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by on February 27, 2010 Leave a Comment

Web Hosting Comparisons – Finding Top Rated Web Hosts

web-host

Before you choose a web hosting service provider who is perfect for all of your needs, you may not need to do any research at all. Just log on to the web and look around. Within minutes, you’ll find a ton of hosting providers eager to make you their customer. Some of them even offer free web space to go along with the deal! Really – Webmasters have it easy when it comes to opting for a web space.

But be honest with yourself – Without doing any real web hosting comparisons, do you think you would be able to find the right web host for your website? You need to understand that a website is a long term asset, it is important for you to find the right web hosting provider to call your cyber-home. The best way to do this is simply compare the same features across different web hosts, to understand which web host will work for you.

The message is this – It’s Important to Compare!

While comparing web hosting providers, here are some key things you should take into consideration

  • How much web space do they offer – Really, all that you want to know from your web host,is how much web space or disk space can they offer you. This is not to say that a web host offering more space is better, but at the same time, this is a good place to start with.
  • What are the Language, Operating System and Database Support they offer – It is time to get a bit technical here and understand what the support is provided by the web host. Some web hosts who offer Linux hosting web services would focus on supporting PHP-MYSQL, WORDPRESS, JOOMLA and other such applications, while a Windows based Web Hosting service would offer .NET applications support.
  • How is their customer support and what is their service up time – Service up time is often a concept that is played around with a lot, by web hosting service providers. Most of them promise a 99% service up time, but often ignore the time taken in maintenance activities.
  • Finally, the role played by the customer support team in helping you manage your web space is important to understand. Let’s face it – In dealing with a web host, there are only some things you can control. For all others, the customer support team should come in handy.

These should ideally be the points you should think of, when you get to compare web hosting service providers.  But again – These would only come into play when you get to compare them.

Do more comparisons to find the recommended web hosting that works for you. Check out RecommendedWebHosting.org and see which companies are the Top Rated Web Hosting Companies available to you.

Filed Under: WebHosting
by on February 20, 2010 8 Comments

How To Install a New Website to Hostgator cPanel

Hostgator is a great web hosting provider.  I’ve been using them for almost two years now, and I absolutely love them.  If I ever have a problem with one of my websites, they get me back in business fast.   I used to use Godaddy who was terrible for hosting a website.  My site was slow to respond, tech support was untrained and I would often wait on hold for way too long.  Don’t get me wrong, I love Godaddy as a domain registrar.  They are great, but for web hosting, Hostgator is where I run my business and they have taken good care of me.

Hostgator has great technical support too, super fast response, and plenty of bandwidth to  run any website you can throw at them.

Hostgator, like many other web hosting providers, uses cPanel as a way for their customers to self maintain their web sites.  cPanel is a software application that is designed to make maintaining a running a website very easy.  It is very powerful and lets you do a lot with  your web site.

How to Create an Addon Website Using Hostgator cPanel

The main thing most people use cPanel for is to install new websites and setup wordpress.   Adding a new website with cPanel is called an Addon domain.  To add a new addon website using cpanel following these steps:

1. Login to your Hostgator cPanel – this is usually going to be http://yourdomain.com/cpanel

2. Scroll down until you see the Domains Section and the Addon Domain icon.

3. Click the Addon Domain icon

4. Enter your new domain name in the text for new domain.

5. When you tab to the next field cPanel will automatically add the Subdomain/FTP user and Document root fields for you.

6. Next enter your password and then retype your password again.

7. Then click add domain.

8. Kick back and enjoy your day – you are the master of your web empire!

It that easy!

Installing addon websites using Hostgator cpanel is very quick and easy.

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Filed Under: WebHosting Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , ,
by on February 15, 2010 Leave a Comment

Cool Podcasts for Internet Business

press-this2-125x125

best podcastsEveryday I get up in the morning and drive to work.  For the 30-45 minutes each way to work, I sit in traffic and  need something to take my mind off of things… keep me motivated,  inspired and help me with my pre-occupation of making money online.

