Posted on January 7, 2009 06:56 PM
Today on the show, we celebrated the success of iFart Mobile, the #1 application in the iTunes iPhone app store.
The monkeys took over the set, we gave away prizes, gave demos of some apps and read a Top Ten list.
It was a fun time and I really appreciate those who join us each week for Internet marketing insanity! Continue Reading
Posted on January 7, 2009 08:00 AM
You already know that most small businesses fail. It's a warning that's been given out to every entrepreneur with an idea, drive and the imagination to succeed for as long as people have been saying, "I should be working for me." Well, here's something you probably don't want to hear. Most blogs die too. People start them with the best of intentions. They tell themselves that they'll write every day, they'll pick up masses of... Continue Reading
Posted on January 5, 2009 08:00 AM
The start of any new business always contains the scariest moments. On the one hand, you're never going to feel more enthusiastic about your idea than during those first few months. You'll get to see your plan take flight and discover whether it really does have wings. On the other hand, you also have to cope with the fear that it's going to fail -- that what you thought was going to bring you a... Continue Reading
Posted on January 4, 2009 07:13 PM
Yesterday I posted a video of my brother-in-law's legendary karaoke performance. Many have asked if I was going to post my performance. Being a high-profile marketer, I should no better than to do that. After all, why would I want people to see how badly I sing? But I thought about it and decided that transparency is a good thing. In fact, the more you share your life with your customers, the more they have... Continue Reading
Posted on January 3, 2009 07:55 PM
I just returned from a one-week cruise to the Mexican Riviera with my extended family. We enjoyed a wonderful week aboard the Norwegian Star. I'll be providing more details of the cruise in the future, but for now I want to focus on the first video that I've uploaded. In what can only be described as a legendary performance, my brother-in-law Michael Costantini dominated the Karoaoke floor one evening with his rendition of this classic... Continue Reading
Posted on December 31, 2008 08:00 AM
It's all changed. It happened so fast, we hardly even noticed. But looking back, it's incredible how different everything is today. When I started out in Internet Marketing, no one had any idea who I was. No one needed to. All they had to do was know where my websites were and enjoy the content I was putting up. It was impersonal and it worked both ways. My users might only have thought of me... Continue Reading
Posted on December 29, 2008 08:00 AM
You know what I like best about Twitter? It isn't the fact that it's easy to use and a ton of fun (although those are important). It isn't the fact that I can communicate with some fantastic people, get answers to questions and pick up information and advice that I couldn't have learned any other way (although those are important too.) And it isn't even that it's a fantastic marketing tool that drives traffic, builds... Continue Reading
Posted on December 27, 2008 01:56 PM
I said I was going to go into silent mode regarding our sales, but so many people have asked me what happened through Christmas Day that I have decided to release stats just one more time.
We left off December 23rd with stats current from our release date on 12/12 through 12/22.
Everyone is curious about what happened next.
You may be shocked. I know I was when I saw the numbers. Continue Reading
Posted on December 26, 2008 08:00 AM
AdSense has a weakness. It's not very good at handling images. Fill your blog or your website with pictures of your cat, your family or your vacation in Yosemite and you might please your readers, but Google won't know what to make of it. Unless you have a sizeable amount of text on your Web page, its robots won't be able to decide what you're talking about. You'll get Public Service Ads that don't earn... Continue Reading
Posted on December 24, 2008 09:28 AM
'Twas the night before Christmas and all across Twitter Tweeples eyes were lit, they were all a-glitter. The tweets they were flying with speed and delight as each one made plans for that great winter's night "I'm traveling", "I'm eating", "I'm hanging with family" "I just wrapped the presents, I can say now so happily" The news it broke fast, from Mumbai - attack we all were there to say "we've got your back" And... Continue Reading
Posted on December 23, 2008 09:00 PM
Well, we've done it.
A combination of marketing, timing, quality and providence has landed our application as the #1 best-selling app in the iTunes app store.
I appreciate the coverage we've received through media outlets and blogs.
Now that we've hit #1, I am going to post one more set of stats to add to those previously posted here. Continue Reading
Posted on December 22, 2008 08:00 AM
I love meeting people who are just starting out as Internet entrepreneurs. I love their enthusiasm, I get a thrill out of hearing their plans for the future, and I pick up a buzz from their energy. They've got J-O-Bs that they often H-A-T-E. They've got every motivation they need to swap their spare time for marketing time, and they absolutely believe that it's only a matter of hard work and patience before they'll be... Continue Reading
Posted on December 21, 2008 10:18 AM
A few days ago I became the first app store developer to reveal sales-to-rank data.
