Why You Should Think Thrice Before Taking a Dedicated Server

 

We are all prone to wanting more in almost everything life offers. This is also common to buying website hosting - we want more. More hosting space, more processing power, more RAM and more bandwidth as well. We want a bigger, meaner machine which has all the bells and whistles that your money can buy. But we rarely stop to think, whether we really need it and whether that is really the solution to everything. This article tries to reason why you should rethink your purchase of a Dedicated Server for your website or web application.

Misled by Developers

The most common cause of goofing up a dedicated server decision is due to being misled by your software developers or designers. Many a time, they have no clue how much of the resources they will really need and want to save themselves the trouble of migrating your data at a later stage, hence they coax you into believing that you need a monster configuration server which will magically solve all your problems. The less experienced the developer is, the less empirical or statistical evidence he will show you, for justifying the purchase. 3 years back, we received an email from a friend, asking us for a very high configuration machine. When we realized he was being guided by his developer, we suggested that they do a trial run on a small 5 GB shared hosting account. Till date, they have not needed more than that and are very happy we saved them the huge expenditure.

Warped Estimates

Before we suggest a Dedicated Server, we request the client to send us an estimate of his requirements and how he has come to that conclusion. Most of the time, the client has made wrong calculations and drastically changed the entire estimation by using predicted figures, which may not actually work in a production environment. This may mean that he has either under-estimated the requirement and will need to upgrade the server in the short term or he has overestimated the requirements and goes for an overkill solution. There are numerous benchmarking tools, which can help predict the exact amount of resources that the website or application requires and also helps test the limit of those resources.

Over-ambition

In the past few years we have often heard from atleast 10 different clients, that their future plan is to make an "online portal like Facebook". While that may seem like a very progressive thought, it is often accompanied by a lack of planning and exaggeration. Ofcourse everyone wants to be the best, but they want to do it overnight, without looking into the path travelled by the industry giants. This over ambition eclipses their decision of doing some realtime tests and then jumping into the project in full swing. We often see that those who take a dedicated server, drop the idea by the 5th or 6th month, when they realize that their requirement was miniscule or their goal is not achievable at the time.

Laziness to troubleshoot

Another common reason why people want to go in for a Dedicated Server is because they don't want to get down to the root of the issue of high resource usage, but instead would like to work around the issue by pumping in more hardware resources. A blaring example would be that of a small time ecommerce portal, which was so badly coded that the SQL queries kept getting throttled due to being slow, clumsily written and buggy. Rather than modifying the query to its optimum best, the webmaster chose to add more CPU resources by upgrading the server. This solved the problem for a few weeks, till the query started taking more time. Thereafter he went in for a better configuration server. This time, in a few weeks the same problem cropped up and he realised that the problem lay in his SQL coding and not in the server. He has now happily switched to shared hosting and has got the SQL beautifully optimized. His laziness definitely cost him time and money, but it also made him wiser for the long-term.

BMM Enterprises

Free Leads

The 7 Principles For Free Website Traffic

 

Every online business owner wants to get more website traffic free. Traffic is the lifeblood of all online businesses and if you have no traffic, it means you have no customers and that means you have no business. Without a doubt, it is vital that you have a consistent flow of website traffic if your online business is to succeed. Let's take a look at 7 basic fundamentals about free website traffic and search engine rankings.

1. Produce Quality Content.

If your website does not provide any value, the search engines will ignore it. The search engines will deliver free traffic to your website if it provides more valuable content, products or services than your competitors' websites.

2. Write A Blog.

An interesting blog that contains useful information will maintain and improve website traffic due to the fact that readers will keep returning to the blog to read the latest updates. If the blog is good, your readers will also recommend it to others within your target audience.

3. Know Your Keywords.

Know what keywords your audience use on search engines and place the primary and secondary keywords within the first and last 25 words in your page content. You should aim for about 500 words per page with between 4 and 8 keywords on it. The number of keywords on the page is called keyword density. Remember that you have to write so that it can be read by people, not just by search engines.

