Thursday, June 29, 2006

I just added some content to HBRD. Here is one of our newest articles for our FREE Content Directory:

Are You Chasing Your Visitors Away?
By: Terri Seymour


To keep your visitors coming back, the main goals of your website are for visitor participation and benefits. Provide an interesting, beneficial and useful website and they will come back! If your site is annoying you can be sure they will find another site to visit, never to come back to yours.

Here are some ways you can be sure to annoy your visitors:
(they might not annoy all, but probably the majority)

Frames - Chopping up a site with frames is a great wayto get your visitors frustrated. These frames are very obtrusive and make navigation and reading your site much harder. They are also disliked by the search engine spiders.

Overbearing Graphics - Not only are these blinking and flashing graphics distracting and unnecessary, they can also cause your site to download very slowly. Most people do not have the time to sit and wait for an extremely slow site, and will leave before even knowing what your site has to offer.

No Contact Information - I cannot stress enough howimportant it is to have your email address and other contact info on every page. This will add credibility to your site and always give your visitors a reason to be assured that you can be reached when needed.

Hard To Navigate -You want your visitors to be ableto get around your site without trouble. Have your links all together in a place that is easily seen. Have them in the same place on every page.

Inconsistent Page Design - I have been on some siteswhere after clicking on a link, I didn't even know if I was at the same site. The page was totally different and did not have any of the same information or links as the previous page. After trying to find what I was looking for and not finding it, I left. Please keep your site design uniform and consistent. This will make it much easier on your visitors.

Spelling and Grammar – Always proofread your web pages. Designing and building a professional website is a waste of time if it reads like a five year old wrote it. With spell checker, grammar checker, dictionaries, etc. there is no excuse for poorly written web pages!

Too Many Banners -If you want banners on your site,set up a banner exchange page for this purpose only. Do not have your homepage or other pages so loaded with banners that there isn't room for anything else.

Hard To Read Text - Do not use fancy text or pale text on a pale background. The easiest to read is a dark text on a light background. Also, if you use a textured or print background, be sure that it is not hard on the eyes. One site I visited had a weave look background that made the text so hard to read, after a few minutes of looking around I had to leave because I was getting a headache. If you think it is easy to see get a few more opinions just to be sure!

Music - Music used to be very common on the web.Practically every site you went to had music. More and more people started realizing that this was a major distraction and annoyance to a lot of people. If you really want music, have a choice for your visitors. Let them decide if they want the music.

Lack of Content -You've got to have content. Peoplevisit a website to see what the site has that will benefit them. Useful, helpful, practical content can't be beat! This would include resources, freebies, tips, ideas, information, interaction, contests, etc.

One thing you can do is visit several sites that pertain to your business. Study these sites and write down what you find annoying. Write down any reasons you have for leaving the site. Take note of what you like about these sites. Incorporate all these findings into creating a sharp, clean, useful website with nothing that will chase away your visitors!

Article Source:
http://www.homebusinessresourcedirectory.com

Authors Bio: Find lots more tips, articles, and resources and a chance to own your own profitable ebook store with unlimited support at http://www.SeymourProducts.com Seymour Products offers a huge selection of ebooks and software only $1.00 each with resell rights. Business Marketing Bulletin loaded with resources, tips, fun and more! mailto:subscribe@seymourproducts.com

Note: You may use this article for reprint ONLY if you DO NOT change the article in ANY way, AND you keep the source and bio IN TACT with ALL links ACTIVE!

Monday, June 26, 2006

Here is one of several articles that I added recently to our FREE Content Directory...

SO, YOU WANT TO WORK AT HOME
By: Jennifer Shircel


5 tips that you definitely need to know when you’re starting your search for a work at home job.

1) NEVER, EVER PAY FOR A JOB. Be very careful with this. Legitimate employers will not ask you for money. If you are looking to start a business (for example: Mary Kay, Usborne Books, Watkins etc.) you may have to pay for a set up fee, but this is to cover your kit that you will receive to start your own business. Some companies, however, ask for a start up fee when really all you will be selling is the “opportunity” for someone else to join that same company.

