I have a problem. I cannot seem to work on projects linearly - one or two at a time. Instead, I go in 15 directions, then "bam!" everything hits all at once. That's what happened this week. Consequently, I have a lot of things for you today - a strategy article on brainstorming, an extremely nifty "Make Your Own Business" tutorial, a tactics article about cross promoting, and a f*ree ready-made Website for each of you. More details farther on. But first...(drum roll, please)...

WebSiteMarketingPlan.com has been accepted into iCOP - the International Council of Online Professionals. iCOP members have passed stringent acceptance criteria and are bound by professional and ethical business practices. You can learn more here.

I also got a new Logo for the site. Those who have given me feedback say that  it makes the site look more professional. A professional Logo for your Website really does make a difference on how your business is perceived. This one was only $25 from GotLogos.com. I was so excited about the value I went back and bought another for my new site, www.WebMarketingPlace.com .

With all that is happening in this issue, it is a good one to share with friends and colleagues. Please consider forwarding to those you think may have an interest.

Bobette

P.S. I can better tailor the newsletter contents if I know your interests. Please take a moment to flesh out your profile through the link at the bottom (This is also where you can change your newsletter format or - gasp! - be removed from the list.).

Strategy Article
Brainstorming with Props - Goodie Bags and The WSJ
by Bobette Kyle

When developing new strategies or products, coming up with unique ideas is often a struggle. One way to generate new ideas and "get the creative juices flowing" is by brainstorming.

Read the full article.

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WebSiteMarketingPlan.com rose from zero visitors to a top 1% Alexa ranking* in only four months. My Marketing Plan Guide explains the process. Excerpt and table of contents here:
http://www.websitemarketingplan.com/BookExcerpt.htm

*According to an Alexa spokesperson, the service ranks about 20 million sites.

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Search Engine Positioning
Earlier this month, as a subscriber to the Market Position newsletter, I was offered a discount on their Web Position Gold 2 software. I had been keeping track of search engine rankings with just a spreadsheet, so - thinking it is time to get more sophisticated - I bought it.

So far, the most intriguing feature is the Page Critic. Choose a keyword and search engine to optimize for, and the software will analyze your page and make suggestions for improvement. I ran it on two pages...will let you in on results later on. If you want to take a look "under the hood" with no obligation to purchase, take advantage of the free 30 day trial.

"Make Your Own Business" Tutorial
Several of you took advantage of Paul Myer's List Building Tutorial. Since publishing the tutorial, Paul's been very busy. This time he's developed a "Make Your Own Business" tutorial. It is incredibly nifty and detailed. You answer some questions about experience and interest, then Paul sends you a customized, detailed tutorial for starting your own online business. As with the list tutorial, this one includes complimentary subscriptions to Paul's TalkBiz News and this newsletter (To avoid double subscriptions, just use the same email under which you are already subscribed.) Check out the tutorial here.

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Do you want to build your list...fast?

Paul Myer's Amazing List Machine shows you how.

It is often a challenge to attract targeted, interested visitors to your Website. There are several ways to do this, one of which is to cross-promote your site through affiliate programs - participating in and offering your own. Article includes research resources.

Read the full article.

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Your own directory site. No cost to you. - You own, you customize, and you fill with your own affiliate links.

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F~ree Ready-made Website
I recently partnered with Ken McArthur and Jim Daniels in developing the Affiliate Showcase Directory www.WebMarketingPlace.com. Through the site, I can offer you a free directory of your own. Your site is already set up - you just replace the directory links with your own and advertise it as your own site. Monthly membership options are available as well, but you can't beat the fr~ee option. Learn more and get your site here.

St. Louis Business Section
I will be adding a resource section for St. Louis, MO area businesses. It is pitiful now, but will shape up over time. Resources must be business oriented and have a St. Louis connection. Have a look.

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Administrative Notes
This newsletter is available in HTML and Text versions. You can change your version by clicking the Topica link at the end, adjusting your profile, and saving changes.
* How one gets onto the mailing list.
An email address is added to the newsletter mailing list only by request. This happens in one of three ways. Someone (hopefully you or someone acting on your behalf)...
1) typed and submitted the address into a subscription form or the list building tutorial on http://www.WebSiteMarketingPlan.com.
2) sent an email to: subscribe@WebSiteMarketingPlan.com.
3) sent an email to: WebSiteMarketingPlan-subscribe@topica.email-publisher.com

If you are a member of this newsletter's list and no longer wish to be, please ask to be removed.
* Do this by:
1) clicking the Topica Email Publisher link at the bottom of your emailed newsletter, checking the "unsubscribe" button in your profile, and saving the change.
2) sending an email to: unsubscribe@WebSiteMarketingPlan.com or
3) sending an email asking you be removed to: bobette@WebSiteMarketingPlan.com.

Copyright 2002 Bobette Kyle. You may forward this newsletter - in its entirety - to others.