[New Post] How to Monetize Your Blog without Selling Your Soul via @michaelhyatt

click thru for details How to Monetize Your Blog without Selling Your Soul I didn't start blogging to make money from it. The thought never occurred to me. When someone suggested I start accepting advertising, I resisted. I thought some how it would compromise my integrity. Photo courtesy of ©iStockphoto.com/JoKMedia Then I realized that all professional creatives charge for their work. In fact, this is what separates the professionals from the amateurs. For example: Authors receive royalties. Musicians sell tickets. Artists sell paintings. Speakers are paid fees. If you want to blog as a hobby, fine. But art and money aren't enemies. In fact, in most cases the former isn't possible without the latter. You really can monetize your art without selling your soul. I make several thousand dollars a month using a combination of these three methods: Sell advertising. You can start small with any number of WordPress plugins (one major reason to use self-hosted WordPress). I started with WP125 and started selling small 125 x 125 pixel ads. It generated enough income to cover my hosting costs and a little "fun money." As I developed momentum, I created a full-blown Advertising Kit for potential advertisers. I used Google Analytics to gather the key metrics and then conducted a Reader Survey to collect demographic and psychographic information. When my traffic got to about 40,000 pageviews a month, I applied to the Beacon Ad Network. It is an online service that manages your ad sales. You can charge whatever you want per ad, but they take a 30% commission. They specialize in the Christian marketplace. Their sister-company, BuySellAds.com, handles the general market. By the way, I have never used Google AdSense. I just hate the way it looks. However, it may have changed since I last evaluated it. If you are interested, John Saddington at TentBlogger.com has a terrific set of posts about AdSense. Promote affiliates. Here again, I started small. I signed up as an Amazon Associate and started using my affiliate code in my links to books and other products. (I disclose this at the bottom of each post.) I now consistently make $600–700 a month from these links. Later, I graduated to other products. For example, I promote Brett Kelly's Evernote Essentials: Second Edition whenever I write about Evernote. I do this with complete integrity, believing it is the single best place to start if you want to get up and running quickly. I am also an affiliate for various other products like: StandardTheme, Nozbe, and ScribeSEO. The key is to find products you actually use and you believe will be beneficial to your readers. My own rule is that if I don't use it, I don't promote it. If there is a product you are crazy about—especially an information product—it is worth checking to see if the publisher or manufacturer has an affiliate program available. You might also check Amazon. They sell way more than books. Sell products. A few years ago, I wrote an ebook called Writing a Winning Non-Fiction Book Proposal. I decided to turn it into a PDF file and sell it on my blog. (Here's how you can Create an eBook in Seven Steps.) It has sold consistently, month after month. In fact, I have yet to see a sales decline. Last year, I decided to write a fiction edition called Writing a Winning Fiction Book Proposal. It only sells about 50% of what the non-fiction one does, but it was still well-worth the effort. I also sell both books as a bundle. The best thing about selling products like these—especially digital ones—is that they work while you sleep. The whole system is turn-key. Customers buy the books, the system provides a download link, and then deposits the money in your PayPal account. Ultimately, I believe most of my revenue will come from product sales. I have several more ebooks in the works, based primarily on blog series I have written. These methods are just the direct methods you can use to monetize your blog. You can also use your blog to generate leads for speaking, coaching, or consulting services—something I also do. They key to monetizing your art without selling your soul is to offer ads, products, and services that are congruent with your brand and will add value to your readers. Question: What do you need to do next to monetize your blog—or take it to the next level? You can leave a comment by clicking here.

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Could Web Site Terms of Use be Interpreted to Include FAQs?

November 22, 2011 Forward | Subscribe | Follow us Could Web Site Terms of Use be Interpreted to Include FAQs?   Most organizations with a website offer products, services or information subject to terms of use intended as a legally enforceable contract between the site owner and each user. A site may also include frequently asked questions, or FAQs, containing relevant information on the use of the site. Site owners would not expect information offered in an FAQ to temper or override a term in the site's terms of use, however, a recent federal court decision out of California suggests that could be the case.   Safeway, Inc.has a website offering consumers home delivery of groceries. User Michael Rodman filed a lawsuit against Safeway for alleged breach of contract and violation of various California consumer protection laws. Rodman claims that, while Safeway states on its site that the price of delivered groceries will be the same as the price of the items in its stores, Safeway secretly adds 10% to the in-store price for those items offered for home delivery. Safeway filed a motion to dismiss the breach of contract claim because Rodman failed to demonstrate that the Safeway site's terms of use promised price parity between online and in-store products. In fact, the terms of use read as follows: "prices quoted on the Web site are likely to vary either above or below the prices in the store on the date your order is filled and delivered." In responding to the motion, Rodman argued that Safeway's FAQ that "[y]ou will be charged the prices charged in the store on the day your order is picked and delivered" clarified the statement about pricing in the terms of use. The court denied Safeway's motion to dismiss, finding that the terms of use were "susceptible to Plaintiff [Rodman]'s reasonable construction."   What steps should a cautious web site owner take away from this decision? A review of your FAQs for any inconsistencies with your terms of use would be a good first step. You may also choose to add appropriate disclaimers to both the terms of use and the FAQs indicating that FAQs offer only general information and may not be relied upon by users. View the court's decision. For more information about legislation or litigation involving technology, intellectual property protection of information technology assets or any other Information Technology law issue, contact your Miller Canfield attorney or the author. Kathy Ossian Information Technology Team Leader 313.496.7644 millercanfield.com/InformationTechnology UNITED STATES • CANADA • MEXICO • POLAND • CHINA Copyright © 2011 - Miller, Canfield, Paddock and Stone, P.L.C. - All Rights Reserved   This article is for general information only and should not be used as a basis for specific action without obtaining further legal advice.

