I had made a post about Wealthy Affiliate University right before I was hacked, but couldn’t find the post anywhere… so I figured I’d rewrite my Wealthy Affiliate Review now.

I joined Wealthy Affiliate University at the end of September when I wanted to learn more about Affiliate Marketing, the right way. I had been involved in Internet Marketing for years and over the past few years I’ve had some success with Affiliate Marketing, but felt that there was a lot more to learn about it.

I found Wealthy Affiliate University while browsing around some ppc Training sites. I have had plenty of training for Pay Per Click Advertising but wanted to become more advanced… this is how I found Wealthy Affiliate.

At first glance, I thought it was just another one of those Internet Marketing Guru sites where they teach you all of the ways their buddies and ghostwriters know about making money… or should I say: “had used in the past to make money online”.

Luckily, I seen more to it. Back then they had a long Sales Letter with a lot of bullet points, etc. it just looked really “salesy” to me, but I had a good gut feeling when I finally signed up for it.

Thank god I did!

I have honestly never seen a community so helpful and dedicated to helping its members earn money online through Affiliate Marketing.

Travis Sago, of Bum Marketing Method fame, is a very active member and I have to admit… this guy does not come off as being really “net savvy” at first glance… but this guy is one of the smartest guys I’ve ever seen posts from, heard from, etc.

The guy makes these posts that are just FILLED with so much great information, it’s insane. I’ve been a member of Digital Point, Sitepoint, Warriors Forum, etc… never in my life have I seen so much GREAT information on making money and running websites, in my life. Never. DP has some good posts but, the fact is, most of these people do not know as much as they think… half of those posts are pure BS. Warrior Forum is packed full of those fake guru types that are trying to make a quick buck every week by peddling their junk reports…although there are a few good ones here and there. I don’t care too much for the site in general, though.

Wealthy Affiliate has no competition in my eyes. Google Assassin? No…

You’ll learn Article Marketing from the best… (bum marketing method, too)

ppc? Kyle and Carson, the owners, give some of the best information, tips and tricks I’ve seen anywhere on Google AdWords and Yahoo! Search Marketing.

Forum Marketing? They’ve got that…

Blogging? Squidoo? Hubpages? UsFreeAds? Etc? they’ve got information, tutorials and great threads and posts explaining the best ways to market with these products.

Keyword tools? Clickbank tools? PPC Tools? Got ‘em!

Ebooks? Videos? Training? Articles? Got ‘em!

Website builder? They’ve built Site Rubix, which is, in my opinion, the absolute best online website builder you can get your hands on… and it’s free with your membership!

hosting? Yep!

They’ve also got things like WA Spaces which is a built in Social Networking system, WA Jobs - which is a job board that can earn you money for your skills.

There’s so much to list.

How much? Ha… only $29.99 per month. Imagine that… more than Affiliates Den or Google Assassin and nearly 3 times cheaper!

If you’re looking to learn the best ways to conduct Niche Research, Keyword Research, etc… Wealthy Affiliate is the best place to learn.

As a matter of fact, here’s a free book they were giving away around Thanksgiving that contains some of the best Niche Research tools (free) and methods to do Niche Research.

Download Niche Feast - the free Wealthy Affiliate ebook!

It’s got some GREAT information that some of you may have never known. It contains several methods I personally use to perform Niche Research.

The Best Wealthy Affiliate University Review

Posted by Clint Lenard | No Comments »

I was hacked by some little script kiddie, yesterday. Luckily I was able to fix the problem, although there were a ton of hurdles!

My host said they had a backup from the 13th of december, apparently not… they gave me a backup - but, unfortunately, it was from yesterday… the same day I was hacked. So that did me no good…

For some reason ALL of my current backups were missing a ton of data, including NO posts. I had to go back in time to November to grab a backup and then I had to manually add all of the old posts by finding cached pages in the Search Engines.

Ughhhh… and yes, I WAS upgraded to the latest release of WP.

Now it’s time to get a fresh backup!

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I am going to write a huge review of several products I’ve tried over the past year. Products and Services that have been useful, products and services that were not useful at all and those products and services that I think are pure SCAMS, JUNK OR WORTHLESS.

