There’s never been a better time online to begin a blog then now. Obviously not a new concept, blogging (of late) has taken off like never before. Often starting a blog is a person’s first best bet to establish a presence online. We’ve actually come to blogging after years of website promotion (with blogging thrown in), but enjoy the ease with which you can create, update, and maintain a blog-like website.

Suggestions abound for which type of blog is best – but ultimately it comes down to what can you (currently) afford? Google’s Blogger is free, and without experience you can run it straight from their servers. With a bit of knowledge, and your fingers crossed (lol!) you can actually move your blogger to your own domain (I know people who successfully have done this, but I was not one of the fortunate, having to quickly return my first blogs to Google control).

Typepad, Moveable Type, and WordPress are just a few of your other options and all make great choices when it comes to easily having a “website” without all the website potential headaches.

Today’s post actually is the result of a visit to Andy Beard’s marketing strategy post about TrafficJam, Blogrush, BlogCatalog and more.

The beauty is in the self-promotion for bloggers. There are just too many great places that (assuming your blog is your best work) will assist you in the promotion of said blog.

For affiliate marketers, who often just spend all their time and money promoting websites that are not theirs, starting a blog seems to us to be the logical first step in establishing your own website presence. From a blog, with the right mix of information, you can easily tell others about what else you are involved in out online. However, nothing beats “personal name branding” which blogging can, and most certainly does, do.

Consider starting your own “piece of the net” through blogging today.

Writing a press release just may be right up there with having all your teeth extracted in one go. We’re often asked if we write them, or conversely, if someone else is going to do their own, how to go about it.

Our upfront advice? Do not try doing this yourself, unless you are the rare exception and know the whole ins and outs of releasing information to the media.

That said, there also is nothing like going straight to the #1 source, in our book. So, if you’re interested in seeing if a press release is right for you, here are some quick links to all the information you need to know. By reading first you’ll help ensure your press release hits the airwaves with a bang (or decide this is not right for you):

Press Release Best Practices

Formatting Your Press Release

Press Release Template

Quick Tips for Effective News Releases

Editorial Guidelines

Yes, you’ll recognize the site when you get there we’re sure. And it would be safe to assume that the guidelines, tips, and tricks above for writing and releasing Press Releases would apply to any distribution source you might choose.

Again, it’s not easy writing one, and often spending the extra cash to have one professionally written for you is probably your best option. One thing to definitely remember is that a press release in and of itself must be “newsworthy.” This is not the place to try to pawn off some sleasy advertising (most likely it would not be approved anyway).

We would suggest when it comes time to submit your press release for distribution that you pay the extra bucks and have them (in this case PRWeb) distribute it immediately to Google and Yahoo! news feeds.

Should everyone do a press release? Our answer is no. Just because its out there doesn’t make it perfect for all occasions. Save press releases for grand openings, new product launches, new websites with unique twists.

Just our two cents.

To continue our discussion of Hubpages, this morning while wandering the halls of Hubs, I came across this excellent How I got my hub to be on Google’s first page by Hubber Mark Knowles.

Now before you rush off and think this is going to be a walk in the park, it’s not. But, it’s also completely do-able if you’re willing to dedicate a good chunk of your time … this week even … to making it happen.

Mark’s hub goes into details on why someone would dedicate themselves to the task of creating not just a hubpage, but a flagship hub. Good insights as to why and how this will work for you.

You might also check out another favorite hubber of mine, Lissie. Lissie has created a “how to” flagship hub. Also, since this one is a “flagship” you’ll also benefit by visualizing what your own end result will look like. You can read her indepth information here: How To Write a Flagship Hub.

Just keep in mind that sometimes (not always but most times) it’s best to “start small” and build. You will be participating in a social media site that prides itself on community. Taking the time to hobnob and get to know others is always your best first approach. Grab the Hubpages Guide, read it, and put it into practice.

Remember most likely you’ve got plans to be around online for a long time to come, and most strategies take time. Social media is an excellent avenue to pursue, if you do it wisely.

Today, surprisingly (or not so), in my inbox was a question from one of our brand new clients. While this individual was interested in getting involved in various internet marketing strategy “pieces,” it was evident on a visit to the website itself (and view sourcing the code), that starting at the beginning was where he needs to be – title tag inappropriate, no metas, etc. After replying in detail and giving him specific directions to begin, I headed out to the internet to chase down a video someone had asked me to take a look at.

To make a long story short (because the video had nothing to do with marketing strategies [or did it??]), somehow I ended up at eMediaWire. Which lead to a press release, which lead to this free pdf you can get right here, without all the rigmarole… Funny how things work sometimes…

So… here’s my take on this free internet marketing strategy resource:

Online Equalizer appears to be one of those “pieces of gold” in pdf format. It is written in such a way that everyone, novice to pro, will benefit from the information it contains.

One hundred and sixty six pages (which I have only skimmed for the moment but will be returning to after this post because several things have already caught my eye) bears all the hallmarks of being one of those “keeper” downloads you infrequently stumble upon.

Brandon Cornett begins his presentation with:

and that’s just the first 40 pages!

I’m not going to spoil this and tell you the end of the movie (so to speak), but on page 42 there’s an interesting way of looking at your writing and search engines. It actually goes against the grain of what many tell you and has to do with article writing. But again I won’t spoil it for you

Actually while typing I’m skimming through this free pdf, and am confident that while some of you reading may feel you are beyond this point, never, ever look a gift horse in the mouth. Since it is free, and you can

DOWNLOAD IT RIGHT NOW

see what areas you may be personally missing – or check it out for ways to glamorize what you currently have… you just never know when that “oh!” moment will arrive – this pdf could be one of those moments.

Again, I’m heading back into reading. Should, for some strange reason, I change my mind about Online Equalizer, I will be sure to let you know. But from what I’m seeing, and because of those we interact with daily, I truly believe you’ll find immense value inside. Hey, and remember, it’s FREE lol!

P.S. When you’re done, would you please remember to come back and leave your comments and input on this material? We would love to hear what you think!