20 Inches of Snow in San Antonio?

Last post I promised that if it snowed in San Antonio would post a photo for you and guess what, here is the proof...lol

I know it doesn't have much to do with Internet Marketing but at least it's funny.

For any that have interest in creating more traffic to your sites and who isn't, the Creativemeasure.com forum has had many new additions and resources to accomplish that very goal. Why don't ya take a look and let me know what you think, the link is below.
http://www.creativemeasure.com/forum/index.php?c=2

While some may consider traffic exchanges as time consuming, you will absolutely be surprised to know that most of my online business comes from those resources. Traffic exchange advertising is so darn cheap and even free if you choose that direction, plus as of this writing, it creates approx 3-5k hits per day to my varied sites. All it takes is a little surfing time and persistance.

The forum has other sections for free traffic and advertising as well, with tutorials on how to accomplish. Hope to see ya there.

Ray White
http://www.creativemeasure.com

What to do on a Bad Weather Day?

Today's weather where I live here in San Antonio, TX is somewhat odd and extremely unusual for us warm weather dwellers..lol The temperature is around 30 degrees, sleeting, threat of snow and freezing rain. Now some of you in other parts of the world might find this somewhat normal for this time of year, but for us it shuts down everything. Roads are slick with ice, businesses, schools, and government offices are closed because of road closures and hazardous conditions.

This probably sounds rather odd for some of you, but we just do not know how to survive when the weather conditions reach this extreme. For instance 2 days ago, we had a low of 52 degrees at night and reached our normal daytime temperature of 72. This is actually more normal this time of year in this part of the country. Anyway, didn't feel comfortable doing anything outside today, much more comfy inside where it's warm. Kind of like the kids though, if it's going to be this cold, might as well see some snow. That would be a real novelty for us since the last time it snowed in San Antonio was 1985.... Will take photos and post later if it does snow...lol

With auto wrecks on the highways, emergency crews working overtime, local TV broadcasting doom and gloom all day, felt it would be a good time for me to put in a little extra time surfing my traffic exchanges to build more credits. These things really do work, have a regular schedule daily that I use to send thousands of hits to my websites, and today had time to increase that even more. Made a little game of it today to keep me interested. Now, I usually surf at least 7 up to 10 exchanges at once, using tabs on either Internet Explorer 7.0 or Mozilla Firefox, both work well for this task.

First, I wanted to see how many sites or programs could be found that I had not seen before. Frankly there wasn't that many but there was some new and interesting sites that were promoting a familiar business with new designs and twists. Also found many cases of the same old affiliate sites being advertised, sites that were to slow to load within the time period required and even some sites that we know are nothing but scams and make outrageous claims.

Most of the better Traffic Exchange owners have disallowed any illegal or ponzi schemes that they are aware of. Some have questionable statements and of course sometimes it's a matter of what works for some does not work for all.

During my surfing today, found myself thinking back to when I first started on the Internet and how confusing and frustrating it was to read and try to believe some of the sites that were being shown. It seems today that perhaps for new people just beginning their venture into working from home on the Internet, it has become even more difficult to distinguish between the real and the hype and scams. It's no wonder that people are so skeptical today when you try to get them to understand your system and truly do offer help, they feel you are only feeding hype and don't really believe your sincerity. Can't blame any of you for that.

Example, I have two downline builder programs, one that promotes Success University and uses a couple of traffic tools and exchanges to help promote the page once a person has actually signed up. Now the system I provide is free to use, includes a training site and forum to help members better understand how, what, and when to use the system and what it takes to really be successful with Success University. The page is simple, has all instructions explained without a bunch of hype, yet some are still cautious and don't trust my intentions, hey I understand that, is quite normal these days.

