Write website articles designed to inform and gain reader confidence, and motivate them to take the specific action you ask of them.

Communication is the life blood of Internet Marketing.  The written articles you post will be the principal conduit you will use to provide readers with content rich facts and information.  Well written articles remain the backbone of Internet web pages. Videos are available, and useful at times to demonstrate or illustrate processes, but written articles continue to be the Internet standard.

Articles should be well written–including paying attention to spelling and grammar as best you can.  Articles need to be filled with simple, factual, concise and VERY interesting information.  Write a boring article and your reader will be gone before the end of the first paragraph.  Grab reader’s attention up front.  Tell them what they can expect from your article.  Use bullet points as a simple direct means of letting them know the subject matter you will cover in your article.

Here are five specific areas to consider when writing your web articles:

1. Know your subject
2. Oranize your message -  use an outline
3. Focus your article on your reader – write what they need to know
4. Be down to earth – be simple
5. Conclude with a defined request for them to take action

Know your subject - This may sound silly.  The question you have to ask yourself is, “Do I know the subject well enough to write about it?”  If the answer is no, then the first thing you’ll need to do is some research.  You need to learn enough to factually and logically write about your subject.  Remember, readers have come to your article to learn something they didn’t know.  They are looking for answers to help them solve their questions and needs.  Be honest with them.  Tell them what you know in the best way you know how.

Organize your message – use an outline to help you – Your articles should logically walk a reader through the information you want to present to them.  A good outline will start with an interest grabbing headline, and work from there.   The benefit of an outline (hand written) is as a guide for you.  Outlines will help keep you on track.  The outline should follow a path that takes your reader from the simple to the complex, or from the beginning to the end.  You don’t want to wander and hope they understand what you are telling them. Detours turn readers off.  Follow your outline religiously.  When you’ve finished your first draft, read the article and see if it makes sense to you.  You may want to have a couple other people read to see if they easily understand the information your are presenting. 

Focus your article on the reader – write about what they need to know- The objective of your content rich article is to provide readers with helpful information.  They are seeking answers to quesions, needs or concerns they have.  Each article must be written with your reader in mind.  Don’t try to dazzle them with fancy foot work.  Give them concrete information they will value.  Give them value, and they are likely to return for more.  Put yourself in their shoes.  Write your article as if their need was your own.  Don’t assume they know what you know . . . because they don’t or they wouldn’t be coming to your website for answers. 

Be down to earth – be simple – Make your readers feel at ease.  Write your articles as much as possible just like your would talk to them if they were present.  Don’t be overly chatty, but be simple and present your knowledge and facts in a low key manner.  You’re not trying to show them you know more than they do.  They assume that fact when they come to your site to read what you have to offer.

Conclude with a defined call to action – Should one of the purposes of your website be to market a solution to visitors, then conclude your article with a request for them to order what you are offering as a solution.  If you have presented your article’s information in a simple, logical and helpful way, you will find more buyers of your solution.  If the article is for information purposes only, encourage them to “try out” your solution.  Direct them to read other articles you’ve written that may be of help or interest on the same subject matter, and provide a link to these articles.

Read our companion articles,  ”Writing Effective Website Articles and “Internet Marketing Entails Writing Quality Content Rich Articles,” for additional help and information.

Here are some simple guidelines for writing effective website articles.

These simple guidelines should help you in writing articles for your website that will be succinct and useful to your readers.  Individuals who come to your website are looking for answers to needs and questions they have.  They want to gain that information as quickly and completely as possible.  Following these simple guidelines will provide these visitors to your site with foundation building information–just what they were seeking.

• Be Original
• Follow a Specific Format
• Be Brief but Factual
• Articles Length of 300 – 1000 Words/3 – 5 Paragraphs
• Focus on Central Facts and Information

Be Original – First and foremost you want your articles to be original–your own words on the topic you are writing about.  DON’T PLAGIARIZE! Your information may be similar to others.  You don’t have a lock every bit of information.  Just tell your readers what you know.

Follow a Specific Format – Using a set format for the layout or structure of your articles will make reading your valuable information easier.  Use bold headers to emphasize key points or facts.  Simple outlines can give essential elements you wish to convey without the writing endless verbiage.  Write what is needed to make your point.

Be Brief but Factual – Readers are looking for answers that solve their particular need.  Give them what they need as succinct as is reasonable to put across your point.  Say what you want and need to say.  If you need to expand or your thoughts to cover the subject adequately then do so.  You don’t need to embellish or add fluff to gain credibility with readers.  Truthful and helpful information simply stated works best.