Some other sites have confirmed an interest in this data, such as The UnOfficial Apple Weblog.
With iFart continuing its move up the charts, I want to continue sharing data with you, especially since something very interesting has happened since we broke into the top ten apps in the world. Continue Reading
Posted on December 19, 2008 08:00 AM
I've seen it. It's a glint in the eye, an intensity in the look, a feverish scribbling of notes during a talk. It's the desire for passive revenue - to set up a system that produces money while you spend the rest of your life on a beach in Cancun, occasionally checking how much you made today while doing nothing. I love to see that desire because, frankly, I have it too. That's why it's... Continue Reading
Posted on December 18, 2008 03:25 PM
Invesp Consulting has been taking nominations for their list which includes one-hundred marketers from around the world. Based on the number of votes received, they have ranked from one to one-hundred.
I ended up receiving an award and coming in as #62.
Thanks to all who voted for me. I didn't even know it was taking place.
They even gave me a cute little badge... aw....
Click here to see entire list of winners
Continue Reading
Posted on December 18, 2008 11:04 AM
Since the iTunes App store launched, many developers have been wondering exactly how app store rank relates to actual sales. I haven't seen anyone release this data as of yet, and while mine is incomplete, it can give you a glimpse into how ranking translates to units sold.
Our application, iFart Mobile (app store link) , was finally released last week, alongside other novelty apps that had been rejected or placed "in review."
Continue Reading
Posted on December 18, 2008 12:34 AM
It's been an interesting week in Apple-world. A few months ago, a news story broke that Apple was rejecting certain applications based on their "lack of utility." The application that made news was a fart app that allowed the user to simulate flatulence noises on their iPhone. Like most guys, I have to laugh. I don't know why. It's in our genes, I guess. Anyhow, at the same time, similar applications were submitted to Apple... Continue Reading
Posted on December 17, 2008 12:01 AM
How many people REALLY use Twitter?
And what percentage of people account for most of the activity on Twitter?
These are questions I posed on Twitter today.
I asked "Would you say that 1% of Twitter members do 99% of the tweets?"
Some answers from my followers and some of my own research has uncovered some interesting data. Continue Reading
Posted on December 16, 2008 08:00 AM
I believe that anyone can make money as an online publisher. I've always believed that and I've seen enough people set up websites and generate income to keep believing it.
But I know there's something wrong with this picture.
I'm not going to kid myself and it would be plain wrong to try to kid anyone else.
Some publishers are going to have an easier time than others. Continue Reading
Posted on December 13, 2008 02:46 PM
I had the privilege of speaking to one thousand people at a seminar this weekend. One the things I hear from attendees again and again is how "real" I am on stage. I take that a compliment, because to be otherwise would be to act "phony." After considering these kinds of comments, I wonder how many people aren't "real" on stage or some other part of their lives. I think one reason that speakers/performers struggle... Continue Reading
Posted on December 13, 2008 08:00 AM
Google doesn't just have the best search engine on the Web.
It doesn't just have the best contextual advertising system on the Web.
Heck, it doesn't just have the best advertising system of any form of media in the world.
It also has the best corporate slogan.
"Do no evil" is a great attitude for any business.
Continue Reading
Posted on December 13, 2008 12:33 AM
A collective groan was heard from domain parking services as Google stepped up to take ground and plant an AdSense flag.
AdSense for Domains allows you to point your parked domains to a Google server where they will be all-too-happy to manage them for you.
There's really nothing to it.
Simply tell Google which domains you want to park with them. Continue Reading
Posted on December 12, 2008 11:29 PM
I spoke at Harv Eker's Never Work Again seminar in Rancho Mirage, California today.
We had a great time. His attendees are always so engaged and eager to learn.
At one point I burst out into a spontaneous stomp-stomp-clap, which led to a chorus of Queen's "We Will Rock You."
Don't believe me? See for yourself! Continue Reading
Posted on December 11, 2008 09:31 AM
You never know what web 2.0 site is going to take off like crazy. Just yesterday I found a new awards site intended to highlight the best of Twitter, called The Shorty Awards. As the site says, "The Shorty Awards honor the world's top Twitterers." I have been nominated for a Shorty Award in the #business category. If I have helped you in any way, please consider seconding the nomination for me! It's easy to... Continue Reading
Posted on December 10, 2008 02:09 PM
It's been assumed that the more followers you have on Twitter, the more power you have. However, I think true Twitter power comes from the ability to have your followers follow your links. That's why I am not using TinyURL to shorten my urls any more. I am using Twitpwr.com. Dan and I discussed this new site on Joel Comm LIVE! today. We also answered questions and revealed our new iPhone application. Watch the replay... Continue Reading
Posted on December 10, 2008 10:31 AM
I'm getting ready to bust loose with a four-letter word.