4. Use Social Media.

Websites such as Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Google+ can open your business to a whole new audience. If you produce high quality content that is related to your business, service, or product and people share it on social media, you can potentially get free website traffic from thousands of people.

5. Article Marketing.

Article marketing is still an effective strategy to get free website traffic, but you can't just bash out few hundred words with a link to your website and expect it to bring in a flood of traffic. Effective article marketing is about creating content that demonstrates your expertise and contains valuable and relevant information that makes the reader want to visit your website to discover more.

6. Video Marketing.

Another very powerful and effective way to increase free website traffic is video marketing. YouTube is the second largest search engine and with the easy to use technology available on tablet computers and mobile phones you can make a video and get it online easily and quickly.

7. Post New Content Regularly.

Websites that regularly publish new information typically get more website traffic free than those which don't. Ensure that you update your website with new blog posts, content articles, opinions, and audience interactions. This online activity will improve your website rankings and create more awareness of your products and services.

Online Marketing

BMM Enterprises

5 Skills You Need To Learn For Your Online Home Based Business

 

An online home business allows you to be own boss and manage your business any way you want. But there are a number of skills you to master to help your results and make your business more profitable.

1. List Building.

List building is most likely the most important component to developing a sustainable online home business. This list building process is about obtaining email addresses of potential customers and putting them into a database. Generally, a prospective customer needs to see your message 7 times before they are inclined to make a decision to purchase from you. Email marketing provides a cost effective and proven tactic to communicate with your customers.

2. Respect And Reputation.

Customers like to deal with and buy from people that they respect. If you set out to sell anything to anybody in the quickest possible time, your work from home online business will not be around for long. If you would not send an email to personal friend, then don't send it to your list. In the same way, if you would not buy a product that you are trying to sell, don't expect the people on your list to buy it.

3. Product Choice.

You can sell products created by other people or you can sell products that you have created yourself. In either case, you need to make certain that what your marketing promises that the product will deliver, is really what is provided. It only takes one poor product to damage your reputation. Verify every product or service carefully before you promote it and stay away from products that promise outlandish results in return for little or no effort.

4. Providing Value.

Think of your online home business as 'telling' rather than 'selling'. If you are always trying to sell to your audience, they will start to tune out. But if you provide useful information, video tutorials, reviews, etc to your audience, they will come to see you as an authority in your niche. People who trust your opinions and knowledge will be more prepared to buy from you.

5. Automation and Outsourcing.

Often when starting an online home business your budget is limited and you try to do everything yourself. But at your business develops, you will need to invest in software that can do jobs for you automatically and look at tasks that you can outsource to others so that you can spend more time working tasks that generate profit. Software such as an email autoreponder is an absolute necessity for your email marketing. Another example could be that you're spending hours trying to create graphics, which you could easily outsource for a minimal cost on freelance websites like Elance and oDesk.

Success

Weightloss

And the Answer Lies With? 4 Key Elements of a Home Based Business

 

I just received an email from a perspective customer or downline memberop in my personal email account. He had opted in to an online marketing opportunity that I promote . He was curious about making money online, as we all are. His email went something like this: "Do you think your opportunity is really the answer? Just Curious."

First of all, before I comment or respond to this email, let me put myself in the position of the perspective downline member. The thoughts I consider include the following: I wonder what is going through his mind? What is he looking for? Is he trying to find a way to make a full-time or part-time income from home? Has he been unsuccessful thus far in his attempts? What service can I offer him to change his outlook? Can I change his outlook or even his financial future? Does he have any experience online or is he new to online marketing?

These are all questions I ask when someone approaches or inquires about me becoming their sponsor. You see, a sponsor is much more than a recruiter. I am not involved in recruiting per se. I am involved in sponsoring. What's the difference you ask?