Articles Length of 300 – 1000 Words/3 – 5 Paragraphs – Most articles should be no longer in length than 300 to 1000 words in length.  Content should be presented in no more than 3 to 5 paragraphs.  Articles longer in length that these parameters give rise to considering breaking the topic information into more than one article.  Even in this article each of the guidelines presented could be expanded to individual articles.  When you do find the need to expand to separate articles you can start with a base page (similar to this) and add individual pages with links from the base article to the specific element’s article, and be sure to refer or link them back to the base article.  Allowing readers to move about your website can increase your visibility–and thus your value to them.

Focus on Central Facts and Information - Stay on target.  Keep your writing focused on the prime subject you intended writing.  If you need to wander some, use the link to another page guideline noted above.  Keeping on target with your message will please your readers, as well as assist you in your SEO (Search Engine Optimization).

The suggested guidelines for writing effective website articles presented here are not hard and fast rules.  They can be broken, but breaking them should be the exception not the rule.  (This article has 7 paragraphs.)   Be Original, Follow a Specific Format, Be Brief but Factual, Articles Length of 300 – 1000 Words/3 – 5 Paragraphs and Focus on Central Facts and Information will allow you to write effective articles that will be read by visitors to your website, and be rewarded for having done so.  You will have provided them with information they were seeking.

“Everyone has a book inside them,” is a comment heard often.  At some point in our lives we recognize we have something we can offer to many other people.  One of the ways we can share this valuable information with others is to write it out and distribute it.  This seems easy enough on the surface.  If you’re just writing for your family and/or a few friends you can easily do so.  Whether you use pen, pencil, paper, or a word processing program, your publishing capacity is somewhat limited by making copies and distributing them.  On the other hand,  if you have broader hopes of distributing to a much larger audience you need to take advantage of the most current technology to produce and distribute your finished product.  Authoring and producing an eBook (electronic book) could well be the answer to your needs.

Sharing or selling your knowledge over the Internet via the eBook is a low cost method to meet this need–we refer to this process as “self-publishing.”  Once your work is completed you have an inexhaustible supply of material that can be shipped off to willing buyers.  The Internet is the perfect medium to be able to reach a broad based group of individuals seeking information and knowledge.  We live in a “I want it now” society; an eBook is the solution to meet many of these impatient visitors needs.  Being able to download your eBook quickly is a big advantage.

You need to create your eBook for the group with which you want most to share your information and knowledge with;  your book could be for family, friends or potential customers.  IF your efforts are directed at selling to potential customers, you’ll need to identify who those people are. This will require some research on your part.  You’ll want to ascertain what your targeted group’s needs or wants are.  Areas of research should include perusing online discussion group sites–from which you’ll want to review as many postings and articles as possible.  Look for questions being asked several times–this shows a need and interest for particular subjects.  Other areas you should research could include message boards, subscribing to email discussion lists, forums and news groups.  Don’t overlook checking out what are some of the top selling books of the time–check Amazon.com for starters.

From your research in defining what is being read and researched, you can create a list of possible subjects to write about–given your own interest and knowledge base.  You can also identify the specific elements or chapter topics you should include in your book.  Start your lists with broad subject groupings.  Chapter creation should be directed at more definitive aspects of the broad category you’ve chosen.   As a for instance, if you were writing about investments your chapters might look something like this:

Investing Basics
Building a Portfolio
Stocks (buying and selling)
Bonds (types [government, corporate and municipal] – buying and selling)
MutualFunds
Closed End Mutual Funds
ETFs (Exchange Traded Funds)
Asset Allocation
Rebalance a Portfolio
Tax Implications
Philanthropic Benefits

You should write each chapter separately.  You may have a desire to compose or draft a certain chapter first, even if it will become the concluding chapter, and then move on to other chapters in a random order.  You can sort the various chapters later, placing them in their appropriate place, to make the book  flow smoothly and with continuity.

Each chapter should be filled with ample information to provide your readers with relevant subject matter.  The chapter should contain as much viable information, and be as complete and enlightening as possible.  Readers are looking for answers and solutions to their questions and needs.  If you don’t provide the information they seek, your book will not be of value or have significance; if you’re selling your eBook, sales could drop off drastically.  Honest and properly presented information is king.

Your eBook needs good valuable information first and foremost.  Frilly and colorful elements make the book’s appearance better, but that isn’t what people are looking for.  Make the information you provide earnest, relevant and readable.

