MAKE THE WEB WORK FOR YOUBy Michael Sitver of Appstorechronicle.com

Monday, January 14, 13

“I’M NOT SELLING YOU ANYTHING BUT A DREAM.”

What’s yours?

Monday, January 14, 13

WHAT WAS MY DREAM?

• To try the latest gadgets, software, and accessories without having to pay for everyone

• To meet fellow nerds just like myself

• To Meet Top Industry Executives and influencers

• To Share my passion for technology with others

• To Make Some extra $$ to feed my tech cravings

Monday, January 14, 13

WE’LL LOOK AT HOW I DID ON MY GOALS.

THEN I’LL SHOW YOU HOW TO SUCCEED WITH YOURS

Monday, January 14, 13

GOAL 1: To try the latest gadgets, software, and accessories without having to pay for every one

• I’ve tried over 300 apps since I’ve started. Most were free, but I’ve gotten dozens of paid apps at free or reduced prices thanks to developers who wanted their app reviewed.

• Companies including some large ones solicit me and voluntarily send me free samples- which I try to send back eventually because it’s a conflict of interest

• Other companies like Samsung have sent me their products for two week test periods

Monday, January 14, 13

GOAL 2: To meet fellow nerds just like myself

• Nearly 10,000 fellow nerds will visit my website this month

• Many will contact me, and I’ve become friends with quite a few. I’m always having online conversations with people.

Monday, January 14, 13

GOAL 3: To Meet Top Industry Executives and influencers

• I recently interviewed Walt Mossberg of AllThingsD

• I have interviews next week with the CEO of a popular software company, and a customer service executive with a company notorious for their poor service- I’m also working to give them some advice on how to improve their customer care

• So yeah, I’m doing especially well on this front.

Monday, January 14, 13

GOAL 4: To Share my passion for technology with others

• My ad account recently hit 100,000 impressions. Tens of thousands of people read my content, and I’ve even gotten a few thank you notes.

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GOAL 5: To Make Some extra $$ to feed my tech cravings

• I’ve made a few hundred dollars in advertising

• Ad revenues have tripled recently

• New revenue streams are bringing in even more

• I’ve made even more off of services I sell such as writing which never would have taken off without my blogging

Monday, January 14, 13

SO HOW CAN YOU MAKE THE WEB WORK FOR YOU?

Monday, January 14, 13

START BLOGGINGHere are a few tips to get you started

Monday, January 14, 13

FIRST THING IS FIRST

• Buy a real domain name and hosting. The quality and security of something you 100% own is worth the price, and if you’re committed, you’ll recoup the costs within a few months max. We Recommend Godaddy because they’re more reputable and have more staying power and support than many hosts. I’ll even make it easy and save you some money. Click here to get 20% off of hosting from them, and Click here to get a heavily discounted domain from them.

• I’d recommend using the Wordpress platform (wordpress.org not wordpress.com) because it will grow with you, and it’s scalable, and easy for beginners while still popular for experts.

Monday, January 14, 13

FIRST THINGS TO DO ON YOUR NEW BLOG

• Write pillar content. This isn’t necessarily “wow” content. This is just original, helpful content that will gradually attract visitors. It should be more useful than analytical.

• Start an email list. Even before you start advertising you should start an email list. Email lists are the most valuable thing you can have, and bring the most valuable readers back to your site.

• Find blogs in your niche (the subject of your blog) and observe ten things you like about their site. Take those ideas and implement them in your own way on your site (ideas as in social strategies, design elements, NOT CONTENT).

Monday, January 14, 13

BASIC BLOGGING DO’S AND DON’TS• DO Build Relationships with other

bloggers

• DO NOT spam the comments of other blogs

• DO sell ads on your site once you’re ready.

• DO NOT buy and sell backlinks. That will get you banned.

• DO Be Transparent about your relationship with companies. And be ethical.

• DO NOT turn your blog posts into a sales pitch. People will leave your site immediately.

• DO be controversial every once in a while. Nobody likes vanilla.

• DO NOT be rude or mean. This only leads to problems.

• DO NOT be afraid to ask. Companies are very often happy to offer you a sample. Bloggers, writers, and entrepreneurs are very accessible for info or interviews these days.

Monday, January 14, 13

GOOD LUCK

•If you have any questions, email me at : editor@appstorechronicle.com

Monday, January 14, 13