photo by archie4oz

Now I fully know students like me don’t want to pay for anything, if they can get away with it. As is said the best things in life are free.

This is true of software, but trying to find viable replacements to the expensive mainstream software such as Microsoft Office can be hard. But over the last few years there has been a small revolution. Initially free software was poor or well below standard. This is still true in some aspects, but there are some cracking freebies that nearly or more frequently than not, out perform there expensive competitors. I always use free software, here are my favourite free essentials:

Browser

Well, no competition here, it has to be Firefox, why? It is more reliable, less likely to let viruses through and in my opinion more aesthetically pleasing than Microsofts equivalent – Internet Explorer. [Read more]

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photo by jenn_jenn’s

Welcome to the third money making report, it doesn’t seem long since I did the last one.

A few developments, firstly I have signed up for Adtoll and Project Wonderful.

Secondly I have suffered from a couple of server problems, not of my own doing, I assure you! My hosting company has been most helpful in keeping customers informed about the state of play with the server that this and our other sites are based on. But I have lost 2 days traffic, may not sound much, but the collective effect may be damaging to traffic levels over the long run.

I have decided earnings from surveys will not be included, this is because they are sporadic and not influenced by my actions, although I will make the odd post about how that is going in the future.

This month will not see a breakdown of AdToll or Project Wonderful earnings, because they have not been running for a full month, also earnings are low ($0.20 and $1.45 respectively). Earnings from Project Wonderful may also be reinvested into advertising, therefore amount may go up and down. Posts on these two new advertising services will follow soon, but lets just say I am very impressed with Project Wonderful.

Down to business… [Read more]

photo by TooFarNorth

Following on from my first post in this series on the marketing mix, I would like to introduce the first ‘P’ of the 4 P’s.

Product

Traditionally this refers to a product or service provided by a business.

Relating this to a blog or website is quite easy. Your blog (website) provides a service in that it educates, informs or entertains visitors. If it does not do this for your visitors from your target market, it may fail to achieve any notable growth or maintain existing readers.

Remember content is key, therefore has to be created with your target audience in mind. Failure to do so, is likely to not generate repeat visits. This being crucial inorder to obtain a loyal (and growing number of) visitors.

Trying not to go off topic to is often the best bet, your readers are probably only interested in your main topics, so writing off topic can put people off. A little variety to spice things up, can’t be condemmed, just do it sparingly.

Another point worth considering is to make your blog differentiated from the many ‘me-to’ blogs in your niche. Building a brand or unique identity differentiates you, therefore making your blog more memorable to visitors. Allowing you to stand out in a crowd.

This can be achieved in several ways or by a combination. Some of the most important include using a unique design to your blog, e.g customise your theme, by changing colors or the header, or for the more advanced/adventurous try building your own theme/site from scratch. Also you could try writing in an interesting writing style, although just being yourself can lead to a writing style that is unique. They are just a couple of ideas for now.

Ultimately remember your content must fulfill the wants and needs of your visitors; research, find out what they are, investigate how competing blogs target your niche. Find weaknesses and try and fill the gap.

Finally remember, Product is only one of the 4 P’s, the other 3 (Price, Promotion, Place) will follow later in this series. Product is an essential ingredient but it must also be blended with the 3 other P’s in order to gain the maximum effect.

Best of luck,

Martyn.