The vast majority of Newsletter publishers don't write their own content and even those who do still need outside input, 'guest articles'. The problem is getting noticed because there are a lot of people writing articles now. One of keys to getting loyal publishers who keep using your articles is to have a fairly constant output - at least one new article every 2 weeks. Publishers like to use articles from 'regulars' - writers who they have published before and who they can count on for more articles in future.

Joshua: Yeah, that's been my experience too. Each time I submit, I'm finding that new editors are using them. You also mentioned 'name branding' earlier. Is this a vital ingredient to one's eventual web success?

Michael:

Yes, I think it is important. You could also call it 'Establishing an Audience' or 'Building Credibility'. The reason it's important is that people have become very wary on Internet (because of all scams). If someone lands up at your website and they have never heard of you before, chances are they won't buy anything. But if they have seen your name over and over again, as author of helpful articles - then you have a potential customer.

Joshua: Related to this is another 'payoff' for writer: Resource Box -- your ad. What do you think is most effective strategy here?

Michael:

Well, this really is an art in itself. It's as important as article itself. Here's a valuable tip: if you're using your Resource Box to promote your eBook, don't mention eBook! Instead, create a free report (1 or 2 chapters of your eBook) and offer that from your Resource Box. When I started doing this, my sales tripled overnight.

Joshua: Wow. So, we shouldn't try to sell anything here. We should promote a free information product that captures their email addresses. In your opinion, Michael, does this work best by sending them to your site to sign up, or going with a 'mailto' address, or both?

Michael:

Well, I have to say that I've had bad experiences with putting my email address in my Resource Box. The spammers got hold of it (or rather email harvesters). The email address was ept-subscribe@ followed by my domain name and I still get dozens of emails every week that say 'Hello ept-subscribe'. The best method here is sending them to a sign-up form where they have to enter a valid email address because they'll be receiving an email a few seconds later with download details for your free report.

Joshua: You've had tremendous success online. In your opinion, is there such a thing as an *Internet Secret*, some magical formula for easy web success?

Michael:

Most of succeeding online is just sheer perseverance. But I would also recommend reading as much as possible. There's really masses of information on how to succeed on web. Having a mentor is also a key to success (I've had a few).

Joshua: Me too. This has been great, Michael. I really appreciate your input. Thank you.

Michael:

It was my pleasure.

Joshua: Any last tips or comments?

Michael:

Do what you're passionate about, follow your bliss. Because people will pick up on it and it will take you anywhere you want to go. But one still needs to persevere. Successful people are people who have learned to deal with failure.

The best first step in target marketing is to take at least 10 minutes and make a list of potential prospects. Write down everyone you can think of who would benefit from using your product, or by joining your business. Don't hold back. Remember, you can always go back and edit this list.

Once you have everyone down on paper, it's easier to visualize and organize what direction your marketing should go. This is a vital blueprint to a strong business foundation.

Now, go down through your list and number these prospects based on how interested each group would be. If you're not sure, write down benefits your business would have next to each target.

Once you feel comfortable with order, you can just start at number one! This list can be modified as you learn more about your own product, and as you find hottest leads on your list.

If your goal is to build a hugely successful business, target marketing is one of best ways to narrow your focus. This will save you A LOT of energy so that your marketing efforts do not fall on deaf ears.