You’ve got to admit that blogs that give you visuals help ease the “text only” versions, and tonight I was lucky to come across a free to join website called Acobox.

Sort of along the Flickr line, Acobox gives you free signup access as either a blogger or a photographer (actually as a blogger I do see I have the ability to upload images to their site).

Then you just go hunting for interesting pictures they call “hotlinks.”

For example, you’re looking at one right now.

It was very easy to get and insert, too – don’t you just love that!

This particular image came from their Animals Gallery under Birds, which lists 316 additional images. And, of course if you opt to add yours into their system, just think of the advantages of having your images hotlinked on other peoples websites and blogs.

The only trouble I seem to be having is what I see inside the wp-admin is space between the picture and my words. Outside on the blog, the words hug tight to the image. I’ve tried playing with the horizontal alignment, but it doesn’t seem to do much of anything (sorry I’m a bit of a stickler, but I’m sure there is a workaround for this).

Oh and as the title tells you, this isn’t just for bloggers. Website owners can come to Acobox and get their images, for free, too!

So don’t be shy. Again sign up is free, and I had this image inserted in the blink of an eye.

Enjoy!

A while back (June 16th to be exact) we did a post about SocialSpark, a program for bloggers and a way for you to make money online. In addition, of course, SocialSpark is set up to take on advertisers needing promotions.

That reiterated, at the time I opted for an “opportunity” that paid us $5.50. If you remember, it was a promo for SocialSpark itself, and something I was going to write about anyway.

How great was that

So, the other day I logged into SocialSpark again, and they had such a worthwhile cause. An opportunity to bring the Alzheimer’s Memory Walk to everyone’s attention. This organization is looking for volunteers to coordinate their Fall walks to raise awareness and money.

That opportunity was worth (more…)

So they came! Hooray! But are they staying?

Today’s discussion is about how to encourage people to dig deeper on your website and/or blog to get at the truth, value, potential of what you have to offer.

Website owners have the ability to quickly move us around their pages with simple click on links and a bit of code (shown below).

Bloggers have at their disposal a really simple (more…)

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!

By now you know how much we harp on commenting on blogs. Not only is it easy to do, but it’s absolutely, positively the best free form of marketing for yourself and your website – and a great way to gain a backlink (in most cases) in the search engines to your website link.

And now, especially for bloggers, there’s no reason not to… if you’re a member of Entrecard.

Entrecard and SezWho (a comment rating system) have joined forces to not only encourage your comments, but reward you for your efforts.

Here’s an excellent post that outlines the details (why reinvent the wheel?):
Top 10 Reasons Why Entrecard-SezWho Partnership Is Important For Bloggers

Frankly, we love comments and we love commenting – and we love free marketing!

And, for all you affiliate marketers and website owners without a blog, don’t think that commenting isn’t for you, too! Commenting can be incredibly lucrative – both in short and long term internet marketing and search engine linking… (and did we mention it’s free!).

Let’s face it, people pay big bucks to purchase a spot on websites and blogs. But commenting is FREE and gets you the same – actually even better – results! You get to pick and choose. Your comment remains on the blog forever. And no one will disconnect your link at a whim (or if you stop paying).

Of course the idea is to provide insight or feedback or a pat on the back to the blogger. Or to (kindly) dissent when appropriate. Your quality comments get you visitors to your website.

People are curious animals and a good comment always makes me click through to see what’s on the other end. Visitors that didn’t cost you a dime, just a bit of time.

And, if you use Firefox (we’re partial to Firefox), and have the Alexa addon, you’ve got the perfect tool to check for traffic ranks on the blogs you stop on and comment on (keep in mind it’s just a tool, who’s to say where your next client or customer might come from?).

So… Why purchase them, when commenting provides a natural (organic!) link for yourself on quality blogs?

It really is a no brainer.

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Your Turn! Have your say right now! Comments welcomed!