The Little Geeni

Not really, but it could make the job of an online affiliate marketer a total nightmare in the coming months… selling affiliate products on the web has just gotten much, much tougher.

Why?

Mainly because Google has taken Froogle, which it created in 2002 and re-named/re-branded it into Google Product Search. Now when anyone searches for a product on the web – Google Product Search will list the products and the stores selling them on the web.

Now it should be noted, Google doesn’t charge any fees for these listings and accepts no payment for products that show up first; nor does Google make any commissions on sales. Google makes its revenue by selling advertising via Adwords on the Product Search results pages. Any company can submit products thru Google Base to be included in Google Product Search.

What’s the problem?

Actually, there is no problem for the consumer who wants to find the cheapest price for a product. Google offers this great service which will help you find your product. It just cuts out the affiliate marketer who makes a living by promoting products on the web and receiving a small commission in return for their work.

But there are some very fundamental issues here that also cuts at the very heart of the Internet as we know it. Is Google changing the rules of how it does business by more aggressively targeting not only specific product keywords but much more broader keyword phrases in their organic search results with programs like Google Product Search? And they’re listing their links first in the organic search results or what everyone has come to believe are organic results. This argument is not new, Google has been taking those top spots for years albeit directing buyers to other companies with the best prices and offers.

However, is Google now not just targeting a product name or product – but targeting and listing in the #1 spot all the broader keyword phrases which have until recently been dominated by the ordinary website owner? And even in your own iGoogle personal search, you can NOT place your choice ABOVE this Google Product Link.

The real tricky question here: isn’t Google going from a search engine to a website creator and operator in this process? Is Google now not only providing the results; but is it now creating web pages to match those results? There’s nothing wrong with that, Google can do what it wants, but for the small affiliate marketer it means competition. Big competition. In other words, every website on the net now has Google as a potential competitor in organic search.

Of course, how far Google goes with this broader keyword targeting has yet to be seen. Only time will tell if Google does indeed have affiliate links and affiliate sites in its cross-hairs. Many affiliate marketers on the web will be waiting nervously for the answer to that question.

Again, most people would agree with what Google is doing, since most affiliate marketers only hype the products they’re selling and getting those affiliate based sites out of their search results and off the web may not be a bad move on Google’s part and for the web as a whole.

However, are consumers now getting the real information on products they’re buying? One of the great things about the Internet is that it has always offered various types of information and viewpoints on any subject matter – including the products that we buy on the web. By placing itself first in organic search results, Google is saying its information and listed products are the ones you should be getting.

Many affiliate marketers have spent years researching and studying a particular product niche and they offer valuable in-depth information on their sites about a particular product or service. They also offer comprehensive general knowledge about products, services and subjects that many searchers genuinely want to find when they search the web for information. It doesn’t always mean going directly to the merchant to buy a product, many shoppers want information first, then make their decision.

While others will argue what’s the big deal, isn’t Google also giving other search results besides the top spot? Yes, but as any marketer who has had a # 1 ranking in Google or any search engine for that matter, will know the top spot gets the majority of the traffic. So Google, by reserving the top spot for itself, will now receive the majority of the traffic, which it can exploit with its advertising.

Google is smart. Google has smart people. And smart people know the longer you have a web surfer on your site and not on someone else’s site, the more money you will make on advertising. By taking the top spot in organic search for every profitable keyword that’s searched, and keeping those searchers on web pages derived from those results, Google can create more business for itself. The poor affiliate marketer and every other website owner will just have to settle for second place.

Google Affiliate, Google, Internet, Kill, Marketing, Product, Search

Copyright (c) 2008 Titus Hoskins

Forget the Computer Age or the Internet Age, centuries from now our current time will probably be referred to as the Google Age. This assumption is not exactly a great leap of faith; Google has quickly permeated into mainstream culture to become an underlying factor of everyday life, a tightly woven backdrop to our lives.

But never make the mistake of trying to define Google as just a search engine or you will miss the true calling of this little “Backrub”, which was the original name used by its founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin in 1996.

Google as we now know it debuted in 1998. The name Google is a twist on the word Googol, a number represented as 1 followed by 100 zeros. After everything is said and done, it will more than likely refer to Google’s net worth – monetary or otherwise.

