Marketing Marvels – I am Back!

Posted on 14. Oct, 2009 by Holly in Make Money

It’s been a journey – we moved from Las Vegas to Wisconsin and we’re finally settled. I am back for good! Josh and I ended up trading in our big city lives for a small town, and a home we’re renting on a small lake. I believe this is a great new beginning for us – and I appreciate everyone’s support and patience, as I’ve had very little Internet access during the process of my move.

New Inventive Ways to Make Money

Today I’m going to jump right into an interesting topic, which I will call “Marketing Marvels,” and new inventive ways to market yourself, market for others, their products, your products and make even more money online. These methods may not be new necessarily, but they are rather new to me, as I’ve recently started participating and making money from them. Davin, my business partner and friend, and I have been making a nice amount of money through a method you may or may not have heard of before – “Ad Swaps.” Davin has been doing this successfully for quite a while now, and it can very profitable if you have a list, or if you have a website that’s receiving traffic.

Ad Swaps

An ad swap is an arrangement between two people (hopefully with websites or lists which have similar topics) who agree to promote for each other; either by sending out an email for each other, or by writing a blog post about the other person’s website, services or product. This is an excellent way to make money and increase targeted traffic to your website. Let’s face it, the more targeted website visitors = the more money you have the chance of making. In general, the main requirement is that you and the other person participating, should either have a website receiving a similar amount of traffic, or a list of comparable size. There are several ways to go about finding ad swap partners – but a lot of that is done through networking, commenting on other blogs, getting to know others in your field online and by simply asking. This method to making money online is beneficial to those who have a product to promote, but who are not receiving enough traffic, or would like to increase their readership and make some quick sales. It’s all math; a percentage of the website visitors you receive, will convert to customers (if you have a high quality product or service you are offering). You can track the percentage of visitors with the number of sales, to find your conversion rate – by using Google Analytics (you just put a piece of code on the landing page and one on the page they go to after buying or filling out your form). Recently, we added a section to our work from home forum – just for Ad Swaps & a place for you to seek out partners.

Blog Sponsorship Programs

Creating a blog sponsorship program is an incredible way to increase website traffic, receive a ton of new visitors, make more money and make your partners happy – all at the same time. Basically, the program is setup by the webmaster to allow their website readers to receive a free gift, in exchange for a review of that gift on their blog, which links back to the main website. This benefits the creator of the program because he receives more website visitors, in addition to receiving quality backlinks to his website, which is very useful for search engine optimization (SEO) purposes. I learned first-hand about this recently, as I received a free $30 toy for my son from Growing Tree Toys – a website which specializes in educational toys. All I had to do was fill out the short form on their website (qualify), pick out the toy & write a short blog post reviewing their website and toy (that I will do in a few days). If you want to fill out the form and see if you can participate in this as well, just go here to do so.

Giveaways are Hugely Popular

Having a “Giveaway” of some sort, is a hugely popular method to increasing your website traffic, getting your visitors excited about your website and coming back day after day. The educational toys website, once again, came up with a marketing marvel. If their intent was to increase readership, involvement and excitement – I’m sure they achieved that! Growing Tree Toys created something called “Win Your Wishlist,” where you just signup (create a free account) and create a wishlist by browsing the site and picking out your favorite items (up to $1000). Once you do that, you’re automatically entered and if you do it before October 31st, 2009, you will be eligible to win all of the toys in your wishlist. A random winner will be chosen and contacted at the end of the month.

This marketing method is genius because the items that the company is giving away, are very valuable and their way of creating a big stir is by over-delivering. If you decide to create some type of giveaway like this, just be sure to over-deliver and give away something truly of high-quality or value. Readers will be coming back for more, you’ll increase your list size and readership significantly.

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Tags: ad swaps, giveaways, Holly Mann, increase sales

21 Responses to “Marketing Marvels – I am Back!”

Garry

14. Oct, 2009

Welcome back Holly, it’s nice to know you are getting settled in and enjoying your new place on the lake. I moved to a VERY small town, luckily with decent internet access. My boys love it . . .

It’s one of the marvels of internet marketing. The ability to choose where we want to be.

And, as usual, thanks for the great tips. They are always useful.

Take care.

