Commercial Real Estate Lending vs. Private Funding

 General  Comments Off on Commercial Real Estate Lending vs. Private Funding
Feb 152024
 

Traditional bank and institutional lending has become outdated in some respects and does not always meet the needs of potential commercial customers. Private investor funding has filled many of the gaps while making investing easier and profitable for all parties involved. Although private funding is not actually lending by definition it is still a highly viable alternative.

The typical traditional bank loans take 3 to 6 months to close. The obvious constraint is if your deal needs to close before 3 months or if the seller is anxious to close in a fast time frame. Private funding typically takes 30-90 days to close and the right mix of information, opportunity and “right-time-right-place” has seen private deals close in a manner of days!

Most commercial lenders have very specific guidelines on documentation of the source of income or proof of asset ownership. Obtaining these documents from the current owner(s) is a big challenge if not impossible. Tax returns and additional personal information are sought but few are willing to open up their finances to just anyone. Private investors tend not to look at past performance of the property but seek a good analysis of what the future potential is. Be prepared with a sound business plan!
Many borrowers can’t qualify for traditional commercial loans if they have existing high business expenses. Again, existing financials need to be examined by the bank to determine if prior performance indicates worthiness for the loan. This time it’s your financials under the microscope. This type of information is useful in proving yourself to private investors but not required.

Special business properties such as mobile home parks, restaurant /bars, cash businesses, new development construction projects, nursing homes, assisted living centers, etc. may be outside of the traditional lenders interest. The reasons differ but are often related to the perceived risk or lack of knowledge about the type of investment. Again, private investors are more interested in your plan and its soundness rather than the category of property.

Relative short balloon payments on special purpose business loans are fairly common with traditional loans, some due in as little a 3 years. If your business plan does not specifically show how returns on the profitability of the property will support the balloon payment the loan is often denied. Private funding may also have balloon payments but you can always seek a different structure that fits your needs and plan rather than trying to plug your plan into an institutions way of doing things.

Assumability of the loan is not often offered with commercial loans. If your plan for the property includes later selling it for a profit you need to consider how potential buyers will finance the purchase from you. If you cannot transfer the loan to a qualified buyer you will be at the mercy of them obtaining a loan from an institution and meeting all of their requirements. This is time consuming and costly for the borrower creating a delay in you moving on. Conversely, private funding can often be structured so that you may transfer your existing agreement to another without any of the constraints.

Banks and lending institutions often monitor their investments by requiring ongoing financial reporting requirements. Although they are not a partner in your venture they behave like they are. Until you break free from the loan this monitoring relationship will continue. Private funding investors may also require periodic financial reports but as long as the agreed terms of the funding are being met they may have little interest.

Some institutional lenders still require the borrower to live in the same state as the property. In today’s realm the reasons for this requirement are lost. Legal issues may be a bit easier to deal with because of the requirement but not enough to limit the borrowers to properties in their own state.

There are many more differences between traditional loans and private funding. The differences usually favor the non-traditional private funding world. You may pay slight more for private funding overall but if you can’t qualify for a traditional loan, or the timing will not work you should not even consider cost when comparing the two options.

A Changing of the Guard in Automotive Repair

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Feb 112024
 

As someone who has always purchased used, low mileage cars in an attempt to offset the expense of driving a new car off the dealer lot, I’ve had my share of repair issues over the years. Luckily, I’ve also had the same reliable mechanic for the better part of two decades. No matter what car I owned or in some cases wished I didn’t own, he has been able to find the source of the problem, fix it, and get me on my way. As the owner of the shop, he is the one who deals with the customers, prepares estimates and makes the phone calls to let people know when their vehicles are ready. What I recently found out, though, surprised me a bit. The man I thought had been fixing my cars hasn’t turned a wrench in years.



The last time I was in for a repair, we got to talking about the late model auto I brought in. I bought it with less than 20,000 miles on the odometer and didn’t really expect to have to have any work done other than routine maintenance. When I asked a detailed question about the reliability of the car, in his opinion, he called out one of his employees and told me that he no longer works in the garage. This young man provided me with the answer I was looking for, and explained why the problem I had wasn’t likely to happen again through my ownership of the vehicle. While that was relieving, I was still in a bit of shock. I always pictured the same person working on my cars, or at the very least supervising. We joked about it and then the owner told me why he only concerns himself with the administrative aspects of the business.



