In all the WordPress work I do, I usually drop in a text object widget and include an optin form for AWeber, my autoresponder provider. This usually works well. But, today, I got word of a new plugin by MaxBlogPress called Optin Form Adder. This plugin does so much more than just let you add an optin form to your blog – no, it lets you totally customize it to make it look like it is an integral part of your website. Field, text, background picture, box width and height, it can all be customized. And best of all, the plugin is FREE. Go take a look now!

I went to my Cool Little Website today to check it out, and I discovered it was gone…as are all the other Dave’s Cool Little Websites out there. When you reach one, you are presented with a page that simply states…

Due to changes in technology and eBay
policy this program is no longer available.

Interesting. Changes in technology? Meaning Dave didn’t want to update his code? Or sales were finally flat enough it was time to scrap the project? And, I know eBay has been changing policies (making it more difficult to get an ePN account) but what policy is prohibiting these sites?

Anyone got any inside information? Please share!

I just learned of a new plugin that allows you to make screencasts directly in Wordpress and place them in your posts. I tried it out and it is quite cool!

Take a look here: http://www.skoffer.com

As reported earlier, Matched.co.uk was a site that bloggers could go to get paid ads for their blogs. (Reference this post)

As of November 20, Matched is out of beta, and according to their site, out of business.

It was fun while it lasted.

Here’s proof that this whole internet marketing thing works, and can work with practically no effort. This is also proof that article marketing works, and it is probably an example of how NOT to do it.

A while back, I was doing some keyword research and found a niche that I knew something about. I say keyword research loosely, because in all reality, I wasn’t doing research. I was playing with SEOBook’s Keyword Research tools to see what it could do. I found a keyword set that had some pretty good results in a niche that I know something about (bad credit auto loans and “buy here pay here” lots, if you must know), and figured I’d write a short article on it.

I had been invited to join the affiliate program of a bad credit lender on Commission Junction (which is really what sparked this whole thing). This particular program pays 10 bucks a lead. Not too bad.

I was able to register a dot com name with the keywords in it. I grabbed a free web template and put my article in it along with the affiliate link in several strategic places throughout the article.

I then forgot about it. Did nothing with it – no promotion at all.

6 months later, I’ve made 50 bucks off of the site.Sure, 5 leads in the time the site has been up is not a lot. But you know what? It’s 50 bucks I didn’t have before.

Proof to me that organic search works, and that you CAN make something from article marketing if you even take just a little action.

Yet another reason to join Earn1KaDay has come to the surface. Expert article marketer (5 figures a month) Tim Gorman has come on board Earn1KaDay as a “staff expert”. This adds yet another dimension of success to this already value-packed membership site.

On a side note, I just made veteran (I’ve been a paying member for 4 months) today on Earn1KaDay, and got access to the additional resources veterans get…and once again I was extemely impressed by the continual value that Dennis gives his members.

His mantra is “You Ain’t Seen Nothin’ Yet”, and so far, in my 4 months of membership, he has lived up to and surpassed that mantra.

The Rhodes Brothers have hit another home run with their “10x Method”, teaching a system for creating multiple streams of income that fits you, not the other way around.

Watch The Video

If you have sat and thought about building a custom theme for your Wordpress blog, but the Codex confuses the hell out of you and you just don’t have the wherewithall to spend a day with Google, I’ve got good news for you (and trust me, I’ve already got a copy on order). There is a brand new DVD out called “How To Theme Wordpress: From Blank To Beautiful In 2 Hours“. I’ve not yet seen the DVD, but it sounds like a very good foundation to learn how to build your own templates for Wordpress.

Keep in mind that Wordpress templates are in demand and people are paying for custom templates.

So, go grab it now!

I got a mailer last night about this new product from Robert Plank, and I didn’t even think twice before picking it up and installing it immediately on this blog.

Do you know what happens when someone fills out an autoresponder form on your website? Yes, of course they get put on your list, but do you know what else happens? One of two things:
1. They leave your site due to the autoresponder’s “Thank you” page;
2. A new window opens with the autoresponder’s “Thank you” page.

