Let me try reading your mind. You're thinking, "What? Google proof my site with links? I thought links helped Google rank my pages higher?"
And you're absolutely right. They do.
But links do something else. They give you a backup source of traffic for those days, weeks, or months when Google spasms out. Something content alone can't do.
So while content and on-page optimization count, to me links are what separates the men from the boys.
Now links come in three flavors:
Directory Links
Reciprocal Links
One Way Links
Let's briefly cover each.
====> Directory Links
Unlike some, I'm not especially enamoured with directory links. For me their role has been to serve as the initial link(s) for a site so Google can find it. Other than that I find them more trouble than they're worth. Unless they're specifically targeted to your niche.
Still if you gotta have some let's round up the usual free or "for fee" suspects:
www.joeant.com
www.jayde.com
www.goguides.org
www.skaffe.com
www.dmoz.org
www.bluefind.com
Simply pony up some cash for express review and you can get yourself decent directory links in no time.
====> Reciprocal Links
Reciprocal links cost you nothing but time. They're pretty much forever. And if your site is link worthy, that is has decent content and pagerank (PR), you should have no trouble getting at least a third of those you approach to swap links with you.
Even better each link back to your site has the potential to deliver up a heapin’ helpin’ of
PR
Traffic
Link reputation (from the link text)
Since they're there for the asking, make sure you're spending a couple hours a week soliciting link trades.
====> One Way Links
Some feel one way links carry more ranking firepower. I'm not so sure. But there are many ways to get one way links. My two favorites? Articles and rented links.
Article Links
I know every one and his dead dog touts article marketing as a way to gain exposure, links and presumably traffic. But they really do work. Maybe not overnight. But if you hang in there you'll find you can build your online reputation and create a steady stream of traffic to your site too.
Yet their real fire power is unleashed if they appear in ezines read by your prospects.
Also when I'm on the prowl for link partners, I keep my eyes open for anything that would suggest the site posts guest articles. When I find one, I fire off the link swap request and submit an article. Hey, a two-fer!
Now if you don't have the skill or inclination to write articles you can have them ghost written. Or if you want a turn key solution complete with a guarantee of 20 inbound links, you can have the articles written and promoted for you by www.promotewitharticles.com.
Rented Links
Notice the choice of terms. I prefer to look at links I pay for, ostensibly as "advertising" (wink wink), as rented links. Rented since they aren't forever unless you choose them to be a permanent part of your marketing plan.
Not only that, they are a great way to jumpstart the PR of a newer site. Making it infinitely easier to land reciprocal links. Which once accomplished frees you to jettison the rented ones!
Two ways you can go. You can use a link broker:
www.textlinkbrokerage.com
www.linkadage.com
www.linkxperts.com
www.text-link-ads.com
Somewhat safer in that you have someone else besides the webmaster to look to if something goes awry.
Yet if you're more adventuresome and willing to dig a bit you may discover some very cost effective text links.
For example this week in just 10 minutes I found a PR 5 site selling text link advertising for $15 a month. I jumped on that like a duck on a wounded June bug. Also found a site with PR 7 links for just $75 a month. Again, I didn't think twice about signing up for that bargain either.
Just remember when it comes to buying links "you pays your money you takes your chance". One friend confided he had spent $300/month on links and the promised PR 7 never materialized once PR updated. I invested less but from what I can see also got squat in the PR department too with a recent rental for a newer site.
Still when it works out rented links can have an almost magical affect on your rankings.
Anyway there you go. Three ways to get links that when coupled with optimized content can make your site an unstoppable traffic magnet. While making it Google proof to boot.
Okay so you started your home based business. The next thing most home based business owners think of is when I am going to make some sales to start making some money? Well if everyone knew the answer to this question 97% of home based business would not end in failure. There are ways out there to increase your chances of getting leads to more qualified prospects. Putting yourself in alignment with receiving some of those more qualified leads can go a long way in determining success or failure as a home based business owner.