According to him, he would rather be under the lift doing what he enjoys, but the complexity of today’s automobiles precludes him from doing so. It seems modern cars and trucks demand higher standards of technical ability, service procedures and diagnostic equipment than he was able to provide or understand. As technical advancements continued to show up in cars that entered the shop, he began to see a trend. The graduates from automotive technical schools that he hired were able to comprehend the complicated systems of late model cars and perform diagnostic and repair services better and faster than he could. Of course, they had gone through extensive training for just that purpose, where he had learned auto repair from his father and through years of trial and error.



I asked him if it upset him that he had to rely more on others than in previous years. He told me that it doesn’t bother him so much, then pointed out the window at a beautiful 1969 Corvette that pulled in to get gas. “When a car like that comes in for repairs, I’m the one that gets to work on it.”

“One classic deserves another” I said, then smiled and went on my way.

Ease Your Cash Flow: Invoice Finance

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Feb 082024
 

There are several benefits that can be gained when a company decides to invoice finance. A business that deals in the sale of products or services to other businesses will receive the advantage of improved cash flow by using an invoice finance service.


Basically, to invoice finance means to sell or assign your outstanding invoices to an invoice finance company. This company in most cases will give you instant access to a percentage of the total amount of the unpaid invoices assigned to them, commonly from 70-90% of the value of approved invoices. In many cases they may also take responsibility for invoicing, chasing and collecting owed invoices as well as accept a percentage of the loss on unpaid invoices.


Having access to these funds greatly increase the cash flow within your company. Cash on hand for increased production, savings by way of discounts on company expenses, decrease or even elimination of business expenses, and improved opportunities for business loans.


By using an invoice finance service there is no waiting 30-45 days for people who pay on time, and even longer for late payments on invoices. That cash on hand can be more readily available for production, creating an immediate availability for more sales.


Another area the right business can gain greater cash flow from using invoice finance is in taking advantage of discounted payments of business expenses. Many companies offer discounts of as much as 10% if their invoices are paid on receipt or within a certain period of time.


With invoice finance you have cash on hand to pay your bills sooner, rather than having to wait until your customer pays you for your product or service. Increased cash flow also increases your companies purchase power, making it possible to negotiate better terms or discounts from suppliers. The savings in these two areas alone will in most cases outweigh the fee from the invoice finance service.


There are other business expenses that can be cut back or even eliminated when using invoice finance, for example: administration costs, stationery, and office equipment. When adding the expense of employing an accounting clerk, not only their salary but also company benefits, it’s easy to see some great advantages to using an invoice finance service.


Invoice finance can be particularly helpful to a business in the start-up phase. Most lending institutions have strict rules on lending to ‘new businesses’. A bank or lender will only consider a small portion of outstanding (unpaid) invoices owed, often only 40% of the total amount of outstanding invoices, when administering a business loan. By invoice financing your ledger shows cash on hand in place of a large amount tied up in outstanding invoices.


There are some disadvantages to using an invoice finance service. The goods or service your company supplies can have a huge effect on whether your company should use invoice finance. Businesses providing recurring services or product orders are good candidates, while invoices for one-time orders might find it difficult to obtain this type of funding.


These companies prefer to know the debtor and their track record in paying debts before accepting invoices owed by that debtor. Another disadvantage would be if the mark-up sale price of the goods or service provided were less than the amount of the invoice finance fee.


For the right business combining the improved cash flow with a reasonable profit margin along with increased sales orders the business is in a position to expand and the cost to invoice finance can easily be absorbed in increased profitability.

Cool T-Shirts

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Feb 042024
 

Buying Cool T-Shirts

A lot of the T-shirts we want can be found in the mall, in record stores and department stores. But it seems ridiculous to pay high prices for a simple, 100% cotton T, and none of us can ever seem to buy as many cool T-shirts as we want.

Cool T-shirts don’t have to be outrageously expensive, if you know where to look. First, make sure to check all the sales racks in every store where you shop for your cool T-shirts. You’re bound to find one or two good items on these racks, though it may take some looking. The mall is not the only place to find cool T-shirts, either. Be sure to check strip malls, which usually contain smaller boutiques, because these stores often have a wealth of cool T-shirts available as well – without the high prices of the mall.