But forget search engine, for regardless of the founders’ intentions or company’s objectives, Google is and has always been the ultimate marketing machine. A massive marketing machine that is just now gearing up and aiming for more and more lofty heights. These heights seem to increase each day as Google quietly rolls out program after program.

All noble ambitions aside, Google is the perfect marketing machine. Google has no equals, and it is very close to getting a stranglehold on the real power behind all marketing, which is information.

Marketing is information. Information is marketing.

Great marketing is supplying the right information at the right time. Google more than any other entity on the web or in the world, for that matter, fulfills this criterion at its very core. Google is re-writing the book on how products are marketed.

Google now has over 60% of the search traffic in the U.S., with a staggering 7.3 billion monthly searches. In some countries Google’s search share is 80% or more. (Source: comScore) Those webmasters who have number one keyword listings in all three of the major search engines will know Google is the only game worth playing because it delivers by far the most traffic.

While MSN and Yahoo! are still major players and are listed in the top 5 traffic sites on the web, what most people don’t realize is that (unlike the other two) almost all of Google’s traffic is search traffic. From a marketing perspective this is extremely important since search traffic can deliver the highest conversions (sales) mainly because it lets you capture the potential customer or client when they are in the right mindset to buy or to perform an action.

Obviously the key to successful marketing is finding the buyers and clients for your products and services. Google has forged itself as the ultimate “middleman” as more and more of the world’s business is performed in cyberspace. And as everyone knows the “middleman” can reap huge profits and hold enormous power.

Google, within its Adsense program, now offers CPA or Cost Per Action where marketers can now receive larger returns for displaying Google’s links on their webpages. As any professional marketer will tell you, you can get 10 times the revenue by promoting affiliate products rather than the Adsense code on your sites. But by adding CPA and other affiliate products within the Adsense program, Google has made it more attractive to serious online marketers.

Another step in that same direction is Google’s acquisition of DoubleClick, which includes the massive online affiliate marketing network Performics. This means Google can now bring any customer full-circle from initial search to checkout.

This may have dire consequences for large, lucrative third-party affiliate networks like Commission Junction and LinkShare. Online marketing and ecommerce is growing at a blistering rate, and the company that controls the majority of these transactions will wield enormous power. Will make the Medici look like paupers.

Those marketers who have managed to acquire number one listings for their targeted keywords in Google’s organic search are smiling all the way to the bank. Mainly because Google commands enormous trust with the surfing/buying public and this is demonstrated through higher conversion rates. Likewise, those who have mastered the Adsense and Adwords programs will know Google is an excellent source of online income.

Most of the complaints against Google stems from its PageRank system, which is supposed to be Google’s version of online democracy in action, a link is a vote for your page or content. The higher the number of links, the higher your page will be ranked in Google’s index or SERPs – Search Engine Results Pages.

So far Google has played fair, giving even the smallest webmaster the opportunity to capture top Google listings if they produce superior or popular content to the surfer. Some would even argue Google’s recent crackdown on sites offering paid-links can be seen as evening the playing field for the small webmaster or marketer who obviously doesn’t have the economic clout or resources to buy their way to the top of Google’s listings.

Keyword rankings may be the ultimate equalizer and determiner of online wealth. Those who can reach the top positions for their chosen profitable niche keywords will have companies and service providers lining up to do business with them. The fallout can prove extremely lucrative for both parties.

However, few marketers or webmasters forget who is really holding the cards; Google controls all steps along this marketing tunnel with its search listings, Adwords and Adsense programs. The only dark spot on the horizon could be monopoly issues, but Google probably has enough reservoirs of public goodwill and deep enough corporate pockets to squash any claims.

As Google’s dominance in the search market becomes greater, Google will have control of all segments of the online marketplace. Why should Google stop there, why not go into Radio, TV… as the Internet gradually mutates into a billion+ interactive TV channel universe (as many believe it will) who do you think will be at control central offering you a nice free remote?

Then there is also Google’s planned broadband 700 MHz bid; one can only speculate on Google’s intentions. But Google must find a way to transmit its information at no cost to its users. Could it mean free wireless Internet for everyone on free Google boxes or gadgets of some form, usable and accessible anywhere in the world? Anything is possible because the stakes are so astronomical and the marketing revenue so vast, Google must get its information seamlessly and instantly to the end user at all costs.