Funny thing is, even if they do sign up as a member, they still have a problem registering in our team forum. Some of course do and benefit from the instructions and benefits of being able to openly discuss concerns and receive a better understanding of what it takes to build a business and income on the Internet. All of this is provided free for members, however the program itself, Success University does have a cost involved as any business online or off will, there are no free ways to make money. There are always free courses, free training, and my favorite, ways of producing free traffic to your sites. With my system and programs there is never a reason or need to invest any money except for the business itself. This link is the page we use to build our Success University business: http://www.creativemeasure.com/team/r/admin


Even when you try to make people feel comfortable and secure it's still understandable why people are so paranoid with all they've seen and read on the Internet. Hopefully some day the scams and outright lies can be, if not eliminated, at least exposed more openly.

Actually my system, you may have seen it, (Private Success Team) not only uses Success University, we also have a downline builder page for one of the oldest and most respected affiliate programs on the net, SFI. This page uses not only SFI as the business but the FCTC as a traffic downline builder and also includes the forum link for discussion and more training.
http://www.privatesuccessteam.com/r/admin

The above two pages are how we promote and advertise our business, of course we are involved with more business builders and programs but these are our team systems offered for free and are very beneficial for members. Even if prospect members do not wish to sign up for a particular program we do offer they visit and register in our PST forum to perhaps get a better idea or view of what and how we build our business thru team effort. Anyone can register in our forum, read, ask questions, add valuable content, anything that has value and interest, or would be a help to other members. Of course we do not allow blatant advertising, porn, hate, or other undesirable type sites to be linked. http://www.creativemeasure.com/forum

Sorry got off on this "rant" today, but just felt it was time to relieve some frustration from being cooped up inside all day. Just checked the mail, brrrrr..it's cold out there, did get a Click Bank check which is very nice, kinda brightens the day a bit more...lol

Ooops, sorry have to cut this short, just got notification of email and guess my extra work on the traffic exchanges paid off, signed up 3 new members today, one with Success University and 2 for the SFI team page. Need to send them a welcome and encourage their participation in the forum.... and it's only 2 P.M...yessss...

More later,

Ray White

Traffic Exchanges Are a Waste of Time!

The below is an article that I feel relates very much to my last blog post concerning Traffic exchanges and downline builders. Written by Dan Moses, one of the top most respected TE owners with over seven years experience online. See Article below:

Have you ever heard someone say this in a forum or in an email that came across your inbox? I know I have and every time it makes me say to myself... these people don't know what they're talking about.. or do they?

Sure if they're not using them correctly then it is a waste of time for them. They're wasting their time using the TE's to advertise because they don't know how to use them effectively.

On the other hand... they're not a waste of time to many people because they do know how to use them effectively.

Today, I want go into the top 5 ways to use TE's effectively.

1. Start with the end in mind. If you want to provide a product they want or desire to a surfer of a TE then you need to ask yourself what they want?

What do most TE surfers want and desire? Well one things for sure you know they want more traffic. You know they're using the TEs to get more traffic... and you know they're goal is get more people to their sites. I think I said the same thing 3 times. :o)

That's an easy one... so is there a product that you own, promote or can create that would be what they want or desire?

Let's say you come up with a product that will help them surf in half the time they're doing now (that's not cheat software :o). Or a new software tool that will help them manage all their TE accounts for them.

Would that be something they would want or desire? You Bet!

So, that's something you have to keep in mind. Too many people are promoting things in TEs that no one cares to buy or use. That's another reason why promoting TEs in TEs works so well. That's what the surfer is looking for #1... Traffic generating tools or services.

Okay so let's say you have the coolest and newest tool that every surfer has got to have... and they can afford to buy it. Now that's half the battle and you've won that one before you even step onto the battle field.

2. Create a Splash Page that lists the top benefits they want and a catchy graphic that stops them dead in their tracks. Too many people promote long sales pages in the TE's that people just don't have the time to read while they're surfing. Remember there goal while they surf is to generate traffic to their sites.