I have ran into a few good ones, a few bad ones and a few REALLY HORRIBLE ones over the past few weeks alone…

Stay tuned, your company just might be listed!

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It’s funny to see the same old threads re-starting on several different forums that I frequently visit. People often ask “what’s the best example of Viral Marketing that you’ve seen?”.

Everybody has the same old answers… MySpace, YouTube, Hotmail, etc… some even bring up these internet marketing products (ha!).

But, not once, has anybody mentioned the absolute best Viral Marketing examples, ever.

I don’t believe I’ve ever seen 1 mention of Google.com, Yahoo.com or sites like these on those lists. Why not? How many times have you “youtube’d it” or “myspaced someone”? I’m guessing never… but I’m going to make a bold guess and say that you’ve definitely “googled” something in your lifetime, using that exact word, too.

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Hey Affiliates… it’s almost Christmas time and this weekend will be one of the HOTTEST times to push PHYSICAL products!

So why not try Female (Girls) Clothing or Girls Sunglasses? This is one of the hottest brands on or offline… Sign up and promote this product while the time is right!

Fly Girls Clothing is blowing up in 2008 and it’s a great time to use a Niche like this to promote a HOT product!

Click the banner above to get started!

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Wordtracker is running a new discount this month for 15% off!

We have an exciting new offer for the month of December. In additional to 15% off the price of annual subscription, we’re giving away a 9 mini-course on how to use Keyword Research to maximize online profitability. This is a must read for any person looking to make more money online. Each part in the series provides another opportunity for your customers to purchase Wordtracker at the discounted rate.

Grab it while it’s hot!

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I notice a lot of newbies seem to jump into AdWords (or any other ppc network) and seem to think they’re going to become successful in the PayPerClick market by simply creating a list of keywords, throwing them into a Campaign and creating one adgroup (using the default name) and creating quick, yet unthoughtful, Ads.

This is EXCELLENT!

For people like me, anyways!

Yes, me… your competition!

OK, OK… so I’m more than likely NOT your competition but if I am - guess what? I’m going to stomp all over you and watch you slowly go through your Ad Budget in a blink of an eye. This is what sets newbie campaigns apart from SOLID campaigns.

AdGroups can help you keep organized. They allow you to keep an eye on your GOOD keywords. Adgroups can help you stay relevant (something I’ll be explaining in another post). Adgroups are the CORE of your ppc campaign.

Whether you’re using Google, Yahoo! or MSN… or any other Network - you need to understand the logic behind Adgroups.

Let’s say you’re running a campaign for Automobiles… I use this word because it can be a Car, Truck, etc… all of them.

So how are you going to track good performing keywords if you’re throwing THOUSANDS upon THOUSANDS of keywords into one adgroup?

Do you see where this is going yet? No? OK… keep reading!

Since we’re using “automobiles”, let’s pretend that you’re a Sales Manager for a Used Car dealer and you’re got 600 cars in your inventory. Let’s say that you’re got at least 1 type of model for each major manufacturer.

By throwing Keywords into one large adgroup - you do not see which Keyword is performing the best and which ones need to be dropped. You may even be using keywords that are costing you a fortune and you DON’T EVEN KNOW IT!

So let’s say we have the following Makes:

Chevrolet, Ford, Dodge, Honda, Toyota, Lexus, Acura, Buick, Pontiac and GMC.

Each of these could be ONE adgroup each… BUT this STILL keeps us a little unorganized because we SHOULD be focusing on very small (20-30 keywords per group), tight adgroups.

So how about an adgroup such as the following:

Dodge Ram� … sure, you have different models but how many keywords can you come up with for this Model? More than 20-30? OK… then narrow it down to something like:

Dodge Ram 1500 QC (quad cab)

So now you have ONE adgroup for this specific Model. Now if you have a great performing keyword for this model - you know which one is performing the best!

An example:

“2006 dodge ram 1500 quad cab hemi”

Sure, it makes it more difficult in setting up each adgroup but, in the long run, you’re going to see how much more efficient your time is being used.