Cool T-shirts are always hot and always in style, so they can be found at any clothing store at all. Don’t be afraid to shop around and look for the best deals, because that’s the only way to save your money. The less you spend on your cool T-shirts, the more cool Ts you can buy!

Making Your Own Cool T-Shirts

Who says you have to buy all your own cool Ts? It’s much cheaper, and more creative, to buy plain cotton T-shirts and have them professionally silk-screened. This process is actually a lot cheaper than buying a pre-printed cool T-shirt, and in the end you’ll end up with a cool T-shirt that’s completely one of a kind.

If you have an artistic flair, or have your own catchphrase, why not have it put on a cool T-shirt that will be uniquely your own? A custom-made T will make a huge fashion statement, and personalize your wardrobe. Making your own cool T-shirts is one way to get the fashion you want, at a price you can afford. And by making your own cool T, you’ll have something that no one else can purchase.

Finding Cool T-Shirts

You can find cool T-shirts anywhere and everywhere. Don’t be afraid to check discount stores, department stores, used clothing stores. Because cool T-shirts are popular and highly in demand no matter the time of year, you can find them everywhere. Sporting goods stores also have a wide range of sports-related cool T-shirts for you to choose from. Once you realize that you can look for cool T-shirts everywhere, finding them becomes a whole lot easier. The harder you look for cool T-shirts, the better your chances that you’ll find fashions that no one else has. Cool T-shirts are about expressing your own unique style, and what better way to do that than by finding cool T-shirts that no one else has?

Cool T-Shirts

When everyone else is wearing cool T-shirts, too, your own sense of style may get lost in the crowd. Customize your Ts with extra touches like buttons, pockets, bits of fabric, ribbon, jewels, even your own added graphics. Don’t be afraid to get crazy, because it’s all in the name of fashion. And you never know – you may end up starting the next trend in cool T-shirts. Display your own personality by adding custom touches to your Ts, and you’ll soon find that other people try to follow your lead and do the same. Even with an everyday item, you can create a fashion trend that will set off waves among your peers.

Aroma Therapy: Get Cured With A whiff

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Jan 262024
 


The origin of aromatherapy can be traced back to ancient Egypt. It was used in both ritualistic and medicinal practices. Even the Chinese medicinal practices are rich in cures with essential oils in acupuncture, massage, inhalations and baths. The ancient Indian medicinal system also deals a lot with the medicinal oils. Many aroma cures are practiced in homes and has become a part of common home remedies. Knowledge of aroma therapy and its scientific basis started after a French Chemist Gattefosse showed that essential oils can penetrate the skin and mingle with the extra-cellular liquids of the body which are then carried to the different organs. Other research has shown that the olfactory nerves that react to smell are directly connected to the hypothalamus. Hypothalamus controls the endocrine system which regulates growth, and other activities such as heart rate, breathing, digestion, body temperature and hunger.


Basics of aromatherapy

Aroma of oils is extracted from various herbs and plants which help to bring the mind and body into a state of equilibrium. It helps in healing various metal and physical ailments. This oil from which the aroma is taken is known as essential oils which can be used to treat many ailments like depression, stress, arthritis, back problems, muscle aches, head aches, colds, sinus problems, skin disorders, asthma, digestion problems, etc. The essentials oils are many and information on the essential oils and aromatherapy info can be obtained from the internet. These essential oils evaporate easily and are used in many air fresheners. A vapouriser, potpourri burner, heating the oil on the stove or placing a few drops in steaming water can create a distinct mental and emotion atmosphere. Pure essential oils are extremely concentrated and are volatile. Most of these oils contain vitamins and minerals, some are natural antiseptics where as others exhibit hormone like properties.


