A Collection of Software Marketing Articles and Marketing Tips

AISIP Interview

Tue, 5 Sep 2006 09:00:00 -0400

Interview with Michael Halls one of the new owners of the Associations of Software Industry Professionals.

1. What was your motivation for purchasing the AISIP?

Both David and myself come from the e-commerce side of shareware. Together with our Dad (Brent) we bought out Qwerks.com in 1998. Later we started eMetrix.com and FileKicker.com. These three businesses were acquired by Digital River in 2003.

Our e-commerce background has given us the opportunity to meet hundreds of really great people in the shareware industry from all over the world. I hope that through the AISIP we can provide some value to the shareware community and keep friendships we've built alive. We'll, it's better than sending greeting cards.

AISIP Interview

SIC Recap from Different Perspective

Wed, 2 Aug 2006 09:00:00 -0400

This year’s 2006 Shareware Industry Conference was enlightening, and entertaining. It hosted dozens of diverse and educational sessions, informational exhibits, and several humorous events. The sessions were exceedingly motivating and detail-oriented, which contributed to the creation of a focused audience. The exhibits were exceptionally interesting and the sponsored events were enjoyable for all ages. For the most part, the attendees were interesting, experienced, and willing to share knowledge. This produced one of my most memorable Shareware Industry Conferences.

Read SIC recap

Another SIC recap

Everything You Need To Know About Linking

Thu, 6 Jul 2006 09:28:17 -0400

Websites that are able to amass a large number of links from related websites that contain relevant content, tend to have an advantage when attempting to rank well in the large search engines. The tricky part is understanding how to build a large quantity of quality links. With the growth of the web and increased competition, search engines are weighing link relevance, and link authority as part of their ranking algorithm

Everything You Need to Know About Linking

What is The Long Tail?

Fri, 5 May 2006 09:00:00 -0400

The phrase "The Long Tail" was first used in 2004 by Chris Anderson a writer for Wired Magazine. Anderson used the phrase to describe business models. The article initially referencing The Long Tail referred to the fact that a small handful of blogs have a large number of links pointing to them, while millions of smaller blogs have only a handful of links. Chris Anderson described the effects of the long tail on business models and argued that products that are in a low demand can effectively and collectively make up a market share that exceeds the few of those that are in high demand.

What is The Long Tail?

The Tipping Point

Fri, 5 May 2006 09:00:00 -0400

I recently attended the PubCon conference in Boston. Malcolm Gladwell the author of The Tipping Point and Blink was the keynote speaker. He was very engaging and raised some very interesting points.

The book, The Tipping Point, in part discusses the concept of connectors and mavens, and how they bring about change. Connectors are those unique individuals who have an uncanny connection to an unbelievable number of other people. They typically cultivate relationships and grow extensive networks in a variety of different social circles. Connectors have extremely diverse social networks, while most individual have three to five social networks; connectors have an astounding fifteen social networks. Mavens are those individuals who consistently provide highly specific and relevant information based on analysis of a specific sector, they might evangelize a specific brand or be known for being price conscious.

The Tipping Point

Google Paranoia

Tue, 2 May 2006 09:00:00 -0400

While any of that information independent of other data, might be non-threatening or irrelevant to someone doing analysis, when combined with other data Google has access to, it can paint a very clear picture of how, not only individual companies are performing, but the aggregate data could possibly paint a picture of how entire business sectors or industries are performing.

Google Paranoia

Organic Search Engine Optimization

Tue, 2 May 2006 09:00:00 -0400

The fabled tales of successfully tricking search engines into high rankings have given way to a new truth, to achieve decent consistent ranking you cannot engage in tricks but on focused optimization done in a professional ethical manner. According to search sources, with the latest Google update, there is no longer an even playing field when it comes to search placement.

Organic SEO

Press Release Tips

Mon, 1 May 2006 10:19:14 -0400

While controversial issues frequently attract attention they can also alienate potential customers. Sometimes it is better to put a positive spin on public relations. A typical press release announces new leadership, products or services, but consider mixing it up a bit. A well written press release can be published increasing brand recognition and exposure.

