10 Blogs for the Internet Entrepreneur
With the plethora of blogs and other information sources available online, it can be a little daunting to know what you should be looking at. After all, it wouldn't be hard to spend most of your day just reading other people's blogs; and while it can be an all-to-easy means of procrastination, you also know that keeping abreast of what's going on in the blogosphere is incredibly important to successful internet or affiliate marketing. When I started in this role at Affilorama, I immediately set out to subscribe to every blog RSS under the sun that could offer me even the slightest insight into my new industry.
What's interesting about subscribing to that many blogs is you very quickly identify a few that deliver significantly better content than the majority. Interestingly, it's not always the blogs with the highest search engine ranking that give you the best content. The 10 listed here are the blogs that I find most useful for day-to-day reading. I typically start my day at work by reading over these with my morning coffee – at the very least they get me in the mindset for work, but more often than not they inform me of an important industry development, or inspire me creatively in some other way. Though not an exhaustive list to be sure, if you're just starting out in online business, I would recommend subscribing to these 10 for a start. From there you will be able to find out what you like and dislike, and be able to find other blogs that more suit your personal and business tastes.
So let's get started...
Copyblogger:
Although this isn't a ranked list, there's a reason I've listed Copyblogger first; quite simply, it's awesome! Finding a daily blog that delivers this level of consistent quality content is rare. Whether you are a natural writer, or if you find a Twitter update hard to fill, if you have to do any writing as part of your online marketing (which, let's face it, you do), then the tips and advice in this blog will be of use. Copyblogger articles cover everything from how to come up with blog topics, to writing with SEO in mind and many other internet marketing topics.
SEOmoz:
We all know SEO is important – but easy? Not so much. While there are many many blogs on SEO out there, all to often they are either trying to sell you their SEO consultancy services, or, impressed by their own degree of knowledge, attempt to explain concepts in a fashion that leave us laymans simply saying, 'huh'? SEOmoz on the other hand offers some of the best, easy-to-understand SEO advice and material I've have found on the web. In addition they back this up with a range of great SEO tools – most of which are available to free members. Be sure to check out their 'white-board Fridays'; resident guru Rand Fishkin offers brilliant video lessons (yes, with a white-board), where he explains critical SEO concepts in clear, simple and entertaining clips.
Blog Herald:
Think of Blog Herald as the local paper for Internetland. Covering news on social media, internet marketing an emerging trends, Blog Herald is often where I'll hear something first. Also, because Blog Herald is not a confined to an overly specific topic, you may frequently find little gems that fall just outside your normal reading scope; the same gems that are often the most creatively inspiring, or that will take you and your business somewhere you hadn't thought of before.
Seth's Blog:
Bestselling author and internet entrepreneur Seth Godin was called the Ultimate Entrepreneur for the Information Age by Business Week. Read his blog and find out why. His posts are typically brief, well written, to the point, and entertaining. Seth is more like your own business guru than just another blog you read. So while you might not find the latest and greatest affiliate marketing trick – what you will find is a brilliant clarity of thought that allowed Seth Godin to produce the most downloaded ebook of all time. Highly recommended. “The only thing worse than starting something and failing... is not starting something.” - Seth Godin
Matt Cutts:
Get the inside scoop on SEO from the guy who not only knows what works – he DECIDES what works. Matt Cutts is a key member of the Google Search Quality Group. This is his personal blog, not a Google blog (see below). In it he gives great SEO tips and advice, as well as his perspective on where Google is going and what they're trying to achieve. We all want to avoid the Google Slap – so learning from the man who does the slapping can't hurt! His content is fairly easy to understand, and he offers simple explanations to questions he receives in great video responses.
Official Google Blog:
Let's be honest; Google is King. They have expanded their presence like no other web-based organization – and considering it was only founded in 1998, their 20,000 odd employees and 21.8 billion dollar revenue for 2008 is even more impressive. Frequenting the Google blog will keep you abreast of new and coming developments in the different facets of Google's business; new products and services a few tips on how to be seen by the search giant. While not necessarily a blog I'd read everyday, it is nevertheless an important one top check out every once in a while so you know what they're up to!
Small Business Trends:
Small business trends is an essential subscription for any entrepreneur, and while not focused on the online space or affiliate marketing, it gives broadly applicable small business advice that is easily applied to the web arena. Editor in Chief Anita Campbell is a well known and respected entrepreneur with a wide range of corporate and small business experience. Small Business Trends won the Forbes 'Best of Web' distinction for small business s blogs in 2005 and 2008.
TwiTip:
While Twitter may just be the latest and greatest fad to hit the internet, it's effect on online marketing has been truly profound. TwiTip offers great advice on how to leverage this new medium, as well showcasing a wide variety of tools and apps to help you manage your Twittering. Worth a look.
