Today’s resource is one that few bloggers think about when it comes to building their lists. The reason may be that not all co-ops except blogs, but My Wizard Ads is the exception to the rule.

When you have content worth sharing, and the ability to add new subscribers to your list yourself (even if the system kicks out that double opt-in request, that’s okay!), then you may be overlooking a resource specifically designed to get you new readers!

People flock to ezine advertising co-ops after joining programs or starting new websites. Most do not have their own list, or are looking to add to a list, or just need traffic. Sounds like all of us, right?

By providing a page on your blog where you display their classified for a set period of time determined by you, you also gain a new subscriber! How easy is that?!

Here’s our example of classified ads, because, of course, we belong to the My Wizard Ads co-op (okay more than belong ).

What we did was create an HTML page, and then use our feedburner feed to upload the information. Or you can just create a regular “PAGE” on your blog and edit and add to that. It’s really very simple.

By providing others a place on your blog - not even the main page mind you - you are doing a “community service” so to speak and increasing your mailing list.

Stop on by and read all about how to build your mailing list through the simple process of working with a great co-op!

Thanks for reading, and we hope to see you soon!

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COMMENTS? QUESTIONS? Post ‘em here!

Networking is a must if you plan to run any type of successful business online. Even if your goal isn’t to “make money” you still need resources that help you locate like-minded individuals. (more…)

Today was one of those days where I found myself on the phone quite a few times talking with advertisers using our My Wizard Ads service.

Besides form submission issues, there was a striking thing each phone caller had in common.

Each person:

o Was new to the world of internet marketing
o Had yet to spend tons of money marketing
o Is in a prime position to take the bull by the horns and do something for themselves.

The chance I speak of is that of (more…)

Larry Brauner of Online Social Networking makes an interesting (and perhaps obvious) point. After attending a webinar, he brings home a point that maybe some of us ARE missing.

Do you follow blindly what your “guru” is telling you? Does it often seem that by the time you get to “do it” the doing has already been done to death? Do you always have that “missed the boat” feeling?

Maybe there is a reason…

Larry speaks out about the human tendency to “flock,” and questions whether that is a wise internet marketing (or social media marketing) strategy.

We were recently enrolled taking a very publicized course about social media. We did withdraw from that course when it appeared that the areas for marketing where oversaturated and perhaps not the best choice. Another case of too little too late (and at a very expensive price tag to learn the lesson!) ??

Larry’s point of zagging if everyone is zigging is a point we should all take to heart. Doing our own thing, planned mine you, not mindless, has always served us well.

Thanks Larry for the reminder!

Today is one of those unusual posts, and I owe it to our local newspaper. Not the big city-wide one, but the little Green Valley Home News.

I began reading their article in the Arts & Style section only because it talks about a game I personally enjoy (but haven’t played for years)… Scrabble. Now bear with me, because this post does have a point, and you won’t want to miss it.

Here’s the interesting facts about Scrabble and why this has anything to do with the title of this post “Keyword Research.”

First, a bit of background.

Scrabble is the #1 best selling game in the world. Over 100 million sets have been sold worldwide with one to two million sets sold every year in the United States alone. Scrabble can be found in one out of every three households in America. It was developed by an out-of-work architect named Alfred Mosher Butts during the Great Depression.

When Butts first invented the game he called it “Lexico.” Lexico never caught on so he next tried “Criss-Cross Words.” Yep, you guessed it. No one was flocking to buy this new game with this new name either.

Butts went back to the drawing board (no pun intended) and after revamping his rules a bit, he and his partner, James Brunot, renamed the game “Scrabble.” They trademarked that name in 1914.

Well, as shown above, we know how well Scrabble is doing, to this very day.

Keywords! Ah, very important. With some choices, nothing, while the right ones pull in the money hand over fist!

To further emphasis “what’s in a name” (or keyword phrases in your content or title or domain name), the story of Scrabble continues.

In the early 1950s, while on vacation, the president of Macy’s Department store discovered the game. Of course, the next logical step was a huge influx of orders from Macy’s to Hasboro. Stocking the game became a must-do on Macy’s shelves nationwide.

In fact, to this day, television versions of Scrabble exist, and even online versions of the game can be found. In addition, Scrabble clubs and Scrabble competitions form all over the country on a weekly basis.

Oh, and as if that isn’t enough, Facebook users can enjoy the Scrabulous application on their Facebook websites.

So think your choice of keywords isn’t that important? Think again!

What’s in your name? Did you think it through? Are you thinking it through? Best take a lot of time with both your market research and your keyword phrase research.

It could mean the difference between a “Lexico” or “Scrabble” website or blog for yourself.

WHAT DO YOU THINK?? Scott informs me that perhaps the idea of keyword research for this is a tad confusing, and suggests perhaps “branding.” However, I stick by my original association. Without proper keywords one would never develop the proper brand name. They most certainly go hand in hand, but “Scrabble” did not become a “brand” until the keyword was known by many.

What do you think?? Please comment!