Last year, for my birthday my wife gave me an iPhone.  I was blown away but also very terrified.  Sure they’re cool and all,  but they are also pretty damn expensive!

“We can’t afford one of these things?!?! ”

Of course deep down inside  I was thrilled.  I love little gadgets like these and  I have to say I love my iPhone.

Since then I’ve been checking out the world of podcasts.  In the past I never really got the fascination with a podcast.  You download an mp3 to your iPod (mp3 player) and play it…  Whats the big deal?

Now that I have an iPhone/iPod, I never realized how easy  and convenient it was.  And there are some amazing podcasts floating around in the podcast world with some amazing information.  Amazing information for helping you succeed in your online business and its all for free!!

Some of My Favoriate Podcasts for Internet Business

I’d like to introduce you to some friends that keep me company on my commute to and from work.  These podcast are great for getting ideas and tips for your business.  Each one is inspiring,  motivating, as well as providing great updates on new technologies and how other bloggers and web site internet marketers are running their businesses.

best podcastsInternet Business Mastery – This is hands down got to be the best podcast being produced for entrepreneurs starting an online business. Published every couple of weeks Jay and Sterling bring fantastic interviews with some of the biggest names in internet business.  They also share some of their own great tips on starting and running a successful business.  If you can only listen to one podcast to help you with your business, this needs to be the one you listen to!

Internet Marketing – This brilliant podcast is produced by Andy White and Kelvin Newman across the pond from the UK and Europe.  Their recent interviews with Seth Goden and Tim Ferris was as they say “brilliant”!  They also have lots of great tips on some of the latest technology available for your blog.

best podcastsPress This – This is a more technical podcast that comes to us from The Netherlands where Joost de Valk (pronounced Yoast – like the word toast with a Y).  Joost is a fantastic developer of many well known plugins like Socialable and Google Analytics.  His podcast has some great interviews and discussions with other WordPress and plug-in developers, as well as SEO experts.

Late Night Internet Marketing – Mark Mason of MasonWorld.com produces this podcast clearly aimed at the part time marketer and blogger.  Great interviews and insights to blogging and running your business part time.

43 Folders – This is a new podcast I recently started listing to.  I found it through a search for Seth Goden interviews (I’m on a Seth Goden kick lately).  The interview was fantastic and I’m not a subscriber.

Duct Tape Marketing – Another great marketing related podcast that has some awesome interviews with top marketing folks.

best podcastsAnd last but not least we can not forget Ed Dale and Lynn Terry’s Internet Marketing This Week podcast.  Both Ed and Lynn are amazing marketers and business owners.  There is a ton of great information on this podcast. You really need to check this one out.  I actually just re-discovered this podcast a little while ago.   I used to listen to this when it first came out and totally forgot about it — Bad Joe! Bad Joe!…. and thanks Lynn and Ed!

Well, that’s about it.  I’ve listened to a lot of other podcast programs but these are my favorites for sure.  These all have provided some great insight and inspiration for me in my business.

Are there any that I’ve missed?  Let me know… I’m always looking for cool stuff to listen while stuck in traffic.

Filed Under: Social Media Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , ,
by on February 10, 2010 4 Comments

Damn Those Bright Shiney Objects

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shoney object” Well,  I did it again…. I spent money on something I didn’t need!! “

This I’m sure happens to you too. You, know how it goes…. a new product is launched and you are bombarded with launch emails. Eventually, someone you trust sends you the same email and you decide to bite.

You rationalize (rational-lies) to yourself… This is it! This is the answer! This is what I need to make the MONEY I was looking for.

HAHA!!! What a CHUMP! (At least that’s the way I feel) I’m such a chump for buying into the hype. Geese will it ever stop?!?!

Well my friends, I hate to tell you… it doesn’t stop. It’s marketing and it controls everything in your life. Every day we are told what to eat, what to drink, what to wear…. what to believe.