5 Star Affiliate Blog:
Being a new comer to the affiliate marketing game, I have been trying to learn as much as I can from a wide variety of sources. Linda Buquet is widely regarded in affiliate marketing circles as one of the most influential and well respected experts in the field. In her blog, Linda offers her take on industry news and trends as well as links to other equally interesting and relevant content.
Affiliate Marketing Blog by Shawn Collins:
Like Linda Buquet, Shawn Collins is one of the top experts in affiliate marketing. Co-founder of the Affiliate Summit, as well as co-editor in chief of feedfront magazine, Shawn brings his 12 years of affiliate marketing experience into his well-written and daily updated blog, offering new tips and strategies, as well as his take on affiliate marketing and online business news and trends.
Are there any blogs that you find useful that you think should be on this list? These are the ones that I find really helpful, but feel free to post links to the blogs you subscribe to in the comments below.
By Rich at 15:46 25 Mar 2009
Thanks Mark,
I can see what you mean by content. I can really use these as a model to go by for my own blog.
By Clive at 15:53 25 Mar 2009
Hi, just what I needed, and have imported all 10 to my Google Reader - thanks.
By blocksnboards at 16:24 25 Mar 2009
Being a new E-commerce participant all this info is good info for me
By Kevin Sandridge at 16:30 25 Mar 2009
Chris, thanks for this post. I've followed Copyblogger, SEOMoz, and Seth's Blog now for some time, but the others are new to me! Just went back to the well today actually - using some of CopyBlogger's title tips. This is terrific stuff, and I thank you for keeping these in front of us!
By earthlydream at 17:17 25 Mar 2009
Awesome blog reading info! Thanks
By dreach at 17:43 25 Mar 2009
Thanks for the links. It's always a challenge cutting through all the clutter. Nice balance in your selection. Not all the usual suspects.
Doug
By Skylr at 18:35 26 Mar 2009
Great list! I regularly read through about 6 of the ones you mentioned. So on target!
By Anna at 21:55 26 Mar 2009
Useful list, thank you. One day I hope to even have time to follow those ... but I am adding it to my bookmarks. I can't believe I just said that, I sound like a comment-spammer. But I am serious. I will add this to delicious so that one day I can come back and look these over ....
By Kathy at 14:15 27 Mar 2009
This was recommended to me by a good friend and I can see that there is some good info here-especially the Twitter ideas(my new thing). Thanks!
By Hafid AlAkari at 13:52 7 Feb 2010
Thank you this is the best I have seen.Thanks
By Happiness at 11:49 29 May 2010
One I have started following is:
http://www.conversationmarketing.com/
It has an interesting fun way of wrting while giving great info
By Shouslysono at 18:03 5 Jul 2010
Hey Guys! Just wanted to say hello to the new community :). Thanks for letting me in! :D
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By thyporoupeGer at 2:01 17 Jul 2010
Hey, Good evening.
I like www.affilorama.com because I learned a lot here. Now it's time for me to pay back.
The reason I post this guide on this of www.affilorama.com is to help visitors solve the same problem.
Please let me know if it is unacceptable here.
Here is the guide, hope it would do people a favor.
Guide Of DvdSanta
You can download a trial version of dvdSanta here . If you wish to buy a serial you can do it here . So, grab the trial, install and let's start the guide!
DvdSanta is an All-in-One software that helps you copy, convert and create DVD movies. It can convert video files (include DVD videos) into DVD format, can turn your digital photos into DVD movies with motions and background music, can transfer your digital camcorder tapes directly into DVD video, can burn DVD videos onto DVD-R, DVD-RW, DVD+R or DVD+RW discs. It's extremely easy to use and lightning fast.
The System Requirement for dvdSanta: Microsoft Windows 2000/XP with DirectX 8.0 or higher. Pentium Processor or better, Pentium 4 recommended. 128MB RAM or more, 512MB RAM is recommended. 3MB Hard disk space for install. 5GB of Hard Disk Space for Media Files. Windows Media Player 9 . DVD Burner.
You can join 2 or more avi files to make one DVD? Ex: cd 1 and cd 2 of a movie so that these 2 become one on the same dvd?
Just load all the avi files into dvdSanta and click the "Create DVD" button and the joining will be done.
DvdSanta allows conversion of a PAL DVD to NTSC DVD?
I have done that many times. Just load your PAL dvd into dvdSanta and click "Create DVD", make sure NTSC is checked.
The following 3 "How to" show you how to copy, convert and create DVD movies using the primary functions of dvdSanta: How to burn DivX / Xvid movies or other video formats on to DVD? How to Copy DVD Movies with dvdSanta? How to Transfer miniDV Camcorder Tapes Directly into DVD Movies?
How to burn DivX / Xvid movies or other video formats on to DVD?