Press Release Tips

AdSense Tips

Wed, 15 Mar 2006 09:00:00 -0400

AdSense allows website publishers to display contextually relevant advertisements on their website. If a web visitor "clicks" on an advertisement, the web publisher will earn a percentage of the advertising revenue generated as a result of the click. Many webmasters have built content websites around the Google AdSense model. In many cases the specific intent of the webmaster is to profit from Google AdSense.

Other webmasters use Google AdSense to supplement their revenue. Regardless of the webmaster's intent, the following tips will help webmasters looking to profit from AdSense.

AdSense Tips

What is Google Base?

Wed, 1 Feb 2006 09:00:00 -0400

In order for Google Base to succeed, it will need the support of both publishers and users. Quite frankly, most are having difficulty seeing the value in Google Base. Google Base, is a new service in beta, from Google that requests that publishers add their information to the "Google Base".

What is Google Base

Great Online Resources for Webmasters

Wed, 1 Feb 2006 09:00:00 -0400

As the web becomes increasingly more crowded, it is important for webmasters to take the extra step to make their web sites user friendly. There are a number of free resources available to webmasters:

Great Online Resources for Webmasters

Press Release Distribution: Before and After

Mon, 9 Jan 2006 09:00:00 -0400

Our company has been working in the area of press release distribution for two years. Since then we have performed a great number of projects for different types of software. Our clients come to us for various purposes and with different requests. To meet their expectations with maximum efficiency, we have developed a number of methods. We ascertained the editors requirements for press releases, perfected our skills of solving various issues underlying the process of press release distribution, and realized which methods in our business are particularly effective.

Press Release Distribution

Technology Predictions for 2006 and Reflections for 2005

Tue, 3 Jan 2006 09:00:00 -0400

2005 Took the World By Storm
2005 literally took the world by storm. The tragedies of the Asian Tsunami, the Hurricanes that blew through the US Gulf Coast and the earthquakes that swallowed parts of Pakistan have left an indelible mark on 2005. While mother nature cast a shadow on 2005, it was technology that delivered the impact that resulted in a huge outpouring of donations. The world was touched by the human element seen real-time in pictures and videos. Today's technology was able to deliver the graphical grittiness that portrayed the nightmares occurring half a world away.

Technology is usually thought of as impersonal, but something needs to be recognized; without technology the personal elements of the 2005 tragedies would not likely have been conveyed to the extent and timeliness they were. Reflecting on 2005 and looking forward to 2006, technology will undoubtedly continue play a significant role in the future both on a personal and impersonal level.

Technology Predictions for 2006 and Reflections for 2005

Website Resolutions

Tue, 3 Jan 2006 09:00:00 -0400

Website Resolutions
As all of us view the new year, we determine various ways to improve ourselves. Whether its eliminating bad habits, or improving quality of life, January 1st is seen as a new beginning and starting point. Your website too, can use a new look. Consider taking the website to task with these down and dirty quick improvement tips for the new year.

New Year's Resolutions for Your Website

Pros and Cons of Web Applications and Desktop Applications

Mon, 2 Jan 2006 09:00:00 -0400

Webware vs Desktop Applications
There has been a long running debate about web applications replacing desktop software applications. While some functions are better suited to web applications. It is my belief that security concerns and legacy systems will prevent desktop software from becoming obsolete.

Some argue that the debate between web applications and desktop applications is pointless; as their is no clear answer. While still others argue that the issue at hand is as much a business and marketing issue, as it is a technological issue.

The Best and Worst of Web and Desktop Applications

What is Web 2.0

Sun, 1 Jan 2006 09:00:00 -0400

What is Web 2.0?
There has been a lot of chatter lately about Web 2.0, as if the Internet is a versioned software application.

So what is Web 2.0? Simply put, Web 2.0 is a perceived transition of the web to web applications. Web 2.0 is the next generation of technology solutions where interactive content is the norm. There is no agreement on exactly what Web 2.0 means, depending on who you are speaking with, you may receive different explanations.
What is Web 2.0?

