Forum Moderators: mack
I am using some right now just as "trial" versions which don't do much of anyting.
Here is what I am using:
Submission Robot and Dynamic Submission
Any advice or personal opinions about this subject on how to market my website would be very helpful.
p.s. I don't mind paying a fee for a solid program that actually will get results for my web site. I just don't want to throw money away!
Scott
Do website submission programs actually work?
Depends on what you mean by work - if by work - you mean get you real traffic in the end as you are effectively submitted and indexed by engines...
Then no.
I don't use 'em - and Idoubt anyone else that is a serious SEO does either.
Welcome to WebmasterWorld [webmasterworld.com]!
There's good money to be made in Search Engine Optimizaton by converting clients of these outdated submission programs to happy SEO clients. If they've put up with the recurring submission program fees for so long and for so little gain, even a small amount of by-the-book SEO for a reasonable fee can gain their eternal gratitude.
There are sharks in the submit business, all too willing to take advantage of the small business owner who doesn't know why his perfectly-legitimate Web site doesn't show up in the search engines for relevant searches. A little help with title, description, and on-page content often makes all the difference in the world, since the problem is often that the site designer simply does not understand how search engines work and/or how most people use search enigines to find goods, services, and information.
SEO does not necessarily imply underhanded tactics; If done "by-the-book," it can be seen simply as correcting common mistakes that handicap a site's pages from appearing where they should appear in the search engine rankings (and not necessarily first).
WebmasterWorld used to have a "submission" forum, but it's been awhile...
You might consider investigating search engine optimization and cost-per-click advertising, rather than "submit programs."
Jim
SEC huh? Ok, I guess I will look into that now. So, again... any advice would be helpful where to start! :)
Scott
1. Is it ok to use a "free" web site host/builder like TriPod for example or should I invest in my own domain? TriPod is good for me because I do not know HTML coding very well. It also gives you a pretty short URL. Mine is:
<snip>
See, short URL but it IS a TriPod URL. Is that ok?
2. I'm in the process of getting my site copywrited. Is this a good idea? Of so, where is the best source to get this done. I am looking into several...
I want to not only market my product/business, I want to "protect" it also.
Scott
[edited by: Marcia at 1:50 pm (utc) on May 14, 2003]
[edit reason] Specific URL not necessary. [/edit]
How did you manage to post a message dated 14th May on 12th May?! (Gone through timeline scenarios in my head and can't work it out!).
Tripod will always look unprofessional. No serious business is going to have a tripod domain. I guess it depends on how seriously you take the business.
I wouldn't worry to copyright the site - there's nothing really on there that's unique (this is multi-level marketing I take it?).
Establish the brand/image/reputation and protect that instead.
TJ
Scott, it's OK for a hobby site, but if you're intending to market you'll need to look at conversion as well as rankings. Having the host's ads running on a site can a deterrent in most cases, and if you ever intend to go with a domain site it's a hassle to get all the inbound links changed.
>>2. I'm in the process of getting my site copywrited. Is this a good idea? Of so, where is the best source to get this done. I am looking into several...
I assume you mean not copywriting but copyright protection. The materials are automatically copyrighted to you upon creation, and if people want to rip your content they will anyway. Where official copyrighting comes in to play is that there's more recourse for damages if there's litigation. It can be done directly though the paatent office very reasonably, but again, you might consider first whether you'll ever want to go with a domain name.
You don't need to know HTML to begin with to do a site. Netscape Composer works and so does Front Page Express, which comes with IE - both as easy as using a word processor (actually easier), and both are free.
Anyway, sorry for posting the URL, I wasn't aware of the rules I read.. :) Go figure.
Ok, TriPod is out. Cool. I kinda guessed that. So I'm off to find a "real" web domain. I'd ask another question like where is the best place to get a good URL without spending a fortune but I won't. Haha... ;)
Yep, this is a MLM business (which is a good one BTW) but it should make no difference if I'm selling paper clips or my product. It's all about marketing a product. I like good MLM opportunities because of the residual income I can generate. True, they are not for everyone though.
So, thanks again for the helpful advice!
p.s. Shaking my head trying to figure out how I am going to come up with 100 pages of different web content... *sigh* (advice from another post)
...off to find those "free" web building programs mentioned...
<added> Do you guys have a window open with WW on the whole day</added>
She doesn't understand I'm TRYING to make money here! LOL
Ok, the topic of Web Hosting and Domain Registration enters my small mind. With sooooo many choices out there through my research all morning, what is one to do?
Does it matter really WHO you go with? Geez, there must be hundreds/thousands of companies out there lurking for inexperienced little guys like me.
Here is my goal, or dream, or wish...whatever...
I want to register a domain name and have someone host it. I think 50MB is PLENTY (from what I see is common) for my mostly text site! Even if I add pictures I can't imagine ever using over 50MB. Ok, here's the catch. Some companies let you register (your domain) for free, then charge you a higher "hosting" premium. Still others charge you a high register fee, then low hosting charges. Ack! Why can't people just make it easy. So, my battle resides in which way to go and WHO to go with. One of my concerns is this: When I register a name, (once I find one that isn't already TAKEN) is that name now owned by ME or does it belong to the "company"? Can I take my new name with me if I don't like my current host? Hmmm....
Folks, I just don't want to get ripped off. I don't have a large budget YET and want to start my web site without paying a fortune. I'm sure this can be done. I want to start with one web site with links to my "parent" company and build from there by adding more personal web pages as time allows...and as wifey let's me! LOL
So, any advice on a good service which allows me to register a domain, plus host it with little amount of money would certainly be appreciated. I'm soooo confused now. Just wayyyy to many companies out there. My web design software I use is Front Page just so you know.
Scott
Can I take my new name with me if I don't like my current host?
Yes. You will own the name and can transfer it to any host you like. Your domain name is like a "sign" for your company, your host is the "landlord" where you hang your sign.
Regarding hosting: I have been mostly pleased with Aplus.net. They offer good service, will register your domain name free when you host with them, and offer several reasonably priced packages. I have a few sites hosted with them.
I'm sure you can find cheaper hosts, but remember that you get what you pay for:)
My work has only begun... But, I enjoy it so it doesn't "feel" like work. My wife thinks I'm crazy but hey, I'm building for the future here!
Once my web sites start to take shape let me know if anyone is interested in swapping some links to help promote our sites. After all, linking and networking is very important in building a successful web site. (at least that's what I hear) ;)
Scott
