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72 Hour Affilliate Marketing–Become a better person in the process

June 20, 2011 By 4 Comments

72 Hour Affiliate Marketing ProgrammeHello from rainy Tokyo, Japan. I’m am literally hours away from watching my first son being born and am feeling an intense mix of awe, excitement and utter fear :) While, I’ll be busy for the next few days (well, OK years), I wanted to let you all in on an Affiliate Marketing opportunity you might want to consider. If you don’t know what affiliate marketing is, basically it’s when you get paid for recommending a product that is eventually bought. It is one of my monetization strategies here as well as on Todd’s Wanderings and last month I earned around $500.

Adam Baker from Man vs Debt has created an amazing concept called the 72 Hour Sale where he and a partner gather together 22 online ebooks and courses around a certain theme. This is the second time they have done it, and the last one about Internet Business and Blogging had over 2,000 buyers in just 3 days. The concept is simple, for 72 hours you can buy 22 Personal Development Courses and Ebooks for only $97 that would normally cost $1,087 if you bought them separately.

What does this have to do with you? Last time, I bought the package and became an affiliate. I ended up earning my money back and $100 on top of it. Not to mention getting access to all the online products I had been drooling over for the past year for a ridiculously cheap price.

This time (the last 72 hour sale was 7 months ago) is all about Personal Development. As many of our travel blogging readers are also looking to improve their lifestyles, this might be a good fit to promote on your sites. Besides being a great deal for anyone interested in the subject, you also have the opportunity to earn a 50% commission on all sales, will stay an affiliate for the next time the sale comes around, and you will get to see what type of products sell well on the internet. This last point was great for me in the Online Business and Blogging theme and has given me a ton of ideas for my own products and where I might fit in the market. Now I get 23 more chances for research at a cheap price as well (yes, I already bought mine).

If you are interested check out the 22 Personal Development Package. If you want to become an affiliate you do need to buy it first and then you will have access. Since this is the case you should either: be happy to read the material or believe you can earn commissions on it from your readership due to their interests…or hopefully a combination of the two!

And of course if you decide to buy it through the links here on TBC then I also get a commission and I will be able to buy a round of beers once my son is born. If not, that’s cool too. I just wanted to let you know some of the ways I earn money from my websites to help you out. And yes, I do realize that some of us might have the same readers, and you might “steal” a few customers. That’s cool, the internet is a big place and I want everyone here on the TBC to do well and earn money from their travel and lifestyle websites :)

Good Luck!

Filed Under: Make Money Blogging, Marketing Tagged With: ,

E-mail List Building Strategy

April 18, 2011 By 15 Comments

How to build an effective e-mail list using a free gift and follow up automated messagesThis is a How To post, but bear with me as I go into a bit of background. Building and e-mail list and  gaining subscriptions to your blog are powerful ways to both help increase traffic numbers but also help you monetize your blog. By the end of the article you will know how to:

 

1) Build an e-mail list that also contributes to your RSS count

2) Give away free things and not feel guilty for it

3) Skin an alpaca, make a warm coat, and not cause any bodily harm to the alpaca

4) Tell when I’m being serious and when I’m exaggerating…maybe

5) Get your free Lonely Planet book put together by your fellow travel bloggers

E-mail What?

It seems that everyone talks about the importance of building an e-mail list for websites. An e-mail list allows you to connect more personally with your readership, and when the time comes offer something to them.

Why is this important? By subscribing to your e-mail list the reader has already shown an interest in your blog or writing. This makes connecting with them easier. It also allows you to deepen your relationship with them and eventually turn their interest into an action. This action could be as simple as coming back to your site, sharing it with others, or buying a product from you.

I was not entirely convinced on e-mail list until I started building one here on TBC and then used the service to help with my Blog4Japan campaign. I have to admit, the ability to reconnect with those already interested is amazing. Here on TBC I use my list to send out updates on new posts. This works for me as I don’t published too often (1-2 times a week max) and thus I don’t annoy people (hopefully). But you can also set it up to send out newsletters that go out automatically after a certain number of posts. This is what many travel bloggers do. Just make sure to customize the interaction with personal details or contests only available to subscribers. Everyone hates useless crap in their inbox!

Human Nature works both For and Against You

It can be difficult to build up registrations (through e-mail or RSS) as human nature usually falls on the reserved side when it comes to taking action or committing an e-mail address. This is where incentives come into play as human nature also loves free, useful things. By offering a free gift to subscribers you are able to reward them, and get them in the habit of taking action on your site.