Why Educated Consumers are Better Customers

Mon, 5 Dec 2005 09:00:00 -0400

Not too long ago, a colleague asked me why we invest so heavily in consumer education. We have made a conscious decision to spend marketing dollars on consumer education for a very simple reason. Educated consumers are simply better customers.

Lets take a closer look at why educated consumers are better customers.

Less Technical Support.
1.) Educated consumers require less technical support. The reduced technical support results in lower overhead costs. Often educated consumers can further reduce the support burden by assisting or educating other customers or potential customers in forums, newsgroups, user groups or elsewhere in an industry community.

more on Educated Consumers

Develop Quality Content to Rule the Web

Wed, 16 Nov 2005 09:00:00 -0400

Fresh content
The age old question keeps coming up, how do you retain website visitors, how do you make visitors return to your website? The answer should come as no surprise, fresh content. Content is truly king, the fresher the content the better the site. What many webmasters fail to realize is that there is an endless supply of content on the web that is freely available to webmasters.

Not only can public domain material be freely used and syndicated on websites, but a number of content publishers provide content in exchange for a link back to their websites. A variety of contents related to the website theme that is integrated into the website will attract the interest of both search engines and web surfers. The key to taking advantage of free content is integrating or including content that is directly related to the theme of the website.

Develop Quality Content to Rule the Web

Ego Searches

Thu, 1 Sep 2005 11:35:32 -0400

Ego searches are free and simple searches designed to monitor blogs and news portals for mentions of your company, product, competitors or other specific keywords. Conducting ego searches not only allows you to stay informed, but also allows you to maintain a strategic advantage over competing companies.

Ego Searches

Short Term vs Long Term Marketing Efforts

Thu, 1 Sep 2005 11:33:44 -0400

In order to create consistent sales cycles and a positive growth trend businesses usually engage in both short and long term marketing efforts.

Short-term marketing efforts tend to cause sudden sales spikes which rarely last. These sharp sales increases are usually the result of a targeted marketing campaign or time limited offer. While short-term marketing produces sales, long-term marketing efforts must be mixed in to sustain sales.

Short Term vs Long Term Marketing

The Future of RSS is Not Blogs

Tue, 19 Jul 2005 10:00:00 -0400

Blogs vaulted RSS into the limelight but are unlikely to be the force that sustains RSS as a communication medium. The biggest opportunities for RSS are not in the blogosphere but as a corporate communication channel.

Even now, businesses that were initially reluctantly evaluating RSS are beginning to realize the power and benefit of the RSS information avenue. The inherent capacity for consumers to select the content they wish to receive will be the driving mechanism for keeping advertisements to a minimum and content quality consistent.

Future of RSS

Competition is Good, Copying Is Bad

Wed, 6 Jul 2005 09:00:00 -0400

Before I delve into the article, I want to address a specific issue related to copying. While the first article deals with clear copyright violations, there is also a rabid problem in the industry related to the cloning of applications. I have more ideas than I can keep up with, I don't know why this behavior is condoned nor do I understand why developers can't be innovative, rather than cloning another's application. Cloning may not be illegal, but its certainly not ethical.

Competition is Good, Copying is Bad
I've always been of the opinion that competition is a good thing. It encourages all of us to be better and make better products. While it might be true that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, copying someone else's work is simply wrong.
http://www.softwaremarketingresource.com/article65.html

When Something Online is Free

Tue, 28 Jun 2005 09:00:00 -0400

What are consumer expectations when something is free?
Realistically, consumers subconsciously assume free means free, and while that might be the initial intent rarely is it the case.

What Exactly Does Free Mean?
Very few things these days are free in the real sense of the word. There are very few free items that do not have any strings attached.

When Something Online is Free

Valuable Content Portals

Wed, 18 May 2005 09:00:00 -0400

Highly targeted, focused sites that are related to specific market segments are highly advantageous and can often be created using existing web content. The key is to provide value.

These highly focused content sites can be great supplemental portals that are invaluable as a marketing tool for niche products. Niche portals help define expertise in a specific market segment, not to mention the added benefit of providing valuable topic-specific links. The topic-centric portals also tend to achieve high search placement and will often provide advertisers high quality exposure, allowing webmasters the opportunity to capitalize on their efforts.