2) DO YOUR RESEARCH. Make sure you research the company everywhere possible. Check them out on the Better Business Bureau, the RipOff Report, ask other moms on message boards their experiences and anywhere else you can get some information on the company. Make sure that you also know what you are buying if you are starting your own business. Know what your “kit” consists of (if anything). There are millions of scams on the internet so be exactly sure of what company you are joining.

3) DETERMINE YOUR LIKES AND DISLIKES. If you hate selling things – stay away from direct sales companies. If you don’t wear makeup – don’t sell cosmetics! Many people do not consider any of this and jump into the first opportunity that sounds too good to be true. Find out what you love to do and go from there. Make a list of all the pros and cons to find out what will suite you the best. You’ll have a lot easier time making money if you are loving your job!

4) KNOW WHAT YOUR NEW JOB WILL REQUIRE. Many people jump into anything just to work from home and don’t have a clue how much time and effort it will take for them to succeed. Know what the company requires of you or how many “parties” you’ll have to do in order to make the kind of money that you want. Know what type of commissions you’ll earn and what it will take to earn the amount you’re looking for. You may be surprised how hard or easy it is to make the amount you’d like.

5) IT CAN TAKE A LONG TIME TO FIND A JOB. If you’re looking for a “job” instead of an “opportunity”, it can take many months to find one. Start looking around on the internet as soon as you decide exactly what you’d like to do. A few legitimate job sites on the internet today are liveops.com, alpineaccess.com and workingsol.com. Another good place to look for work at home jobs is CraigsList.com. Be patient and be optimistic! If you are truly determined to find a work at home job, you will.

Article Source:
http://www.homebusinessresourcedirectory.com

Authors Bio: Jennifer is the owner of MomOnABudget - an excellent source for money saving tips, budget decorating, work at home ideas and more.

NOTE: You may use this article for reprint ONLY if you DO NOT change the article in ANY way, AND you keep the source and bio IN TACT with ALL links ACTIVE!

Friday, June 16, 2006

HBRD Update!

I am so excited about all that HBRD is becoming! I have been working very hard to meet all of your needs!

I have added 3 new articles to our FREE Content Directory!

I added a Guest Book, so that you can post messages to HBRD and showcase your businesses!

And my personal favorite...a Calendar of Events! This is a FREE service to ALL of HBRD members. All you have to do is become an active member of our forums or subscribe to our blog (the subscribe box is located on the top right corner of our blog). Once you have done one of these, you can send me your events...contests, expos, online parties, etc....FOR FREE! And I will post them on our calendar!

Our Events Calendar link is at the TOP of EVERY page of our website!!

Anyway, I hope that you are learning a lot and that you find nothing but success in your business!!

Tuesday, June 13, 2006

This is a great aricle that I just had to share with all of you!

Going Beyond Ebooks -
Adding Value & Usability to Your Info Product


Many people immediately think of ebooks when they hear the words "information product", but there's so much more you can do with your information products that will make your products more useful to your customers AND will help you make more money.

Why Your Customer Benefits from Different Information Formats:

People learn and like to consume information in different ways. Many people do like to read and printed reports or ebooks will do the trick for them. Others like to listen to information. They may want to download audios to their mp3 players, burn them to CDs so they can listen in the car or listen on their computer while they attend to other tasks. Some people may prefer to watch and you may even want to include video in your information products.

Why YOU Benefit from Different Information Formats:

When you offer different formats, you can increase the perceived value of your products. A product that is just a downloadable PDF may not be seen as valuable as a product that offers an ebook, audio recording and transcripts. This means, you can charge more for your information product...increasing your bottom line.

You can also reach more customers with your multi-media information product. Some people won't buy ebooks because they'd prefer to listen. Others may have slow Internet connections and can't easily download mp3s, so they would rather have typed information they can read. There are so many reasons why customers prefer different formats and it's easy to provide those formats...so why not go the extra mile.