How to use these Essential Oils

Make your own perfume by adding these oils to other oils so that it does not evaporate fast. You could also add it to pure alcohol (ethyl) and use it like a perfume.
Water is used in therapy quite often and using oils in bath tub while having a bath enhances the power of the oil. Do not add any other substance (foam, soap or other oils) to the water. Just add about 9 or 10 drops of essential oils and relax. The oil is absorbed into the skin and inhalation of the vapor is added benefit. For children and babies be sure to reduce the quantity of oil.
You could also take a cotton and dab it with a little bit of oil and keep it in the room you are working in. Putting a drop or two of oil in the dust bin and in other vantage points in the room will permeate the entire room with the pleasant aroma.
In case you are to use it for colds and inflammation of the sinus. Steamers that are made especially for aromatherapy can help. These steamers are used even for other ailments. Application of the oil on the affected part is said to be beneficial in many remedies like arthritis, muscle aches etc.


Herbs for Aroma therapy

Aromatherapy stress reduction oils and some essentials herbs of aromatherapy for ailments are given below.

Basil


    Colds, coughs and related ailments of the lungs
    Nervous tension, hysteria and related mental ailments


Lavender


    Regular colds, coughs, bronchitis, asthma etc.
    Relaxants for Insomnia, depression and nervous tension


Cedar wood


    Treat oily skin, acne, scalp disorders


Eucalyptuses


    Helps in colds, coughs, bronchitis, etc.


Coriander


    A known aphrodisiac it is used to rejuvenate the nervous system, reduce rheumatic pains and improves appetite.


Lemon


    Used in acidity, arthritis, anemia and cough and colds
    Reduces pain when applied on the spot of an insect bite


Orange


    Used in ailments like bronchitis, colds etc.
    Used in skin care


Rosemary


    Effective in arthritis, bronchitis, burns, colds, dandruff and skin care.
    Brings clarity of thought and has a placid effect on the nervous system


Author: Aromacures.com is a site that gives complete aromatherapy info. Herbs for Aromatherapy, Aromatherapy for ailments , Aromatherapy Stress Reduction etc. Visit the site for more info.

5 Tips for Finding the Best Platinum Credit Card

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Jan 192024
 

Platinum credit cards have a reputation for exclusivity and prestige, but they are open to a wide range of consumers. One difference between platinum cards and regular cards is that they commonly have lower interest rates and higher annual fees. They also offer extra perks and services such as purchase insurance, rewards points, travel deals and even travel and concierge services. Here are five tips to help choose the right platinum card for you:


1. Consider your credit needs and habits. The consumers who get the most out of platinum cards are those who use their cards frequently but only spend what they can easily pay off every month. They commonly have high incomes, high spending and a lifestyle that takes advantage of the extra benefits offered by platinum cards. Questions to ask yourself include how much you spend, how quickly you pay off your balance, how much you can afford for an annual fee and which extra features you will use the most.


2. Decide which card features are most important to you. Different factors matter to different people, so take time to analyze your own priorities before taking someone else’s recommendation. Consider the options available, and decide which are essential, which are preferences and which don’t matter to you.


3. Compare several cards to find the best one. You may have a specific brand in mind already, but by looking at several options you can choose the one that gives you the most for your money!


4. Read the fine print. Platinum cards can cost a lot of money, so make sure you know what you are agreeing to before you submit the application. Reading the agreement in full can help you to understand all of the responsibilities and benefits and choose a card that really fits with your lifestyle.


5. Check several sources of information. The Federal Reserve publishes a survey of credit card terms every six months, and there are a wide range of websites where you can compare credit card offers and even apply online.

Satellite TV offers better deals than any cable TV! Here’s why.

 General  Comments Off on Satellite TV offers better deals than any cable TV! Here’s why.
Jan 102024
 

In the past, many cable systems operate as local monopolies in the United States, as cable companies typically receive exclusive rights to serve a region as a result of a franchise agreement with a local government. In some areas that are changing as competition has been allowed to enter the market, including, in some cases, city run cable systems. The rise of satellite TV broadcast system (Dish Network and DirecTV), which provide the same type of programming using small satellite receivers, has also provided competition to cable TV systems.

In fact, since Dish Network and DirecTV were officially launched in 90s, millions had switched from cable TV to Dish Network. Interested to know why is the big move? Here are the top three reasons!

Money wise

Money talks and money leads. One of the main reasons why Dish Network and DirecTV so popular nowadays is because Dish Network offers much better bargains when compare to cable TV providers. Cable TV monthly subscription fees ranged around $40 for the basics programming packages. Extra digital or sports channels require additional fees.

