So how would you reply to that question if you were asked today?

Inquiry #2: Which affiliate programs work best for you?

Here's one you'll undoubtedly see a lot. Wise marketers know that in order to make money as an affiliate they need to first join right programs. Why not go right to folks who see it all? That's right, ezine publishers.

And this question can present a great opportunity for ANY marketer. Why not set up a web page at your site that shares results you are achieving with affiliate programs you've joined. Not only is this a great way to help fellow marketers, it can help you as well. If there is a 2nd tier to any of affiliate programs you're in, you can offer to help these folks if they join under you.

Contrary to popular belief, signing up other resellers into two-tier programs CAN be profitable. How do I know?

One program I promote has reached $1000 a month on second tier alone. And it's all because I've done exactly what I described above. You just can't beat automatic income like this. Once you've brought 2nd tier affiliates in and showed them how to work it, money you earn is effortless. And all they did was ask you what programs are working for you.

But how would you reply to that question if you were asked today?

Inquiry #3: Who do you use for web hosting?

This is another question you'll see quite often, and it's simplest one to answer. But rather than just tell them who you use, why not sign up as a reseller for web hosting company first. Then you'll be able to send folks to your reseller page and start growing a residual income.

If your web host does not offer a reseller program, work out a deal with them. Most will be receptive to paying a percentage to you as a referral fee. Just be sure to work out a deal where you earn a monthly residual and NOT a one-time referral commission like some hosts pay. There's much more money in monthly commissions and every time you refer a new customer your own income will grow.

For those of you who think this may not be worth effort, think again. I've managed to grow monthly residuals from one major web hosting company to tune of $4,000 a month. Now that's not bad for simply answering that question each time it comes along.

How would you reply to that question if you were asked today?

In closing...

All online marketers can and should take a lesson from ezine publishers. After all, if your website is set up effectively, you'll be receiving an ever-growing number of inquiries from your site too. And exactly how you handle them can make or break future of your business.

Take a look at questions you've received so far. If you're just getting started, consider what questions your visitors MIGHT ask. Then think about how you will answer them. If you can plug an income stream into your answer, why no do it? After all, you'd be helping your visitors by offering an answer AND a solution. And that's a great way to grow long-term profits at ANY site.

"Do you need advice selecting stocks? Put our 10 years of experience to work for you. Browse our past picks and current recommendations."

And my own example which pops up in first two seconds...

"Anyone can start a home-based business online and earn high income. I've been doing it since 1996 and I'll show you exactly how -- for free."

#3: Get them onto your opt-in list(s) so that you can form a lasting relationship with them...

This is single most effective way to hang onto your visitors. Hey, getting traffic is tough, don't let visitors get away without offering to stay in touch. And no, you don't have to publish a full email newsletter, but offer something! Here's a great example...

A few years ago I visited a retail site which offered a "monthly specials" email list. Sign-up was free so I took a few seconds and joined. Every month for three years I received their monthly email. Out of 35 or so I received, I probably deleted 30 without even reading them. Yet one month I noticed a product I had been looking for, and at right price, right in subject line. Guess what? I opened message, clicked to site and bought it. While I was there, I also spent $300 on a digital camera.

As you can clearly see from that example, regular email contact pays off. If not today, maybe next week - or next year. The cost of staying in touch is tiny compared to long-term rewards.

As to exactly how to get them signed up, there are lots of ways to do it. A simple "formmail" fill-out form will allow you to add their email address to your private in-house list. Or, you can try using a pop-up window that gives something of value in exchange for their contact information. However you decide to pull it off, just do it!

And one last tip on this... don't ask a million questions in your sign-up form. Visitors may be interested in what you're offering, but may shy away if they have to reveal too much information about themselves. A lead is a lead. Ask for their name and email address only. If you scare them away, they may never be back.

In closing...

Remember, your web site is first thing many people will ever discover about your business. Make your first impression unique, irresistible, and make it last for years!