Strategy #1: Track Your Advertising Campaigns
Many advanced back offices of certain home based business opportunities will have a feature in which you can track your advertising campaigns. Take advantage of this tool and maximize it to help you see where your time and money should be going towards when marketing your business. If you do not have access to a comprehensive back office there is still ways to track your advertising. Simply ask your leads how they found out about you and most importantly find out which feature of your ad drew them to yours over other ads. Remember time is money, so channel your efforts in terms of advertising to those options that have proved successful in the past.
Strategy #2: Identify a Target Market
As a home based business owner we would love to believe that everyone has an interest in our product. Unfortunately this way of thinking becomes the demise of many businesses not just ones in the home business area. Try unique ways to market your product to your target audience rather then trying to appeal to a mass audience. Have confidence in your product and most importantly in your demographic to which you are trying to sell. Successful entrepreneurs have the confidence that their marketing strategies will change the game and leads will pour in as a result. Without this confidence it leads one to grasp at straws and market to anyone and everyone who will listen.
Strategy #3: Offer Incentives for Referrals
When people think incentive they think money. It is true our society is driven by the power of green. However I suggest tailoring your incentive to the interests and hobbies of those who give you a referral. This will keep you fresh in their mind and they will think of you whenever they look at what they bought with your gift certificate to their favorite boutique or department store. Also these types of gifts in general show more thought and in a sales environment people will refer their friends and family to someone they trust. We all need help getting our home based business off the ground so do not be ashamed to ask for help in the form of referrals, you will be surprised how willing people are to help you grow your business.
(1 Timothy 6:10 NIV) For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.
Somehow the Church seems to have gotten the idea into their head that being rich is a sin. Christians tend to look at verses like this one and say to themselves, "Money is evil".
This is a classic mistake. The scripture doesn't say that money is evil, rather that the LOVE of it is evil. It doesn't say that ALL people seeking money will wander away from the faith, merely that SOME who have an improper desire for money have fallen away.
Jesus spent money. Jesus paid taxes. Jesus had a man who carried the purse that held money for his ministry. Jesus received money for his ministry. Jesus knew that money was a necessary tool to accomplish things in this world.
Our attitude toward money ought to be that it is gospel fuel. The more money we make the more we can contribute toward establishing God's kingdom in this world. Christian's ought to be the lenders, not the borrowers. We ought to be helping to feed, clothe and house those in need.
If you look throughout the bible you'll quickly see that God used finances as a blessing to those he found worthy. God has definitely not rejected his own character. He still blesses people today with finances when he approves of them.
Tim Russ is the Publisher of Candle Light Magazine. If you liked this article you'll find more at http://www.clmag.com.
If you have asthma, managing it is an important part of your life. Controlling your asthma symptoms means staying away from things that bother your airways and taking medicines as directed by your doctor. If you have asthma, it is important to learn how to take care of yourself and learn what natural remedies can help you and what diet will reduce your asthma symptoms.
It is important that you work with your doctor to make an action plan that you are both happy with. As part of this, you will need to:
* Tell your doctor about all other medications, drugs, and natural remedies you are taking, in case one of them affects your asthma.
* Follow your asthma action plan and have regular checkups.
* Learn to use your medication correctly. Ask your doctor to teach you how to use your inhaler. This is very important. If inhalers are not used correctly, less medication gets into the airways.
You also need to learn to identify and avoid the things that can worsen or trigger your asthma symptoms. These include:
* If animal dander is a problem for you, keep your pet out of the house and/or at least out of your bedroom and wash your pet often, or find it a new home.
* Do not smoke or allow smoking in your home.
* If pollen is a problem for you, stay indoors with the air conditioner on when the pollen count is high.
* To control dust mites, wash your sheets, blankets, pillows, and stuffed toys once a week in hot water. You can get special dust proof covers for your mattress and pillows.
* To prevent colds and flu keep your immune system up and strong by taking natural remedies.
* If you get asthma when you exercise or do routine physical activities like climbing stairs, work with your doctor to find ways to be active without having asthma symptoms. Physical activity is important.
* Try to keep humidity levels in the home between 30 and 50 percent. High humidity can promote growth of biological agents that may trigger asthma episodes. Use exhaust fans or open windows in the kitchen or bathroom areas when cooking, using the dishwasher, or taking showers. Make sure clothes dryers are vented to the outdoors, and use a dehumidifier in the basement if necessary.