Complete Article - Valuable Content Portals

Evolution of Google AdSense

Wed, 11 May 2005 11:00:00 -0400

The web has evolved into a complex "organism" which, to some, appears to have a life of its own. As the Internet has evolved, so too have online marketers and publishers. The dot-com balloon is said to have burst but savvy publishers have grabbed the coat tails of the Google search monster and employ Google AdSense on content-rich websites. Google AdSense, a pioneer for providing content-sensitive advertisements, has been a boon to webmasters looking for alternatives to amortize their web trafffic.

How Does Google AdSense Work?
The concept is simple: The publisher or webmaster inserts a java script into a website. Each time the page is accessed, the java script pulls advertisements from Google's AdSense program. The ads are targeted and related to the content contained on the web page serving the ad. If a web surfer clicks on an advertisement served from Google, the webmaster serving the ad earns a portion of the money that the advertiser is paying Google for the click.

Complete Article - Evolution of Google AdSense

Launching a Software Application

Tue, 3 May 2005 10:00:00 -0400

Last fall we launched FeedForAll http://www.feedforall.com a tool for creating, editing and publishing RSS feeds. Having recently gone through the experience of a product launch I thought that I would take the opportunity to share my experiences and discuss what worked.

A key to FeedForAll's success was getting to market quickly, and the marketing began before the official product launch. We immediately jumped into creating buzz about RSS with newsletter mentions. We began blogs on multiple sites and RSS feeds so that we could actually measure traffic and interest in RSS. After a short time it was clear that the daily fresh content and interest in RSS was significant, and if we could help educate users to the power and potential of RSS we could drive significant sales.

Article - Software Product Launch

The Benefit of Topical Search Engines

Mon, 2 May 2005 10:00:00 -0400

While many marketers are scrambling for links, any links, an area that is often overlooked is topic-specific search engines. What many don't realize is that these engines do produce traffic, and they often contain traffic that is very targeted. Anyone who has taken the time to analyze weblogs and track sales sources will likely see that targeted traffic converts at a significantly higher rate than non-targeted traffic.

A savvy online marketer realizes that often, the quality of the visitor is far more important than the quantity of visitors. Web marketers should focus their energies on attracting targeted traffic whenever possible.

Complete Article - The Benefit of Topical Search Engines

Business RSS

Tue, 1 Mar 2005 07:11:48 -0400

While RSS was at one point only considered to be a means to deliver news headlines, RSS has quickly become a powerful medium to disseminate all kinds of information. As traditional marketers are attempting to rein in content delivery, measuring e-mail open rates, click-throughs and conversions, Internet users are fighting to gain control over the content they receive. Savvy marketers and business owners are using RSS as a way to improve corporate communication and increase their external exposure and brand appeal.

Complete Article - Business RSS

All Companies Make Mistakes

Mon, 7 Feb 2005 09:00:00 -0400

Nearly every company, makes mistakes. In my opinion, once a mistake is discovered, it is how the company handles that mistake is more telling, than the mistake itself.

In this world there are big mistakes and there are little mistakes. Digital River recently collected information related to usage and installation of its SoftwarePassport application, without disclosing the tracking to it's customers. The actual tracking was done by including a UserAx.dll in the recent versions of SoftwarePassport and Armadillo.

Developers obviously have a number of concerns related to the new DLL. I'm hoping this article will separate fact from fiction, and get to the heart of the matter.

Complete Article - All Companies Make Mistakes

Google Sandbox

Thu, 3 Feb 2005 10:00:00 -0400

Before we get too far into an explanation as to what Google's sandbox
is, it must be noted that not everyone even agrees that the sandbox
exists. The sandbox is actually nothing more than a theory developed
to explain what many different SEO experts have witnessed with their
listings. Whether or not the sandbox really exists is actually
irrelevant when we know that the effects of the sandbox exist.

Complete Article - Google Sandbox

Determining Keywords

Thu, 3 Feb 2005 08:53:40 -0400

Determining keywords is a critical step in web design. If your website and meta tags do not contain related keywords, web surfers will be unable to find your website when they conduct searches.

