You can see how I did this by visiting:

http://www.freeclassifiedlinks.com/recsites.html

I only recommend something I believe in, that has personally worked for me or someone I trust.

If product is full of hype and not up to my standards of excellence, I will not put it on my recommendation page. Period.

Here is a quick start guide to getting your own recommendation page up and turning a profit:

- Compile a list of your favorite products and services within your niche

- If product/service has an affiliate program, be sure to join up.

- Tell your customers about this page. (You can do this with newsletter subscribers as well)

If someone trusts you enough to buy your products, it is very likely they will buy something you recommend.

If you are struggling to find something positive to say about one of these products/services, that should be an instant red flag. You should only recommend products you have purchased and believe in.

Never compromise your customer's trust in you. Trading money for a damaged reputation can be fatal to your online business.

Once you lose someone's trust, you can never truly gain it back. This can mean lost sales and profits for your business.

Try putting this simple plan into action, and I can almost guarantee that you will be thrilled with results.

Copyright © 2005 Jason Tarasi

Branding should be part of your annual marketing/advertising expense budget. The Small-Business Administration advises entrepreneurs to use 5% of gross sales on advertising, but that varies depending on sales volume and location.

Everyone Has a Brand

“Everyone has a brand, like it or not,” adds John Melchinger, The Marketing Coach™. “You have one. It may not be one you want and you may not be nurturing it, but it's yours nevertheless. Not to shape your brand rigorously and nurture it is to leave it to your public to decide. That is much less effective alternative.”

Building Your Brand

The purpose of this exercise is to create a short message people will remember whenever they think about you. When part of a coordinated marketing plan, your professional identity brand will drive customers to your business. You will also need to give some thought to which medium to use.

Example: This is Joe Financial Advisor’s brand identity. It’s deceptively simple, yet sends a compelling message to his target market, Tool