Either way, your viewer is getting distracted and pulled away from YOUR site because they wanted to sign up for more updates. You want your viewers to stay on your site.

Here’s how to stop punishing viewers and get those conversion rates up!

Action Optin is a new product from Robert Plank that I wish the autoresponder guys had thought of years ago. With Action Optin, when someone fills out your autoresponder form, your viewer stays on your site and the form is replaced with a message of your choosing! No more distracting “Thank you” pages. Plus, it is a breeze to install – one line of Javascript (or a plugin for Wordpress fans) is all it takes.

I installed this last night (a little before 10 PM central) and had an issue with getting it to work with Wordpress. So, I shot an email off to Robert for support. By 11 PM, after a few email exchanges and some tweaking of code, the problem was fixed and I was on my way. Gold star for support, Robert!

Action Optin works with any autoresponder form (I have AWeber), on any kind of page. It’s easy to install, easier to use, and could boost your conversion rates. Plus it doesn’t cost very much. I seriously recommend this for any and all of your sites. Go Get It!

Kevin Riley is at it again. From the man who brought you great tutorials on Camtasia, Newbie Toolkits, and countless Recipes For (name it here), comes a great new title.  “How To Turn Lazy Summer Days Into A Lifetime Of Easy Cash” is possibly the longest-titled book Kevin’s come out with in a while, but definitely worth that long title.

Kevin is a master of helping people create quick cash by creating their own products. And his writing style is straight forward and candid to the point that any one – even the newest of newbies – can comprehend and put to use.

Yes, there are other guides out there that guide you through setting up a niche marketing business, but unlike those other titles, this one does not enter the overkill zone and leave the reader scratching their head in dismay. And, as usual, Kevin stands behind his stuff with a money back guarantee.

Pick up this great guide today! I was not, and you will not, be disappointed.

One of the nicer looking “Get Paid To” sites has gone to the great Recycle Bin in the sky. XSVCash looked to be a very promising site (ala CashCrate) with better than average payouts and good advertisers. The URL forwards to a crappy looking adult site now.

MarvaMoney and CashCrate are still alive and well, although MarvaMoney has yet to put in a user forum.

SKILL LEVEL: NEWBIE TO INTERMEDIATE
RATING: EXCELLENT 

I’ve bought lots of “how to do affiliate marketing” products in my lifetime. Some from relative unknowns, others from the cornerstones of affiliate marketing (such as Rosalind Gardner).

I learned about the Secret Affiliate Code on Earn1KaDay. I took a look at the sales page, and I originally thought that it was another dime-a-dozen affiliate marketing guide. So, I didn’t think twice about it.

Well, for some reason (I think it was because I kept seeing the author, Craig, post tidbits inside Earn1KaDay) I kept going back to that salespage. It looked good, and the price point was $67 – less than I’ve paid for other products. (I got it for $47 – there’s a $20 discount for the first 1000 buyers if you find the special link on the page to click). I had not read any reviews anywhere, so I was going into it with neutral opinions, just what I had learned from the sales page. With the money back guarantee, I figured I’d give it a shot.

I was presented with an OTO that I skipped. Now that I’ve gotten the product, I wish I had gotten it. I only downloaded the videos and the couple of ebooks that come with the package; I have not yet downloaded the bonus MP3 interviews with marketing greats (Willie Crawford, Eric Rockefeller, more).

The skill level required to follow along with the author is definitely fundamental – everything is explained. He takes the reader step by step through setting up affiliate promotions with tools such as Squidoo, Hubpages, Wordpress, Blogger, Wikidot, and much more. When the author says to forget any methods of affiliate marketing that you may know, he means it. This is literally a step-by-step, with plenty of screenshots and insider “fill in the gaps” information. Inside are multi-layer methods to begin domination of the search engines, and Craig explores tools and methods that I have never seen nor heard of before. 