Satellite TV providers however offer a much lower monthly cost to their users. Dish Network s basic package starts at $29.99 while DirecTV s at $31.99. Additional sport packages will cost extra $5 to $10. With promotions offered by certain retailers, Dish Network packages are sometimes even cheaper with $19.99/month.

Programming selections

Programming choice is what separate cable TV and satellite TV the most. Satellite TV offers a wide range of programming selections; while with cable TV the programming options are rather limited.

You can easily get up to hundreds of programming channels with satellite TV systems. With cable TV, you get support of 90+ channels for the basic packages. Further more, satellite TV channels are all digital broadcast, meaning that all your satellite TV pictures are all 100% digitized. On the other hand, cable TV are mostly analog signals. Digital channels on cable TV might cost you extra subscription fees ranged from $10 – $15.

Equipment systems

Equipment Cable TV systems require a cable to be installed from the network to your house. If your street has no cable you may need to wait a while before it is available in your area. Besides the cable you need a receiver. With digital services you need an additional box. Dish Network requires a satellite dish, a receiver and a cable from the dish to your TV (no digging in your garden).

To get a cable TV services, you need to buy your own cable systems that might cost you around hundred bucks or more. For Dish Network or DirecTV, you get free satellite TV systems for free up to four rooms. All you need to be is that you are their first time customers and you are ready to commit a one year subscription contracts. Some of these equipments are even granted with life-time warranty!

Wrapping things up

Viewing on the points listed above, it is no doubt that why J.D. Power and Associates has ranked Dish Network and DirecTV as the top TV broadcasting companies. Both DirecTV and Dish Network are higher in customer satisfaction than any of the cable TV companies for the last five years.

Due to the popularity of satellite TV, dealers have sprung up all over the place promising the best deals and the best service. Some are Internet scams and provide lots of fake deals. To review and get recommendation on satellite TV retailers, you are suggested to visit this page: Recommendation on satellite TV dealers.

Phentermine and Adipex: Better to Know Both Before you Use

 General  Comments Off on Phentermine and Adipex: Better to Know Both Before you Use
Jan 082024
 

In the presence of numerous medicines available to cure people of obesity, every diet medicine has got its own characteristics. Some advantages and disadvantages are present with every diet pill. And phentermine diet pill and Adipex are two among many diet pills which works effectively to help people in cutting flab.

Phentermine and Adipex diet pills are used for the short-term treatment of obesity, and even functions in a similar way. Both these diet pills function in the body effectively, as it stimulates hypothalamus gland and affects certain neurotransmitters, which controls nervous system of brain. Thus, it controls the gland which allows appetite in our body. Appetite is lost due to this diet pill, and people refrain having heavy food, including fats. In such way, this pill deals with obesity in a strict way, and keeps fats of dwelling in one’s body.

Phentermine and Adipex diet pills are prescribed medicines used to control obesity by suppressing people’s appetite. The result of this pill depends upon the way in which proper diet, and exercise has been taken along with this pills. Intake of less caloric food during the course of Adipex and Phentermine diet pills can result very positively.

Adipex and phentermine both are clinically proved diet pills to cut fat of people suffering from obesity. Phentermine diet pills are available in strengths of 15, 30 and 37.5 milligram to satisfy needs and aspirations of different people, while Adipex comes in strength of 37.5 mg. Both pills have to be taken in empty stomach, and half an hour before taking meal. If the dose is missed sometimes, there is no need to be worried.

Both diet pills, Adipex and phentermine cause some side effects in the initial few days of their use. Sleeplessness, irritability, constipation, etc are some of its side effects. But, few precautions enable one to take best out of these pills. Both these pills are two of best possible medicine to cure obese people of their fat and enjoy healthy living.

Credit cards for students – are they a help or a hindrance?

 General  Comments Off on Credit cards for students – are they a help or a hindrance?
Dec 262023
 

Debt and credit cards have become an inevitable part of a

modern UK student’s life. With graduate debt running at an

average of over £13,000, it is easy to see the appeal of

gaining the ability to spread the day to day living costs,

putting them off until that high paid post college job

appears.