One can only guess at the enormity of the marketing power Google will yield in coming years as the Internet slips out of its teen years. But it won’t be just marketing, the influence of Google on all aspects of our lives will probably grow exponentially and that influence will be huge.

For the true power of Google is only just now beginning to be glimpsed; only as more and more of the Google pieces fall into place will we truly fathom what life will be like in the Google Age. Google’s power, reverence and respect will no doubt be so enormous it may lead some to make comparisons to a higher power that has guided most of the life on this planet so far. Which could also lead one to muse, at least they got the first two letters correct.

Google Google, Internet, Marketing

A scripting language popularly known as PHP, originated in 1995 by Rasmus Lerdorf. PHP stands for Personal Home Page Tools. In just maximum 10 years this language has become a favorite of internet marketers, even small business webmaster with the newer and stable version of the internet.

Why is PHP so popular?

Before PHP, there was Javascript. It does some really cool things like rotate ads, graphics, text etc. But unfortunately it is not tough to readable by the search engines. Who are working on internet, they love PHP because it does all the Javascripts does and everything that does and the turns up on the pages is read and counted by the search engines.

One thing is that, you need to get a script written in PHP and learn how to install a script on the web server. In fact PHP is not software which you can simply download, installed and open on your computer. If you want to import and rotate articles to keep my content sites full of good and search engine. It also should be fresh content. Even you can use PHP to complete this.

Where To Find PHP Scripts.

You can find PHP script at sites that host a listing of hundreds of different scripts. It includes all kinds of CGI and Java. All those sites have a section of scripts written just in PHP, which you have to find some really nice free scripts and some low cost PHP scripts to improve our websites performance and place in the search engines. One thing is that, you would learn to write PHP since there are so many ways a webmaster as well as internet marketer could use the script to help with automation and site improvements.

php Internet, Marketing, Websites

Making millions online is something that we can all do, honest. All we need to do is learn the tricks of the trade, for example niche marketing and the power of PHP scripts online. Using niche websites to make the big bucks is the fastest way to do it not to mention the most fun.

A niche website can be anything from gall bladder disease or a special kind of car or even a single car part. Try to think of things that you have always wanted to know about but have had trouble finding info on. The more niche you go the better your chances of succeeding because the competition is nil.

Writing for niche websites is easy. You can use all kinds of sources for information. You can check out the library in your area to get some free resources or you can use the internet. The competition may not be very much but it is still there and by seeing what they have you can learn what to change or make better for your own. You can see what the weaknesses are of those sites and make sure you avoid them completely. This is a great way to make sure that you are always at the top of the heap.

Niche sites can be a lot of fun to work with. The topics can be pretty out there, you can go with something like senior dating or something as simple as how to find good car parts. Then add some Google adwords or sell and ebook or two and you are set. You will be raking in the dough all day long all week long!

The next step to making your niche website a good one is to get some good PHP scripts. These can be found online without any trouble at all, and even more important without having to pay an arm and a leg.

If you have ever had to pay a programmer to write a script for you then you know the hundreds or even thousands of dollars it can run you, it is painful! That is why getting a good PHP script package online is such a great idea.

This makes everything simple and straightforward. These packages come with all the things you need to make your niche marketing website a great one. You can find payment processors, email PHP scripts and everything else that you need to make your site one for the record books.

Niche marketing websites are the way of the future and if you want to make money fast and easy then it is high time you check them out for yourself.

php Marketing, Millions, Niche, scripts, Using

Search Engine Marketing is one of the most popular website marketing strategies. Search Engine Marketing or Optimization is the success mantra behind success of several internet based business websites.

There are around several hundred websites which are devoted to SEO Marketing, but the ultimate question is “What is the best Search Marketing SEO Strategy?” This question intrigues every single business owner.

What are the various types of Marketing Channels and how do they differ from Search Engine Marketing ?

You will spot several marketing mediums which can promote your business online, offline, or a combination of both online and offline channels. However, if your business clients/sales are internet based, then you must seriously consider SEO marketing of your website.

