The WebSiteMarketingPlan.com Network News, March 18, 2004

After putting Take-Payments-Online.com in suspended animation for months, I have finally written some fresh content for the site. Those with ecommerce as a site objective often wonder about options for accepting credit cards and other payments online. The new section helps with the decision by giving an overview of online, third party payment processors. The section also includes specific pros, cons, etc. of three different programs:

“Taking Online Payments Through Third Party Payment Processors
Third party online payment processors offer a variety of online payment options without the expense of a merchant account. The article gives an overview of third party services and advice about deciding what program is best for your situation.

“Taking Credit Card Payments with PayPal”
Explains fees, advantages, drawbacks, and other considerations when using PayPal as a credit card processor.

“Accepting Payments Online through 2CheckOut.com
Explains advantages, drawbacks, and other considerations when using 2CheckOut.com as a third party payment processor.

“Taking Online Payments with Clickbank.com”
Explains issues to consider when using Clickbank.com to accept payments online and as an affiliate program administrator.

Speaking of Website objectives, ecommerce is not the only possible Website function. There are other ways to expand your business with a site. “Marketing Objectives for Your Website” explains different business models to consider when developing your marketing plan and/or site strategy.

Another, longer term aspect to consider when conducting business online is branding. In “9 Ways to Communicate a Rock-Solid Identity“, Bob Baker explains how various aspects of site structure and marketing program choice can enhance your brand image.

Website Marketing Plan News, March 4, 2004

There are some new articles for you today at PublicRelationsArticles.com and MarketingPlanArticles.com. Both sites have a new look and I’d be interested in hearing your input. Please send your feedback by hitting “reply” or send to newsletterfeedback@websitemarketingplan.com

St. Louis Area Sidebar…

If you are interested in Web sales and marketing and will be in the St. Louis area, you may want to consider attending the St. Louis Publishers Association meeting next Wednesday, March 10. There’ll be a three person Web marketing panel (including yours truly). Admission is free for members; $5 for non-members: http://www.StLouisPublishers.org
The meeting is at 7:00 pm in the Richmond Heights Community Center, 8001 Dale Avenue. That’s just south of I-64/40 and immediately east of Hanley Road. Doors open and networking begins at 6:30 pm. Meetings are from 7 to 9 pm.
New Articles…
“The Four Seasons of Publicity” by Bill Moller tells how to put together a year round publicity plan and why it can help your business. There is also some new content on the PublicRelationsArticles.com home page, including ideas for press release subjects.

David Frey’s “Seven-Step One-Day Marketing Plan” is a help to those of you who tend to skip planning in favor of “doing”. Kind of like having your cake and eating it too!