You aren't going to like it.
It might make you cringe.
Too bad. It needs to be said.
"Debt"
There I said it.
Do you feel relieved or does the word stress you out? Continue Reading
Posted on December 10, 2008 12:10 AM
Everywhere you turn, people are talking about the Acai berry and it's possible benefits.
Due to their high antioxidant content, it is said that the acai berry can help you lose weight.
Oprah is talking about it.
Rachel Ray is talking about it.
Dr. Perrisone is talking about it. Continue Reading
Posted on December 9, 2008 08:00 AM
"Focus on what's meaningful, not what's measurable." I wish I'd said that. It wasn't me though. It was Warren Buffet, a man much smarter -- and a great deal wealthier -- than me. And not surprisingly, it's great advice and it's especially important for online marketers. The Web gives us access to all sorts of figures. Our AdSense stats tell us our clickthrough rates, our eCPMs, how our channels are doing and of course, our... Continue Reading
Posted on December 7, 2008 08:00 AM
There are two ways to write a blog.
The first is to sit at the computer and type up the first thing that comes into your head.
If you have interesting ideas, fun experiences and can write well, that can certainly work. There are plenty of bloggers who make a good income writing about themselves, their lives and their families.
But it isn't easy.
Continue Reading
Posted on December 5, 2008 09:23 AM
Today's episode found Dan in a very dark mood. Our top ten list was "Signs that the Christmas Season had started". Funny stuff.
We answered questions about Internet marketing and had a spontaneous visit from my lovely bride.
Watch the stream below. You've got nothing better to do, right? Continue Reading
Posted on December 5, 2008 08:33 AM
I often hear grumbling from people who tell me how hard it is to make money online.
And then I see a 16-year old kid do it and think "huh... maybe not so hard after all?"
That's exactly what happened with my friend, Stanley Tang.
Stanley understands the power of mentors... following those who have gone before and modeled the success you want to achieve.
As a result, Stanley has found success on the Internet! Continue Reading
Posted on December 5, 2008 12:01 AM
On September 11th, 2008, I received an email from Matt Holt at John Wiley and Sons Publishing.
Matt asked me if I would write the definitive guide on Twitter for business.
And he wanted me to write it FAST.
As in, we have to have the manuscript in a couple months so we can release it by February of 2009.
Wow, that IS fast! Continue Reading
Posted on December 4, 2008 03:54 PM
Here's a new time-waster that may be fun.
The application is called Photoswap.
The concept is simple.
Take a photo with your iPhone and send it.
Photoswap will send it to a random user who is also taking a photo.
They get your photo, you get theirs.
Continue Reading
Posted on December 4, 2008 08:00 AM
It happens even before your site really starts to make money. You post articles, market your content, pick up comments and find that other sites are talking about you. All of a sudden, you've moved from being one person with ideas you want to share to being the center of a community, part of a circle of online friends with a keen interest in what you have to say. Continue Reading
Posted on December 4, 2008 12:55 AM
Putting together a conference is no simple task.
In October of 2008, my team and I conducted our first live event, Elevate 2008.
People from eight countries joined us for a three-day intensive in which we revealed strategies and techniques for building a successful online business.
Take a look behind the scenes in part 1 of this video series.
Be sure to leave comments, especially if you were an attendee! Continue Reading
Posted on December 3, 2008 09:14 AM
I've been a huge fan of Amazon.com since Bezos launched the site out of his garage. When the pundits said "It'll never work", I said they were clueless. Of course it will work. I spend more money on Amazon then any other online store, as do many of you. I'm also a huge fan of my iPhone and I've used it to shop at Amazon many times. I joined Amazon Prime a couple years back... Continue Reading
Posted on December 3, 2008 08:45 AM
The Internet has opened up business in all sorts of ways. It costs nothing to start a website. Anyone can write a blog. Putting ads on your pages takes minutes and requires no selling, no effort and almost no work at all. And the revenues can be fantastic. Millions of people have joined the Internet business revolution and have either swapped their day job for days of writing articles, or are enjoying some useful extra... Continue Reading
Posted on December 2, 2008 12:24 AM
Did you feel it?
It was just a tremor, but the effects are global.
In fact, I'll say this...
The world just got smaller.
Alright, Joel. WHAT are you talking about? Continue Reading
Posted on December 1, 2008 08:00 AM
I'm fed up. I've really had enough. I've just seen it too many times.
Again and again, I meet people who wonder why they aren't Internet millionaires yet.
When I ask them how long they've been online, they say "Three months, and it's just not working!"