On the other hand, if your business is based offline, then you will have to concentrate on offline marketing techniques.

Some of the well known marketing techniques are as follow:-

1. Marketing Offline – You can take example of a food restaurant where business owners will consider promoting their business through various offline marketing channels. Here restaurant owners will target newspapers, hoardings, popular radio channels, and television to promote their food restaurant within a specific geo location.

2. Marketing Online & Offline – There are some particular businesses/firms where you will spot almost equal percentage of customers visiting online (internet) as well as offline. For example, a travel company could be receiving bookings directly through website and manually by travelers who visit their office.

Search Engine Marketing can greatly enhance your overall ROI since it specifically concentrates on those users who are already interested in your business services. These users throng various search engines to locate their services and if your website is ranking on top of search engines, then it will help to improve your sales and ROI. Hiring an SEO service company will help these businesses to establish their presence on search engines.

3. SEO Internet Marketing – There are some businesses which are purely internet based. In these types of businesses, the chances of getting an online visitor are several times higher as compared to other marketing medium. These internet based businesses specifically focus on Search engine marketing. These businesses are well versed with the benefits of the SEO marketing and hire SEO companies to promote their business services/products.

If you are planning to promote your business on search engines, then you should get in touch with an SEO specialist firm which will help you improve ROI and traffic for your business website.

SEO Business, Marketing, Promote, Services, Website

I’m not a gamer. However, when my son was younger, he and I tackled a computer strategy game together. In the game, the player became the main character wandering through a strange land seeking a great reward. Along the way, he encountered both helpers and hinderers. Through these encounters, our hero found opportunities to increase his strength and cunning. That describes affiliate marketing – a feat of strategy that can offer great rewards to those who acquire strength and cunning.

Life Force

It’s Game Over when your character runs out of life force. In our game, life force is measured by the number of visitors to your website. Of primary importance to an affiliate marketer is creating ways to attract visitors. Internet users are seeking information and entertainment. Build a site that offers one or both of these along with an element of uniqueness and you will have the potential for an abundance of life force.

Strength

There’s strength in numbers is certainly true in internet marketing. Find ways to place your link on other sites. Look for sites that are relevant to your own content. Those fellow website owners who will exchange links or write features about your site are important helpers in gaining strength.

Forums are a place where you can personally interact with other internet users. These interactions can result in drawing more visitors to your site. Many forums allow you to post your link along with your signature. Networking through forums can help build links and service exchanges as well. Reading posts from other users can often uncover a lotus blossom of knowledge.

Article databases create more opportunities for visitors to become aware of you and the information or entertainment that you have to offer. Allow these minions to do your bidding and bring traffic to your site.

Cunning

Never stop learning. Subscribe to two or three affiliate marketing newsletters. You have mentors with lessons to teach, open your mind and receive.

Search engines can seem both friend and foe. It takes a lot of work to master the search engine. Words are the key. You must diligently seek out the words that bring you the most visitors and include them in the content of your site. The tricky part is, however, that the perfect combination of words is constantly shifting as if you are building your structure on a sand dune. As the terrain changes, so must your site.

There are seers who can help you master the magic of the words – search suggestion tools. With these tools, you can assign value to the words that your site contains. Choose high-ranking key words that are related to the message of your page and gracefully weave them into your content.

Rewards

Join an affiliate program to find advertisers. Select your ads carefully to cater toward your targeted audience. Some sites do well with flashing banner ads, while others find text links to be more lucrative. Apply your cunning and study your ad campaigns continuously.

Pay per click programs are also available. The commissions are smaller than affiliate advertisers pay, but since visitors will click much more often than they will purchase, the small amounts add up quickly. Apply the key-word strategies and your pages will not only display ads that pay higher rewards for each click, but also ads that are of keen interest to your visitors.

Joint ventures are a combination link exchange/affiliate relationship, a way to share traffic to the mutual benefit of both parties. Look for joint venture opportunities from sites that have parallel interests to your own site. Inviting another person into your boat adds more rowing power and speeds you along your journey.

It’s a game! Enjoy each moment as you gain the next level. Remember that strength and cunning take time and determination to develop. But, as they grow so will your chests of treasure.

Computer Games Affiliate, Computer, Game, Marketing, Ultimate