You have to catch their eye first by putting something in front of them that will stop them dead in their tracks and then get them to click over to your site from the Splash Page. That way you have their undivided attention. Your headline needs to contain a sense of urgency. It must tap into anticipation, desire, curiosity, and other emotional hot buttons. It must have a call to action.
Keep in mind, once they click over to your site... it better be something that interests them or they're gone for good and chances are even if they see your page 1,000 more times they won't ever click it again. :o(

3. Lead capture pages... these still work very well. If you give them enough information to get their curiosity flowing, but not enough for the whole enchilada, then you can get them to fill out your lead capture page for more info, or to download a free product. The secret here is to give them something they would gladly pay for, but they don't have to since you're giving it to them for free (plus that let's you know what they're interested in... and means you can sell similar products to them later).

Now if you've captured their name and email to follow up with them for a sale, then It's best from this point to send them some follow up messages that will drip your sales messages over days and weeks with the ability to buy the product at anytime through out the emails you send them.

How many emails should you set up to go out? That's up to you... if you test the emails and know that on day 3 of the emails 90% of the subscribers buy, then you might not need to keep adding email after email. Set up about 5 and add on if necessary. Keep testing and find out what works or doesn't.

4. Squeeze Pages. This is a combination of both a Splash Page and a Lead Capture Page in one. It gets the viewer to fill out the form and once they do they get redirected to your sales page with a more open mind because they just gave you their name and email for more info.

Then you can send them the follow up emails like the lead capture page does. Just make sure if they buy your product from the sales page that you stop sending them emails especially if after a certain amount of messages you start offering lower prices. You don't want upset customers knowing they could have paid less for the product.

5. The Free Report... this is where you give them access right to your Free Report. This can be great for the skeptics out there. These are the people that have gotten burned from opting into too many email lists and they aren't going to just give up their name and email anymore. They get way too many emails as it is and don't trust anyone.

So, adding a link to your Free Report right from a Splash Page can help these people click over and get more comfortable with you and what you're offering before they have to give out their info. Then after they read the report, give them a way to opt-in for more info.

My suggestion to you is to first get something they want, then second add all three methods to present the info through out the TE's. Then third... test each one and see which generates the highest return on investment.

Okay, now here's the most important tip in getting results from promoting in the TE's.

After setting up a product you believe they will want, and implementing all three advertising methods and sending about 10,000 unique visitors to those pages... if you don't see people opt-in or get a sale... Then Stop! That's it... quit wasting your time. You're right... Traffic Exchanges Are a Waste of Time.

I bet that won't happen! Actually, I've had so much success using the TE's I know that won't happen. And if it does...please let me know and I will take the time to explain why it didn't happen and show you what you did wrong or why it didn't work for you.

Don't believe me... prove me wrong today... I double dog dare ya! :o)

************************************************************
About the Author:

Dan Moses is a 29-year old family man living in Redmond, Oregon who came online over seven years ago, and like most of us, planned to set out on a journey of finding his riches on the Internet. Of course, he quickly realized it wasn't as easy as most would have you believe. But that didn't stop Dan... Throughout his journeys he has become quite the entrepreneur by owning and operating over 10 sites online, the most popular being... Recommended Links: 4x4Hits.com,ClickMasterPro.com, ProTrafficShop.com
*************************************************************************

This one article alone is worth the weight of your computer in gold. This kind of advice many have been charging big money for. Actually there are many more articles and training advice given by Dan for free by joining his FreeClickThruClub.com website. Click thru marketing training and advice all on the site for free, use it!

****************************************
Ray White
Highly Recommends: PlugInProfitSite.com
****************************************

Traffic Exchanges, Do They Create Traffic?

This question has been argued by many over the last couple of years by some of the top marketers on the Internet. After reading many discussions concerning Traffic Exchanges in forums and articles across the net, the one thing I find interesting is this.

The general rule is that those arguing against traffic exchanges seem to have a total misunderstanding of how and why one should use them. One thing that should be considered is the audience you have on traffic exchanges. For the most part, they are just like you and me, Internet marketers promoting an affiliate program or trying to sell product of their own.

You have to ask yourself the question, what would interest "you" or what would you like to see advertised that you need or desire. If you're using affiliate sites or links to sell viagra, gifts, recipes, dog biscuits, etc. the response might not be what you expected. In fact selling anything to traffic exchange surfers is not really the right approach to take.