click thru for details YouTube's Playbook for Producing Compelling Videos YouTube enjoys an astounding 3 billion views per day. It's no surprise that big brands are fighting to harness some of those eyeballs. Today the site has more than 20,000 revenue-generating partners. At MIPCOM this year, YouTube announced its intentions to focus on content creators, offering guidance and even Creator Camps to help improve entrepreneurs' video production and marketing skills. If you can't attend a Creator Camp, this should help: the YouTube Creator Playbook. This free, downloadable guide is divvied into three detailed parts: Programming and Producing, Publishing and Optimization, and Community and Social Media. Topics include how to: Make your video a show-stealer in the first 15 seconds Optimize your channel page Get your audience involved in promoting your video Use different forms of social media in your promotions Include calls to action in your video that boost response Manipulate metadata and better leverage repurposed content Now, don't sweat dealing with details like the ones above too much. Remember, this process should be fun! "The number-one thing [to keep in mind when creating a video] is just to be a good storyteller," YouTube's Patrick Walker advises. "Just do good stuff; it'll travel naturally." After all, producing a video that goes viral is a lot like alchemy: You can never be sure of the formula's outcome upfront. But you can, at least, increase your chances of making videos as effective as possible from the outset—which makes the Creator Playbook an asset for any digital marketer. The Po!nt: Let the experts be your guide. By learning a few basics about what works in YouTube vids, you can free yourself to be creative, knowing you've laid a strong foundation for success. Looking for great social media marketing data? MarketingProfs reviewed hundreds of research sources to create our most recent Social Media Marketing Factbook (May 2010). With 140 pages and 102 charts, it is full of relevant social media marketing stats and trends. The Social Media Marketing Factbook is Part 5 of the complete Digital Marketing Factbook (our 296-page full report). Previous Articles Seven Ways to 'Gamify' Your Online Marketing Outreach Time-Tested Tips and Tools for Faster Blogging More articles   Add a Comment Share This: http://www.marketingprofs.com/short-articles/2435/youtubes-playbook-for-producing-compelling-videos

How to Create a Facebook Page via @BlogTalkRadio

click thru for details BlogTalkRadio How to Create a Facebook Page Posted: 17 Nov 2011 12:28 PM PST One of the best features about being a host on BlogTalkRadio is that you can instantly share your content on Facebook and Twitter with the click of a button. A Facebook Page is a great way to reach more listeners and let your fans keep up to date with your newest broadcasts. It just takes a few minutes to create your own Facebook Page and here's how you do it. You need to have a Facebook account to start a Page so sign up if you don't have one already. Then, go here to create a page and follow the prompts. You can select "Radio Station" in the Entertainment category or choose from the other categories if those fit your purpose better. Step 1: Upload an image to represent your show. You can leverage your profile image from your BlogTalkRadio page. Step 2: On the next page, uncheck the options to share and like this page. This will allow you to make any changes before launching your page to the world. Once your page is all set up, you can go back and change these options. Step 3: Provide a link to your show page, and use what you've written for your profile page to give a description of your show. Congrats! Your page is now set up.  Check out some of the ideas in Get Started, which is the next page that you are taken to. You can start adding content, promoting your page, and lots more! If you have question, see Facebook's Page help section, and ask for advice on our Get Satisfaction page.  And you can also read up on these Facebook tips from a post we did before.  Good luck with your new Facebook Page! You are subscribed to email updates from Blog Talk Radio blog

Lulu Expands International Reach for eBook Authors VIA @LuluBlog

CLICK THRU FOR DETAILS Lulu Blog Lulu Expands International Reach for eBook Authors Posted: 15 Nov 2011 03:01 PM PST Lulu is excited to announce today greater reach for eBook content by adding distribution support to 26 new countries including Italy, Belgium, and Spain for eBook authors selling through the the iBookstore℠. This announcement comes along with Lulu's distribution of French-language content to the iBookstore as well, which officially makes Lulu the first self-publishing company to offer eBook distribution for both English and non-English content. Our goal is to help you, our remarkable authors, sell more books no matter where you live or what language you speak.  And we're planning to continue to enhance all of our eBook offerings and services to help you sell more books and reach even more readers. Start your eBook today by visiting our eBook landing page.     You are subscribed to email updates from Lulu Blog