Sponsor vs Recruiter

In my opinion, a recruiter is someone that attracts inquiries into online marketing opportunities via various online methods such as enticing ads offering to make so much money, offering pie in the sky get rich quick programs or schemes, offering retire in 30 day programs, etc. You get the picture. Now don't get me wrong here. These advertisments may allow you to achieve exactly what they entail. However, in my experience, the odds of that happening are slim and none.

A sponsor on the other hand, has a responsibility. A responsibility for the success of the newcomer. A responsibility to provide all he or she can in order for that person to achieve whatever it is they seek. When you as a sponsor, accept this responsibility, you separate yourself from those seeking to recruit.

In my opinion, there are 4 key elements to success in your home based business. The 4 elements are discussed below.

1. Is your business simple to understand?

There is nothing more frustrating than trying to figure out how a particular online business operates? What's more frustrating is trying to figure out how you are going to make money with a business you don't even understand. My advice is to take the advice of billionaire investor Warren Buffet. He says, and I paraphrase, "If I can't understand it, I'm not investing in it." Make sure you understand the business before getting involved.

2. Is your business easy to duplicate?

What's the point of internet or network marketing if newcomers can't duplicate the business? Exactly. None. Follow the McDonald's motto of "One on every corner that anyone can run" and your business will prosper.

3. Does your business have a simple marketing system?

The rule of thumb in any online business is the same as any offline or brick-n-mortar business. KISS. Keep it simple stupid. A simple marketing system should include one with easy to use lead capture pages, autoresponders, sales pages, and products.

4. Does you business have a simple product?

By now, you should be starting to see a pattern here for a successful online marketing business. That's right. The simpler the better. Make sure your product is simple, cost effective, easy to use, duplicatable, and helps others.

To answer the email above to the question, "Is your business opportunity the answer?", I would respond by saying this: "Any online marketing opportunity can provide you the vehicle to get you where you want to go. It's up to you to take it for a drive".

If your business contains the four elements above, then get behind the wheel and take action. The answer lies with "YOU".

HBNaturals

Getting The Most Out Of Your Product Label

 

When it comes to product labeling there are so many aspects that one little label needs to cover. This is why it is so important that products choose a label that allows the company the most bang for its buck. Options in labeling are plentiful. Some options offer up more product space to display important product information than others. Not every type of product label is suitable for your industry or product. It is important to look at the industry options, consider your product and the advantages and disadvantages of each product labeling option.

Your product label is used to display directions on proper use, storage and handling of the product. Along with this important information the label is used to promote the brand image which helps create permanent product identification. Different industries are forced to use different labeling options because of the volatility of their products. For instance, when automobile manufacturers are looking to label products that must be careful to select a product label that is both heat and oil resistant. Frozen foods must use labeling that is waterproof where as beverage companies are prone to use labeling that offers a sealed cap. The label you choose will need to be suitable to your product to withstand the conditions the product will go through in all stages of the marketing process.

When creating a product label it is important that your design takes into consideration the practical purpose of the label. Not only is it important to create brand and product awareness but the product packaging and label should be useful. Provide information on your label that allows your brand to stick out and offer something unique.

Labels are used in a variety of industries and for a vast array of applications. Labels must be of high quality, offer a useful design and be beneficial to both end users and you as the business owner. If you are working with products that have special requirements and need to meet rigid testing the label should clearly state how your product meets and exceeds all industry standards. Not only are you looking to create a label with a catchy design for consumers but also to convey a message of safety and industry responsibility.

The most common use of product labels today is to increase brand recognition and to enhance consumer recollection of your product. It is just as important that your label is convenient upon scanning consumers at check out as it is that your product stands out above the competition. Not only are your labels promoting your brand, attracting consumer attention but also allows the customer to gain insight into your company's brand and manufacturing process.

HBNaturals

3 Ways To Generate Profitable Business Ideas Anytime

 

All businesses are created first by ideas. Then once you're in
business you need ideas for marketing, advertising, solving
problems, product development etc. The difference between
success or failure could be one just one idea. That's all!
Below are three ways to generate profitable business ideas.