GARRY

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Holly

14. Oct, 2009

Thanks Garry! So far, I really love it here. We are also in a very small town and it’s neat how everyone knows each other. The people have been really friendly – they don’t lock their doors when they leave either! How insane right?! I think it’s wonderful. We have a fireplace and I really appreciate the little things. We also have two kittens now too. Anyway, I really hope I can catch up with everything and start posting as usual. I do have good internet access now

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Davin-The Viral Sanctuary

14. Oct, 2009

Hey! So great to see you back Holly. I was on Facebook, and had seen you had posted.

Just got home myself, but, was happy to see that. That was a great post Holly. I’m sure it will give some people some great ideas.

It’s excellent to hear that it sounds like you will be happy where you moved. You deserve some peace, quiet, and tranquility Holly…I have a feeling it’s all going to work out just fine for you there.

Thanx again…and welcome back!

Davorski

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Irish Tom

14. Oct, 2009

Hi Holly
Great to have you back. Been following your progress on Facebook and it has been an exciting journey. Looking forward to sharing your new photos.
Your new home seems iddylic and with a lake beside you, a fireplace and a small community, just the perfect place for you and Josh to enjoy your future.
Love your post and it is a great idea.
When you are ready, I am now with GVO through you and ready to set up my web site I got the domain names and the affiliate link.
I also have blogs ready to go and hope this is my step into success.
Give Josh a big hug from all your fans who missed you both.
God Bless
Tom

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- Holly
  
  15. Oct, 2009
  
  Aww thanks Tom! It’s always good to hear from you! If you can just give me a few days – then I will be ready to setup the site for you. I am excited about doing that for you. I am happy you have some blogs ready to go too!
Normal Joe

15. Oct, 2009

Glad to see ya settled in nicely and I know you will enjoy it! Good to hear things are going great!

That is awesome.

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Jenny R

15. Oct, 2009

So glad you are back Holly, I missed you! I was following a bit on FB and you look so cold in the pics. Welcome to the chilly weather:)

Thanks for the tips. About Adswaps, it is my understanding that you must have list of at least 500 to 1000 to participate. Do you know anything about that?

I hope you and Josh enjoy your new home, and once again so glad you are back!

Jenny

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Dave in Larryville

15. Oct, 2009

Congratulations on your move Holly!

Wisconsin is a very neat state… are you North or South of the “You betcha” and Tuu (2) linguistic line? Midwestern north country has the friendliest folks I’ve ever met. Spent a fair bit of time in that neck of the woods, and always enjoyed it.

Also, thanks for the great marketing tips! I am trying to get my bum in gear to put up my first pure IM “money site”, and get past my “all talk no action” block.

I hope you and Josh really enjoy your new place. It’s really awesome that you get to have your first Thanksgiving and Christmas there, close to family.

All the best!

Dave

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Jesus

15. Oct, 2009

Hey Holly it was about time!!

Good to see you’re back I was worried about you, I thought you got lost on your way to Wisconsin

Well, good to see you’re back in full swing and with another killer article!

I wish you the best time in Wisconsin and a wonderful life with Josh.

Regards,
Jesus Pina

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Dale in Canada

15. Oct, 2009

Wow, Thailand to Vegas to Michigan. First of all, welcome back. We have all missed your wisdom. Second, I think you have made an excellent choice in Michigan. Small town and nature will be great place to continue to raise Josh, and probably give you a chance to really get grounded.
Have always admired you and your fierce independence. I wish you utmost success and happiness in your new home.

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Nellie

15. Oct, 2009

Hi Holly,

Early this morning, a thought came up to my mind — about your previous post of moving out from the “sin city” and wanting to go back to Wisconsin. I had asked myself: “Will she ever moved out there?” I was surprised to find out when I opened my email today.

Well, you must be in the northern part of Wisconsin. I’m in the southern part of Wisconsin (Janesville). We’ve been only a year in Wisconsin; we used to live in Illinois.

Wisconsin is really a pretty place. My husband said that—the nearer the place to Wisconsin Dells — the prettier.

I was wondering where you were. . . I thought you were busy promoting GVO, creating free websites and giving support to your downlines.

It’s good to hear you back. . .

Blessings,
Nellie

Reply to this comment
- Holly
  
  15. Oct, 2009
  
  Hi Nellie! I had no idea you lived in Janesville! I almost moved there actually. I’m just a short drive from where you’re at! What a small world. And Wisconsin Dells is definitely fun and beautiful as well. We go to Christmas Mountain, in the Dells, to go camping sometimes – it’s an old tradition from my grandparents. Anyway, it’s great to hear from you!!!
Josh

15. Oct, 2009

Hi Supergirl,

Your warm spirit is deeply welcomed. Was wondering why you were silent for a season… so this explains it. Glad that you’re enjoying the fruits of your labor.