My goal on Todd’s Wanderings is to get as many eyes on my writing a possible. A reminder to those who have already shown an interest is a good thing. I also want to eventually sell my own books. This means letting those who already like my writing know about my amazing new book, which is a good thing.

But I also like to give value to my readers. I want them to be happy they are following and getting to know me. Until recently I didn’t have the proper reward to give them so I didn’t begin being an e-mail list. I was only using facebook, twitter, and RSS. As of this month I will have a great new reward:

A free Lonely Planet e-book that I managed the development of and which features not only me but 39 of my closest travel blogging buddies. BAM!

Free Lonely Planet BookYeah that’s right, a Lonely Planet book. I’m super excited about this project, giddy about the release, and psyched that it’s free. But just because it’s free doesn’t mean that I can’t derived value from it.

Building an E-mail List

Yes, I promised you a How-To portion so this is it. But first (or is it third by now?) the basics. An e-mail marketing service allows you to manage e-mail distributions to your followers (those who register). This can be automated as well as done manually. I use Aweber as my service.

The main reason I chose Aweber (which costs a monthly fee) over MailChimp (which has a free version) is that all e-mail subscribers get added to your RSS count. This means more authority and credibility in one place.

Aweber is also the most established in the internet marketing industry, has the best delivery rates, has a more intuitive interface (to me), I can use my open brand (MailChimp’s free service carries its logo), and it allows me to do affiliate marketing. I’m planning to expand my online businesses so this makes the most sense for me (yes, niche site related).

That being said, if you don’t make money from your blog, or don’t plan to in the future, than Mail Chimp might be a good option for you. But for me, it’s Awber all the way, and so this guide is based on this platform.

Heads up. If you sign up with Aweber I do get a small affiliate commission. Thank you for your support.

How I plan to Reward my Readers

You would think that after such a long introduction that I’m going to share the secrets of astrophysics with you. Actually, Aweber makes it super simple to set up a reward system for those who sign up for your e-mail list. It took me less than 5 minutes to set up a new list, and create a follow up e-mail with the link to where the e-book can be downloaded.

Step 1 Create the list

Create an e-mail list on AweberThe first step is easy, you hit “create new list”, create a name for the list, and then you brand it with your particular website details. This is exactly what I’ll be using for when the e-book is released.

Step 2 Create a Confirmation E-mail

Create a Confirmation Message on AweberNo one wants to automatically be added to a list, especially if someone else added them without their permission. By setting up a confirmation message that gets sent automatically you are showing that you are concerned about the readers’ privacy. We only want people on our blogs who want to be there.

Step 3 Create a Follow up Message

Once you have created the basics of the e-mail list all you have to do is hit this pretty green button.

Create a New Follow Up Message on AweberThis will take you to a text editor where you can craft your e-mail that will be sent after the subscription is confirmed. There is a lot that goes into creating appealing Copy in this message. But for now we will only focus on the nuts and bolts of getting the message out.

Create a Follow up Message on AweberYou can style this with HTML, choose from a number of different templates, or even just send it as a simple text message. The key is to include in this message the link to where the subscriber can download your free gift. In this case the place where the cleverly crafted “INSERT LINK HERE” is written.

This will eventually take the subscriber to the place where Lonely Planet is hosting the e-book for automatic download.

The best part about this, and the reason I don’t mind spending money on it, is that once it is all set up everything is automated. From people signing up, to receiving their gift, there is nothing more you need to do. You can even add a sequence of e-mails that offer an e-mail course, or timed announcements. The only limit is your creativity and the interest of your reader. We don’t want to contribute to more “suck” in the world.

Unsubscribe

I know, I know. A number of you are thinking, “Won’t people just subscribe to get my free gift and when unsubscribe?”

Yes, they will.

But two things to keep in mind here. One, do you really want these types as long term readers? Maybe, maybe not. But what those left are the committed loyal readers you are looking for.

Two, it’s your job to draw them into your blog. You have enticed them with your sex siren call and great free gift, but your job is not over. You need to give them a reason to stick around. This is partly about aligning your voice with their interests, having outstanding and compelling copy in your e-mail, a sexy fake image in your profile (kidding…maybe), and also about not sending them crap afterward. You need to send your readers quality content, or make it exciting for them to stay subscribed. Yes, I’m leaving this hard part up to you.

