

Write an article (like this one) to share your expertise online. There are lots of online media publishing sites where you can post articles for free.

Always put a link back to your web site so readers will know where to find more information!

Here are some popular media publishing sites:

o Squidoo

o Hub Pages

o Tumblr

o Scribd

o Issuu

o EzineArticles

#5 PUBLISH AN EMAIL NEWSLETTER

Create an informative email newsletter to send to your clientele. Include great content with pertinent information they would want to read. It can be as simple as sharing the latest news, updates and technologies relevant to their industry.

Proper etiquette is weekly or bi-monthly otherwise readers will just check out from information overload. Never send spam and always allow recipients to chose opting in, or opting out of your newsletter. As your readership increases you may consider an email news service such as; Constant Contact, Aweber, or Mailchimp. These online programs send professional looking newsletters and also provide statistics of your readership. Most offer a free trial.

#6 ONLINE FORUMS

An online forum is a great way to communicate and share online. Consider participating in just one. You can do this in your business field, hobby, or any area of interest.

Be sure to share great information that everyone will read. Proper etiquette limits shameless promoting, but if a reader wants to connect with you for more information, be sure to include your email signature at the end of your postings (#2 above).

Popular sources of online forums are:

o CraigsList

o Google Groups

o Yahoo Groups

There are an unlimited number of online forums. Just search online for your area of interest and the word "forum." For example, "equestrian forum" or "knitting forum." If you don't find exactly what you are looking for, you can even start your own group!

#7 DIRECTORIES

Submit your website to an online directory. A directory is an online categorized list of businesses and services.

o Google Directory

o Yahoo Directory

o Back Page

Caution! be aware of directories who promise tons of traffic/links to your website. If an incoming link to your website comes from a site that has been black-listed it will count negatively to your search rankings. Only submit to reputable directories.

#8 GOOGLE PROFILE

Google indicates that 25% of searches are for people. If you've ever used Google to search your own name or to find a person, a Google Profile makes the process much easier. Google displays profiles at the bottom of search results on the first page If you have something to sell or promote, a Google Profile is a must.

Why You Need a Profile:

o It instantly optimizes your name online.

o It's totally free.

o You show up on the first page of Google.

A Google Profile is a page hosted on Google which is tied to your name. Content on your profile page is defined by you. Information includes sections for "about", images, text, cross links to your websites and more.

Set up your Google Profile at http://www.google.com/profiles.

#9 SOCIAL MEDIA

There is a lot of buzz these days about social media. The most popular sites being Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn. Since everyone participates these days, why not make sure your online profile includes a link to your website.

With Facebook & LinkedIn you can write "notes" and "articles" (#4 above). Sharing relevant information with your fans, friends, and connections will create discussions and can establish you as an expert, again always add your signature at the bottom so viewers can connect with you for further information. I've known people who have written hundreds and even a thousand articles for social media and get a flood of leads and traffic daily as a result.

YouTube is another great source of media. With the price of video cameras now under $200, just about anyone can make a video. Computers now come with basic editing software such as Windows Movie Maker where you can add text, slides and music. It's a popular resource for you to share your expertise and visually promote what you do.

#10 BLOGS

Blogging has taken the internet by storm! You don't even have to have your own blog to get in on the action. Find a blog on a subject you have knowledge. This can be your business, a hobby or just something you are good at. When the writer creates a new blog posting, make a comment - share your knowledge, complement what was written. Just be a part of the ongoing discussion. It's ok to sign your name at the bottom (just be aware of shameless promoting).

To find blogs, just search online for your area of interest and the word "blog." For example, "home organizing blog" or "business management blog." If you don't see exactly what you are looking for, why not create your own blog.

Popular blogging (free) providers are:

o Blogger

o WordPress.com

o WordPress.org (takes a little tech savvy)

o Typepad

Now you have 10 Easy Ways to Promote "Bran

 

Now Pay Close Attention --

Using your Facebook Fan Page to increase your business exposure and revenue is simpler than you've been told. Everyone with a facebook fan page faces the same two problems:

[Problem #1] How To Find Interested Facebook Users

[Problem #2] How To Bring Them To Become Your Fans

Facebook Fan Supply has been solving these two problems for hundreds of satisfied customers. The Facebook Fan Supply has been tried and tested and known to produce excellent results.

