Answers to Some of My Most Frequently Asked Questions

Volume V, Issue 5
ISSN: 1547-7754
October 2007
printable version

Chris King, Editor
By subscription only, this monthly e-newsletter is loaded with short, "down and dirty" tips to help you with solving the everchanging and growing puzzle of the Internet. This e-zine serves as a place to ask your questions and find the answers. So, send me your burning questions.

I take part in an on-line MasterMind group and many teleseminars and List Servs. In all of these interactions, many of the same questions keep surfacing. So, I decided to address a few of them in this Tips E-Zine. Note: I want to remind you that this E-Zine is for you, so if you have a question, please send it along for a future issue.

QUESTION #1. How do I increase traffic to my website?

Having a constant stream of hefty traffic is incredibly important. It is at the core of obtaining e-newsletter signups (which I am going to discuss in answer to the next question), credibility as an expert in your field and/or fields, along with product and service sales.

• Content, in my opinion, is still “king.” Well written and informative articles will bring first time visitors and return visitors. In an upcoming question, I will address other uses for your articles, but just know that by updating your content regularly, you will place high in the Search engines.
• Search engine results will drive visitors to your website. Make sure that every article has a descriptive and catchy title. It is hard to believe how many website pages and articles do not have a title. Also make sure that you pick keywords that describe what each page of your website covers.
• Include interesting surveys and/or assessments. People love to take these, especially if they are focused upon them. I have several people a day who take my Portfolio Career Assessment and then spend time investigating my websites.
  

QUESTION #2. How do I build my list?

Everyone talks about the importance of building a large distribution list. It is also important to have a supportive list that stays with you, sends you feedback, recommends your website and E-Zine to others, and buys your products. We start with the traffic to our website and then:

• Get visitors to sign up for your E-Zine by offering something free for signing up. I share tips and also use them to verify e-mail addresses. On my information websites, I offer an easy one-click link for subscribing on each and every page. I also include a page that describes the E-Zine with a link to the most recent copy.
• When someone takes an assessment, they are asked to fill in their name and e-mail address. They are thanked when they have completed the assessment and informed that they will be receiving a complimentary copy of my E-Zine. Not only does this add to my list, it also brings in people who are in my niche market.
• To personalize the whole process I send each new addition to my list a Welcome message telling them when to expect their first issue of the E-Zine. It does take a good bit of time and work, but I feel strongly that it starts an on-going relationship with my subscribers.
  

QUESTION #3. How do you use your articles to advantage?

Besides offering good content to those who visit my websites, I re-purpose my articles for syndication. Right now I have 125 articles posted at www.ezinearticles.com that may be reprinted in others’ e-newsletters or on their websites.

• When you submit an article, you include a resource box at the end with your short bio and links to your websites. I always know when someone has used an article because I notice an increased number of visitors.
• Even if they don’t use an article of mine, those who read them get to know who I am. This helps to give me credibility as an expert in my fields.
• My articles also provide a good foundation and basis for my Special Reports and Information E-Books. It is always a lot easier to start with something better than a blank page.

This was a short overview of the questions that I am most often asked. I am sure that you have some good ones, too. Please send them off to me at chris@creativekeys.biz.

Have a terrific and productive month!

Do send your comments and questions to me at chris@creativekeys.biz. I love to receive feedback and will answer your questions in future e-zines.

If you would like to subscribe to this e-zine and receive five free Internet tips, send an e-mail to subscribe@creativekeys.biz with subscribe in the subject line. If you ever wish to be removed from the mailing list, just send an e-mail to unsubscribe@creativekeys.biz with unsubscribe in the subject line.