Email list can make or break you. It is hard to maintain monthly posting and just one post can destroy your business. Do not think otherwise. And its costly, sometimes very costly. You can be good for a long period of time but only one wrongly written email and your readers will send ALL your email to the JUNK folder by one click FOREVER!

There are many methods to attract people to come to your website more than once. Sometimes you need to remind them, from time to time, that you exist and give them the latest news about what’s changed and what’s been updated. The safest way is by using blogs. On the other hand there are many examples of the great email campaigns.

Seeing as email allows you to send information to a list of people you need to decide on in a first place: with whom you want to share your information, who will be interested in your topic. Easiest way is to use: Usenet News, automated mailing lists or web-based groups for interest. If you want to be unique or make your information more interesting, you can create your own email list. One of the best ways to do this is to collect email addresses. But how do you collect these email addresses? and how do you send out emails to so many people all at once?

Collecting the email addresses

Collecting email addresses is easier than you may think. People on the web are used to typing their email addresses in bulk, and usually have an email address to use for this particular purpose. In most cases, if you ask for an email address as a condition of accessing something interesting, ordinary individuals won’t mind giving it to you if you provide them a clear explanation about SPAM, give guarantees you will not misuse their email addresses etc. in your privacy policy. Follow the CAN-SPAM Act Rules of 2003.

One way of doing this is to simply include a box on each page - unobtrusive and not really calling attention to itself - that gives your visitors the option to sign up to your newsletter. Somewhat counter-intuitively, it is often better to make mailing list sign-up entirely voluntary, as this means you will get a smaller list but it will only have the most enthusiastic people on it. Basically, it’s a trade-off between forcing as many people as possible to sign up, or just marketing to the most eager people. Your strategy should usually be depended on how many people you plan to send out emails to and what type of response rate you seem to be getting.

What to write in your mailing list emails

As a fact - you don’t have a formal status then representing yourself in the emails (formal dress, looks, dialect etc.). Think that the email is actually an E-NOTE. This means that you have to impress receivers by your words and stylistics! Think about it! Always go to the main point without delays. Your facility with language matters crucially! Advice: employ professional writers and editors if you want your campaign to be successful.

If you want people to read the emails you send to them, then the email cannot consist of just the latest dull news about what your technical website features. You need to provide information and updates that are useful and relevant to the person who’s going to be opening that email. If you only write in corporate language, and don’t say anything that’s going to be useful to the individual then your email is going to be going straight into their junk mail. You should take some time over your emails. Make them something that their recipients are going to want to keep and refer to them more than once - often-updated, time-sensitive information is best, if you have access to it.

Apart from that, make sure to include links to the latest things on your website, as well as a few older things that are still popular. If you sell anything, you should work in a link, but don’t be too obvious about it - a good way of doing things is to include a tip or two with potential uses for a certain product (making them look like they are intended for people who already own the product), sparking the reader’s curiosity enough to click through and consider buying it.

The technical side

Don’t be annoying! It is OK to send your email monthly, but only if you have information that can attract potential visitors.

Once you’ve got a mailing list and you’ve written the first email you want to send to it, the next step is to set up the technical side of things. Just how do you think those emails are going to get sent out? Surprisingly enough, you can just use a normal email program like Outlook, if you paste all the email addresses into it. If you do this though, you need to make sure that you use the Bcc (blind carbon copy) field for the addresses, to avoid sending out a copy of the mailing list to everyone on it.

Alternatively, there are specialist programs you can get that are devoted to bulk mail. Because spam is such a big industry, companies producing such programs tend to be shady - stay away from anything that advertises itself on the basis of how many emails it can send a minute - but if you look around, you should be able to find something that meets your needs.

There are even web-based solutions that avoid you having to install any programs or send any emails from your computer, avoiding the risk that you might get blacklisted somehow for sending out too many emails in too short of a time. If you can find a reasonably good-priced one, then they’re often the ideal solution, allowing you to manage your lists directly and send out emails easily. Make sure you do a few trial runs with smaller numbers of people before you commit yourself to anything though.

Tags: internet

The way we communicate has changed several times since the invention of the telephone, but most of the times we were only dealing with variations on the same theme: automated switchboards, digital telephony, cellular telephony. But now there’s a new standard emerging in telecommunications: VoIP. VoIP, or Internet telephony, has been rapidly growing in popularity the past few years. It seems to have come at a very opportune moment, since broadband is more and more often people’s preferred way of connecting to the Internet, and since most Internet users are already familiar with instant messaging programs.