It takes about ten minutes to buy a computer and another two minutes to turn it on. Continue Reading
Posted on November 30, 2008 03:59 PM
I usually visit my extended family in the Chicago suburbs over the Thanksgiving holiday. This past weekend, we left the kids with their aunt and uncle, and spent a couple nights downtown. Mary had never been to a Morton's steakhouse before, so it was a great opportunity to share a fine dining experience with her. Many have never been to Morton's, so I shot a video of our server, Matt, presenting the menu. Watch out... Continue Reading
Posted on November 29, 2008 08:00 AM
Whenever I attend a conference I always try to listen to as many of the other speakers' talks as possible.
I can't think of a single talk that hasn't taught me something.
But some of the most powerful and valuable information that I've learned at conferences didn't come while sitting in front of a professional marketer. It came while sitting in the café afterwards and chatting with my students.
Continue Reading
Posted on November 27, 2008 08:54 PM
Black Friday is upon us once again, and it is time to hunt down the best deals online. I will not be braving the Friday morning crowds. It makes much more sense to sleep in and find deals at my favorite online merchants. Where do you go to find those great deals? No doubt about it. It's DealofDay.com The oldest and best bargain-hunting site, you'll find tons of online bargains here. Ready to save money... Continue Reading
Posted on November 26, 2008 08:18 AM
I recently had the opportunity to do a book signing at our local Barnes & Noble store in Loveland, Colorado. The team at the store was very friendly and accomodating, setting up an area for me to do a couple presentations, interact with customers and sign books. They ordered plenty of copies of Click Here to Order and The AdSense Code, so there was enough for everyone. They placed a nice sign on the table... Continue Reading
Posted on November 26, 2008 08:00 AM
Life must be hard for television executives. To decide how much to charge advertisers and whether they should commission another season of a show, they have to know the size of their audience. The only method they have to do that is by using a survey. The Nielsen ratings track what television viewers watch and then, based on demographics, make certain claims about what everyone else was watching at the same time. Those figures could... Continue Reading
Posted on November 25, 2008 07:59 AM
I got an email from someone the other day asking me which "gurus" they should listen to.
There are SO many people teaching how to make money online.
How DO you know who to trust?
Here's a checklist for you to help you determine the answer to this question: Continue Reading
Posted on November 24, 2008 08:00 AM
If you've got nothing nice to say, say nothing.
It's a great rule to follow when you're offline. Online though, saying nothing just isn't an option.
As an online publisher, you have to publish. You have to keep a steady stream of new content appearing on your website so that your users will keep coming back, your ads will keep appearing... and your money will keep rolling in
Continue Reading
Posted on November 22, 2008 01:37 PM
It's easy to assume the role of a celebrity on Twitter, but how do you know which ones REALLY have the true celebrity behind the name and which are fakes? I have just persuaded an old friend, David Lawrence (portrays the eeeevil Eric Doyle on the hit TV show Heroes), to sign up for Twitter. So I can vouch for the validity of his account. You can follow him at twitter.com/dhlawrencexvii Other verified celebrities include... Continue Reading
Posted on November 20, 2008 08:00 AM
Online publishing is a business. Like any business it requires work. It requires paying taxes. And it requires investments of cash to keep going.
That last hurdle is the one that many people stumble over.
They think that because the only equipment they need to set up an online publishing business is a computer, that's the only expense they'll ever need to pay.
Wrong.
Continue Reading
Posted on November 17, 2008 08:00 AM
"What's the secret to creating a successful online business?"
I probably get asked that question about a million times a year.
Here's the answer...
But first, I should warn you. You're not going to like it...
In fact, you're probably going to hate it and run off to Google to look for something else to read.
But I have to give it to you straight, so here it is Continue Reading
Posted on November 15, 2008 08:00 AM
What would you say if I told you that you can boost your profits by typing just 140 characters? (That's about the length of this paragraph.) If you're smart, you might say "Which ones?" If you're really smart though, you'd say "I know." That's because the power of Twitter isn't a secret any more. CEOs are using it. Bloggers are using it. Marketers are using it. Everyone's using it (including me) and not only are... Continue Reading
Posted on November 14, 2008 04:11 PM
Ron Matthews pointed this video out to me yesterday, telling me it was totally worth 16 minutes of my life.
He was so right.
It's worth 16 minutes of your life, too.