[Motown Writers Network] Essence of Motown Literary Jam & Conference 2011 #motow

Please share with readers and writers!! Unless indicated events are free to public. $20 Passion Fruit Festival (Friday) $40 Workshop (Saturday) Registration for events will be available at the door. No Vendor Space will be available at the door. Readers are encouraged to bring books (new or gently used) for donations to our Motown Literacy Project to increase literacy in Metro Detroit! Giveaways (including 2 Amazon Kindles and more) will take place all weekend for readers and authors.  Meet readers, authors, literary organizations, community leaders and more as we increase literacy & strengthen the literary network in Metro Detroit! Register Now MotownLiteraryJam.com |             313.289.8614   The Essence of Motown Literary Jam & Conference November 11th – 12th, 2011 Virgil Carr Cultural Center | 311 E Grand River, Detroit, Michigan 48226 www.MotownLiteraryJam.com * most events are FREE to public To celebrate the written word in Metro Detroit with every reader and writer around! Friday: Open Mic Poetry, Networking, Meet & Greet and Passion Fruit Expression* 6pm Free Networking, Meet & Greet and Poetry Event Open Mic (limited spaces) Featuring Inside/Out Young Poets Meet & Greet Networking and chances to win an Amazon Kindle 7:00 Passion Fruit Festival 7.0 $20.00   Readers are encouraged to bring books (new or gently used) for donations to our Motown Literacy Project to increase literacy in Metro Detroit! Giveaways (including 2 Amazon Kindles and more) will take place all weekend for readers and authors.  Meet readers, authors, literary organizations, community leaders and more as we increase literacy & strengthen the literary network in Metro Detroit! Register Now MotownLiteraryJam.com |             313.289.8614       Essence of Motown Literary Jam & Conference Saturday (11/12/11) Itinerary Write-In Space, Charging Location, Bloggers, Media, Librarians, Literary Reps, Literary Services and more will be present. Book Drop off for Book Drive will be available. Registrations for events can take place at the door.   Workshops $40. All other events are FREE TO THE PUBLIC. 9:00 am Writing Your Stories - Vincent Alexandria - Whether fiction or non-fiction understand the basics of storytelling on paper. Includes basics of screenwriting and other projects writers must learn in order to bring their story to life. (Workshop A) Motivating Yourself To Market Your Book - Monica Marie Jones featuring Andrea Daniel – From the point you turn your book over to the printer until it's released to the public, learn how to "Just Do It!" Get Up, Get Out & Get It Done! (Workshop B) 10:00am Why Write Romance? How To Break Into Traditional Publishing Market - Karen White Owens - Getting published by a traditional publishing house can be one of the greatest challenges an author will face. Editors reject thousands of manuscripts each year. Join Karen White-Owens as she discusses how you can use the romance genre to break into the market while honing your skills.  (Workshop D) Independent Publishing Made Easy - Sylvia Hubbard – Learn the ins and outs of independent publishing from A to Z and what it takes to run your own publishing business.(Workshop E) 11:00am Social Media Made Easy for Authors - Versandra Kennebrew - Learn Web 2.0 tricks, social media benefits and discover the basics of branding yourself in your niche. (Workshop C) Poetry Panel Discussion moderated by Victor Walker w/T. Miller, Chantay "Legacy" Leonard & Deonte Osayande. Topic: From Page To Stage: What Works for Poets.(Workshop F) 11:30am Literary Marketplace open FREE to the Public. Ford Gallery. Break for Lunch at Noon o   Keynote: Vincent Alexandria  Topic: Writer's Dream o   Special Guest : Darralyn Hutson of Chapter3.tv 1:30pm Literacy Panel Discussion moderated by Ramona Prater featuring an all-male panel of community leaders, Eddie Connor, Calvin Colbert, Vincent Alexandria, Dr. Reginald Eadie, Luther Keith, Kenneth Harris, Khary Kimani Turner and Yusef Shakur. Remarks byCongressman Hansen Clarke. 3:00pm Special 2011 book release party featuring Monica Marie Jones, Versandra Kennebrew & other local authors; plus giveaways, recognitions & awards. Write-In Space, Charging Location, Bloggers, Media, Librarians, Literary Reps, Literary Services and more will be present. Book Drop off for Book Drive will be available. Registrations for events can take place at the door.   Readers are encouraged to bring books (new or gently used) for donations to our Motown Literacy Project to increase literacy in Metro Detroit! Giveaways (including 2 Amazon Kindles and more) will take place all weekend for readers and authors.  Meet readers, authors, literary organizations, community leaders and more as we increase literacy & strengthen the literary network in Metro Detroit! Register Now MotownLiteraryJam.com |             313.289.8614       REGISTER