Can VoIP be a viable solution to your company’s telecommunications needs? Judging by the growing number of businesses crossing over from PSTN to VoIP, we can infer an affirmative answer. The enhanced efficiency of VoIP compared with PSTN is also proved by the many companies deciding to replace their telecommunications infrastructure. Statistics show that customer service response can increase by up to 50% as a result of the streamlining capabilities of VoIP. Integrated Voice Response systems enable seamless routing of calls to the department and the agent that is most suitable for handling them. Furthermore, the ability to incorporate audio, video, and web-based features into one application is another productivity catalyst. Adding new phone lines is much simpler than in the case of PSTN - and if you have a wireless network, things are even easier. If VoIP continues to develop at the same rate - and there are good reasons to believe that it will -, PSTN might soon become associated with the 20th century, leaving the 21st to Internet telephony.

In today’s business environment, success is often dependant on effective communication. Most of the times, communication occurs in the form of telephony, e-mail, or instant messaging. We mentioned instant messaging above because instant messenger programs were the first to offer VoIP over the Internet. Dialpad and Skype are two of the best known downloadable programs offering free calling. In time, however, with the impressive increase in both quality and demand, Pc-to-phone calling is not free anymore, or at least not unlimited (Dialpad will still let you call for free, but only in the U.S. and Canada, and the duration of each call is limited to 10 minutes). However, the fees are quite small. Other instant messaging programs have added VoIP capabilities to their offer and allow users to make free calls between computers, as long as both participants run the same type of messenger: Yahoo Messenger, MSN Messenger, Google Talk, ICQ, and AOL Instant Messenger are the most popular. You’ll need a broadband connection to get the best out of VoIP, but other than that, there are no special preparations needed. You just download one of these programs, connect a headset or speakers and microphone to you PC, and start calling your friends who use the same program.

For businesses that need to maintain steady contact with their customers, VoIP can be a very attractive option, as it incorporates all these services, thus enabling them to slash costs. Not only will they only pay for one package of integrated services, but the cost of calling is also significantly lower via the Internet than through a conventional PSTN. In other words, by using VoIP, a company can save money twice.

Perhaps the highest degree of relevance in terms of cost and efficiency can be seen in the case of call centres. Since their main activity is communication with customers, these companies will most likely appreciate the increased flexibility they can enjoy by implementing the VoIP technology.

On the one hand, because VoIP integrates data, audio, and web-based features, communication is facilitated and the quality of the services offered by the call centres can only be augmented. On the other hand, because VoIP can work anywhere there’s a broadband connection available, employees needn’t be physically located in the same place. That means companies can very easily relocate offices and they can also employ people living anywhere in the world. This has two direct consequences: first, people can be hired from countries where labour is less expensive, and second, the call centre will be able to offer 24-hour customer support without the need for anyone to work at night.

Some lines of business require employees to be mobile. In order to maintain contact with the company’s offices, these mobile workers have so far relied mainly on cell phones. This means high costs incurred when contacting the employee, as well as far less than perfect service offered to those customers who require the support provided by that particular worker. In addition to the obvious and frequently restated advantage of spending less money on communications, VoIP makes the company more customer-friendly. Instead of explaining to a customer that the person who can answer their question is out of office and possibly advising them to call the employee’s cell phone, calls can be routed to the mobile worker. You’ll notice a relieving drop in the number of frustrated customers.

Another advantage of VoIP is the conferencing facilities it offers. Enhanced security for audio and video conferencing, improved reachability of the employees, and lower long-distance calling costs form a very attractive combination.

With VoIP, there is much more customization and flexibility. For example: In the UK you can use www.vonage.co.uk  for your any start ups needs. For just only 9.99 you will have voicemail, caller display, call waiting, call diversion, 3-way calling, anonymous call block, call transfer, click-2-call, ring back, international call barring, ring lists, call hunt, “do not disturb”, unlimited free calls to 25 countries (incl. any mobiles numbers) etc.

In addition to that, you can even reduce your customers’ costs. When you sign up for VoIP services and you are assigned a phone number, you will be given the chance to choose another area code than the one you are actually in or even the town or country. For only 2.99 per month you can have tel. number in Paris, New York, Milan … can opt for particular area code in any town, create a list of the virtual offices and bring your business a success. Your customers will only appreciate it!

The subscription fee charged by VoIP providers is most of the times much lower than what you are paying for your regular phone now. Even if you only have a certain number of calling minutes covered by your monthly fee, the cost of long distance calling will be far lower than the one normally charged by PSTN carriers. Make sure you have a careful look at the details of the service offered by different VoIP providers, so that you can come up with the best plan for you. Also, look for a provider that gives you additional services integrated in your VoIP package, such as voicemail, caller ID, call waiting, e-mail, etc. Do some shopping around - just because you know from the start that VoIP will enable you to save money, it doesn’t mean you have to take the first offer you come across.