The formula is a little tricky - you will need to locate terms that are popular and relevant to your site. These terms may or may not be terms that *you* feel are relevant terms.

Webmaster Tools and Resources

Wed, 2 Feb 2005 09:00:00 -0400

With new technologies, algorithms and sources emerging on a daily basis, webmasters are constantly struggling to stay informed. The quality of content on the web and the number of products available to webmasters can seem overwhelming. The goal of creating a site that can be quickly found can be a struggle. Unless webmasters have a well-established brand, a great domain name and a huge marketing budget, it is important that they appear in search engines via specific keywords. With this in mind, we have compiled a list of resources and products that will benefit webmasters in their efforts to be found.

Complete Article - Webmaster Tools & Resources

Why Understanding Web Logs Matters

Tue, 4 Jan 2005 10:00:00 -0400

General web statistics give pertinent information about website visitors. Webmasters analyzing these statistics have a better understanding of who their website visitors are and how they perceive the website. A lot can be learned by evaluating navigation patterns, most-viewed pages and exit pages. Deciphering web logs could easily become a full-time job. The information that can be gleaned from close log scrutiny is extremely valuable.

Tools for Online Tracking

Mon, 3 Jan 2005 11:00:00 -0400

In order to determine which advertising and marketing efforts are effective you must have ways to measure the results of those efforts. Alerts and instant notifications can be instrumental in monitoring search engine position, trademarked terms, monitoring competitors and staying abreast of online occurrences. And, of course, the notification can be used for "ego searches".

Violence in Software Games

Wed, 1 Dec 2004 09:00:00 -0400

With the holidays approaching I felt it that it was appropriate to address the issue of violence in games. As a parent I abhore violent games. Actually I dislike the way companies use violence to market to children. Sadly more and more entertainment companies are using use violence as a marketing tool.

Do I Need an RSS Feed?

Wed, 1 Dec 2004 09:00:00 -0400

RSS has been around for more than 10 years but has only recently become popular. RSS provides headlines and summaries of information in a concise and standardized way.

Digital River Purchase Prices

Wed, 3 Nov 2004 12:53:57 -0400

If you are like me, you probably are curious to know what Digital River actually paid for many of their acquisitions. I did a little digging and have posted what I found. When reviewing the figures bear in mind that some of the negotiated companies mentioned earn-out figures are likely not integrated into the actual purchase price. Find out what DR paid.

The Golden Hour

Wed, 3 Nov 2004 12:50:34 -0400

Michael Halls from FileKicker recently conducted a fascinating statistical study. The study tracked the habits of approximately 2000 purchasers and the relationship between the time of the purchase and download. The results spoke of the "golden hour". Actually the results were so skewed, they more shouted GOLDEN HOUR, with the significant majority of purchasers occurring within the first hour of a download. Complete Article

Article Syndication - The Key to Content

Wed, 3 Nov 2004 12:49:18 -0400

New websites are being launched daily. In order to compete, webmasters need to find alternative ways of producing themed websites. Highly focused articles are often sought by wembasters. Why? Because content on the web is still king! Complete Article

Former Digibuy Owner is SWREG's New CEO

Fri, 1 Oct 2004 11:30:00 -0400

Cyrus Maaghul the former owner of Digibuy, one of the first registration services purchased by Digital River, raised some eyebrows by announcing that he is the new CEO of SWREG.

Russian Software Conference Review

Fri, 1 Oct 2004 11:00:00 -0400

I recently attended the ISDEF conference for software developers in Moscow, Russia.

The conference attendees were not hobbyist, many of them were involved in collaborative projects and multiple businesses. The efforts made to pool resources was something that western developers could learn from.

Relationship Networking

Fri, 1 Oct 2004 10:00:00 -0400

Relationship networking is simply the art of meeting people and benefiting from those relationships. Often the benefit of these relationship is to obtain information and leads to further grow your business. Any successful relationship, whether a personal or a business relationship, is unique to every pair of individuals, and it evolves over time. Effective relationship networking is all about building those relationships and maintaining long lasting connections with other professionals.

Adware - Are Downloads Safe?