Traffic exchange users are looking for what? They are looking to surf the exchanges to build traffic credits for their own sites. So what does it take to make your site or ad appealing to them? For one thing, they need traffic to their site. They also would be interested in other programs or software to make their job easier, to increase their referral base, or perhaps downline building sites that they can use to enhance their exposure on the Internet.

First let me say that any site rotated on traffic exchanges has to be quick loading, to the point, get the attention, ask for the sign up or curiosity to click the link, and all of this has to be accomplished in less than 5-10 seconds. So placing a full website page with long copy and graphics that takes over 5 seconds to load will not only be ignored but not seen as well.

Using quick loading splash pages that attract attention with two to five words or less that ask for a signup to receive free downloads for instance is one good option for traffic exchanges. Another would be "signup for my free Internet marketing course" and here are the "freebies" you get for simply entering your name and email address. After all building a list of subscribers is certainly one of the most important tasks that any network marketer should strive for.

So to summarize, a quick loading splash page that creates attention and desire to click the link to find out more is certainly the more desirable type page to use in Traffic Exchange advertising. I find that most of the "nay sayers" about traffic exchanges are first either promoting their own slow boring website or an affiliate site that has already been seen thousands of times. I also find that too many graphics, annoying voice, creepy heads, and popups are definitely a turn off to most people.

It has also come to my attention that the same "nay sayers" expect too much for so little. Traffic exchanges do require some time (work) on your part. Surfing for a few minutes each day done properly can create many thousands of hits per week. Expecting results from little work is simply a pipe dream. To create credits on any traffic exchange you need to surf the site, more you surf the more credits you build. You can of course also purchase credits from most exchanges at a reasonable price if time becomes an issue.

Building credits by referring others to the traffic exchanges is the absolute best way to create credits for yourself. The larger your downline, the more they surf, means more credits for you. In some cases referring others to "Pro" or paid type traffic exchanges could also mean small commissions for yourself.

Traffic Exchanges are very simple concepts, you view other peoples sites to get your sites viewed. How much easier could that be? As a proud Traffic Exchange user, I have personally created thousands of hits to various pages and accomplish this on a weekly basis. By sticking to a schedule, surfing almost daily, purchasing some credits, building my downline in traffic exchanges my site traffic increases constantly. Of course when my traffic increases so do my signups, referrals, and sales.

Hint: I use tabbed browsers and surf anywhere from 5 to 10 exchanges at a time. Surfing one site alone can be boring and will certainly not create many credits in my allotted time. I am currently a member of approx 40 traffic exchanges, and a "pro" in most.

For some great tutorials concerning traffic exchanges and rotators the following sites have been very beneficial to me, plus I suggest these to all my downline and team members.

The FreeClickThruClub.com Free to Join and Learn!
The HomeIncomeTeam.com Free to Join and Learn!

Both of these are owned by very experienced traffic exchange users and owners. Both are free to join and in fact give detailed instructions on how to use exchanges, plus offer systems for free to assist you in building your traffic exchange downlines. More traffic, more sales!

In closing would just like to say, proper training in the use of traffic exchanges can make a huge difference in your results. I like to include traffic exchanges in my downline builder pages. Any program that I promote with my downline builder pages also include traffic exchanges to help new team members learn and start immediately to create traffic to their personal sites.

Examples:
http://www.creativemeasure.com/r/admin
http://www.privatesuccessteam.com/r/admin
http://www.creativemeasure.com/clickbank.html

The above three pages are mine, and as you can see include traffic exchanges, rotators, and downline builder pages for my new members to utilize. Of course I also offer training on their use and the most effective way to advertise them, most of the time for free. Most of the info I provide is offered in our private forum for members to study, learn, and comment on.
http://www.creativemeasure.com/forum

*************************************
About the Author: Ray White
Highly Recommends: PlugInProfitSite.com
*************************************