Enjoy :-)
Continue Reading
Posted on November 13, 2008 08:00 AM
There are times when I really don't like surfing the Web. I'll toss a search phrase into Google, get a list of results that look interesting and when I click on a link... I'll get a junk page that's stuffed with ads. Back I go to Google to try again. I know, I could have clicked an ad. I could have done, but I didn't. In fact, I often won't even read the content on... Continue Reading
Posted on November 12, 2008 12:15 PM
It's an unplanned Joel Comm LIVE! featuring Internet marketing discussion, a new top ten list, and a reference to the new bacon-flavored spread.
Joel's mom drops into the chat room and we talk about upcoming product launches.
It's fun and games with a side helping of useful instruction.
Check out this week's episode now! Continue Reading
Posted on November 10, 2008 08:00 AM
Every Internet business -- every business of any sort in fact -- starts in the same place.
In the future.
Most entrepreneurs think first of how they want their business to look when it's all set up. They imagine the products prepared, the marketing streams in place and the revenue flowing in while they relax and cash the checks. Continue Reading
Posted on November 6, 2008 08:00 AM
No, this isn't another invitation to a webinar. (There will be another of those along soon, don't worry.)
And it's not about another live video release. (There will be another one of those soon too.)
In fact, it's not about me at all. It's about you. Continue Reading
Posted on November 5, 2008 05:37 PM
It's the day after election day and Barack Obama is President-Elect of the USA.
On today's episode, we had a fun time discussing the election, Internet marketing,flying monkeys and more.
Joined by Eric Farewell and Dan Nickerson, we fielded a number of questions and had some laughs.
Watch for the official recount and a new top ten list. It's all here. Enjoy Continue Reading
Posted on November 3, 2008 08:00 AM
There's a huge amount to learn when you set up an online business. You have to know how to build a website, how to bring in traffic, and how to monetize your visitors so that your site gives you an income.
There are plenty of very experienced experts around who can teach people how to do all of those things.
There's one thing though that no one ever has to teach a new business owner. Continue Reading
Posted on November 1, 2008 10:16 AM
Me and my family traveled to Steamboat Springs for fall break this year. This has always been my favorite place to ski, but there is no skiing taking place here... yet. Pretty soon the snow will fall and the slopes will be crowded. As it turned out, we were here for Halloween. And Halloween in Steamboat Springs is a big deal! They shut down the main street going through downtown, the merchants all have a... Continue Reading
Posted on October 30, 2008 08:00 AM
It took me a while to figure it out. It took me a little longer to accept it.
(My wife, by the way, was way ahead of me on this one. She'd been telling me this for years...)
I'm not...
Continue Reading
Posted on October 29, 2008 12:02 PM
Steamboat Springs, Colorado has always been one of my favorite ski spots. Well, there's no snow... yet. But I am vacationing here with my family this week. After Elevate 2008, I needed a break, and this place is just what the doctor ordered. With that said, I took the Macbook on the deck to broadcast Joel Comm LIVE! The following videos are replays of today's broadcast. There are no flying monkeys or top ten lists... Continue Reading
Posted on October 27, 2008 08:00 AM
Stuck for a blog post?
Fed up writing how-tos and list posts?
Want to write a piece of content that will not only be original, unique and genuinely interesting but which is almost guaranteed to deliver at least one return link from a targeted traffic source?
So try
Continue Reading
Posted on October 25, 2008 10:21 PM
It was a very special 2-hour broadcast live from my first Internet marketing conference, Elevate 2008.
Streamed and filmed before a live studio audience, the show was packed with great content, a trivia showdown, questions from the audience, flying monkeys, prizes and special guests.
We had a great time and I'm sure you'll love watching as well.
We lost the stream at one point, so the show is available in two parts. Continue Reading
Posted on October 23, 2008 08:00 AM
Online publishing has all sorts of advantages. You become your own boss, you have your own schedule, you get paid to produce content and bring in users. It's all great fun... and you can do it without leaving your house or having to cope with office politics. It's those last benefits that can look so appealing and be a little dangerous too. Social networking sites have made it so easy to chat with other people... Continue Reading
Posted on October 22, 2008 01:02 PM
Here's a campaign ad that goes directly to the heart of this election.
Who knows better how to spend YOUR money and run YOUR life?
You or Government?
We're at a crossroads.
I pray we make the right choice. Continue Reading
Posted on October 20, 2008 08:00 AM
There's a reason that online publishing is profitable. It's a fantastic reason and it's one of the things that makes earning income as an online entrepreneur so enjoyable. People want to learn. They want to know how to be a better gardener, a better dad, a better soccer coach, a better entrepreneur too. Anyone who can provide that information can make some money -- and help others too. And anyone can do that. You might... Continue Reading
Posted on October 16, 2008 08:00 AM
Did you ever walk into one of those old mom-and-pop hardware stores, the sort of place where piles of dusty boxes filled with metal things are stacked from floor to ceiling and nothing's got a label on it? You walk up to the counter, explain what you're trying to do and the store owner nods, starts bringing down boxes and in no time at all finds exactly the widget you were looking for. Those people... Continue Reading
Posted on October 15, 2008 02:12 PM
It was a one-of-a-kind show today, with special guest J.T. Foxx.