I hope you enjoyed this tour through the world of e-mail marketing. For those of you wondering where the instructions are to the alpaca coat…I have land I would like to sell you in Florida :)

As always, comments, praise, criticism, and free beer (for me) are all welcome below.

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Filed Under: Build Traffic, Marketing, Nuts and Bolts Tagged With: ,

The Power of Building Relationships

April 11, 2011 By 9 Comments

How to network the right wayThis is a guest post by Caz and Craig Makepeace.

One of the most overlooked parts to your success, not just online, but in any field is networking.

Like it or not, “It’s not what you know, but who you know” is a very real reality.

Some people think that this is not fair and spend forever moaning and griping about it. For me, I’d rather just understand the reality of this, become an entrepreneur, and do what successful people do.

Networking is the fun part to your business. It is the part that I find is the easiest and can produce the greatest rewards.

Networking is simply building relationships. Relationships cannot just be beneficial to you from a business perspective, but from a personal perspective as well.

Networking Purpose

There are two very important points I want to make before I go any further. What I am outlining are strategies specifically to address how building relationships can benefit your businesses. We never ever build relationships with people purely for personal or financial gain. The rewards that come from networking are a side bonus. We build relationships with others because we love meeting and interacting with people. We always bring the attitude with us that we have the opportunity and ability to offer something of value as well.

The second important thing is these networking strategies apply just as much to the online world as it does to the physical world. Don’t believe for a second you can hide behind your avatar on the computer. Everything you do must be backed by authenticity and sincerity or else your success with networking will be short-lived. If you are networking in the online world, these strategies will be applied through your online communication.

Get to know the other Person

After spending a whole day listening to entrepreneurs talk at a conference, we worked up the courage to approach our favourite speaker for the day after the seminar. We introduced ourselves, asked him if we could buy him a drink and then proceeded to talk about surfing, Australia, the US and travel. We spent the remainder of the evening into the early hours having a blast with him. Not once did we ask him anything business related or pester him for his million dollar secrets. The next day he found us to say goodbye, and spoke of the fantastic time he had with us. He gave us his personal details and said, “If you need any help with anything, give me a call.” That was a solid relationship building evening.

If you are meeting someone who you look up to in your chosen field for the first time, make sure you do not bombard them with questions as to how they can help you. First, get to know the real person. Make general conversation. They will appreciate it so much as they are used to so many people wanting to learn their magic secrets.

Make people remember you

In business, people are interacting and networking all the time. How is someone going to remember who you are? One of the best things you can do is have your photograph on your business card. This makes it so much easier for the person who is sifting through hundreds of them to remember you. Carry your business card everywhere and hand it to each new person you meet. Let them know how you can connect again and that you would love share ideas sometime. Make it casual.

Be bright, happy and positive. Smile lots, make jokes and light-hearted conversation. This is really the best way to ensure someone remembers you. In reality there really aren’t a lot of happy friendly people around so if you can be this way you will stand out.

Don’t be afraid to share your story with others. There is a very fine line here between bragging and sharing. Speak confidently about what you do, allow your passion for it to shine through.

Let the person know you, know something about them and appreciate what they do. Without sounding stalkerish, mention a recent post of theirs you read, or tell them how helpful you found their latest book. Make it short and sweet.

Lose your arrogance

I’m sure we have all met the person who thinks they are so far above you that you are not even worthy a look down their nose. These people stink and have no idea about building relationships. When their walls come tumbling down they will find no one around to help build them back up.

I don’t care how big or how successful you are there is no one who is not worthy of your time. Besides, how do you know the success these people may have in the future?

The more success you have the harder it is to devote enough time with others who want to get to know you. It is like when you get married, the evening finishes and you feel really rude because you did not get a chance to speak to your hundreds of guest. Do the best you can. Always offer a smile at least, and a nice to meet you. People will understand you are busy, but that doesn’t mean you can’t treat them with respect and leave a good impression.

When talking with others always ensure that you spend time getting to know them. Ask them about their life and what they do. Do not spend the whole time talking about how wonderful you and your product, website or blog is.

Follow Up

The fortune is in the follow up. Allocate time in your busy schedule to follow up with those you have recently met and would like to build a relationship with. Send them a quick email, facebook status update or even a tweet.

Let them know how much you enjoyed meeting them and you look forward to meeting them in the future. If you spoke about any particular topic, mention it with perhaps an answer, a website, or a link you can send their way with helpful information.