Visit most University Freshers Fairs and it will be easy

to find several different banks offering student financial

services, alongside Virgin and Barclaycard student credit

cards,all with low introductory rates, shopping discounts,

free CDs, or other new gift idea.Despite having a low irregular

income and no credit history, students represent an ideal

target for the banks. The reasons that students are desirable

as new customers is that over their working lifetime graduates

earn on average of £400,000 more than non-graduates UK,

combined with the fact that once they have accounts in place,

people are generally reluctant to switch to other providers,

and so by attracting students early in their financial life,

they are liable to remain with the same credit card provider

for life. Obtaining a student credit card can also be of great

benefit to students, not only by assisting with the daily

budgeting, but also by initiating the creation of a credit

history that can be used to support future loan and mortgage

applications. There are drawbacks however, and it is however

important to be remember not to abuse these newly obtained

credit facilities, as any credit obtained will always need to

be repaid and building up a poor credit history can prove

damaging to future finance applications.



It should be noted that students are not restricted to just

choosing a student credit card, however as some standard

credit cards do not require the applicant to maintain a minimum

regular income, however there is generally little or no difference

between the cards themselves, and the various free extras combined

with the ease of obtaining a student credit card rather than a

standard one, frequently make student targeted cards a better

option.



With online fraud protection, travel assistance, online account

management, 24 hour helplines and free text alerts set up to

notify when payment dates are due, the beneficial reasons for

students to obtain a card are numerous, and as long as care is

taken to not over use the facilities and repayments are met,

then a credit card can provide a useful flexibility for their

personal finances.



An important point to remember whenever taking out any form of

finance is to take the time to compare as many of the currently

available deals that are available. With a little care and a simple

check on the suitability and interest rates which will be payable,

using free credit card comparison services like Moneynet can help

to minimise the potential repayment costs involved in the future

as well as maximizing the various benefits.



Disclaimer:



All information contained in this article, is for general

information purposes only and should not be construed as

advice under the Financial Services Act 1986.



You are strongly advised to take appropriate professional

and legal advice before entering into any binding contracts.





Article written by Michael Hanna.

Can Your Internet Business Learn Anything From McDonalds?

 General  Comments Off on Can Your Internet Business Learn Anything From McDonalds?
Dec 252023
 

Copyright © Robbie Fanucchi
http://www.RJFanucchi.com


I was taking a road trip with my wife, cruising down highway 101 towards Monterey, California, when the sight of glowing yellow arches reminded me of my past days as a salesman in Hawaii.


My former sales manager was fond of quoting McDonald’s founder, Ray Kroc, who was renowned for claiming that he was in the real estate business, not the hamburger joint business.


What did Ray Kroc mean by this? For him, success was about strategically placing his hamburger joints. He wisely realized that if he monopolized as many highway exits across America as possible, people would flock in droves. He hit on something big. As proof, next time you’re on a road trip, count how many towering yellow arches you pass.


For Ray Kroc, success went hand in hand with visibility and location. This is certainly true with Internet Marketing. Even more so than a physical business, your Internet business lives or dies due to it’s visibility. Unlike physical establishments, people just don’t stumble accidentally across your website.


The only way to get people to your website is to make it visible. One such way is through the tried and proven method of advertising. So lets spend some time discussing various successful methods for promoting online business.


Advertising in e-zines is truly effective. These Internet magazines cover almost any topic you can think of. You can visit an online directory of e-zines and find one that deals with your particular subject. E-zine ads are effective because you are targeting an audience that is already interested in your topic. Therefore, every reader is a potential customer. Placing an ad in the right e-zine can definitely give visibility to your website.


Opt-in email is another great form of advertising your Internet business. With opt-in email you would create your own sales copy, which you in turn submit to a company that will then email it to their mailing list. Carefully seek out opt-in services with a reliable reputation. Too many of these services are nothing more than disguised SPAM. However, if you find a good opt-in company and you create an effective sales copy, you will definitely give your online business much needed visibility.


Pay-per-click programs are another good form of advertising. Google Adwords is a perfect example of this. It works by creating an ad for your Internet business. You even get to set your own bidding price. You only pay once someone clicks on your link and is taken to your site. A word of caution with this form of advertising. You need to monitor it daily. It is too easy to create an ad and forget about it. Before you know it, you’ve burned up your grocery money for the month. A good idea is to set a monthly budget; a reasonable amount you can afford. Once your bill reaches that limit, pause your campaign until the next month. Other than that, pay-per-clicks are considered to be one of the most effective ways to gain increased visibility for your business.