Always take the time to proof your material several times.  Be sure spelling, punctuation and grammar are as complete and accurate as possible.  Have others read it too to ensure you have a flowing easy to read book; they should be willing and capable of providing critique about spelling, punctuation and grammar in-addition to comments about content and it’s read ability.

Your book should be constructed with small blocks or paragraphs filled with relevant information.  Leave a space between each paragraph.  Indenting is a personal option, but totally not necessary.  Use a font that is easy to read like Arial or Verdana (which are used by most all computers); you don’t have to be fancy here.  Open, or white space, is helpful to readers; that is why you want spaces between paragraphs.  Short paragraphs help with reading the material too.  Adding headers to specify key information for important elements or paragraphs is also helpful.  These additions will help keep the reader’s interest.

For more specifics on creating and publishing your eBook you need to read these additional articles:

• Select a Format (PDF or HTML)
  • PDF Format
    • PDF eBook Design
  • HTML Format
    • HTML eBook Design
• Register and Protecting Your eBook
• Marketing Your eBook
  • Payment Method
  • Utilizing an Affiliate Program

We’ll make the the assumption you have already created a literary masterpiece, or you plan to do so shortly.  Either way, you are looking at how to best promote your eBook–we assume you want to earn something for your effort–so, you want to sell your work.  This can be a great way to add income you don’t already have, and publish information you possess that others would love to acquire or know more about.  Promoting or marketing (selling) your eBook  can be a part of your initial plans.  If so, this information should be helpful.

You need to consider these facets as you approach your marketing efforts:

Create a fact filled eBook
Develop a website to help promote your eBook offering(s) — a site specific to your subject is very helpful
Formulate a dynamic marketing plan
Provide ad copy that is focused on your subject, vibrant and forceful with reasons  for readers to want to have your offering
Provide a check-out, payment and delivery system which is simple to use

We’ll touch base on each of these facets with a little more information to assist you in your promotion and marketing efforts:

Create a fact filled eBook

With this facet we’ll make a simple assumption you have created your literary masterpiece–or soon will.  With this as a given, we’d only advise you to fill it with definitive facts.  This is what readers are looking for  . . . unless you’ve written a novel.  A novel needs to have a beginning and end with a road of reading to get you from the beginning to the end.

Be sure to have your work proof read by yourself and others to identify spelling and grammatical errors. Thank goodness for “spell checkers” as well as the grammatical guides offered with such text editing programs as Microsoft Word.

Develop a website to help promote your eBook offering(s) — a site specific to your subject is very helpful

This particular element is too broad to cover in this article.  We recommend you look at some of the many helpful programs and information found on the Internet to guide you in this step.  Having your own website has some specific advantages, however, control is the biggest.  If it’s yours, you can say and do what you feel is best, but we’d suggest listening to others for help. The use of templates can be most helpful, and a short cut method to providing you with a pleasing site for people to land on.

Utilization of search engine optimization is essential. You will be well served to do some research on this topic to be sure you maximize your opportunities on the Internet with the help of the search engine’s rankings.

Simple is helpful when promoting your eBook offering.  Your website should be equally void of too much glitz or flashiness.  Simple sites load quicker, and tend not to confuse readers with what you’re offering them.  The primary goal of your website is to draw the readers attention to what you are offering them in the way of information, and to get them to take action–buy your eBook.

Formulate a dynamic marketing plan

Having a marketing plan will help you focus your energies and resources on the areas that should provide you with the best and widest exposure to the market place.  Here are a few ideas to consider as you structure your marketing plan to help you along the way:

• Make Your eBook Offer A Website Landing Page - This landing page should be a page that provides basic information about your eBook subject matter.  Things to include on this page would be an eloquent and descriptive heading; a narrative  about what your book is about; an index list of chapters; testimonial quotes from satisfied readers–which may include comments and recommendations from noted individuals; a straight-forward review of benefits the reader should be able to gain; directions on how to buy your eBook (a “buy now” button).
• Provide  Free Sample Chapters - Give your potential buyers a taste of what they can expect from your eBook.  You may give them “teaser” pieces from more than one chapter.  Also, there is something tempting about getting something for “free.”
• Promote “Word of Mouth” Advertising- Your readers can be a great source of referrals.  Suggest to them that they share with friends the opportunity to get their own copy of your eBook.  Mention your book on social media outlets.  Where possible, have a review placed on other websites and blogs.
• Create A List – One of your greatest resources will be the creation of an “opt-in” list.  You can use this list to generate leads.  There will be no better group of people to share your advertising and hype with than those you already know are interested in what you offer.  This may have more importance for a “second” offering than for a first publication.
• Generate Honest Anticipation and Hype-  Utilize all of the mediums (social networks, blogs, etc.) to share what you are offering.  Ask for input and suggestions . . . this creates hype and curiosity from those who participate.  They may have worthwhile input to help strengthen your eBook’s content, and make it richer and more helpful.
• Obtain Reviews From Others - Ask other reputable websites and blogs to review your work.  If other readers like what your eBook offers, you can expect others to be equally satisfied.  You may want to offer a free copy of your book to other blogs and websites to review, but they should be highly-regarded sites and individuals to add to your books credibility.  As a last resort, if you have to, you can purchase reviews from websites and bloggers.  PayPerPost and ReviewMe are two such services-but this is not our prime recommendation.
• Pay Others to Refer Your eBook- “You can give a little to get a lot.”  Sharing in the rewards of successful referrals that culminate in a book sale may be a simple method of adding sales.  Providing an “affiliate” opportunity may be just the answer to get wide spread coverage of your eBook to interested readers.  You may want to read our article: Affiliate Marketing Primer.
• Advertise To Your Niche Market- Use the many online forums to advertise your eBook offering.  Direct your attention to those communities that are centered around your niche market.  Utilize links to your eBook’s landing page where possible.  If some expense needs to be incurred, consider what the potential return could be, and give it a test run.
• Price Your eBook Reasonably- Remember your general expenses to produce and market an eBook is not overly excessive–so don’t expect, or price, your book out of the reach of your target market.  Look to see what others are charging, and “be in the ball park.”  You can give your book away for free, but if you’re seeking income you need to charge for it.  You may well find that charging a modest price will result in more overall sales, and hopefully more net income to you.  If your offering is so dynamic and unique you may be able to suggest a much higher price.  You have to be the judge here, but you can price yourself out of the market if you aren’t careful.
• Offer A Course That Includes Your eBook- This gives you a double focus: training and selling.  Make your course viable, but simple, and rely on your eBook to really “teach” the course.
• Sell Direct Via Retail Sites- You can offer your eBook to readers using retail sites such as eBay, eBookMall, Amazon and Clickbank.

Here are some other articles on our website that could be of help to you.  You may want to review other articles on our site that likewise could assist you:

Creating An Internet Marketing Plan
Developing Marketing Strategies for Your Web Business
7 Critical Affiliate Marketing Product Promotion Mistakes to Avoid

Provide Ad Copy that is focused on your subject, vibrant and forceful with reasons for readers to want to have your offering

Writing vibrant attention getting ad copy is a real challenge even for the professionals.  Don’t feel disheartened if you find this part of your eBook publicity campaign exigent.  You are not alone in this thought-provoking responsibility.

Writing articles seems to be a breeze for many.  Articles are much easier in many respects because they are informational in their structure.  You generally have sufficient space to write a descriptive presentation about your subject matter.  Ad copy, by contrast, has limited space with which to “grab attention and make a call to action.”

Readers are looking for answers and solutions!  Your ad copy should answer a readers question, help them solve a problem, or fill a need–physical or emotional.  They have the need.  Your ad copy must tell them you have their solution in a succinct direct way.  Don’t be overly wordy, but say what you need to say–not more not less.  Tell them what there problem is . . . they’ll recognize it . . . give them your solution.  Sounds easy, right?

Too often we see ads that go overboard in their promise of help.  This is often referred to as “hype.”  Webster’s Collegiate New World Dictionary says hype is: “to put on: DECEIVE: increase: to promote or publicize extravagantly”.  The dictionary also says: “STIMULATE, ENLIVEN.”  You want to avoid the first definitions, but maximize the second definitions.  Deception will eventually kill your long term opportunity.  Your ad should provide positive affirmations and solutions.  Be truthful, but don’t over kill or emphasize what you say your offer will accomplish–say what you mean, but mean what you say.   If what you have to say isn’t true–don’t say it!!!

Your ad needs to stand out from the other ads marketing the same or similar product–eBooks.  They need to attract attention, but not be gaudy or overly glitzy.  The appearance of your ad matters . . . just don’t over do things.  The KISS (keep it simple stupid) principle applies here.  Using different sized fonts, capital letters, bold and color (read this article on the “feelings of various colors”). The judicious use of these elements can’t be over emphasized.  A LITTLE GOES A LONG WAYS!

Be sure you focus your ad on the reader and not on you.  Your helping them not the other way around.