This is a very well planned out product. I honestly don’t see how anyone, regardless of their skill level, could not take this, learn it, and start finding and profiting from affiliate promotions in relatively short order. 

Check out Secret Affiliate Code today (Hint: The discount is the sixth checkbox)

If you were thinking about joining Article Marketer, now is the time. Prices go up this Friday, June 20. Last chance!

Go Now!

So here’s an idea that you can probably whip up within a couple of hours. This is your homework assignment for today. This is pretty high-level, so let me know if you need any details.

There are 3 really good “Get Paid To Complete Offers” websites that I know of and have experience with. They are:

1. CashCrate
2. XSVCash
3. MarvaMoney

Go join them (all for free), and take notes on their affiliate payout structure and some of the payouts for their offers. Complete a few free offers in each one and take notes on your experience.

Important: When you join, make note of your affiliate links! (AffiliateManagerPro comes in handy to record the information)

Now, go over to OWSD.org and find a nice website template (they’re all free too). Download the template, and using your notes, write up a nice little “top 3″ review site (using your affiliate links to link to each site of course…make sure you cloak them!). Put the site up, submit to search engines, put it in your forum signatures, anything to get it out there.

Alternatively, create a short ebook with your review notes. There are plenty of forums that allow you to post your free ebooks or reports, so post away!

PS If you are with AWeber you could set up a list and get the email addresses of your viewers.

Above all, have fun!

I went to the mailbox today, and received something from SFI. I am an affiliate, but I really have not done any promotion other than a couple of flyers posted in grocery stores. Sure enough, I opened it up and it was a check for $7.99. Not a lot, I know…but it was an unexpected check, so it made my day! I often receive checks in the mail, particularly from ClickBank, but I never thought I’d receive one from an affiliate program that I just started promoting, and very little at that!

This check is from EyeEarn. EyeEarn is a new marketing system from SFI where you get paid by wearing T-Shirts, putting a banner on your car, and handing out XCards (business cards with your ID on them). Pretty painless way to earn some affiliate commissions. It sure surprised the heck out of me, and it just might do the same to you! SFI has TONS of different programs to promote, such as merchant services, music review programs, and more, so check it out!

Anyone use PayPerPost?

Here is a service that you sign up with, and they pay you to Blog. From their site:

“Get paid for blogging. You’ve been writing about Web sites, products, services and companies you love for years and you have yet to benefit from all the sales and traffic you have helped generate. That’s about to change. With PayPerPost advertisers are willing to pay you for your opinion on various topics. Search through a list of Opportunities, make a blog posting, get your content approved, and get paid. It’s that simple.”

Has anyone signed up with this, used it, and made money? I’ve heard a lot of good and bad things about PayPerPost. In theory, this is awesome. A quick, lazy way to make some cash (Along the lines of CashCrate, one of my personal favorites). I have gotten wind of late or no payments when doing some research on this – I’d love to get some feedback!

Drop me a line if you have experience with this service, I’d love to hear what you have to say!

As you very well know, I love PLR. Especially when it is inexpensive PLR! I ran across a deal on 5 PLR guides for 7 bucks today. Take a look here and pick ‘em up if you need some fresh content to sell. These are not internet marketing niche items, so you can probably turn out some quick cash with them.

A while back, I wrote a post about CashCrate. I haven’t really brought it to the forefront lately, because I’m still making money with it in spare time.

Here’s how I do it.

A tip about CashCrate is that you don’t need a lot of time to do it. I’m a pretty busy guy – I run a business on top of a job and a family. I have darn little spare time. So, when I find I do have 15-30 minutes to spare, I’ll hop on my laptop, log in, and do one of the free offers. If I’m somewhere with free WiFi (like having a morning coffee and breakfast at a Panera or McDonalds), I’ll pull out the laptop, hook up, and complete one while I’m eating.

Do I make a fortune with it? No. But you would be surprised where that extra $50 to $100 a month helps.