We, your fans are thrilled to have you back. Hi to your Josh.

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Anna

15. Oct, 2009

Hi Holly, I am glad to see you posting again. I like these ideas, and you give a great description of Ad Swaps. I think this will actually come in handy for some projects I’m working on.

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KatyBerezny

15. Oct, 2009

Hi Holly!

So you made it ‘home”, I see. I feel like a ping pong ball myself with feeling like I need to go back to Az. to be closer to my immediate family. Then there is uhm Michigan, where I have a lot more family.

Then again I found another gorgeous place that I fell in love with years ago when I visited the first time. It’s between here and Michigan.

It’s hard not being close to family, but it takes courage.

I will say that (since I have been there a few times) Wisconsin is a beautiful place. My ex drove for deBoer which is out of Blenker, Wi. I think I may have built a Lowe’s store over that way as well. None the less, it is a gorgeous land. Can’t say too much about the Packer’s stadium though.

I pray all the best for you and Josh. Keep inspiring others the way you do.

Sincerely,
Katy

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Bill Vlasak

15. Oct, 2009

Really nice to have you back at your site .Now you still have a deluge of e-mails to go through and are still able to write such a helpful blog article..
I too have been in Janesville,WI and agree on the beauty of the area.You will get used to the change in the climate again,esp. from Vegas to winterland.Woodstock,ON has the same climate.
I guess ‘adswaps will have to wait a bit until I get consistently better traffic.Blog sponsorship sounds very feasable,thank you.Giveaways have been used extensively over the years but lately have lost a bit of interest when used only to build lists without giving away new and /or unique products.Done properly giveaways are very effective.I have had a little success with it myself.I just need to find a product that has a hungry market and I can afford to give away en-masse..Welcome back ,again and give Josh a Wisconsin Halloween hayride or if the corn mazes are still open he’ll love them too.

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Kieran

16. Oct, 2009

Great to have you back Holly!!

Every so often I wonder if you’ve made a new post and jump on to your blog to see. And finally yes you’re back and in good form – great post.

Was head nodding all the way through your article and learning about this strategy, as there is an email in my inbox only this evening which exactly implements this very approach.

Am in the process of nutting all this IM stuff out and this is another great lesson in my bag of knowledge.

Thanks heaps and sa-weet you’re online again

Kieran

PS. Your new lifestyle sounds idyllic, and with two kittens to boot. Bet your son loves that. My home backs onto a few small lakes and have recently been de-stressing by enjoying the simplicity of a walk around the promenade.

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Jacinta Dean

16. Oct, 2009

Hi Holly,

Welcome Back!

I have checking my google reader everyday for the last month waiting for your next post!

Thank you for your description on Ad Swaps, I have seen a lot of stuff promoted about it all over the last month but haven’t looked at it. Now I understand more from your explanation, when I am ready for it I will use the concept.

I really love the educational toy giveaway concept. Do you know if it is just the US they service? I will check the site out and find out.

Good to see you have moved and have settled and happy! I am sure there has been quite a few of us waiting and wondering!

What type of kittens do you have? I have 2 cats and 2 dogs. My oldest “Nemo” is a gorgeous black boy cat that is the biggest smootch. He loves giving kisses and cuddles!

Hope all is great!

Your Surrogate Aussie Big Sis.

Jacinta

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Dianne

16. Oct, 2009

Hi Holly! Glad to hear you’re settling in. You’re in such a beautiful area…..

Thanks for the marketing ideas too!

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Kevin Potts

17. Oct, 2009

Really missed you off line for a few days there. I was emailing and calling Paul, and I know the whole forum, just wanted to know you got moved and settled in.

You’ll will do just fine in your new place, of that I’m sure.

Blessings…

Kevin

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Lisa Jo Ray

26. Oct, 2009

Hi Holly,

Welcome back! It is great to hear that you love your new place. I’m sure Josh will love growing up there. I lived on a lake in Georgia for a time and have to admit it was the most wonderful place. It miss it very much. I know I haven’t been around much, but intend to rectify that. Anyway, it’s great to have you back and thank you so much for the ideas.

Many continued blessings,
Lisa Jo

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