We’re living in an age characterized by mobility and flexibility - two features also reflected in the VoIP technology. You can travel anywhere and still remain reachable at the same number. If you have a VoIP phone or a laptop, you just have to connect it to the Internet. There’s also the option of having a converter that you can use with a standard telephone (the converter will be programmed with your phone number).

To conclude, VoIP is a streamlining catalyst and your business will be more efficient and enjoy more flexibility, while spending less. To summarize, VoIP means lower cost for the business, more comfort for its employees, and better service for its customers.

Tags: internet

This month CreditExpert (Experian) have taken part in National Identity Fraud Prevention Week to help raise awareness about the importance of keeping your personal information secure.

With the growth of social networking sites, many of us share personal information online with our friends - potentially putting ourselves at risk of identity fraudsters.

Read on to find out how to protect yourself when using social networking sites. Also, for instant peace of mind, check your credit report for free (UK only) and see which lenders have looked at your report recently.

Social networking sites connect and entertain tens of millions of people of all ages, all round the world - but, according to recent news reports, the detailed personal profiles can also be a gift for identity fraudsters.

If recent news reports about these threats have made you worry about staying safe when you visit the likes of Facebook, MySpace, Bebo and even Friends Reunited, read on. A few simple precautions can protect you without spoiling your fun, so you can carry on poking your mates!

1. Be careful how much information you give away

Many people give their full names, e-mail address, contact numbers, and date of birth, plus intimate details such as pet names and mother’s or wife’s maiden name - everything a fraudster would need to steal your identity and make a good guess at the passwords that are meant to protect your bank and credit card accounts.

The general rule is to be very cautious about how much information you give away and who can see it. Some of the sites have privacy settings that allow you to restrict the degree to which you share information. Play it safe and allow those who are not close friends to see only very limited information of you.

2. Don’t take anyone at cyber-face value

Signing up friends can become quite competitive, with some users accepting offers of friendship from people they don’t know at all, without stopping to think that people can and do tell lies online.

The more people you accept on blind trust, the higher the chance that someone will take advantage of the information you post, so always try to double-check new potential friends.

Also, if you join any networks or groups, all members will usually have access to your profile so it’s important to limit the information that others can see about you in order to protect your personal information

3. Never share your passwords

Don’t be tempted to give out your password to anyone, even to enable a friend to look at your photos or check your messages for you while you are offline. You should always keep your passwords to yourself!

Facebook specifically recommends that users never share access passwords with anyone - not even your boyfriend, girlfriend or best friend. There is always a risk that someone will abuse your trust.

4. Be aware of potential employers searching through your profile

It’s also worth remembering that employers have taken to searching these sites to see what you get up to in your spare time and whether your CV matches reality. Some people have even faced disciplinary action because of comments they have posted on their profiles about their job or employer.

So even if you think those photographs taken when you were drunk will give your friends a laugh, think twice before posting them.

5. Check that your ID is safe

If you are worried about your personal information being compromised via a social networking site make sure you check your online credit report. This is the personal history of the credit that you have taken out, such as loans, credit cards, mortgages and mobile phone contracts.

The easy way to see your credit report is to take a free, 30-day trial of CreditExpert from Experian. You will be alerted by text or e-mail whenever there is any significant change to your credit report that could indicate attempted identity fraud. CreditExpert also gives you access to helplines staffed by credit and identity fraud specialists.

Tags: internet

Internet advertising have hundreds of methods, good and bad. Clear that POSTING TO FFA sites are not only unable to work but can destroy your organic search result ratings. In addition, it will bring your e-mail on the level of a rubbish bin. Yes, it was a time for FFA - approximately 2000 - 2001, but all has gone as automatic and SEO programs made impossible to find clean ads in this mess.

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Hello World!    Extreme interesting information follows:

1. People HAVE NOT STOPPED POSTING TO FFA! As I understood, all of them are active marketers, have heard and use any possibility to promote their site / page / blog / information. It means that these guys are just awaiting for a solution on how to… All that we need is to convert them to the buyers!
2. Alternative products which can be sold to them via FFA are: site designs, SEO programs, chip hosting, advertising programs and so on… from this range.
3. All of this guys are fresh and not clever enough, which means what products they are looking for can be re-innovated old one!
4. The way to sell: install your own FFA on your site and bombard everyone by e-mail in response of their posting to your FFA.
5. Click-to-conversion ratio: 6 to 100 e-mails!!!

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Theres NO HONESTY ON THE INTERNET    The best product: GUARANTEE* to make money in CERTAIN TIME**

* - proof of documented actual use required

** - boom tar boom up to boomed boomed boom

Be always prepared! If someone has spent his time and effort by making FFA and invites you FOR FREE AND WITHOUT LIMIT to submit to his site as many URLs as you wish - is he doing this as a charitable action? Don’t be naive!