Don’t forget to proof your ad for grammatical and spelling errors.  Look professional–be professional!!!

A review of what you need to create effective and grabbing ad copy:

State a need
Provide solutions or answers to the need
Be truthful, but modestly bold
Keep your copy short
Utilize fonts, capitals, bold and color judiciously
Focus the Ad on the reader

A sample ad copy might look something like this:

“DO YOUR EYES FEEL TIRED AFTER A DAY AT WORK? “Discover How to Relax Rest Your Eyes in Minutes.” ORDER MY BOOKLET – “10 Easy Steps to Removing Stress from Weary Eyes.” All you have to do to get started relieving your TIRED EYES is CLICK HERE NOW!“

Provide a check-out, payment and delivery system which is simple to use

You’ve got a reader committed to purchasing your eBook offering.  Now what?  Make placing the order and payment process as simple as possible.  Provide your customers with ease of purchase.  You’ll need a “check-out” or “shopping cart,” and be able to accept various forms of payment, including foreign currency.  IF YOU DON’T ACCEPT CREDIT CARDS YOUR MARKETING SUCCESS WILL BE HAMPERED!

Here are some links to shopping cart and payment services that can provide you with the help you need to be able to market your eBook online and get paid for it.  There is no order of preference in the listing.  We make to recommendation specifically because each eBooker’s needs are different.  We suggest and recommend you research any and all of these offerings (in addition to others you may find on the Internet).

Google Checkout
Clickbank
PayPal
ShopperPress
Total Merchant Services
QuickSales
Americart

Lots of hard work and effort has gone into the creation of your eBook manuscript.  You don’t want all your robust effort to be easily absconded by others not willing to put in the same grueling time and research.  What do you do to protect your work?  You need to take the necessary steps to provide you with some assurance others can’t steal or use your document without your permission.

U.S. copyright laws are your first line of protection.  This occurs just by creating your eBook.  In and of itself it does not protect the pirating of your work.  Should you find the need to file a lawsuit against someone who has used your work without your permission, you will have to have your copyright registered.  Taking this additional step to protect your efforts is worth the time.  Check these site links for the process to register your eBook:

U.S. Copyright Office: http://www.copyright.gov/

Click and Copyright: http://www.clickandcopyright.com/

MediaRegister: http://www.mediaregister.com/

For International copyrighting go to:

Online Copyright Registration and Archives: http://www.worldwideocr.com/

Copyright Registration Service: http://www.copyrightregistrationservice.com/

After you’ve registered your copyright you may want to get an International Standard Book Number (ISBN).  This 10-digit number identifies books that are published internationally.  This unique number is issued to one title only, and should you alter, modify or update your work, you’ll have to get another ISBN number for the changed work title.  With this ISBN number you can have your eBook listed in the “Books in Print” database.  This database is used by bookstores and libraries when ordering books.  Also keep in mind you’ll need a separate ISBN number for your eBook for each format you wish to publish your book in.  There is a cost to get these ISBN numbers–currently $225 for 10 numbers.  These numbers can be ordered online.  See the links below for two sources to get ISBN numbers:

http://www.isbn.org/

http://www.bowker.com/

Should you wish to put your eBook on a CD-ROM you’ll want the Bookland European Article Number (EAN) which will include your ISBN to be embedded in your EAN bar code.  This bar code has been devised specifically for books–including eBooks.  This is another of the international programs to provide booksellers with information needed to sale the book, such as the price.  This is another important database to be listed in.  For further information go to this link:

http://www.isbn.org/standards/home/index.asp

Being forewarned is being for armed. Take some time to research what you need to help protect your hard work.  Some of the options noted above may not be necessary, but check them out and make the decision best suited for your needs.

You’ve made the decision to create a eBook, and you’ve decided on which format you want to use, what is your next step?  The design or layout of your book.  Whether you have selected the PDF or HTML format is of no consequence in designing your books layout.  There are some basic elements for you to consider as you construct your masterpiece.  The structure and presentation of your end product will have great influence on your overall success.

Your eBook should look professional, pleasing to the eye, organized with the reader in mind for being able to navigate through the book with ease.  Any images, graphics or other enhancements should provide value and be a compliment to your book’s subject matter.  Keep the basic look of your book from being overly garish.  Simple goes a long way in pleasing readers expectation.  They are seeking information . . . not excessive glitz.