One trendy form of advertising is through blogs. Blogs are all the rage these days. Everybody has one. You can create a blog that pertains to your business. Blogs give you the opportunity to make your business more personable by revealing your personal experience in your field of expertise.
One way to turn your blog into a form of advertising is by placing a link to your website at the end of each post. This will definitely increase your business visibility.


Remember, McDonalds has made a fortune out of using the visibility tactic. You can make your online business just as visible as those seductive glowing yellow arches by employing some of the advertising techniques mentioned above. Remember, there is no such thing as too much visibility when it comes to your business. So budget what you can for advertising and go for it.

A Surefire Web Business for You

 General  Comments Off on A Surefire Web Business for You
Dec 232023
 

If you really want to start a Web-based business, but really don’t know where to start, then listen up. If you have no product of your own, the best thing that you can do is investigate affiliate programs.

What is an affiliate program? It’s basically a commission-only sales arrangement. Someone with a product or service will offer to let you sell it for them in exchange for a cut of the selling price. Typically with a hard product you’ll be lucky to get 10% commission on sales. The good news is that downloadable products such as ebooks and software will often pay you 50% of the sales price as an affiliate – you can even find deals where you get 75%.

If you’re just starting out you are certainly advised to begin your affiliate selling career by selling downloadable products because they are the ideal in our ‘instant gratification’ society. Your customers don’t have to wait around after paying their money they can immediately download their purchase over the Internet. If you go to www.clickbank.com, you’ll find they have several thousand different downloadable products you can sell as an affiliate, and the majority offer you at least 50% commission. Signing up is a simple one-time process and you’ll then be able to use your Clickbank ID to sell any of the products in their online catalogue.

You can browse the Clickbank catalogue by subject area to find something that interests you. In any given subject area you will usually find that there are several related products that you could sell from a tightly-focused Website where you could set up pages to pre-sell the products you have selected and then place a link that your customers can click on which will take them to the affiliate site to place their order – and if they do that, you get your commission.

One of the best types of site you can build using the above ideas is a review site. Set up some simple pages on your Website comparing and contrasting the features of several related products that you’ve picked out to sell. All you really need to do is go along to the vendors Website which will basically be a sales page for their product. Here they’ll list the features and benefits of their product. You can adapt this information to highlight the similarities and differences between two or more of the products to help your customers to choose which product would be the most suitable for their own particular circumstances.

What is the easiest type of Website you can set up to achieve the above? You’ve probably heard the buzz by now surrounding blogs and blogging. One of the main reasons blogs are recommended for setting up tightly-focused niche topic Websites is that they are usually easier to get traffic to from a standing start than conventional Websites.

Another good reason for choosing a blog as your site-builder of choice is that they are comparatively easy to set up if you’re a Website building novice. Once you’ve carried out some pretty basic setting up, the software behind the blog handles most of the major house-keeping chores, like making sure all of your pages are properly linked together. All you have to do is to keep adding on-topic content regularly.

Two good choices if you want to experiment with blogs for your niche affiliate review sites following the above model are WordPress and Blogger. WordPress is free open source software that resides on your own Web server – so you’ll need some hosting of your own if you want to go this route. This is certainly the preferred way to go because if you’ve got your own domain name and hosting you’ll present a more professional image to your customers. You will also have more control over the look and feel of your site.

If you are a complete novice and you just want to test the waters to see if this niche marketing with affiliate sites thing is for you, then the cheapest (free) way to get involved is to go to www.blogger.com, sign up for a free account and make use of the free Blogspot hosting.

Whichever blogging route you choose, once you have your blog set up, just put your review articles on it comparing and contrasting the affiliate products you’ve chosen, as detailed above. To bulk out the content on your blog, just look around the Net for news items and information on the subject area you’ve chosen and write some articles based around these.

Once you have one blog set up with a decent amount of content on it, just rinse and repeat. Find some more subject areas that interest you and put more blogs together on these subjects, based around more good affiliate products that you can promote.

There are people out there right now who are making very good money using nothing more than these, and similar, ideas. How will you know whether you could join them if you don’t give it a try?

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