A couple of months ago, one of my readers was inquiring about the techniques I reveal in my top selling SEO book, SEO Made Simple.  Specifically, she wanted to know how I learned the techniques that I share for achieving top search engine rankings quickly and easily.

After some discussion, she asked me about my involvement with pay-per-click (PPC) marketing.  Then it dawned on me.  Could there really be a need to simplify the process of making money with PPC as there is for SEO?  After reaching out to a few of the individuals I've worked with in the past and getting feedback through blog posts, Twitter, social networking, and so on, there definitely seems to be a wealth of knowledge on pay-per-click marketing.

That is to say, there's too much information out there.  If you're like me, you've probably bought a whole bunch of "get rich quick" schemes about PPC advertising.  There are tons of courses, ebooks, and webinars on the subject but I wasn't able to find an authoritative guide that says, "To make money with PPC, do this, then this..".  As a result, I've decided to write my next book about PPC marketing.

Here's where you come in..

Do you have any specific questions regarding PPC advertising?  Have you failed?  Have you been successful?  I want to hear about it.  I might even use you as a case study in my book.  Let me know about your experiences and needs as an Internet marketer.  It is my intention to deliver the best information with quickly and in a manner that's easy to comprehend.

PPC Made Simple is going to be written in the same format as my first book with additional video tutorials and online resources.  Let me know what you'd like covered and I'll be sure to integrate it into this tell all guide.  I'll open up my own Google AdWords accounts and show you how I manage thousands of keywords and campaigns to sell products online.

Please submit your ideas via comments!

Trying to sell something online? There are a variety of barriers, both physical and emotional that keep people from buying. Over the weekend I received a wonderful testimonial from someone who recently finished reading my book. It reminded me of the power of testimonials.

When individuals are considering a purchase, they pass through various stages in order to make a buying decision. These steps include: problem recognition, information search, alternative evaluation, purchase decision, and post-purchase behavior. Regardless of the product you're selling, consumers move through each of these stages and they do so at varying rates.

Testimonials are powerful when users can find others in similar situations (had the same need or problem) that were helped by your solution. We buy based on references. So create references that support your business. Ask customers for testimonials and publish them to your web site(s), emails, and brochures.

Remove risk with a guarantee that's clear and meaningful. I recommend testing your offers with a guarantee versus no guarantee. No-hassle guarantees are similar to rebates in that they are rarely abused but do a lot to lower purchase barriers.

Reassure your prospects that they are going to make the right decision. Testimonials and guarantees are essential for giving them buying confidence and security. Cultivate testimonials and add a guarantee to your offering to grow revenue and improve conversions.

What does your social media say about you? Have you done a Google search for your name, your business's name, or institution? If you haven't lately, I advise you to do so. When others are searching for you online what will they see? More often than not, many of your results will point to social media accounts if available. If not, then you have a great opportunity to shape your online brand.

Take Kristina for example. Just Google here name Kristina Dooley and you'll find a linked in profile, and listing on Listorious, Facebook and other social media sites. Here's a woman who knows how to manage her brand. Consider what impact you're having using social media. Be proactive and shape your brand using the free social media sites that are out there.

In addition to shaping your own brand consider your company's brand. This Organic Marketing presentation provides everything you need - including some kick a$$ tools that can help you effectively manage multiple social media accounts. Good luck with your social media efforts and be sure to comment after viewing our IECA presentation on Organic Marketing!

It seems as though I get more and more questions about Blogging.  Should my web site also have a blog?  What type of blog content should I publish?  How often should I publish to my blog?  Can I make money with my blog?  These are all really good questions and the topic of today's post.

First, let's start with my definition of a blog. A blog is a content rich site that allows you to post updates on a regular basis.  If blogging for you is an arduous process, then you're doing it all wrong.  Blogging should be fun and should be related to your business.  For example, this blog (The Marketing Blog) is all about marketing with a focus on Internet marketing.  Why?  Because I love it.  I don't need to get paid to write about Internet marketing because it's a true passion.

Okay, so now you know what to blog about, let's respond to the question "Should I have a blog?".  If you've met the criteria above and have something to blog about, my answer is an emphatic "YES".  Blogging is great, it's fun and easy to do.  I've found that it's also a two-way street.  Your followers interact with the content via comments and suggest great topics for future posts.  The benefit of blogging is both personal as well as marketing-focused.  By talking about your business on a regular basis you can generate positive awareness and make your offerings more appealing to your target market.

After starting your blog with Blogger or WordPress, make it accessible from your main web site.  This helps in search engine placement and can drive a considerable amount of traffic to your blog.  Have a clear goal in mind for your blogging with one caveat.  Always use your blog to provide value.  Whether through market information, content, or resources, your blog needs to give before it gets.  Once you've set a goal for yourself commit to that goal and work towards it each and every week.

Blogging can be a great experience but you have to be willing to set specific goals and deliver value on a regular basis.  If you do, over time you'll find that blogging provides significant value to both you and your readers.  Happy Blogging!!!