Website Promotion -What You Should Know

By Osvaldo Malone

Here is another fantastic way to get your name "out-there" and get people visiting your website.



PodCasting!

Podcasting is Audio (and/or Video) that you create on your computer (or via other means, and then load onto your computer) that you then share with other people to listen and/or view.

There are large numbers of Podcasting sites that allow you to upload your audio or video presentation, and then attach a description and information about the presentation. Once this is done, people who visit these podcast sites can "find" your podcast and hopefully if it is interesting enough to them, they will subscribe to your "feed" (similar to a mailing list, but for audio/video) and then be automatically notified whenever you release a new audio or video.

Now generally the "feed" is not controlled by you (unlike a regular mailing list) but rather is controlled by the podcast directory and a podcast "reader" which is software (often free) that you can use to automatically check whether new content is available for your selected "feeds" and to then get downloaded automatically.

You can then watch or listen to the downloaded presentation at your leisure, copy to your iPod, etc. It's really quite cool.

One of the biggest names in PodCasting is iTunes. You've probably heard of iTunes and wondered what it is. iTunes is software that is supplied by Apple (the Mac people) that you can download for free and it will manage all your podcast "feeds" as well as your music and video collection on your computer, and even allow you to buy music (and podcasts) via it's iTunes store.

Apple have versions of iTunes for both Windows and Mac and it is completely free to download.

Now iTunes is big business, ten of thousands of people download stuff daily from it, so this is probably the first site you might want to try to get your podcast listed on.

Many people claim to be experts in the area of website promotion. We suggest you do some careful research yourself first before jumping in.

But I'm getting ahead of myself, first things first, lets discuss what you could be putting into the audio / video.

If your like me, and have a great face for radio, don't despair. You don't necessarily need to produce video content, audio is perfectly acceptable for many subscribers, as it's something you can do (listen to) anywhere (although with video iPods available these days this is also true for Video).

First and foremost you presentation should be adding value to your listeners/viewers. A hard sell sales presentation won't be worth much to listeners/viewers (at least probably not to those who's first experience of you is via the audio/video), rather it should be quality relevant content that will appeal to listeners with an interest in your niche market.

Bear in mind that it's highly likely that when you upload a presentation for inclusion in iTunes, it will be reviewed manually by a human, and if it's just a hyped up call to action to buy something chances are they may not approve it for inclusion. And even if they did approve it, listeners are going to be turned off when they hear it especially if you have not previously built up a relationship with them.

I suggest an interview is a great idea for a podcast. Put together a set of questions and answers to common problems that you "solve" on your website, and have some one interview you. Save the audio file and then upload to iTunes!

Another idea (once you get a few podcasts completed) is an overview of your product or services, but again not a hard sell, but a detailed list of what you can do or case studies on how you have helped other customers previously.

Just remember it needs to be interesting to listen to, so make sure you target it to your customers needs and to be solving problems that your potential customers may be facing.

You may find iTunes wants a series of podcasts before adding you to their directory, so it would be sensible to do 2-3 podcasts if possible and then submit them for inclusion as a group.

If you plan to host your podcasts yourself, be very careful and consider if you have another bandwidth to do so, particularly if your feeds get picked up by lots of people.

Because of the nature of podcasts (audio or video) the files can end up being huge, so It's very important that you plan this out in advance as you may find once you get successful and have a reasonable number of people listening to your podcasts, that you will be putting your server in meltdown and be running out of quota. This could mean your ISP closes down your website!

Don't be victim to this, plan for getting bigger from day 1, and assume you are going to be successful and put the right steps in place so you have sufficient bandwidth when things take off.

Either put all your efforts into getting listed in iTunes or other large Podcast sites, or if your going to do it yourself, invest in a reasonable PodCast hosting company who specializes in Podcasts.

A decent alternative to iTunes for hosting your iTunes (especially if your have trouble getting iTunes to actually accept your podcasts is a company called Liberated Syndication. I suggest you check out their website, they are one of the best out there, and give outstanding value for money and in some cases it's free.

Remember all podcasters had to start somewhere, and some of the bigger ones actually have paid advertising now (where sponsors pay the podcaster for an advertisement to be placed in the podcast). This could end up to be a really nice little money earner for you as well as provide great value for your listeners. - 32617

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From Montana to Bombay: Marketing Solutions That Work

By Nelson Pellew

The fatal flaw for any company offering a product or a service is either over or underestimating the appeal of what they may have to offer. A key to understanding the needs of the modern consumers is, quite simply, to ask them what they are. This may seem rather straightforward, but many a business has been predicated on providing a product or service that, in the end, fails to do much more than waste a great deal of time and capital. To maximize the ever-crucial return-on-investment, it would be prudent for all parties involved to sample public opinion beforehand.

Long the court of last resort for global conglomerates, the focus group and the consumer panel have passed judgment on all manner of would-be products and prototypical services. Of course, while it is tremendously important to sample the group you wish to ultimately target, it is by no means a foolproof methodology. If it were, would we be subjected to jalapeno jelly or Gogurt?