Keep in mind accessibility. People with visual impairments may find it easier to listen to your audio and those with hearing impairments wouldn't be able to listen to your audio. Don't limit their options.

And Don't Just Limit Yourself to One Product:

It's tough to make a great living off just one information product and if you make a great product, your customers are going to want more. So, when you're creating your first information product, make a plan for additional ebooks. These can give more in-depth information on certain topics, could contain more advanced techniques or anything that your target customer would be interested in.

Alternatively, if you can't develop your own line of products immediately, ensure that you have some backend sales lined up and recommend further products through affiliate links. Always make the most of your marketing efforts!

About the Author: Alice Seba is an information marketer that loves to help people create easy-to-manage high-profit information product businesses.
CLICK HERE to learn how you can stop working so hard and start earning more.

Saturday, June 10, 2006

Here is an article from our free content directory. You are free to use it on your website, blog, or newsletter, as long as you do NOT change anything, and you keep the source and authors bio in tact with ALL links ACTIVE.

7 Summer Survival Tips
By: Anita DeFrank & Kara Kelso


Will Your Business Survive Summer Break?

Summer is approaching and soon the children will be out of school. Is your schedule ready?
Some of you may know from past years, when the kids are out for the summer your "quiet time" during school hours is no more.

Here are some tips to keep the school age children busy while you keep up with your business:

1. Plan family days. Take a day each week to spend the entire day with your kids. Make it a weekly event. Do things such as go out for ice cream, going to the zoo, etc. Try to plan it for in the middle of the week.

2. Set aside nights and weekends. In addition to your weekly outings with the kids, make sure you set aside your evenings and weekends to focus on them.

3. Hire Local Neighborhood Kids. Is there a responsible child in your neighborhood? Hire them to take your children to the pool, the park, or other areas in the neighborhood. Preteens are always looking for a way to make some extra money, or someone to pay for their day at the pool.

4. Have crafts and movies lined up. Avoid the "I'm bored" comments by having several activities set aside for children to do for at least 2 hours, giving you enough time to finish a project or two.

5. Take breaks outside. Since the weather is nice, children will be begging to go out. Make sure you take a break daily to go out for even just an hour. Remind them when it's time to go back inside they will be able to go out again when you are finished working.

6. Trade Babysitting. Talk to other mothers in your community and trade babysitting. Remember the first tip? Take someone else's kids on your family day out, and ask if they will watch your children on another day.

7. Hire Babysitters. When all else fails and you need to get major work done, send them to daycare once a week. Don't feel guilty - it's only one day! Your kids need a break from you too sometimes, and the chance to play with other children.

Good luck surviving the summer, and don't forget to enjoy it yourself!

Article Source: http://www.homebusinessresourcedirectory.com

Authors Bio: Anita DeFrank & Kara Kelso, authors of Direct Sales Success, specialize in coaching direct sales representatives to reach their goal of becoming successful in their field. Visit http://www.directsaleshelpers.com/ for free weekly tips.

Note: You may use this article for reprint ONLY if you DO NOT change the article in ANY way, AND you keep the source and bio IN TACT with ALL links ACTIVE!

Thursday, June 08, 2006

HBRD Update

Well, I have done quite a few things over the past couple days. I finally finished playing around with my home page. I adjusted the template to all my sub pages...a LOT of work!

I added several new articles to our free content directory.

I created our business articles archive section.

And...I came up with a way to help fellow wahms and HBRD at the same time!

Introducing...the HBRD Referral Program! I am very happy with it and I think you will be too!

Till we meet again....

Monday, June 05, 2006

HBRD Update

Today I spent most of my time tweaking our home page.

However, I also had time to add one article to our content directory and I added several new sections to our message boards...MLM discussion, Website building discussion and critique, Online event announcements, and Ad swaps for your website, blog, or newsletter.

I am currently working on a new referral bonus program. Participants will have the opportunity to earn anywhere from ten cents to forty dollars! Keep an eye out for more info coming VERY soon!

