When I started submitting Ezine articles, I never realized their true power. I was just happy to see the articles being published.
I expected to get some traffic and hopefully some sales. I would have laughed if you told me those early words would still be floating around the web over five years later.
Well, smack me on the wrist and call me shorty, they are. You would think that's a good thing and it is except... That's the operative word, "except." The little critters are still multiplying around the web like rabbits in heat, but there is a little problem. Actually, the problem isn't so little.
This darn problem haunts me. At least a couple of times a week it drives me insane. Whenever I run across it I feel like the dullest axe in the shed.
If I were double jointed, I'd kick myself in the "hello there."
So what is this dumb mistake that:
Outdated resource boxes with links leading to that dreaded 404 error.
I'm afraid to guess how much money and traffic I'm losing. It's a nightmare. Those babies are doing their part, but crazy John has made the ultimate dumb mistake.
How did this happen? How could I end up looking like the "village idiot?"
The only answer I can give is, "I didn't realize."
I never realized how viral articles were. I had no idea that little articles could circle the globe for years.
I didn't see the big picture. I wrote those resource boxes with no regard for the future.
How can you avoid making the same mistake?
1. If you're going to promote an affiliate program, don't link directly.
Sometimes programs just disappear. Other times, you may find the program hasn't lived up to your expectations.
Set up a redirect page on your website. If the program disappears, or you no longer wish to promote it, you can reset the page to lead wherever you choose.
2. Don't lead directly to your opt in list.
You never know when a list may change their pricing or services. For one reason or another you may change listservs.
A better option is to set up a page on your site to capture addresses. If you leave your present service, you can edit the page to lead to your new list.
If I had set up my links according to option number one for affiliate programs, or two for list building, I'd have kept the leads flowing and the orders coming for years.
Creating killer articles can drive traffic and pull in profits for years. So avoid the mistakes of this "dumb monkey" and reap the full rewards of your efforts.
Wishing You Success, John Colanzi
About The Author
Copyright (c) John Colanzi. John has been writing on the Internet for 5 years and has a special gift for you. Sign up for your complementary e-Course "How To Build Your Business With Free Advertising." Visit: http://www.thesimplesystem.net/cashflow.html
Internet Marketing has been a buzzword for over a decade... Read More
There are plenty of free tools online for marketing. And... Read More
Your web site's search engine rankings are determined in part... Read More
With 95% of all Internet businesses failing, it is important... Read More
If you are marketing to an older audience, don't discount... Read More
Do you believe that there is a price to pay... Read More
Ever hear about an idea that is so simple yet... Read More
Are you confused by what really works when marketing your... Read More
The Internet Contains Billions of Website Pages - All Clamoring... Read More
We're going to talk about one of those issues that... Read More
When you boil it right down, there are really only... Read More
Niche marketing is focusing your business efforts to a target... Read More
Many aspiring Internet marketers hear all of the talk about... Read More
Whether you are checking your email, shopping on a website... Read More
If your home based business depends on niche marketing, keywords... Read More
They hang around your web site. Not buying, just lurking.... Read More
Internet marketing promotion & advertising are crucial for your website's... Read More
The business principle of continued contact and online relationship building... Read More
Critical Mass Website Promotion is the elite goal rarely attained... Read More
I have received many emails or calls from my network... Read More
What is direct marketing? Put simply, direct marketing is a... Read More
You don't have to spend thousands of dollars on advertising... Read More
There is one piece of software that is always going... Read More
There has never been a more exciting and profitable time... Read More
Although many say that things change on the net, still... Read More
Internet Marketing is right for everyone. Unfortunately, not everyone is... Read More
Understanding that the Internet is another vehicle for direct response... Read More
Do you want to build a successful online business?Then start... Read More
Online advertising is necessary for your computer business to grow.... Read More
What is a joint venture?It means when you partner with... Read More
With the years competition online, has become fierce. Studies shows... Read More
Over my years of experience in doing business on the... Read More
It's true. Just think about it for a minute -... Read More
There are so many simple and achievable ways to make... Read More
While we are well into the 21st century too many... Read More
If you want to go far in business, and be... Read More
This year, 2005, will see the demise of some well... Read More
Do you want to create a passive income? Are you... Read More
You're motivated to run your own business, aren't you?If you're... Read More
The phenomenal growth of ecommerce lures more and more people... Read More
Online advertising traffic leaves when advertisers don't make it... Read More
Would you believe there are tens of thousands of people... Read More
Generating buzz through word of mouth will help drive greater... Read More
Have this phrase broken through your life at least once?... Read More
Conventional wisdom says find a niche. Don't go where the... Read More
Defining Top-Line versus Bottom-LineAn Internet business improves their "top line"... Read More
Without tracking, your online advertising is just a shot in... Read More
There is a firestorm of negative press regarding LookSmart's recent... Read More
A few months ago I was watching a stream meandering... Read More
When it comes to your marketing message, the little things... Read More
Internet Marketing |