1. Communicating regularly with other business people can
generate many ideas. There are many resources online and
offline to meet new business people lie; seminars, chat
rooms, discussion boards, trade shows etc. Sharing your
knowledge, asking questions, and taking in new information
will stimulate your mind. Your brain will begin to put all this
information together to create profitable business ideas.


2. If you're not much of a communicator, try reading. Reading
can also stimulate your mind. Read business books, magazines,
e-books, web sites, journals, e-zines, newspapers etc. Your
brain will generate profitable ideas by absorbing and
rearranging this information on a regular basis.


3. Don't have a lot of time to read? You could listen to
business audio books, seminars and courses. Listen to
them in the car, while your doing house work, working in
the yard, or exercising. Also, tune in business related radio
stations. This will help you save time and generate
profitable business ideas at the same time.


There are a few extra tips that will help improve these idea
generation strategies. Take short breaks to brainstorm about
the information you absorbed. Keep a notepad and pen
handy to record your ideas so you don't forget them. All
businesses need profitable business ideas to stay ahead of
competition and survive.

HBNaturals

Weightloss

Google Tools That Every Website Owner Can Benefit From

 

Google is a word synonymous with the internet. It is almost as if you cannot start your internet journey without Google. Being out of sync with the trends from Google will prevent you in being successful online. This article discusses a few free tools which you can use to help Google better understand your business and website.

Google Webmaster Tools

This tool is a must for every webmaster, as it tells you Google's perspective of your website and website visitors. Webmaster Tools is like a communication portal where you can customize and tweak certain aspects of your site, so that Google can understand it better. The Search Engine's aim is to serve up relevant results to its viewers and searchers. This means that it must understand what every site has to offer and try and link it up to what the users need. GWT allows you to set certain important information for your website, so that the relevant aspects of it are highlighted in Google Searches. One of the options that you can set in GWT is what is the target country for your website. Selecting a specific country will prioritize your website in searches from that country, also taking into account the preferences of the person searching. You can also indicate old and broken links and direct Google to new pages which have replaced them. This tool also allows you to update your

sitemap on Google, allowing you to know when it was updated and how many links Google has indexed from it.

Local Business Listing

Google offers a Local business listing for your website which will allow you to put in all the important details of your business, so that when someone searches for your business or a place in your locality, Google will also show them your business. When someone searches for your locality in Google Maps, all the local businesses in that area, including yours will show up. Additionally, when someone searches your exact business name or address in Google, on the side a map and details of your business will appear, if you have set them in the local business listing. Google allows you to put in information like your shop or office timings, what payment methods you accept and also the facilities that you offer.

Google Ads

Whether you want to host ads on your website or you want to place ads on other people's websites, Google's Ad products will help your business. The Google Adsense product will allow you to earn revenue from your website, by allowing Google to place ads on your blog or website. These third party ads will allow you to earn money per click or everytime the ad is displayed to your visitors. You can do the same by subscribing to Google's Adwords service, which allows you to place your ads on several related or relevant websites, without involving yourself in the intricacies of negotiating a deal or handling payments.

Google Analytics

Another highly recommended tool for every professional website is Google Analytics. Like the name suggests, it provides in depth website metrics which will allow you to determine how traffic is being channelized to your website, what is the feedback of your visitors, what are the popular sections of your website and how visitors are browsing your website pages. For a small or medium website it may not be very critical to track these features, but an ecommerce website has to have an in depth view of how and where the visitors are being drawn to their content. Analytics can provide a direct revenue increase in the amount of sales that a website is successfully able to churn from its shopping flow.

Google Alerts

Another useful tool provided by Google is the Alerts feature. Google Alerts will allow you to setup an alert for specific trigger keywords or key phrases which will allow you to monitor websites which are indexed by Google. Upon coming across those words or phrases, Google will send you an email and notify you of those search results. This tool can be especially useful for online reputation or brand management.

HBNPowerline

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