5. Join a link co-op. Co-ops such as one found at http://www.digitalpoint.com/ are an amazing source of valuable back links and free advertisement. What is a co op network? A Co op network is a network of site owners/webmasters that offer ad space to network. In return, ads they define are displayed across entire network. The best part of ad networks such as one found at digital point, is, they are free. Having your site in a co-op can literally mean thousands of back links for your site.

6. Buying ezine ads is a paid method of advertising, but it works, because it is most targeted of these approaches. Write a concise ad for your business, and link to either a lead-capture page or directly to your autoresponder. Then, begin contacting ezines to place your ad. (Do a search for “ezine directories,” and you will find enough lists to keep you busy.) When you contact an ezine, look for rates for both classified ads and solo ads. The advantage to a solo ad is that your ad goes out by itself in a separate email, but they can be more expensive. Because these ads are targeted (you should NOT advertise in an unrelated ezine), you will definitely see traffic, but you will need to track your results to see which ezines bring you most and best traffic.

7. Ad Swaps can be an exellent source of advertising. Start by writing some killer copy (to coin a phrase...there are many free articles and ebooks writen on subject). Simply use your favorite search engine and type in...how to write ad copy. I googled this as I am wriying this and it showed 12,400,000 results. WOW! Once you have your ad written, search out Ezines that are in same catagory as your business or service. Again use your favorite web search. Build yourself a list of ezines and then email them asking if they except ad swaps. Include your ad in your corrospondance with ezines so they can see what you are offering. Another place to check for ezines is to type in Ezine directories in your seach engine. Look up ezines in your catagory of business or service. Most listings will tell you if they except ad swaps and peramiters of ad such as how many lines and how many characters per line. Don't forget to ad your website url in your ad.

If you want to have a successful site, whether-it-be a hobby or for business, you have to understand how search engines work. Part of that understanding, is knowing about link development. Maybe in early 90’s idea of “if you build it they will come” might have been true. But in year 2005 internet is a far more competitive and complex place. To be successful today, you have to work at it. Without a quality source of back links search engines will all but ignore your site.

HOW do I identify right opportunity for me? Don't sign up for an opportunity because it has a nice website or a good sales letter/email. Do investigate six key criteria: Product, Cost, Company, Commission, Administration and Sales.

Make sure that you're completely happy with each of these areas and you'll avoid any nasty surprises.

WHERE should I set up shop? Keep costs down by working from home. The power of internet means that you can tap into world market working from your spare room in your pyjamas. You can work offline if you want using leaflets, brochures, direct mail etc. - but don't limit yourself geographically.

WHO should I be working with? Obviously you're star of show. It's your business and you will enjoy a much higher degree of autonomy than would be available in almost any job. You're not entirely isolated though, and finding right people to work with is very important.

Pick a good company to work with. Ideally one that's been around for a while and which provides good training and support. Selecting right company to partner with will significantly increase your chances of success and minimise probability of being scammed.

Most scammers and con artists tend not to stick around too long. They make their money and then move on before they get caught - so choosing to work with an established company is always a good idea if you want to reduce risk.

Another key player is person who recruited you or introduced you to opportunity. They may be referred to as your "upline", "team leader", "sponsor", "mentor" etc. depending upon company that you're working with.

This person doesn't need to be at very top of business. If they were then they might find it difficult to find time to help you. However, they should be experienced and willing to help. Exchange emails with them, talk on phone and see how responsive they are. If they're not right for you then you can always get involved in same opportunity but with a different mentor.

Finally, you will build your own team or "downline". Try to be a good sponsor to your team members and help them out as much as you can. Remember - just because you introduced them to business you're not their boss. Offer them advice and encouragement but don't forget that they came into your opportunity to have their own business - just as you did.

Hamish Hayward http://www.perfectsystem.co.uk/