On top of this - you can now create several ads for specific adgroups, even using Dynamic Keyword Insertion (DKI).

Example:

2006 Dodge Ram 1500 Hemi
We’ve Got Your 2006 Dodge Ram
In Stock! Several To Choose From!
www.SomeDodgeDealerInIdaho.com

Of course this is JUST an example and you’ll have to create your ads based on your own product.

* Always create several different variations of ads to choose from so you can discover which ad is performing best. This is called Split testing, which I’ll cover down the road…

The bottom line is: SET UP ADGROUPS!

Here’s a good way to setup adgroups…

Let’s use an example of “MAKING MONEY ONLINE” … pretend you’re promoting a Home Based Business Opportunity.

Adgroup:
MAKE MONEY ONLINE

Keywords:
make money online
make money on the internet
way to make money online
how to make money online
how can i make money online
best way to make money online
real way to make money online
opportunity to make money online

Are you following? See the organization there? I’m not just throwing any keyword into the adgroup… I’m keeping a “theme” within the adgroup for the keywords.

Now you’ll be able to keep your Ads relevant based on your keywords. Relevance IS the key to beating Google AdWords Quality Score!

If you’re unfamiliar with Quality Score… this might be the reason you’re spending too much money on your Adwords/PPC Campaign!

I hope this helped a few people. If you have any questions you can contact me through email or just leave a comment!

Posted by Clint Lenard | 2 Comments »

I’ve seen a lot of people asking how they can start their own Affiliate Program and what they need to get going.

I’ve answered some of these questions and the first thing an Online Company needs is an Affiliate Program Script - such as iDevAffiliate.

Using this type of script allows you to manage your Affiliate Program, have affiliates signup for the program, show total stats, stats per-affiliate, etc.

iDevAffiliate is my favorite Affiliate Script on the market, and I’ve tried at least 3 now… not to mention being an Affiliate of many programs which use other systems.� The script is pretty easy to integrate into your own Shopping Cart and if you need someone else to do it - you can either hire someone from GetACoder.com (if you don’t already have a Webmaster/programmer) or give it a shot yourself?

Once you get the system up and running - you definitely want to make sure it’s working… so try a $1 product and make a “fake” purchase to make sure you’re getting credit for the purchase in the system (iDevAffiliate).

If all is good - it’s time to start getting others to recruit for you!

The first thing to do is to make sure your website is promoting the fact that you have an Affiliate program. This means that you need to provide a link on your website (if not a banner or something REALLY noticeable!) that will go to a landing page that explains what your Affiliate Program provides it’s affiliates.

Commission rates, pay dates, rules and whatever else you think needs to be stated.

It’s always a good thing to provide your Affiliates with a “Getting Started” guide that will direct them in the right direction with Affiliate Marketing. This could be a free ebook, videos, tutorials, etc… OR ALL OF THE ABOVE!

The more thoroughly you train your affiliates, the better!

You can also use your MySpace or Facebook profiles (or whatever else you might use) to promote your new Affiliate Program. Use a headline for a Bulletin such as “Looking for Extra Cash for Christmas?”… something that will catch their attention and get them to read. Next, make sure the bulletin explains how Affiliate Marketing works, examples of good affiliates making good money and let them know how easy it is to make money!

We all know it CAN BE, if done the right way… which is where your training might come back to haunt you when dealing with newbies. So make sure you provide them with GOOD training materials.

You can even try selling your Program on ebay.com by selling a “home business system” for $0.01 … although, by raising the price, you might have better results.

Craigslist might be a good place to promote but be careful!

Using Google AdWords would also be a good way to let the world know of your program. Using ppc engines to promote your Affiliate Program can always be a good start… but it can also be costly and might not be worth it in the end.

There’s also programs such as Affiliate First:

http://www.affiliatefirst.com/submit/?af1

And do not forget about CJ.com, LinkShare.com, etc…

http://www.rocketprofit.com is another solid program!

I will be creating more information regarding promoting Affiliate Programs later… but, for now, let’s continue.

One of the worst things you can do is not paying your Affiliates… even paying them late. It’s always a good thing to make sure you pay your affiliate on time and make sure you pay them the amount you owe them!