It’s a new world and it’s here

But its not doom and gloom… its just how we learn — the hard way.  So, to help you resist those lame temptations, here are a few things you can do to help you not spend your last dime. (trust me, I write this here as much for you as I’m writing for me)

  1. Spend Only What You Make – I have a rule, I only use the money that my business makes to buy things my business needs. Any exception has to be run by the big boss (yes — you’ve got it.. My WIFE!)
  2. Know the ROI on Everything You Buy – This may sounds fancy but it really isn’t.  Say to yourself, “What is the Return on Investment for this item?”  How long will it take for this item to HONESTLY pay for itself.  Forget the sales page hype and hyperbole.   Will this item make you money?!?
  3. Will You Use IT TODAY? – Is this something you will use or read right now? Not tomorrow, or next month, next week… today?  If not then don’t get it.  And don’t fall for promises that this will be gone tomorrow.  Its a gimick.. Its called “CREATING A SENSE OF URGENCY” .
  4. Stop Being Marketed To and Start Marketing – If you have been paying attention then you should know when you are being marketed to.  If the sales copy is compelling, then copy it to your swipe file (you do have a swipe file don’t you?).  If its working on you, it will work on someone else when its your turn to do the marketing.

These are just a few things I do — well.. umm… I SHOULD be doing — lol.   What are some things that you  do or some ways you use to help you stay focused and keep away from those shiny objects???

Filed Under: Random stuff
by on February 8, 2010 2 Comments

What Are PLR Articles and What Can You Do with Them?

writer-pen

plr articlesI’ve been using PLR content for a while, either when I’m in a bind and need some content quickly, or I need some help with one of my news letters, or I simply need some content for the article directories.

Good PLR content is not easy to find. Much of it is old and way over sold – which seriously dilutes is value. One writer who is fantastic and that I have had the pleasure of using her PLR Content is Nicole Dean! She constantly and consistently writes exceptional content for many popular niches.  I’ve been using her stuff for years and I’m proud to have been given the opportunity to feature her with this guest (PLR) post. Enjoy!

What Can You Do With PLR Articles?

by Nicole Dean

You may have seen the term Private Label Rights or PLR articles
being tossed around frequently lately. PLR articles are articles you
can buy (usually in packages or as part of a membership) that you may
edit and use as you wish. Unlike free reprint articles, you are not
required to link back to anyone else’s website which makes them
appealing to many web publishers.

Once you understand the concept behind PLR articles, you can see
why they are appealing. Most people can envision the value of adding
the articles to their websites. But, did you know there are more ways
to use PLR articles than that?

1. Add them to your blog.

Similar to adding PLR articles to your website, you can take
excerpts and use them on your blog for fresh content. Whether you take
a portion and use it as a “tip of the day” or use the entire article,
PLR articles can be a huge time saver for you.

2. Send them in your newsletter.

Need content for your newsletter? PLR articles are an option. Of
course, if you’re developing a relationship with your readers, you may
wish to edit the articles to make them your own voice. However, you can
pull a section from a PLR article – use it as inspiration — and whip
out a newsletter in minutes.

3. Start an ecourse

If you purchase a package of PLR articles based on a theme, it’s
quite easy to turn them into an ecourse simply by adding them to your
autoresponder. Something as simple as “Five Ideas for Kids Lunches” can
become a 5 day ecourse to grow a big newsletter list.

4. Use them in your podcast

Take a PLR article and use it as inspiration for a podcast. Add the content and you’re done.

5. Send them in a print mailing

Direct mailing is huge. If you have a list of postal mailing
addresses, put together a free report from PLR articles and send it
out.

6. Create a special report

Simply bulk together some PLR articles that have the same topic,
and make them flow into a special report. Turn it into a pdf file and
give it away to your website visitors.

See how easy that is?

The only hard part is finding a high quality PLR service
that fits your niche. Look around. Make sure the
PLR package or membership you choose provides you with high quality
articles so you can create something you’ll be proud of.

Nicole Dean welcomes you to check out EasyPLR.com – where you’ll find high-quality PLR articles on niches sold in very limited quantities.