The secret is that you have to do it. Sitting on your laurels isn’t going to make a thing happen. Imagine – take one hour of television that you watch (you can miss Dancing With The Stars for one evening, can’t you?), and log on to CashCrate. Complete some of the free offers. In that one hour, you’ve made some extra money…money that you didn’t have before. You’ve just made that hour a productive one. So, take that and multiply it. 30 minutes after the kids are in bed and before the news comes on…an hour in the morning before the kids get up…fit it to your schedule, and write down the times in a diary for a month – and the amount you make.

You won’t believe it.

Log on to CashCrate now and get started.

I hate typing up promotional emails. It is a necessary evil of the business though, so I trudge through it.

Fortunately, I just found some help – a set of Clickbank Email Sets from Greg Lloyd. I say “Sets” because it is 180 messages – 3 messages each promoting 60 of the hottest Clickbank products.

The salespage describes the emails best…

First, each Subject Line has been crafted carefully to create curiosity and high open rates… then we get into the body of the messages…

1) …The first Message in each set puts readers into an attentive state by building rapport, drawing them into the copy, introducing the product and communicating the BIG benefit of the product, suspending their skepticism long enough, to make them immensely curious so they click-through to the site to learn more …

But as we all know… sending a single message gets some sales, but over 60% of the real profits come from the ‘follow-ups’. So I created 2 additional messages for each product being promoted, using a specific and proven successful method, that helps close even more sales for you automatically.

2) …The second Message puts them into an attentive state by using Q&A’s about the product and answers any objections they may have so that they are pre-disposed to order the product now that their questions are answered…

3) …The third Message puts them into a attentive state by using bullet points to drive home important benefits so they click-through to order immediately…

The copy in each message series is CAREFULLY CRAFTED for MAXIMUM DESIRED RESPONSE and ENGAGING! Your subscribers will love them and ACT ON them.

…and these can be used as blog posts, postcard mailers, whatever. Just plug in your ClickBank ID and you’re ready to go!

Cost? 7 measly bucks. And you get a ready-to-go redirect file (HTML and PHP) and PLR!

Check out the Clickbank Email Sets now!

The very popular eBay affiliate program is breaking free of Commission Junction as of April 1, 2008.

Here’s the email I received about it:

We are excited to announce eBay’s new global affiliate platform: the eBay Partner Network.

The new platform will go live on April 1st, 2008 PST, at which point eBay will no longer be running its affiliate program through Commission Junction. Beginning April 1st, affiliates should register with eBay Partner Network and migrate their links from CJ to the new platform.

While CJ and ValueClick have been valuable partners to eBay throughout the years, we’ve decided to give our affiliate community a customized experience for eBay affiliates.

All the great tools and benefits of working with the eBay program will remain the same – access to the Editor Kit and affiliate API, the flexible destination tool, the great payout structure. In addition, the eBay partner network will provide several new features:
• Easy global registration to multiple countries simultaneously
• New, targeted banners and rich media creatives
• New landing page optimization and geo-targeting capabilities
• More detailed reporting capabilities for eBay’s programs

The eBay Partner Network and Commission Junction will run in parallel for one month through this process, so please plan to complete your migration by May 1st, 2008.

You can receive an additional 5% bonus for all traffic tracked through eBay Partner Network in April 2008 (bonus applicable to traffic sent to Half.com and US, UK, Australia, Canada, Italy, India and Spain eBay sites). The sooner you migrate, the more you’ll earn! Just:
• Register with eBay Partner Network on April 1, 2008
• Confirm your registration, and obtain your new identifiers
• Update your links with your new identifiers.
• Reminder: Please plan to complete migration by May 1, 2008.

You will receive more information and step by step directions for the transition on April 1st. A special help desk to answer your questions about migration will also be available starting April 1st. You can find more details, including a list of programs that will be affected, at http://affiliates.ebay.com.

My feelings? While I really like Commission Junction, I’m excited to see that eBay is taking an initiative to manage their own affiliate program, especially as they expand the eBay brand across more and more niches. I can only hope that their reporting tools are on par with CJ’s.

Here’s the link: sign up on April 1! – http://affiliates.ebay.com