* Avoid using humidifiers
* Minimize exposure to combustion particles and gases that can cause breathing difficulties for people with asthma. Have combustion-powered furnaces, stoves, or heaters checked yearly to make sure they are operating properly. Change furnace filters according to the manufacturer's instructions, or every month or two during periods of use.
* Avoid sprays like deodorants, perfumes, or air fresheners, odours from paint
* Keep the house clean to reduce allergens like microscopic dust mites, pollen, and animal dander. Use an allergen-proof comforter and encase mattresses and box springs in vinyl covers. Wash bedding frequently in hot (130°F) water. Try to eliminate cockroaches. Try to keep pets out of the bedrooms of family members with asthma. Use a high-efficiency vacuum system that is vented to the outside to clean the house. If possible, remove the carpeting, drapes, and all upholstered furniture from the bedrooms of those suffering from asthma.
Finally, you should adopt a healthy lifestyle. Eat a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables and low in fats and sugars, get enough rest, exercise regularly, try to find ways to manage stress in your life. And, find out what natural remedies will help you reduce your asthma attacks and symptoms.
If your asthma seems to be getting worse, see your doctor. You may need to change your medication or do other things to get your asthma under control.
Rudy Silva is a Natural Nutritionist. To learn more about using natural remedies for asthma go to: http://www.natural-remedies-thatwork.com/asthma1
What we think we know about acne is steadily being replaced by what scientists are learning. Meanwhile, many myths continue to circulate and endure. Clearing up some of the misunderstandings about acne is what this article is about.
Myth #1: Acne only affects appearance
Acne can also cause deep psychological distress. Severe acne can lead to low self-image and feeling depressed. There is a strong link between severe acne and social withdrawal.
Myth #2: Acne is caused by poor hygiene
While skin infections are associated with acne, lack of cleanliness is not the reason for acne outbreaks. The combination of oil and dead cells which produce acne is located beneath the skin's surface where it is impossible to clean it away. Gentle cleansing with soap and water once or twice daily will keep your skin as healthy as possible. Scrubing too hard may worsen acne.
Myth #3: Acne is caused by specific foods
Chocolate has long had a reputation as a pimple producer. Studies have shown no scientific evidence that this is true. The same holds true for potato chips and sugar. There are some foods that do seem to aggravate (not cause) the condition: milk and foods high in iodine, such as seafood.
Myth #4: Acne has to run its course
There are many acne treatments available both over-the-counter and stronger medicines from a dermatologist.
Myth #5: The more acne medicine the better
Some people believe that if their acne gets worse they should just use more medicine. That's a bad idea because medicines can be dangerous when taken in large quantities. Excess use of acne ointments may just irritate the skin further.
Myth #6: Sunbathing is good for acne
Exposure to the sun dries out excess oils, so it does improve acne short-term. However, long-term the skin adapts and the acne is unfazed. Worse, there is scientific evidence that sun exposure damages the skin and increases the chance of skin cancer.
Myth #7: Makeup causes acne
Some makeup products can clog the pores, which is bad for the health of your skin. Cosmetics that are labeled "noncomedogenic" or "nonacnegenic" are safe to use. Some brands are made with ingredients that actually treat acne.
Myth #8: Acne is only a teenage condition
While most teens have acne, so do many adults. Acne generally clears up by the early 20s. But some people experience acne for the first time as late as their 40s. And for the most unfortunate of all, some people endure acne flare-ups their entire lives.
Myth #9: Acne is related to sex
We've probably all heard that either celibacy or too much sex causes pimples. There is no evidence for this. There is a link between sexual activity and hormone production, but the relationship between sex and the production of sebum (the oily substance which combines with dead skin cells to cause acne) is not known. Stress and anger also affect hormone levels.
Myth #10: Popping pimples is the best way to get rid of them
The fact is popping pimples may worsen acne by spreading the bacteria that is causing it. Popping can also lead to eventual scarring, which in severe cases, can be permanent.
Visit http://www.relief4acne.com to learn more. Ron King is a full-time researcher, writer, and web developer, see http://www.ronxking.com