Sunday, June 04, 2006

HBRD Update

I added four new articles to HBRD today and one of them is FREE for reprint in our Content Directory.

The following home business articles can be found on our Home Page in the right column.

~ Home Business Comparison Sheet

~ SEO Dictionary

~ Start your Online Business

and...

~ Know your Business

...can be found in our content directory under "direct sales."

Talk to you soon...

Friday, June 02, 2006

HBRD Update

I have been a busy bee today! ;)

I added two articles to our Free Content Directory:

~ What's so Scary about Business Planning?

~ Overcoming Writers Block


I also added a new Home Business to our Home Business Directory:

~ Chicken Soup for the Soul Supplements


AND...I updated our Advertising page...we are running some GREAT specials for June!

I am just getting started! I have HUGE plans for HBRD. My goal is to supply YOU with ALL the information needed to find, and maintain a SUCCESSFUL home business! As well as bring life to your current business!

Thursday, June 01, 2006


Helpful Tips for Promoting your Newsletter


Promoting your newsletter can seem like a daunting task. However, you can be successful if you are willing to do the work. Here are some things that I have learned along the way. I am sure that they will help get you started in the right direction...

MAKE IT AVAILABLE TO YOUR VISITORS: Place a sign up form on the top of EVERY page of your site and/or forums. By doing this, you are making your newsletter available to every visitor of your site. It is also good for those visitors that may want to sign up, but are busy reading content, and missed the form on another page.

MESSAGE BOARDS: Use your signature to promote! Message board sigs are a fantastic promotional tool. It’s like free advertising. Every time you post, there are countless opportunities for your sig line to be read.

BLOGS: Place a link on your blog. There are many potential subscribers out there that love to Blog. They exclusively search blogs for information. Make the most of your Blog, and use it to promote your business, products, and NEWSLETTER!

ONE of a KIND: There are thousands of newsletters out there in your niche. Make yours different. If you are a carbon copy of everyone else, why would people want to read yours? Be unique...originality goes a long way!

WORD of MOUTH: Once you have mastered the art of originality, your subscribers will tell their friends what a great newsletter you have. You can also have top monthly referral prizes, and newsletter promotional contests to get that word of mouth going.

FUN FACTOR: Have contests for subscribers. People love to win stuff. Be creative and keep your newsletter fun, informative, and easy to read. Ask your advertisers if they would sponsor a contest. You both win. They get free advertising and you get a great prize for your contest. This is another way to generate those “word of mouth” subscribers.

SWAP LINKS: Trade links with other relevant newsletters. Try to find newsletters that have the same type of readers, but are different enough topic wise for them to want to read both. Plus, it’s a great way for WAHM’s to support one another!

DIRECTORIES: There are MANY directories out there, including newsletter and ezine directories. Do a search. Ask around. The point is, get your newsletter listed in as many as you can.

I'm sure that you will see a steady increase in subscribers if you put these tips into practice!

Happy Promoting!!


Copyright © Lara Velez

Article Source:
http://www.homebusinessresourcedirectory.com

This article is free for reprint, ONLY if you keep the source and author box in tact, with all links active, and do not change ANY part of this article.

About the Author: Lara Velez is a homeschooling WAHM. She lives in the Sunshine State with her lovely daughters and husband. She is a published author, web publisher, web designer, and editor. She owns two successful websites,
Moms of Faith – a place for Christian wives, women, and Moms to find encouragement, support, and learn to become all God created them to be, Home Business Resource Directory – all the information you need to find and succeed in a home business venture. She also owns her own Health and Wellness business, Healthy Living.


The Beginning of the HBRD Blog


WELCOME!

This blog will be used for the following purposes:

~ help those in or looking to start a home business achieve and maintain success.

~ allow members to give and receive feed back

~ feature informative articles and tips for home business owners

~ site updates and new feature announcements

I hope that you will visit often and utilize all of the FREE information and help here, and at our main site:
http://www.homebusinessresourcedirectory.com

Have a sucessful day!