Each page you create should be considered in the same manner as you’d expect to see in a “hard bound book.”  The actual design or structure of your book may vary based on the subject and the material being presented, but here are some suggested basic guidelines to consider:

• Opening Page
• Forward
• Instructions
• Table of Contents
• Introduction
• Chapters
• Page Numbers
• Headers and Footnotes
• Borders
• Images/Graphics

Here is some expanded information on each of the above elements to help give you ideas and clearer understanding of what might be expected from that page or factor:

Opening Page

In an eBook the opening page is your “landing or first” page.  This page should be designed with any graphics, logo or images you feel is appropriate which identify your book’s subject matter and that compliments your presentation objective.  This page may include a “title” you’ve chosen for your book, and may contain an opening statement to entice readers to look further into your work.

Foreword

The foreword of your book is where you would provide any copyright, disclaimer or other information consider to be of import to your reader, and for your intellectual protection.

Instructions

This page is where you would provide readers of your eBook with any enlightenment, information or instructions you feel would be of benefit to them.  Directions or instructions on navigating your book could be helpful, and presented on this page.

Table of Contents

The Table of Contents, while very important, should be the last item you construct for insertion in your eBook.  Hand written tables can assist you as you organize and construct your book, however.

The primary purpose of a table of contents is to provide an overview of your subject matter by category or page, and provide readers with a means of locating where specific information is located in your eBook.  There are programs in text editors that can help you, or even produce, a table of contents for you.  Page numbering would be a benefit when constructing your book for use with your table.  Care and consideration must be given when organizing your book for continuity and clarity, and a table of contents will assist in both the structure and guidance for your readers.

You can use “style functions” with your text editor to assist you in creating chapter headings and your content table to distinguish them from other aspects of your book.

Selecting a “text editor” or “compiler” that allows you to create a table of contents that is interactive with the segments of your book would be a plus.  Providing a means of readers being able to click on a segment or chapter in your table and “jump” to that section would be profitable.

Introduction

The introduction page is where a synopsis or overview of your book’s subject or topic would appear.  This gives the reader some expectation of what they can gain from reading your eBook.  The introduction page usually follows the Table of Content page.

Chapters

This is the heart or meat of your publication’s efforts.  Readers will be informed and instructed on the subject you are presenting in the chapters provided.  Break down your subject into segments that provide the necessary information, but are laid out in a fashion to provide continuity and flow of the subject.  Chapters should be well defined–you can use different and larger fonts, colors or graphics to assist in this process.  The chapter title should be located at the top of each chapter’s beginning page.

Chapter content should provide relevant information and instructions concerning your book’s subject.  Be concise and direct in presenting your information–don’t “ramble.”  Add embellishments such as graphics and images that help clarify or add function to your topic, but don’t make it a picture book.  Start with the simple and end with the complex in a succinct manner.  Give your readers valuable information, such that when they are finished reading your page, chapter and book they have been informed and educated.

To help you present your eBook in a professional looking way, here are a few additional items you can consider to help you create the look and feel you want your book to have.

Page Numbers

You should definitely consider the use of page numbers to assist the reader in navigating your book.  Most “text editors” have page number insertion capabilities.

Headers and Footnotes

The benefit of using headers and/or footnotes with your eBook is being able to provide helpful information on pages for the use of readers to clarify, add or direct them to specific aspects of your page or chapter.

Borders

Using borders can add a pleasing and profession look to your pages.  This element is purely optional.  Like most other issues related to your publishing your book, “a little goes a long ways,” don’t over do the borders.

Images and Graphics

The utilization of images and graphics can be a further plus in adding value to your eBook.  These enhancements can add clarity and increase the viability of the information you’re providing readers.  One mistake eBook creators make when using graphics and images is having too many of them–making your pages or book appear to be too busy.  Use them judiciously.

You’ve made the important decision to publish an article, newsletter or book on the Internet–referred to as eBook publishing.  There are two formats you can use to get your treasured material out to the world:  Portable Document Format (PDF) by Adobe, or Hypertext Markup Language (HTML).  Each format has its good points, and each has some bad points to consider when selecting which one to use. 

You’ll need to do some research on each format, if you aren’t familar with them, to determine which is best suited to your needs and desire.  Both will provide you with a finished product that can be presented to your target group.  Some individuals have a preference of one over the other.  We make no recommended preference one over the other; use the one best suited for you.

As you look at each of these formats you need to ascertain the factors or functions you feel are best suited to you.  The ease of use is always a top issue.  If the process is too complicated, and you don’t feel you want to spend the time to learn it well enough, then look at other options.  Both the PDF and HTML are not that complicated for basic use.  If you want a more sophisticated product, you may have to become more knowledgeable, or pay for a program that does a good deal of the sophisticated processes.