Wed, 8 Sep 2004 09:19:31 -0400

Years ago developers saw they could monetize freeware that was becoming expensive to host. Developers began working with Ad Networks such as the former Aureate and Conducent, who imbedded advertisements in the software. The software in many cases phoned home retrieving ads. In other cases adverts were imbedded directly into the download only being removed when the software was registered. Many well known software companies, including Netscape distributed ad supported versions, which allowed users to use the software for free. Developers were compensated either by install or the number of ads served. Advertisers welcomed new revenue streams to reach potential customers.

Google AdSense

Tue, 17 Aug 2004 21:35:41 -0400

Google AdSense allows webmasters to dynamically serve content relevant advertisements on web pages. If the visitor clicks one of the AdSense ads served to the website, the website owner is credited for the referral. Google's AdSense program essentially allows approved websites to dynamically serve Google's pay-per-click AdWord results.

RSS Feeds

Tue, 17 Aug 2004 21:35:41 -0400

RSS also known as rich site summary or real simply syndication, arrived on the scene a number of years ago, but was only recently embraced by webmasters as a means to effectively syndicate content. RSS Feeds provide webmasters and content providers an avenue to provide concise summaries to prospective readers. Thousands of commercial web sites and blogs now publish content summaries in an RSS feed. Each item in the feed typically contains a headline; article summary and link back to the online article.

Globalization of Website

The Internet has unlocked a wide array of markets and knocked down barriers that previously prevented merchants from marketing their products on a global scale. There are a number of ways to 'globalize' a website and broaden a businesses general appeal to an international audience.

Shareware Blunders

Shareware blunders, lessons learned by the industry pro's. Interview with Adam Stiles and determmine how to succeed in the shareware industyr.

The Value of Online Forums

There are literally thousands of online forums that cover a wide range of topics. Forums provide individuals, who share a common interest, with a meeting place for open discussion, and a great gathering spot for "water cooler" talk. When used properly forums can be an excellent business tool and resource. By providing well thought out, helpful responses posters can develop a reputation as an industry expert. Establishing a reputation within forums will eventually lead to solid business contacts and relationships.

Digital River Takes Over

No one is shocked any longer to hear that Digital River has added to their impressive collection of acquisitions. This time, only the size of the acquisition was surprising. On April 19, 2004 Digital River announced that they added ShareIt / Element5 to their collection of registration services for a paltry sum of 120 million dollars. Realizing that I had taken an interest and written about their past acquisitions Brant Pallazza, Vice President of Shareware at Digital River contacted me and welcomed the opportunity to answer any questions that I had. I seized the opportunity, believing that any insight into the acquisitions would help developers make an informed choice about their online ordering service.

Software Announce and Software Promotion

Creating amazing software is only half the battle. Telling the world about your software is the other half. With working capital, consider employing someone who specializes in software promotion. To work with an established reputable firm can esure success when marketing software.

Affiliate Communication

When building an affiliate network communicating with affiliates is important for merchants to maintain a good relationship. An affiliate's web site targets visitors, who may not necessarily view a merchant's web site, and therefore expands a merchants market.

Google Adsense

Affiliate programs were once a great source of online revenue, a savvy webmaster with an eye for marketing could easily parley a site into a money making machine with a little luck and effort. However, the evolution and growth of the Internet has hampered the growth of fortune making affiliate programs. Constant search engine algorithm changes, along with the search engine's clear distaste for sites participating in affiliate programs; have made it a little more difficult to earn a healthy affiliate revenue. An influx in the use of software programs that terminate cookie tracking and privacy programs that prevent webmasters from tracking referrers, have also hindered the affiliate sales channel. While it is still possible to make money through affiliate marketing, other alternatives ought to be considered.

Unfair Advantage and Abuse of Power

Last summer, rumors were abound that an employee of Tucows was using Tucows statistical information in order to determine which products produced the highest return on investment, with the intent to clone them and create competitive products.

Stop Whining About Google!

Nearly anyone and everyone involved with search engine optimization and Internet marketing is aware of the famous "Florida" update by Google that caused many commercial sites to lose their Google ranking and position.

What is Shareware?