Always be sure to pass on your gratitude and appreciation for anything that people have taken the time to help you with. I know it is easy to forget sometimes, but you must make this a habit. I have had people contact me via email for help before, and I have taken time out of my busy schedule to help them out. Sometimes I never hear from these people again, not even a one sentence thank you. It always amazes me as that is a prime opportunity for relationship building lost. I’m less likely to help that person in the future.

Start connecting with your new friends online. Join their social communities, comment on their work and share it. This all helps to cement a deeper relationship with these people.

Entrepreneurs are always happy to network and share. They understand the power that comes from building relationships. You just never know where that relationship may lead.

Never be afraid to approach people. You are worthy of their time and you have a lot to offer. If you approach your networking from this perspective, with an open mind for learning and sharing you will build strong and positive relationships with others.

People help open up doors that you never had the clear vision to see. You also have the ability to help open these doors for others.

Caz and Craig Makepeace have been living and travelling the globe since 97, both solo and as a couple and now with a three year old. They believe life is all about the memories and their travel tips and stories at yTravel blog and their fanpage aim to inspire and teach others how to make their life a story to tell.

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Filed Under: branding, Build Traffic, Marketing Tagged With: ,

How to Score a Press Trip

February 14, 2011 By 60 Comments

How to Score a Press Trip with your BlogThis is a guest post by Christy and Scott.

We have been getting this question from many bloggers since recently securing our first press trip.  I know this is high on many travel writers/bloggers list of things to accomplish, so I’ve written down the steps I take when requesting a press trip.

First thing to keep in mind about press trips is that you can’t be afraid to market yourself. Nine times out of ten, the press trips won’t come to you. You need to actively seek them out.

Put together a form letter to have ready to send to PR agencies.

For Ordinary Traveler, our letter includes:

1. Traffic Stats (Numbers from Google Analytics)

2. Alexa Score

3. RSS/Email Subscribers

4. Recognition Around the Web

5. Twitter Follower and Facebook Fan Numbers

Introduce your blog and let them know you have a loyal readership and specify what your readers are primarily interested in (ie: travel, photography, etc.). Even if your traffic stats are not high, it’s still possible to get a press trip if you show the company they can benefit from your blog promoting the destination.

Get creative and find a unique angle in which your blog can help bring tourism to that area. It is best to approach them with a way in which you can benefit them, rather than just asking for a freebie.  Depending on who I’m contacting, I don’t always ask for a freebie. Sometimes I will just ask if they offer a media rate or a discount in exchange for a review or to promote an area.

We have had PR reps reply to our request by thanking us for such a thoughtful email. If you put time into drafting your letters/emails, you will come across as looking professional and as if you have done this before (even if you haven’t).

Find a place you either want to go or already have plans to visit.

My suggestion would be to approach PR reps during the area’s off-season. For instance, if you are looking to visit a National Park, plan on going in the winter months. This is their slow season and they are more likely to grant a press trip during winter than in the summer months when everyone and their mother wants to go.

After I have figured out the destination I want to go, I send out the form email, tailoring it to that specific area. For Scott and I, if we are going to a place that has waves, then I mention that we are surfers and our blog has a following of people interested in surfing.

There are a couple of different ways you can go about securing a press trip.

The first one is to contact tourism Bureaus for a country you want to visit. Sometimes they will pay for your flight (in our case they did, however I’ve been told this is not common). Other times they expect you to pay for your own flight, but they will pay (or give a discount) for your lodging and tours.

The second way is to contact hotels and tour companies directly and ask them if they would be interested in providing a discount in exchange for a review.  This type of press trip is more common since you have a lot more options of hotels and tour companies to contact, rather than just one tourism bureau for an entire country.

Follow Through

This may be the most important part of going on a press trip. After the trip, follow through with what you told them you would do. If you said you would write 5 blog posts, then do it. Send them an email with the links and stats from each of those posts.

This is important not only for your blog’s reputation, but for travel bloggers as a whole. You don’t want to ruin the next bloggers chance at securing a press trip with the same company. Keep in mind that press trips are a great way to supplement your travel fund, but it should also be treated like any other job. In the end, you want the company to be happy they decided to sponsor you and your blog.

Have you been on Press Trip? Do you have any other tips for scoring free travel and swag?

Ordinary TravelerChristy and Scott are two surfers riding waves around the world and sharing their experiences along with budget tips and unique photography. You can follow their adventures at www.ordinarytraveler.com or on their Facebook fan page http://www.facebook.com/OrdinaryTraveler.

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Filed Under: Business of Blogging, Marketing Tagged With: , ,