First: Click Here To Visit Facebook Fan Supply
Facebook Fan Supply always supplies REAL FANS targeted to your specific: Age Group, Keyword and Location.

Second: Order Your Facebook Fan Supply Package of 1,000; 2,000 or 5,000 Guaranteed Facebook Fans
Your new fans will arrive in 3 - 4 weeks and all fans are REAL FANS guaranteed to stick to your fanpage. Facebook Fans today and boost your businesses online presence overnight.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/internet-marketing-articles/10-ways-to-promote-brand-you-online-4088661.html

About the Author

With over 500 million users, Facebook is by far the greatest marketing arena online. But to take advantage of this amazing tool, it is always a good idea to get a head start on your competition and Facebook Fans. Visit http://www.fbfansupply.com and claim 25 FREE FANS for tweeting about Facebook Fan Supply!

Quickbook Now Offers Web Design And Ecommerce Services

Author: Roy Jones

If you are running your own small business, you should become familiar with many supporting tools that would help you to develop the company. First of all, advertisement is simply a must. But do not be satisfied with traditional paper ads. You should function actively in the field of online marketing as well. Web page, good SEO web design and online activity is just a standard nowadays and it would never be ignored. Try to find a reliable, professional Web Design Company that would provide you all of those conveniences. But again, your efforts to promote small business should not finish here. Consider growing your company with small business financial software… QuickBooks would be the best bet because it is the world's leading company.    

Quickbook software is just a perfect solution for business professionals who would like to sacrifice their time to grow their business and without the need of spending many hours over paper work. The perfect web design, SEO design and ability to make accounts easier are the reasons for this program's popularity. What else? By downloading this software you have instant access to customer service, whereby you can solve all the problems with the help of this software and ask experts about information on product. There is also possibility to download many more useful features that would simplify running your small company. That is certainly the reason to try that software and you would not be disappointed and the benefits will multiply.

One of the biggest advantages of the program is that, it is very easy to use but still effective. Bookkeeping would not take much time with Quickbook (you would save even 3 hours daily), so you can sacrifice your precious time for making money and improving relations with customers. Now, with the parent of Quickbook taking over homestead.com Intuit is able to offer web design services. So you can grow your business from the inside to the outside with software and services from the same company.

What is more? Quickbook now offers you also possibility of designing your web. Web designed company integrated with such useful program is another essential benefit of Quickbook. You can make more efforts to SEO web design development because it's easy and not time consuming with the software. SEO web design is essential, in case if you would like to gain more traffic on your company's web page. More traffic means more attracted clients. They would appreciate the possibility of online shopping directly from your World Wide Web.

This software package is still developing and you can benefit from its new features. Which include the possibility for webdesign and access to other e-commerce services. The new application created by a web Design Company would help you to sell your products online. Creating shopping cards and the acceptance of online payment is possible with new features of the software as well. The integration of old and new features of this software makes it a comprehensive product that is useful for small companies. Ask your web design company to install Shopping Cart Software and you can see the growth of interest in your company's products. An easy method of purchasing from your online store can increase the number of your clients too. No doubt many new potential customers would be attracted by your complete and professional offer.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/web-design-articles/quickbook-now-offers-web-design-and-ecommerce-services-1194191.html

About the Author

Roy Jones is a http://www.ebizwebworks.com "> web designer and Internet marketer running a small business. She has worked on a couple of http://www.ebizwebworks.com "> e-commerce solutions and receive a good number of website design assignments.

What is a Blog and How Does it Differ From a Website?

Author: Rhonda Jones

Blogs and websites are very prevalent on the web today. Often it is hard to distinguish one from the other as both look and operate similarly. Because of this, it is not surprising that many people do not know the differences between a blog and a website; however, each has it's own uniqueness and function. So what really differentiates a blog from a website?

- Structure. Websites are more complex in structure compared to blogs and may take a little more technical skills to create. Websites also give you more flexibility as you can easily change the types and looks of pages as you build them. Although blogs are easier to create, their designs are limited to the templates you find unless you hire someone to modify them. Building a website requires more in depth skills and knowledge in technologies such as html, AJAX, PHP, Java and many more. The good news is that there are many hosting companies that provide customers with professional website templates like Yolo, Homestead, and Web.com.