Shareware is software that you can try before you buy. Shareware is a kind of marketing method for software. Software developers post trial versions of their software on websites. Consumers can then download the trial version to their computer and evaluate it. If the consumer likes the software they can purchase it. Shareware is also called try before you buy.

Digital River a Monster?

Most of us have grown weary of Digital River's acquisitions and are no longer shocked when the announcements are made. How many of us have considered the implications involved in the volume of "takeovers"? I, like almost everyone in the industry, have been fairly complacent about the acquisitions, but now I'm seeing limited choices for developers and the fact is the "little guy" can no longer compete.

How to Submit Your Products To Froogle

Froogle is a new service from Google that makes it easy to find information about products for sale online. By focusing entirely on product search, Froogle applies the power of Google's search technology to a very specific task: locating stores that sell the item you want to find and pointing you directly to the place where you can make a purchase.

Web Blogs Defined, Explained and Understood

Blogs are web logs that are updated regularly, usually on a daily basis. They contain information related to a specific topic. In some cases blogs are used as daily diaries about people's personal lives, political views, or even as social commentaries. The truth of the matter is that blogs can be shaped into whatever you, the author, want them to be.

Carve Out Your Niche By Dominating One

I was recently interviewed by a print magazine about niche marketing. In it, I offered several tips and ideas on how to carve a niche in the marketplace. Here are a few of them.

How To use Split-Run Testing to Raise your Conversion Rates

Split-run testing is where you create different versions of a sales page (for example) to test its effectiveness. When users enters your site, they're shown one version or the other. Once you do this enough times you can easily see which version converted visitors into buying customers.

The Making of an RSS Feed

Everyday more and more websites, news services and blogs are adding RSS content. RSS is a method of syndicating content.The concept of aggregating content in one central location or repository is very appealing. Consumers have become tired of push technology, RSS allows users the flexibility to regain control of their content.

Mining your Sales Channel; A step by step guide to end-to-end sales tracking

Now there are a lot of different web sites that generate downloads for our programs. There are download sites, crack sites, search engines, and newsletters that are all driving downloads of our programs. While all of these sites may generate a significant number of downloads, our job is to find which sites generate a large number of sales.

VAT and How the Ecommerce Companies Are Coping

The EU VAT directive has caused significant controversy amongst developers and online software registration services. Part of the confusion has comes from the vagueness in the directive and questions with regards to the jurisdiction that the EU has over the US to enforce its policies. .

Increase Your Sales With These 5 Buying Stimulators

Use these 5 powerful buying stimulators in your ads, web pages and other sales messages to get more sales. They produce immediate results without increasing your costs.

Have you been publishing an e-zine for at least six months but still aren't seeing real results (read: revenue) from it? Don't fret -- you may just need a tune up. Here are five ways to kick your e-zine income into gear.

10 Tips for Writing Good Sales Copy

Writing an ad? The tips below -- and the important warning that follows -- will help you to get the very best response.

Advertising Techniques For Your Website

You should draft the content and layout of your website in such a way that you secure maximum possible chances of turning customers to your website.

Making Cents Out Of Your Ad Copy

Through my experiences working with various companies I have found that many make big mistakes with their ad copy. Many businesses are willing to spend thousands of dollars to have their ad copy displayed to web site visitors, just to convey a faulty and ineffective message. I have seen hundreds of different problems that people have made in their copy and decided to write about some of the ones that I seem to see the most often.

Software Product Management

Product Management was created in the 40s at Proctor and Gamble for managing the business of a specific product. Through the years, product managers (and brand managers) have served as "chieftains of the product" in consumer goods companies. Here the product management was relatively easier for no need of technical knowledge. But in technology market, the three corners of the functional triangle are sales, marketing and development.

The Search to be Found

The search engines are probably one of the most commonly used and misunderstood tools of the internet. To those searching for whatever takes their interest it's a fairly murky process; to the people on the other side, the people waiting to be found, the view isn't even that clear

Idiot Customers

In seventeen years of doing marketing work for software developers, I've never had an idiot customer. I've had some clients who had some misconceptions about what a press release is, or how publicity can help build name recognition and generate sales.