I highly recommend this PLR site for the best PLR on the web.

plr articles



Filed Under: PLR Content
by on February 6, 2010 2 Comments

ReviewAZON Review – Do We Really Need Another Amazon Plugin?

reviewazonI first heard about the ReviewAZON WordPress plugin almost a year ago.  Mark Hansen from NicheStoreBuilder.com had reviewed it and raved about it.  My first thought was “Do We Really Need Another Amazon Plugin?”  I mean really?  We have phpZon, Amazon Autoposter (now part of WPRobot), and more recently Affiliate Mage.  All of which work great for pulling in Amazon product listings to your blog.  Not to mention phpBay and phpOStock  used for eBay, and OverStock.com listings respectively. So, to make sense of it all I simply had to write my own review of ReviewAZON.

So whats so great about ReviewAZON?

I recently had the pleasure of being on a Web Conference with Brian Johnson of Commission Ritual and Brad Hanson, the creator of ReviewAZON, to find out for myself what was so cool about ReviewAZON.

Right away I could see the amazing appeal of this plugin.  The pages and posts it creates look very professional and just plain fantastic.  ReviewAZON can pull every bit of detail that Amazon has on its site for the product and lay it out perfectly for anyone wanting to setup a review type of web site.   The admin  interface is laid out very logically and includes some nice features making it immediately stand out from the crowd.

  • There is a built in search functionality that allows you to quickly find product items for your niche and add them to your pages or posts directly from Amazon.com without having to leave the admin page.
  • There is a nice templating feature that give you full control over the layout of the product listing.
  • Built-in SEO that allows for cloaking of all links and images pulled from Amazon.com
  • Support for multiple languages and international Amazon sites like Amazon.co.uk and Amazon.de
  • There is also built-in integration for both phpBay and phpOstock plugins!

With ReviewAZON, you can create three different types of posts,  a full post for the entire product, and an inline listing that embeds one product in to your existing post for a multi-inline listing embedding several products into your post.

Finally one of the best features in RreviewAZON is the bulk creation tool.

With the bulk creation tool you can search for products in your niche, hand pick the exact products for your reviews, each one creating a separate review post,  then either post them all immediately or drip them out to your website for a more natural (google friendly) growth.

The Web Conference was a little long, going over some tips and strategies for using ReviewAZON to promote Amazon.com products. There were several methods shown to clearly make money with Amazon.com.  Brad pointed out how you can use PPC to take advantage of trend based social events to put a site up quickly and get traffic there quickly without having to wait for your site to bubble up in the serps.  Brian, on the other hand, explained how to use organic traffic easily to be able to do the same thing only without the cost of PPC.  The difference is that organic traffic does take more time and that with PPC you can get your site in front of hungry buyers faster.

Toward the end of the call Brad did mention some new features that are going to be included in the next version (free for anyone who already owns the plugin).  The biggest feature to note will be the addition of product comparisons. This new feature will let you compare all of the Amazon stores together for a given product giving your readers the best price available for that product!  Pretty cool stuff.

Needless to say when the conference call was over I had to get ReviewAZON for myself.  For only $79 its a great buy! Right now, thanks to Brian Johnson and Brad,  if you purchase through my link you can get 35% off of the regular price of $79.  Thats $27.65 off right now. To get your discount click here and then use this special discount code for ReviewAZON at check out : brianjohnson35.

After I downloaded my copy of  ReviewAZON,  I tested it and was able to setup a full website of Amazon.com product listing in just minutes. And they looked amazing. Right now what I’m doing is now going back and adding ReviewAZON to all of my sites.

If you are an Amazon.com affiliate or would like a great way to promote products on Amazon.com you really need to check out some of the videos that are out on Brads ReviewAZON site and see how cool it looks for yourself.

Again check out the videos and get the 35% discount.  From what I understand it’s only for a limited time so if you are considering it you may want to take advantage as soon as you can.

Again, click here and enter the code brianjohnson35

If you do buy it, or if you already have it, let us know what you think of ReviewAZON.  Like it? Love it?  Hate It?  Let us know I’d love to hear what you think of it and how your using it.

Filed Under: Reviews Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,