It is worth mentioning that it is not only the would-be business that stands to lose, but the consumer is potentially robbed of an opportunity to have a product that meets their needs. The process of eliciting consumer reviews and feedback allow for a dialogue between the supplier and the consumer. This basic exchange, as self-evident as it may seem, underscores the importance of accurate, reliable online market research.

Why only sell in southwest Montana when you have a potential market in northeast Bombay? Most product review firms, or consultancies, can also target overseas markets. This, obviously, broadens the scope and potential appeal of goods and services. Knowing the extent of your appeal is crucial. The basic tenant of successful ventures is know as much as you can, for as little as you can pay.

Of course, modern online marketing strategies surpass merely having demographically correct participants fill out standardized bubble tests. Understanding your audience requires more than choosing on a scale of one to five, with five being the highest. Marketing firms worth their salt should have access to extensive databases and cutting-edge technology. They should be able to access global markets and provide extensive, actionable feedback. - 32617

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Exaggerated Web Design

By Aaron Miller

When it comes to web design, there is such as a thing as too subtle and too exaggerated. Exaggerated web designs are those with too much graphics, too much images and too much flash animation flying around and about. When it comes to website design, choose something which visitors would like and would be comfortable on their eyes.

There are some web designs that show great flash headers. However, these headers could be very distracting too particularly when your website is mainly an information provider. It splits your viewers' attention and irritates the living daylights out of them. Many web designs nowadays have become this way - flash intensive, image laden and totally distracting. These web designs go overboard, assaulting the viewers and pushing them away from your website.

The most significant aspect in web design is not showcasing the programmer or web designers' skills. It is in providing the visitors with what they need. However, there are a lot of websites that does not follow this. Take for instance website A. Everytime you visit into website A, you hear loud, bothring background music. Note that website A does not sell music records or is it a radio station. Yet, music blares from each page - loud, annoying and weird techno beats at that. Then there is website B, whose web design looks to be fit for the near sighted. Huge capital letters seem to scream. People don't want it when someone shouts at them. Plainly put, it just doesn't work. Pop-up windows are the problem of website C. Website C's web design is characterized by annoying pop ups. Because of these pop ups we overlook essentia information. We even overlook the core message of the web page. These are just some. There may be more web designs that are annoying, at best. Web designers and webmasters should take note of these things.

As website works as the online brochure of an organization or company, showcasing its information and work proceses, it is a must that its presentation would catch the attention of visitors. Web designers must concentrate on this ultimate goal.

The good thing is, nowadays, there are a lot of web design companies that are aware of the good practices in web designing, they can provide solutions that would match to your needs. You just need to be very careful in choosing which one you will hire. - 32617

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Ipod Car Accessories Used To Get An Ipod To Work In A Car

By Max Groom

Even when in the car anyone can use an Apple iPod. There are a number of different iPod car accessories that can work with iPods for any car. These accessories can help with many different things for an iPod's performance. These include holding an iPod, charging it and getting the iPod heard through the car's speakers.



An FM transmitter is one of the most important iPod car accessories to use. With this the iPod is attached to a transmitter that will connect to the electrical outlet in a car. The transmitter can plug into the iPod through the device's headphone jack. The user will then set up an unused FM frequency to hear the device through. With this the iPod can now be heard on an FM station in one's car.

Getting the transmitter controlled can be easily done thanks to the display that it can work with. With this a digital display will work to help with controlling the frequency the transmitter works with. When the proper frequency is set the user can tune to that frequency to hear the player.

Another useful material is a car charger. A charger can plug into the electrical outlet and attach itself to the battery charging jack of the iPod. Many of these chargers can work in conjunction with an FM transmitter. This helps to get the iPod played while it is being charged. This is useful in that it can keep an iPod playing on longer car trips.

Being able to get the iPod properly held in a car is important. It helps to see what types of holders can be used. There are some holders that can use clips to attach onto an A/C vent in the car. Another works with an adhesive that helps to get it attached to a dashboard. Each of these accessories will work with different types of iPods.

No matter what type of accessory is used it will help to see what accessories work with certain models. IPods of different generations can handle different accessories. Some iPods that are smaller in size like the Shuffle or Nano may need their own accessories. Some accessories can work with the iPhone.

Be sure to check out these useful iPod car accessories. They work in that they can help with getting an iPod to properly work in a car. This makes these useful for those who travel by car often and want to use their iPods. Numerous types of iPod devices can work with these accessories too. - 32617

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Get More Ipod Accessories For Car

By Max Groom

So many people love their iPods. They are great for enjoying your favorite music. IPods are really popular and since they are, there are also many iPod accessories for car and other vehicles that you can now buy. So many are available online and if you know where to look you can actually find some great deals on them.

Most people take their iPods everywhere these days. The car is one of the most popular places to listen to the Ipod. The accessories choices that are available are enormous. Pretty much anything you can possibly need to think of is available.