Below is some basic information on each of the two most popular formats:

PDF

has become the most popular format used by eBook producers.  Here are some of the reasons or benefits of using Adobe’s Portable Document Format (PDF) :

• PDF files (.pdf) are generally considered easier and safer.  They are less likely to be infected with viruses.
• They are relatively easy to create if you have a basic word processor program and a program that will convert the document to a pdf file.  Most new word processing programs have this capability, but there are many “free” programs available to download.
• PDF files are very portable. They can be read anywhere anytime if you have the necessary reader software like Adobe Acrobat Reader–other readers are available.
• This  format helps shrink the file space required for the document which allows for smaller files (compressed)and ease of use with which a user has in creating their work; a real benefit for being able to email your documents quickly.
• There is no special training or computer language needed by the user.  PDF files are much easier for viewers to open–as long as they have the necessary software (i.e. Adobe Acrobat Reader).
• Visual properties such as graphic and images are easily converted.
• Interactive functions like hyperlinks, markup, file attachments, movies, music, etc. are supported.
• Security and data encryption are supported which gives your files greater usability for only those you wish to have access to them–using passwords and permissions. 
• PDF files print easily and correctly using most any printer.

HTML

is a popular format used by eBook producers.  HTML is known as the “language of the Internet.”  Here are some of the reasons or benefits of using Hypertext Markup Language (HTML):

• HTML formated documents are completely compatible and interactive with the Internet.
• Can be designed like a website with use of a HTML compiler (which may have to be purchased–see note on compilers below).
• HTML documents can contain interactive functions like hyperlinks,  graphics, video, music, JavaScript, forms, etc.  What you can put into a website you can just about put in your eBook.  Let your imagination be your guide. The creator has control of the look and feel of the product.
• May contain an unlimited number of pages.
• Can create customizable fields.
• HTML files can be shared via CD-ROM or Internet downloads.

Note:

Compilers (sometimes referred to as “editors”):

Compilers or editors are programs which enable users to create and edit text files.  Word processors are not, in and of themselves, compliers, but many have broad capabilities which would give many users the feeling they are using a compiler.  Compilers deal in writing and editing source code (programming language or code used by a computer’s processor).

As an affiliate marketer your primary objective is to promote products and services that can reward you from referring potential customers to viable sellers.  This sounds easy enough.  All you have to do is put a website together, add some affiliate links, and bingo, you have instant cash.  If it were only that easy.  There are some critical points an affiliate marketer must keep in mind to be successful, and be successful for a long time.  Here are seven (7) critical mistakes that can keep you from making the kind of money you’d like to make as an affiliate marketer, and being able to profit from your efforts for a long time:

These points or mistakes are not noted in any particular order of priortiy.

1. Failing to provide articles filled with meaningful content.

   Visitors to your website are there primarily to find answers to questions or problems they are seeking answers or solutions for. While directing them to an affiliate link may be the ultimate answer, they need some basic information before making that move.  They need to feel confidence in what you are offering, both on your website, and from any other place you may send them via a link.  That is why providing worthwhile information is imparative . . . the “holy grail” of the Internet markerter.  Give them what they are seeking and you have succeeded in your goal to provide answers and solutions. This ultimately will provide you with income from directing visitors to places where their specific need will be met.

   An Internet Marketer as opposed to an affiliate marketer may be able to provide the solution and consumate the sale. An affiliate marketer is mearly a facilitor–sending interested people to willing sellers.

2. Failing to understand your role in the marketing process.

   Knowing what your real role as an affiliate marketer will help you understand what and how you go about your business.  The primary role of an affiliate marketer is as a pre-saler and/or advertiser. In your role as an affiliate marketer you are working to direct visitors to your website to others who goal and purpose is to consumate the sale of a product or service they offer.

   As noted in the comments above, visitors have come to your site seeking information, knowledge and hopefully solutions to their needs or problems. Give them the information they seek and then direct them to your affiliates via links or ad links. Ultimately, the visitor should be satisfied with the worth of your content that they trust your affiliates offer the appropriate solutions they are seeking.  Without your informative content your links and advertisements hold little enthusiasm for visitors to go there.  You must provide sufficient facts and information to give your visitors reasons to go to the recommended providers via your affiliate links and ads.