This might sound like a no-brainer but, the fact is, MANY Affiliate Programs have lost their programs because of this… it’s a terrible thing and nobody will trust you later, believe me! I’ve been screwed out of money before and nobody likes to lose money on work they have provided. Your Affiliates work hard to make sure they get that cash - so it’s your job to ensure that you follow through on your end!

Make sure your Affiliates are not spamming… if they are - GET RID OF THEM AND DO NOT PAY THEM A PENNY!

This is one of the frustrations that many Affiliate Managers go through. Spammers who think they’re going to get away with it and the companies they’re affiliated with could end up with a major lawsuit on their hands if they do not be careful!

Rules… check out what other companies have done for their Rules and Policies. This is a great starting point for any new Affiliate Program. You might see that some don’t allow ppc, Trademark bidding, etc.

I, personally, think it’s insane not to allow Pay Per Click Advertising… why wouldn’t you? Let your affiliates do what they do and help make you money!

I never understood why some Managers don’t allow it… that’s like an Auto Dealership’s Sales Manager not allowing a Car Salesman to hand out their Business Cards!

Just crazy.

But maybe some have good reasoning behind their stance on no PPC.

Keep in touch and update your program.

A lot of Managers do not keep in touch with their Affiliates. I think this is pretty normal but why be normal? Those Managers who go out of their way to make sure their Affiliates are doing good, have no problems or questions or just to say “hi” are doing their job and getting better results.

While most Managers are up in the face of their best Affiliates - this is a little “questionable”, in my opinion. Sure, thank them or whatever… make sure they’re having a great day, answer any questions… but keep in touch with those who might be struggling!

Those who struggle COULD BE the ones that you might answer 1 simple question for and see them become SUPER AFFILIATES!

I hope this might help answer some questions? I figured it’s a good topic and, while some might say I’m wrong, I believe I’m doing a good job with the few programs I’m currently running!

Just remember that Markets and Industries are different… treat your Affiliate program the way it should be and don’t copy a Clothing Affiliate Program if you’re running an Auto Parts program… it might be a costly mistake!

Always remember that your Affiliates are your secret sales people who bring you more sales. But they can’t do a good job unless your site and products are backing the traffic they’re bringing in. Make sure your landing pages are in order, be sure that the products have good content that explains what they are, be sure to understand that Customers who land on your site might be your biggest customers… you need to make sure your site is ready for these customers!

Posted by Clint Lenard | No Comments »

I was just emailed about which Affiliate Management Script is the best to use…

As I stated in my previous post - I truly believe iDevAffiliate is the best. It’s easy to control and manage, Affiliates (such as myself) love the stats it provides us with and the speed as well! Yes, speed is a major issue with a few other programs I’ve used on both sides of the table… and it sucks having to wake up in the morning and waiiiittt forever to see the stats for the day. No problems such as speed with iDevAffiliate!

There ARE plenty of other scripts, and some are cheaper, but they don’t provide enough tools, in my opinion. I have more luck with support through iDev, as well.

I think the CommissionAlerts and CommissionStats programs are awesome, too! It allows your Affiliates to see their stats and sales on their desktops!

Those programs are definitely worth it!

So… IN MY OPINION, iDevAffiliate is the best Affiliate Script to use for your new or current Affiliate Program.

Posted by Clint Lenard | No Comments »

OK, So I was going to try to NOT speak about Football on my blog but…

A) Oklahoma won the big game… but what’s bigger?

B) Did anyone see the dirtiest Officiating ever, in that Pitt vs. West Virginia game?

My god! That was absolutely DIRTY! And of course all of the WV fans claim it went both ways…

Yeah, right! I’m NOT a PITT fan and didn’t even realize that Dave W… what’s his name? (Old Miami coach) was the coach of PITT.

I didn’t believe WV was as good as people claimed, which was true, and wanted to see a few plays– so I kept changing the channel and each time PITT made a good play - it seemed that the Refs decided that they’d like to see how high they could throw their neat, yellowy little flags.

Phantom Holds… I guess they missed the PI RIGHT IN FRONT OF THEIR FACE! Punt return? Holding calls that just never existed… this was absolutely HORRIBLE and DISGUSTING!