One of the most popular items that are available are battery charging adapters so that you do not run out of battery before you get home. When you are taking long car rides these are essential to keeping your favorite music going for the entire ride. Most iPod batteries do not last that long so these are great things that you should really invest in.



There are many customizable iPod holders that are available to buy for the car. These help the iPod to not slide around while you drive and get ruined. Your iPod will be much safer in the car this way.

Docking kits are also great to invest in. They will also help your iPod from getting damaged and they will also help you reach it easier in your car. Dash mounts are also great for helping you to get good access to your iPod while you are driving.

You can also get special protectors for your iPod so that your iPod does not get broken or damaged. They come in many color and styles and can be customized any way you want them to be. They can easily be clipped onto your pocket or your purse. Some are even water resistant or water proof so that you don't get it damaged with water.

Being a fairly large investment, you don't want your iPod to become broken or destroyed. Protect it as best you can with great iPod accessories for car and other vehicles. Just go online and research all of the different accessories that you can buy. Find a website that has low shipping and handling and fast shipping. There are so many on the internet that are very reputable websites. It is really worth checking them out. - 32617

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Ipod Update Do I Require It

By Max Groom

If you say iPod to someone, they will know what it is. An iPod unit is a blend of a digital media player and a computer hard drive. The combination created by Apple Computer is a popular item for many. Small in size, the original unit was about the size of a deck of cards. Some of the models are smaller than that now. There are different models of iPod. All models will require an iPod update on occasion to get the latest software from Apple.

There are four different models of iPods. There are the iPod Classic, iPod Nano, iPod Shuffle and the latest, iPod Touch. They all offer music listening abilities. However only a few models of iPod offer video viewing capabilities. One of the units can hold up to forty thousand songs in its music library. For a fee, a user can download music at the iTunes store.

Updates are easy for any owner to obtain. They are crucial to the keeping the iPod operation at full capacity. Some updates are free and some have a cost.

The latest model, the iPod Touch offers an update for four dollars and ninety nine cents. This update can offer the user many different features that are not on the initial unit. Some of the features offered are a shake and shuffle. This option allows the user to give the unit a shake and the songs will automatically shuffle and change around. The unit will be able to automatically connect to wireless internet.

Parental control is a useful update to the system. As the system has wireless internet, a parent can set controls that will monitor the content the child is viewing. It can also block inappropriate material. There are many more features available in this latest update.

Each unit is offered updates periodically. The user should hook their unit to the computer and open the iTunes store. The iTunes system will suggest an update if it is needed for the unit. The user should get the updates as needed as it will only improve the quality of the iPod experience.

Obtaining an ipod update is a good way to have the latest software from Apple. These updates will ensure the customer's satisfaction with the iPod product as the iPod will function the best that it can. These updates vary. Some are free and some updates require a fee. It appears that the updates are worthwhile for any iPod owner to obtain. - 32617

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How To Decide On Your New Ipod Car Adapter

By Max Groom

Constantly listening to cds or the radio when you are in the car can eventually be tiresome, especially if the same songs repeat over and over. For this reason, some people decide to bring their ipods and use them to play music through the car speakers instead. If you want to try this, you need to have an ipod car adapter. Depending on the media docks you have on your car, you may need different types, so examine the boxes to find one that meets your needs correctly.

Consider checking out the different brands and types that are available online. This can give you a way to price and compare them. You can also look at different adapters at the electronics store and see for yourself what the differences in adapters can be. The best option is to find and buy the correct ipod car adapter and then have it installed, if you need to.

If you want an adapter that can go from car to car, or even for other settings with a stereo, think about getting a radio adapter. Remember that wherever you don't have good radio reception, you might not get the best quality of sound. However, these are affordable and come at a reasonable price at least.

Do you have a cassette tape player in your vehicle? Try a tape adapter instead. You can make use of the rewind and fast forward buttons for skipping songs in this case. This can be a useful option, which you wouldn't have if you used the radio adapter. The other great part is that you will not have any sound issues like you would with a radio adapter.

For cars with CD players, you can consider using the RCA port that is located in the back of the stereo. This can take a little effort, however. You have to remove your stereo and then plug your ipod adapter in, one side in your ipod and the other two sides in the jacks that are in the stereo itself. You can usually get these type of adapters for pretty cheap.

Regardless of what you pick, you should consider whether or not it will work properly with the type of car that you have. Most adapters will list if they are universal or compatible or not. Also consider the other uses of the ipod car adapter that you may be purchasing.

Previously, ipod car adapters were only capable of playing your music in your car while you were driving. Now some of them are also equipped to do things like charge your ipod while the music is playing. They can be a little more pricey, but if you are concerned about your ipod dying while you are on the road for long amounts of time, or if you just need your ipod charged consistently, they can be a great option. Try to think of all of the options available and then pick one that will give you great sound quality for a reasonable price.

- 32617

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