Nationally-syndicated radio show host, J.T. has plenty of opinions on politics and business. With the election coming up, it was interesting to hear his point of view.
Dan brought us a new Top Ten list, and the long-awaited destruction of our desk finally happened.
It has all the components of a classic show. Watch the replay now!
Continue Reading
Posted on October 13, 2008 08:00 AM
Become an Internet publisher, and you'll need to learn a whole bunch of new marketing skills. You'll have to unwrap the mysteries of search engine optimization, figure out how to make pay-per-click advertising pay for you and get to grips with "link bait," banners and keywords to name just a few. None of it is really very difficult and all of it can be learned but for anyone just starting out, it will all be... Continue Reading
Posted on October 11, 2008 12:59 AM
Just because the economy is suffering doesn't mean you have to.
Thousands of people are supplementing their income by learning how to make money online selling ebooks.
I've been selling my own ebooks for a few years.
But I've been selling OTHER peoples' ebooks for a decade!
How do you find out what ebooks sell? Continue Reading
Posted on October 9, 2008 04:29 PM
Google AdSense. Over the years, I've generated hundreds of thousands of dollars in passive income with this incredible program. Believe it or not, there are a lot of people who have no idea what it is all about. The fact is Google takes in $15 billion (that's Billion with a B!) dollars each year in advertising revenue. The best part is that they are sharing a portion of that revenue to people like you and... Continue Reading
Posted on October 8, 2008 08:00 AM
I often talk about the different tools that you can use to complement the AdSense units you put on your site. Sure, AdSense is always going to be the most effective ad system on your pages. But you also want to earn for your impressions, and from affiliate links too.
A mixture of different revenue generations systems will help to increase the value you receive for your users.
Continue Reading
Posted on October 6, 2008 08:00 AM
I've written a lot of content since I became an online publisher. I'd like to think that I've got better and better as the years have gone by but sometimes I'm not so sure. Although there are plenty of posts that still make me proud when I read them again, there's also no shortage of articles that really make me wince. They might have sentences I want to rephrase, points that aren't made clearly, and... Continue Reading
Posted on October 3, 2008 08:34 PM
I don't go to the movies much. I enjoy movies, I just don't enjoy the theater experience. Why pay top dollar to sit in a crowded cinema with chatty teens and people noisily crunching popcorn and nachos when I can buy or rent the DVD for less and enjoy the peacefulness and comfort of my home theatre. I choose to go to the Metrolux today in order to get a glimpse of An American Carol... Continue Reading
Posted on October 2, 2008 01:56 PM
How would you like to test Google products before they are released to the general public?
I did this a month or so back and had an opportunity to see a Google product that has not yet been released.
You can sign up in their participant database for free, and maybe you'll get selected!
Google tester
Use referral code MV1 and feel free to pass it on. Continue Reading
Posted on October 2, 2008 08:00 AM
There are two reasons that people will visit your website.
They'll visit to read great content. And they'll visit to feel part of a community.
There's one way in which you can add valuable content to your site, get that content for free and build up your community at the same time.
By receiving comments.
Continue Reading
Posted on October 1, 2008 01:55 PM
I put Dan Nickerson under the gun and asked him to compose a Top Ten list ten minutes before our show today.
He did it, and its pretty darned funny.
On this edition of Joel Comm LIVE! we had a little bit of politics, answered questions, gave away some goodies and had fun.
Ready for the replay? Watch below! Continue Reading
Posted on September 30, 2008 08:00 AM
If you do your job well, you shouldn't get paid anything at all for it. That doesn't sound fair, does it? But as an online publisher, that's exactly what should happen. Your job is to provide information to your readers. That could be information that educates them. It could be information that makes them think. And it could be information that just makes them happy to read it. If the information that you're offering is... Continue Reading
Posted on September 29, 2008 08:00 AM
Want to know the difference between a successful entrepreneur... and an entrepreneur who wants to be successful?
It's really very simple...
An entrepreneur acts. An entrepreneur who wants to be successful thinks of acting.
But successful entrepreneurs don't just act. They act at the right speed.
Continue Reading
Posted on September 27, 2008 08:00 AM
Recently, I wrote a post laying out what I think of multi-level marketing (MLM). I thought long and hard before I wrote that post. I knew that there would be a lot of people who wouldn't like it. I knew that some people might even stop reading my blog as result of it.