I hope the NCAA does some HARDCORE investigating here. I cannot stand bad officiating but this makes bad officiating look like a GOOD THING… these guys were straight up THROWING the game, trying everything they could just to give West Virginia the “W”.

Sorry WV fans, but it must be pretty bad when dirty refs can’t even help you! I guess Pat White IS a good player after all!

As for the BCS… I think it’s hilarious that Georgia is #4 and LSU is behind them…

I also think it’s pathetic that Kansas isn’t even being considered for the NC with only 1 loss… the loss from the #1 TEAM IN THE NATION!

Virginia Tech? Ehhh… I don’t think they should be that high, but I also don’t want to say anything bad because we all know what happened there and it might help the school’s healing process. But I also think that the STRONGEST TEAMS should play for the National Championship… and who might that be?

LSU vs. Oklahoma.

Ohio State didn’t look that good last year and they’re DEFINITELY not looking very good this year. They’re NOT capable of beating the likes of OU, LSU, USC or Kansas. It’s just NOT going to happen.

UPDATE:

From the looks of it - Ohio State will be playing against LSU in the National Championship…

Here’s why I will be rooting for Ohio State:

I agree with every other Football fan who believes ESPN is lobbying for LSU… what makes me think this? From the morning (yesterday) and even all through the Oklahoma (#9) vs. Missouri (#1) game, the Commentators continued to talk about Les Miles and LSU and how great they are. They BARELY EVEN MENTIONED Bo Pelini (The reason why LSU has been so good = known for defense… he’s the Defensive Coordinator) who is going to Nebraska (a once VERY dominant school, always known for Defense) … this, to me, proves that ESPN is trying hard to get Fan Polls going FOR LSU.

Why on earth would you be yapping about LSU, who barely beat the #14 team in the Nation, while you’re watching Oklahoma completely DESTROY the number 1 team in the Nation?

People can say all they want about how over-rated Mizzou was and why they should not have been #1… I don’t buy any of those arguments. I believe they beat Kansas fair and square and I believe they will embarrass whoever they play in a Bowl game, no matter who they play. I also believe Kansas will do the same.

Ohio State deserves to be in the NC game… they’ve lost 1 game. Sure, they lost to Illinois. OU lost to Colorado (they GAVE this game away after a 24-0 lead) and Texas Tech (who was actually one of the best Offenses in the country and barely lost to Texas — AND OU was playing with a backup QB and made far too many mistakes… but they still lost!)� but by a total of 10 points.

USC beat only TWO WINNING TEAMS. Yes, they beat 2 teams with winning records. Every other team had losing records… betcha didn’t know that!

Virginia Tech? I just don’t think they’re capable of beating a strong team. Maybe next year?

And then LSU… guys… seriously… they lost their two games AT HOME to unranked teams! Arkansas ran all over them and embarrassed this “great” team! Any time you put 50 points on the board against a “#1″ team — that team does NOT look very good. McFadden proved that he should be the Heisman Trophy winner.

Tebow has plenty of time to prove he’s a good player… his numbers do not impress me yet. I could care less about 20+ rushing TD’s for a QB. The same way Michael Vick never impressed me in his College Years…and definitely not in the NFL! Same with Reggie Bush!

Bottom line… LSU lost twice AT HOME. Home field advantage and you LOSE TWICE? To UNRANKED TEAMS? C’mon!

At least give the NC game to Kansas or Georgia, if not OU!

But I don’t think most fans want to compete with OU after the nation watched last nights game and seen how fast their Defense was and how great their Running game is. Bradford, as a Freshman, is one of the best QB’s in the nation, if not the best. Malcolm Kelly? Best Wide out in the Nation… forget numbers. He’s the best. He’ll be a top player in the NFL.

If it IS OSU vs. LSU — I’m going to go buy an Ohio State shirt for the hell of it. SEC is entirely overrated, in my opinion. Big 12 and Big 10 have a much bigger history and Big 12 proved they’re the toughest this year with 4 top 10 teams (if Texas does end up in the top 10 as they should!).

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