3. Endorsing poor products and services.

   Quality is king when it comes to recommending visitors from your site go to your affiliates.  Your name, brand and reputation go right along with the recommendation you provide. Send visitors to affiliates with poor quality solutions, and they then become yours.  If you want to loose repeat customer sales and referrals all you need to do is direct them to sellers of low or poor quality products and services.  If you haven’t used the product(s) or service you are direct others too, how can you testify of their value and worth to prospects?  The best way to ensure you are sending customers to the right place is to be satisfied with their product or service yourself.

4. Over hyping!

   Like endorsing poor quality products, you can over play the value of a product or service. Being honest and n the assessment of a particular product or service is most appropriate. Saying something is more than it is can lead to lowering your brand and reputation–ultimately losing clients and their referrals. In your articles you are well to say what a particular service or product can do. Going beyond what you know to be true or evidenced from others you have absolute confidence in is purely “hype.” While the goal of your website, and specifically your articles, is to entice visitors to purchase an affiliates product or service, you do no service by stating issues that are not true or stretch the truth. State what a product can do and what it can’t do. Let the customer decide if the proposed solution meets their needs. As they say, “stay within the lines.”

5. Endorsing too many products.

   Clutter your website with too many advertisments and offers via affiliate links, and you will surely loose visitors. The more banners and ads you have the quicker they’ll disappear. You should keep your website as neat as possible.  Remember, most visitors are coming to your website for information first.  If you have little or no valuable information other than banners and ads, it speaks to your brand and reputation–low!  Try to keep your  advertising down to 3 or 4 key opportunities for your visitors. You can always change them as new and better programs become available.  Drop a poor performer for a better performer.

6. Failing to focus or target your promotions.

   Your website should be as focused as possible on a targeted audience. You can’t be all things to all people.  Thus your promotions should be equally directed at a specfic group.  You will be far better served if you research your market to identify a target faction that best could use what it is you are offering.  Your traffic numbers may diminish, but there are likely to be more and better qualified buyers from those who do show up on your site.  Hitting the target is okay, but hitting the bulls eye is even better . . . the payout generally is higher.  There is a little more work in focusing in on a specific targeted group, but the rewards are worth the effort.

7. Being sneaky or devious in your product promotions.

   This may sound like “over hyping” noted above, but this is even more disastrous to your business. This tends to fall more in line with being deceitful and dishonest. Too often there is far less truth in the presentation–just enough to keep it from being an outright lie. This practice is often used to increase pay per click traffic. In the end it could well cost you the business you are trying to build by being banned from the search engines and affiliate relationship. Provide a content rich website with proven quality products to offer. These will give you the long term result you seek.

Avoid these mistakes at all cost.  You will see improvement in your long term business, and create or enhance your overall bonding reputation.

Internet marketing, which includes affiliate marketing, is ever changing.  What was available yesterday may not be today.  Keeping up with what is changing, and what can, may or does affect your business is important.  Miss this point and you’ll most likely find yourself behind the “power curve” quickly. 

The fact that things are in an ever state of flux or change charges us with the need to “stay on top of things.”  There is no serious opportunity to “rest on your laurels.”  If you are not researching what changes are taking place in the world of the internet, and the affiliate market place (with emphasis on your niche) in general, you need to have someone else do it for you.

There are always new and inovative products, services and processes taking place.  You never know when one of these changes will have a profound impact on your business:  either for the good or to your detriment.  When you know what is happening around you, you are better prepared to make whatever changes are warranted in your business.

If you have been led to believe you can put a website, no matter how well organized, optimized and profitable it may be, one small change could make it all non-functional or even worse–worthless.  You have an obligation to keep your affiliate website fresh and up-to-date.  Do so, and your fountain of riches should continue until you chose to sell it, or let it die a slow natural death.  We choose the former–we hope you do to!

In your research pick an affiliate program that you like and has a proven record of success.  They should have a high level of client satisfaction too.  These proven programs will be easier to promote, and you will have fewer dissatisfied customers.  Remember, your name (website) gets attached to the affiliate you promote.

You will loose substantial credibility if you send prospective buyers to an affiliate that may not measure up to the standards you would prefer.  Some research may be required on your part.  You’ll want to ask potential affiliates about their business:  how long have they been in business; what kind of results have others been able to obtain (this is not an indication of your own potential success); request the referral of names of others marketers who are using their services, etc.

The more you know about your prospective affiliates the better chance you have of selecting the best relationships for you and your specific business.  Those affiliates with little or no track record could be damaging to your prospects of success: poor service, low quality products or services, etc.

If you chose to work with an affiliate who’s track record is shallow, you would be well served to purchase from them just like your prospective customers and clients would.  You can better assess the value they offer to you and your web business.