And I also knew I wanted to write it. Continue Reading
Posted on September 25, 2008 08:00 AM
This is a hugely exciting time to be an online publisher. It used to be the case that if you wanted to earn from ads on your website, there was only one thing to do.
You signed up to AdSense, pasted in the code, optimized the units and brought in traffic while following your stats.
You still have to do that.
But these days that's just the beginning.
Continue Reading
Posted on September 24, 2008 12:56 PM
I wasn't feeling great today, but the show must go on!
Dan Nickerson and I took questions from viewers, showed some videos, discussed social media and presented a new top ten list... The Top Ten Signs That You Are Twittering Too Much. (It's about ten minutes into the show if you are in a hurry)
Did you miss the show?
Check out the replay now! Continue Reading
Posted on September 24, 2008 08:00 AM
It's been a long time since I optimized my first AdSense ad. Many things have changed since then. Some things have stayed the same. The principles of AdSense optimization have stayed the same. You still have to blend your ads into your site. You still have to produce good quality content. And you still have to bring in traffic to look at that content. The content itself has changed though. Videos are now an important... Continue Reading
Posted on September 22, 2008 08:00 AM
I'm amazed that there are people out there -- somewhere -- who aren't making money from AdSense. It's not as though you need a doctorate in computer studies and a professorship in literature. You just need a website and an AdSense account.
And ever since blogging came along, the website bit has been a breeze. It takes all of about five minutes to sign up on Blogger and it's a perfect match for AdSense.
Continue Reading
Posted on September 21, 2008 02:00 AM
Click Here to Order continues to sell very well and is showing up in more and more stores.
I'd love to hear your CHTO Sitings if you spot it in your city or town.
However, thanks to my friend Michael Copeland, I've discovered a way that you can read my new book for free and get some extra bonus material along the way!
How can that be? Continue Reading
Posted on September 20, 2008 06:58 AM
I've got some pretty exciting news. I've been asked to write the definitive book on Twitter for business by a major publisher! I just got done with the launch of Click Here to Order, but I have already begun writing this new guide. There's a great demand for it and the time is right. So, would you like to help in my research? I am looking for stories of how you have used Twitter to... Continue Reading
Posted on September 18, 2008 08:00 AM
I'm going to tell you a secret.
It's the secret of continued success that every successful publisher knows and benefits from them.
Here it is...
The secret of continued success is.. to be successful.
I know, it doesn't sound very helpful, does it? Continue Reading
Posted on September 17, 2008 04:14 PM
I was on Twitter the other day, noticing that I had passed 3300 followers (thanks everyone!), and also noticed that Twitter has no slogan.
Well, there's "What are you doing right now?"
But that's so 2007.
So I asked my followers for some ideas for new Twitter slogans.
Here is sampling of the responses I received... Continue Reading
Posted on September 16, 2008 08:00 AM
It's probably the most important decision you can make as a publisher...
What are you going to create a website about?
So much depends on your choice:
The value of your ads.
The pleasure you get out of writing your content.
Continue Reading
Posted on September 15, 2008 10:25 PM
It's been two years in the making. Finally, Blizzard Entertainment has announced the long-awaited expansion pack to the world's most popular MMORPG, World of Warcraft. Wrath of the Lich King is set to hit stores on November 13th, and I expect it to be another huge best-seller. Some people are surprised to find out that I play computer games, but I like to work hard AND play hard. Those who know my story would know... Continue Reading
Posted on September 15, 2008 08:25 AM
If you were publishing a newspaper, you wouldn't care who read it. As long as the number of readers was nice and high, it wouldn't matter too much to you whether they all read one article or absorbed everything from cover to cover.
That would be true even if you were publishing a free newspaper.
Continue Reading
Posted on September 15, 2008 08:00 AM
There are easy ways of bringing traffic to your website, and there are hard ways. Most people focus on the hard ways. They spend hours playing around with their keywords and their Search Engine Optimization. They spend vast sums on AdWords and other forms of advertising. And they send out email after email in an attempt to swap links and create exchanges. That's fair enough. It's all part of the job of being an online... Continue Reading
Posted on September 13, 2008 12:00 AM
Everyone was talking about the Beijing 2008 Olympics this summer.
Phelps and others stole the headlines with victory after victory.
However, in the midst of this global competition, another competition was completely ignored by the mainstream media.
It is now my pleasure to bring you exclusive coverage of the InfoMedia, Inc. First Annual Flying Monkey Office Olympics.
The sporting world will never be the same... Continue Reading
Posted on September 12, 2008 07:30 PM
Here's a cool find.
