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[Jim Ticehurst Contribution Level: 4]

Hi, I am new to using a blog site for selling purposes and my question is this, do you use your blog page to sell from directly? in other words do you put items for sale in the content area of the blog or just in the sidebar? (because if you put it in the content area surely it is going to dissapear when you write the next article isn't it?) ....also do you use the 'pages' to sell from as well? infact do you use the 'pages' at all? thats it, any comments would be very much appreciated, regards Jim T.
ps: If you have a blog page that you are proud of then please show it......

[Tom Boyuka Company: Lyoness Contribution Level: 2]

Hi Jim,
I use my blog for one reason and one reason only. It is NOT to sell my primary business but rather to offer free information and have a few laughs within the network marketing industry. I am trying to build good solid relationships with other networkers by offering value to them. If we become friends and we start communicating then it is natural to discuss what companies we are with and how we are being treated etc. Be honest and truthful and you will develop relationships. To see my blog go to http://tomboyukablog.com You can contact me anytime with other questions as I will be glad to discuss things with you. To your success.

[Sonny Lanorias Company: MyLeadSystemPRO Contribution Level: 4]

Hi Jim,

I use my blog to give valuable information. Information that helps solve people's problems. At the bottom of your blog post, you can write a call to action where you can direct them on to your website or lead capture page.

[Tommy DiPietro Company: Herbalife International of America, Inc. Contribution Level: 3]

Posting valuable content is a great way of gaining subscribers to your blog.

You can offer your subscribers products that you are an affiliate of.

Another way is posting a review of a certain product on your blog and can include your affiliate website within your post.

The side columns of your blog can be used for marketing your product.

Do yourself a favor and try not to saturate your blog with selling. Offer your readers valuable content and that will give them a reason to want to buy from you.

You want to make sure you are getting people to visit your blog.

What is your traffic strategy?

It is a good thing to want to make money on your blog. But it is more important to first figure out why someone is going to want to buy from you.

If you can answer that, then how is that person going to find you?

My blog url is in my signature.

Tommy D.

[Richard Bravo Company: Life Force International Contribution Level: 9]

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Selling on a blog isn't difficult Jim.
The key for it to be effective, in conjunction with quality useful content and positioning relevant offers in front of your audience, is consistent traffic ... and lots of it.

If you're just starting you really want to focus on building rapport with your readers.
You want to be kicking out killer content that they are looking for.

Focus on building a community around your site.
I've been asked on several occasions "How Do You Do That?"
And it really is quite simple ... you have to engage and interact with your readers.
Ask them questions. Invite them to participate. And give them what they want.

Do that, and as your sites' popularity increases you'll see plenty of opportunities to monetize.

A simple way is to do reviews of products and services.
Find offers that are relevant to your subject matter and write of review.
In the review and at the end you can reference a link or place a banner with a call to action for purchasing the product or service you just reviewed.

There's also AdSense. A lot of people frown on AdSense, but I can tell you from first hand experience that it will afford income to your site. Especially if you do it correctly. The other thing about AdSense is that it can act as a "crystal ball" of sorts and give you insight into the players in your market and show you the types of products/services being bid on for ad spots in your market.

Thinking of it as getting paid for market research.

You can take that data and open all sorts of doors and opportunities for monetizing your site.

Ad of course don't forget ... what ever your primary product offering is, be it your mlm or a canned solution from a 3rd party or something you developed yourself, what ever the case may be, position it on your site just as you would any other ad.

If you don't have marketing collateral for your preferred product, create it or get it created.
But get it made and get it on your site.

Obviously you want something with a strong funnel attached to it as well.
No point sending traffic to an offer that doesn't convert or is completely irrelevant to your audience.
So make sure you are selective with what you promote.

Taking that extra care and consideration to provide things actually useful and beneficial to your audience, instead of an opportunity for a quick buck, will go a long with in protecting your credibility with your readers.

Hope that helps and Good Luck!
~Richard

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[Daniel Attard Company: Neways Worldwide Contribution Level: 3]

I brand myself at the front end then I promote what I use and what I believe that works at the back end. Works every time.

[Ilka Flood Company: Isagenix Corporation Contribution Level: 4]

.Focus on building a community around your site.
I've been asked on several occasions "How Do You Do That?"
And it really is quite simple ... you have to engage and interact with your readers.
Ask them questions. Invite them to participate. And give them what they want.

Do that, and as your sites' popularity increases you'll see plenty of opportunities to monetize..

Here's a nugget worth it's weight in gold.

I totally agree. Build a relationship with your readers and they will be eating out of your hand

Thanks Richard, for your words of wisdom!

[Lawrence Bergfeld Contribution Level: 3]

Here is the reply to your question. You tell stories because facts tell and stories sell.

Lawrence Bergfeld

[Reinaldo Lopez Contribution Level: 3]

Thanks Richard for the in depth content. Could not have said better myself. Like Daniel also said, Branding is very important to letting your customers know who you are and what you are about and most importantly you want your customers to trust you before they will buy from you. So Brand Yourself.
" You, Inc. " It will last longer if you want any longevity in this business.

Look at Donald Trump for example. People around the world know his name but many have never met him. Wish you the best with your Blog. Read other people's Blogs too to get ideas and inspiration.

Success Is Intentional,

Reinaldo Lopez

[Mario Sanders Company: Life Force International Contribution Level: 6]

I try to use my articles to inform readers and never to advertise. Once they see the article, they can go to my website and continue to sign up on their own. No selling involved. No products are pushed on them to purchase. When making friends, you are just that, being a friend. Relate to them and give value to your relationships.