- Formality. Websites are more formal than blogs. Websites are usually created for business purposes to market products and services of businesses or companies. Here, the target audience is potential customers or buyers while in blogging, it is more personalized.

However, in recent years, bloggers are realizing the potential to make money with blogs as well and they are partnering specific products and service with their passions and dreams. In blogging, the personality, likes, dislikes, and tone often show through.

Most blogs are developed around a specific theme or topic that is personally chosen by the blogger and allows for a lot of flexibility. In contrast, websites are generally more focused, relates to one topic, and keeps more of a business tone.

- Features. Technically, blogs are just a subtype of a website and contain many of the same basic features. However, with a blog, these features are generally integrated into every page, meaning, when you make a change on one page, it will show up on all pages.

- Maintenance. Blogs are probably easier to maintain. One of the main reasons is that the templates are uniform throughout. When you make a change to one items, it updates all items in the blog. For many websites, you may need to make many individual changes in order to make the changes or get the look you want. Websites give you much more flexibility.

Generally, websites are for businesses who intend to sell and invite prospects and new clients while blogs are for private individuals who intend to share their thoughts, opinions, and ideas to others as well as interact with their readers through comments and feedback. You can make money with both and blogs are increasing in popularity for generating an income.

Websites and blogs can also be interchangeable. It is possible to create a website and include a blog for new posts and updated information.

A website promotes professionalism and a business-like atmosphere that encourages trust for your potential prospects that you are a well-established business or company.

Article Source: http://rhondajones.articlesbase.com/internet-articles/what-is-a-blog-and-how-does-it-differ-from-a-website-3743500.html

About the Author
Did you know that businesses that have a blog receive 55% more visitors, 97% more inbound links and 434% more indexed pages than those that don't have a blog. Learn how you can Create a Blog in Minutes at Blog Your Business Now and get a Free Blog Marketing Guide.

Web Hosting: What Is It?

Author: James Kenny

Web hosting services started not long after the internet began and will probably be around until it ends.(duh) Using a hosting service typically means you are renting storage space to store and present your website files or data to the world-wide web. Hosting servers come with a variety of options and packages. Keeping this in mind it shouldn't be too hard to find a pre configured package to suit anyone's needs.

Most commonly a lot of small business's, entrepreneurs, etc are using single web pages for their profiles and contact information. Just having a web presence will typically increase sale by an outstanding amount. but doesn't all advertising aim for that goal? If this is the direction you are heading in all you need is a basic hosting package. Most internet service providers will provide a basic service for one site for free. But usually don't allow or include apps that run scripts other than HTML.

Always check exactly what you are getting and what your script needs, although most basic hosting services provide at least 1 Data Base (DB), some don't. Having a DB is a requirement to install forums and blogs which are only becoming more popular. Different applications and tools need things like PHP,Java,Ruby,ColdFusion,ASP and the list goes on. Do your homework, hosting packages come with a lot of this stuff pre-installed and at a low-cost.

You can usually edit and upload your file's through the host's User Control Panel (CP) but it's usually pretty difficult and a code editor and FTP program is typically the best route for online file management. Point and Click type website creation check out Easy DiY Websites and creators. With DiY Websites you typically pick and or edit a theme and layout, then add content. Some of the better services like Intuit or homestead have a 24 hour toll-free help line to guide you through the process.

In the end no matter which web hosting service you choose even if you own and maintain your own equipment your storing your files on a server, usually located in a collocation center. These cost efficient centers allow quick data access through more bandwidth, while leaving your equipment in safe hands.

If you are serious about creating a website and really don't have a clue were to start I would seriously recommend consulting a professional. Depending on your need sometimes they can be pretty expensive but trying to create your own website usually takes the typical person almost a year just to learn what they are doing.

If you are serious but don't want to spend the money on a designer or have a simple site a WordPress installation can usually be installed from within your cPanel simply by clicking "Install". The content management (pages/posts) and layout / styling is fairly easily edited from within WordPress by settings.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/web-hosting-articles/web-hosting-what-is-it-4933331.html

About the Author

Samples
Business Website Hosting
Free Hosting

Syndicate content