Do the books your fellow countrymen are reading indicate which way their vote may be leaning?
You'll be fascinated as you explore Amazon's Election 2008 Interactive map.
Simply visit the site and you are presented with a United States map color-coded to the current political leanings, based on the titles that are being ordered by people living within each state.
Red is for Republican. Blue is for Democrat. Continue Reading
Posted on September 12, 2008 12:02 PM
It's always a thrill to see your new book on the shelf of a major bookseller. Mary and I went to dinner at Hu Hot last night (yum!), and then made our way to the Barnes and Noble on College Ave. in Ft. Collins. Lo and behold, there I was on the business shelf. I asked Mary to shoot a snapshot, and we were subsequently reprimanded by one of the employees. Apparantly store policy says... Continue Reading
Posted on September 12, 2008 08:00 AM
I've got no idea how many blog posts, articles and pages of content I've written for the Internet. I've been doing it for years, so if you're wondering if there are ever times when I sit in front of the computer and wonder what I can write about today, the answer is...
Yes.
Continue Reading
Posted on September 11, 2008 09:37 AM
New media may be taking over the world, but millions of people still listen to their radios everyday. I listen on my way to and from the office, usually to talk-radio. A few weeks back I had the pleasure of meeting a living legend of radio, Dan O' Day. A former disc jockey and leading radio guru, I instantly connected with Dan and invited him to come spend a day with me and my team... Continue Reading
Posted on September 11, 2008 08:00 AM
I'm always going on about the importance of networking at conferences. That's because I don't know of any strategy that can improve an online publishing business's success rate faster. Networking puts you in touch with opportunities that you can't find any other way. It builds the sort of business relationships that can last for many profitable years. It really does make running a business fun. And there's just no better place to do it than... Continue Reading
Posted on September 9, 2008 08:00 AM
It sounds like a terrible idea. You spend ages thinking up an idea for an article, doing the research and writing it out... then you give it to someone else to put on their website.
They get all the ad revenue and you get... what, exactly?
Well, you get a link and if the site is good that could be worth more in steady streams of traffic than
Continue Reading
Posted on September 8, 2008 12:31 PM
Oh, now this is a RIOT!
Sarah Palin has taken the political world by storm.
Whatever you think of the woman, Conservatives are pumped-up about her being on the ticket.
So check this out.
Sarah Palin is now an action figure.
Yes, you heard me correctly.
An action figure! Continue Reading
Posted on September 8, 2008 09:16 AM
There are millions of blogs on the web, but there are only a handful that are creating content of value. I learned about Tyler Cruz a few months back and have been paying close attention to his latest projects. One recent project is proving very useful to those in the affiliate marketing industry. It's called Publisher Spot and it is a directory of Internet ad network companies. It is a valuable resource because it provides... Continue Reading
Posted on September 7, 2008 01:23 AM
Today we released v1.1 of iVote, the mobile application for the iPhone. The app has been out just a couple weeks and we've already surpassed 10,000 users. Even more exciting is that there have been over 500,000 votes cast via this application and we're picking up steam! People love voting on the dozen or so new questions we add to the application each day. You can read some of the recent results on the official... Continue Reading
Posted on September 6, 2008 06:00 AM
You've probably noticed that I'm often talking about seminars and conferences. That's not just because I talk at some of them. It's because I think that they're essential stepping stones to online business success. I'd like to believe that's because the information that I and other marketers provide at these seminars is more valuable than magic-encrusted gold dust. As soon as someone takes it home and applies it to their business they immediately become an... Continue Reading
Posted on September 4, 2008 03:46 PM
When I was researching "Click Here to Order," there was a story I kept coming across time and time again. Marketers would tell me how they were down to their last penny, ready to throw in the towel, on their way to looking for a day job... when something happened. For copywriter Michael Fortin, who had already declared bankruptcy by the age of 21, it was the discovery of the power of a well-written sales... Continue Reading
Posted on September 4, 2008 10:06 AM
There's nothing better than welcoming a new child into the world and your family. Being a father of two, I can tell you that the health and welfare of your children is the utmost priority. We had a bit of a scare when our daughter was born and spent the first few days of her life wondering when she would be able to come home from the hospital. It all turned out well, but some... Continue Reading
Posted on September 2, 2008 10:42 PM
What a fantastic book launch day!
My book, Click Here to Order, took Amazon.com by storm on Tuesday, September 2nd, moving up the charts at record pace!
As of this writing, the book has taken #1 in several categories, including Movers & Shakers, Web Marketing and Ecommerce.
The book is currently sitting at #18 of ALL books available on Amazon.com!