Tags: internet

The importance of articles recognized wisely and all of us work hard on the creation of every bit on our sites. In my particularly example - I NEVER - NEVER close my FrontPage. How to explain: when I watch TV, try to take a 5 minute nap, make food etc, I THINK! As soon as any idea comes to me - I rush to the computer and place a phrase or just a word to some article to improve it, or start a new article which I believe can attract visitors.

I always make 3 levels of articles. Sorry - I DO NOT create ALL THREE LEVELS! They will come out on their own and this is how its going:

1. Type your ideas in a simple way, be yourself. Just check a grammar, how its looks and reads. Not important that this article only passes half-way cooking: its IMPORTANT that its got an idea (some idea)! PUBLISH THIS ARTICLE ONLY IN ONE (1) ARTICLES ZONE SITE!!! This job is perfect for “kettles”, for creation of Page Ranks and other stupid things.
2. Now, try to make your article shorter! Only the main points! BUT! - give examples, 2 - 3 links to your site in the body text. NAME LINKS EXACTLY LIKE THE NAME OF YOUR ARTICLE!!! Create a picture (or “borrow” and change a format). Picture name: same as the main idea in your article. PUBLISH THIS ARTICLE (with the picture) IN A BLOG!!! Blogs are popular between professionals, so it gives you a few good visitors and inclusion to social networking sites.Right now you have read an article Level 2, on our blog. Take a look: it is about 400 words, suppressed idea, picture etc.
3. Thread Level: Check your article on any SEO for all the attributes which are required for a good web-page including keyword destiny. Look in it and follow the SEO’ recommendations. Stop polishing your article in the about 80-90% of recommendations. Now you need to find 2 - 3 “heavy links” which will give your article some weight! Usually, I type for the same main keywords in the MSN or Google and try to read as many GOVERNMENT!!! pages on the same subject! As soon as the pages with a similar meaning are found, I make links to them. You also need 2 pictures! The same rule is applied.Yes! This is for your main site, protected by ALL COPYRIGHTS!!! And you understand the importance of a unique material, and in this case, pay in full for THE UK COPYRIGHT SERVICE (See:: this is as a “heavy link!)

JOB DONE!!!

Best Wishes,

Sergio ( http://www.informkiosk.biz/ )

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Hello!   My name is Steve and I work with Sergio, on the English part of the project. I would like to say a word about the Private Label Right Articles. Actually, my part must be the first and Sergio’s part must be the second within this information.

So, every day I have received a mass of bombardment of E-mails about the very attractive possibilities dramatically increasing our presence on the web by using the service called “Private Label Rights Articles (PLR)”. The deal is that we need to pay ONLY a certain amount of our money (some time by monthly subscription), those people will send us tons of articles (for any subject) with full rights to publish it on our site. “Hurry! Some PLR products do not provide quality content! Some PLR services are sold without limits, sometimes to 1500 members or customers!” Sounds like someone REALLY CARES for you? Wait! At the end, you will be presented with products which will ONLY be sold to 250 customers!

What does that mean? Original articles are ALREADY PUBLISHED for some time now! They are well established in all the search engines and it is NOT IMPORTANT - 1500 or 250 idiots buy this PLR as ONLY FIRST WILL BE ACCEPTED and any additionally published articles are plagiat! And for copyright reason Google will be the first who will put you to the “sandbox” minimum for 2 years, you will loose ALL YOUR PREVIOUS ACHIEVEMENTS (PR and so on).

NEVER, NEVER USE PLR!

Regards,

Steve (SAIT GmbH)

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Hi Everyone!   One more thing: This “Good Guys” begin to promote PLR Rewriting Guides, software which allows to mix words, headings and makes PLR articles not recognizable to search engines!

Nonsense!

I tried and I was unable to read the final product! As this PLR articles is created by low educated / non-professionals which use street language, then you try to change the words and so on - articles become non readable!

I just lost my time, money and trust because of these dirty tricks and my boss (Sergio) was not pleased with my work.

Sofia, Operator

P.S. Bill Platt: “Across the board, directory owners have stomped on Private Label Rights (PLR) articles. When article directory managers began to realize that their websites housed dozens of copies of a single article, each of which had been signed by different people as the stated author, they realized that they had a serious quality problem. They instinctively knew that those PLR articles created a trust problem with their readers. When one article has been claimed to have been written by twenty people, it makes one wonder how the website owner can claim to have a quality website. And if the trust factor has already been raised as an issue, why would the reader want to trust anything else on that website?”

Tags: internet