Before You Start...
dvdSanta supports almost all kinds of video formats, such as AVI, DivX, Xvid, WMV, ASF, MPG, VOB.... To ensure that dvdSanta can burn your most up-to-date video files onto DVD. You need to have some latest audio and video codecs installed on your PC. If you do have all the codecs you need on your PC, skip this part and read Step 1. Install latest Microsoft DirectX 9. Install latest Microsoft Windows Media 9 . Install the latest Official Xvid codec from http://nic.dnsalias.com/XviD-Dec.exe Install the latest Official Divx codec from DivX.com .
NOTE: It is VERY important to have the latest DivX/Xvid codecs installed on your PC. Old codec versions may cause problems when encoding the newer video files.
Step 1, Load your video files into dvdSanta
Click "Video Files to DVD" button to convert video files.
Click "Add Media" button to load video files from the hard disk.
Select the video file you want to burn on DVD.
Step 2, Convert the video files to DVD video format.
Click "Create DVD" button to start converting the video file.
Wait until the conversion is complete.
Step 3, Burn the DVD.
dvdSanta has done preparing the DVD video, now it's time to burn your disc.
Before you burn the disc, you can use a software DVD player such as PowerDVD to examine the DVD video created by dvdSanta. The DVD video is stored under c:TempDVDVIDEO_TS folder.
Now you can insert a blanc DVD-R/+R disc in your DVD burner now and click "Yes" to continue.
If you want to burn this DVD disc later, you can click "No" button now and quit dvdSanta. The DVD video is stored under C:TempDVDVIDEO_TS folder. You can burn it later using dvdSanta and follow " How to Copy a 4.7GB Single Layer DVD movie "
If you are a using DVD+R/RW disc, just click "Burn!" and wait dvdSanta finish the burning job. If you are using a DVD-R/RW disc, you should select burning speed to 1x,2x,or 4x, then click the "Burn!" button to burn the disc.
And that's it! When the burning is finished, you can play your newly backuped DVD in your DVD player and watch the movie on TV!
How to Copy DVD Movies.
Before You Start...
You need to have a MPEG-2 video decoder installed on your PC so dvdSanta can use it to read DVD video format. You can download and install a Free MPEG-2 decoder here: MpegDecoder012.msi (255Kb) . The second thing you need to know is dvdSanta Does NOT Copy CSS encrypted DVD movies or copy protected movies. If you insist that you have the right to backup your own copy protected DVD movies, use the internet to find answers about how to decrypt or rip your DVD movies to your hard disk.
The following instructions assume that you have aready transferred your DVD movies to your hard disk and you want to burn them back to blank DVD-R/RW or DVD+R/RW discs.
So, What's the trick to copy DVD and what can dvdSanta do here?
Most dvd burners can only burn single layer DVD discs, which hold only 4.7GB data each. However, many movies come in double layer DVD discs, which hold 9GB data each. In order to copy the double layer DVD movies, you need to "Shrink" the DVD movies and make them fit on 4.7GB sigle layer DVD discs. Luckyly, you can do it with dvdSanta! If what you want to copy is a 4.7GB single layer DVD movie, you can also use dvdSanta to make an IDENTICAL copy without "Shrinking" your original movie.
Step 1, Rip the DVD movie to your hard disk
Remember, I assume that you know how to rip your DVD movie to your hard disk. If you have a copy protected DVD movie and don't know how to rip it or decrypt it, find the answers on the internet. If your DVD movie is NOT copy protected, just do the following to copy your dvd movie to the hard disk:
Step 2a, Copy a 9GB double layer DVD movie
Before you run dvdSanta, make sure your DVD burner is Empty, yes, no blank DVD-R/+R disc in your burner now. You will be intructed to insert your blank DVD-R/+R disc later.
Now, Run dvdSanta, and Click on "Video Files to DVD" button:
(If you wamt to copy a 4.7GB single layer DVD movie, please read Step 2b instead.)
then click the "Add Media" button ...
Open the DVD movie's VIDEO_TS folder in your hard disk...
Click the "Create DVD" button...
And this window will appear, wait until it is done...
dvdSanta has done preparing the DVD video, now it's time to burn your disc.
Before you burn the disc, you can use a software DVD player such as PowerDVD to examine the DVD video created by dvdSanta. The DVD video is stored under c:TempDVDVIDEO_TS folder.
Now you can insert a blanc DVD-R/+R disc in your DVD burner now and click "Yes" to continue.
If you want to burn this DVD disc later, you can click "No" button now and quit dvdSanta. The DVD video is stored under C:TempDVDVIDEO_TS folder. You can burn it later using dvdSanta and follow Step 2b (How to Copy a 4.7GB Single Layer DVD movie)
If you are a using DVD+R/RW disc, just click "Burn!" and wait dvdSanta finish the burning job. If you are using a DVD-R/RW disc, you should select burning speed to 1x,2x,or 4x, then click the "Burn!" button to burn the disc.
And that's it! When the burning is finished, you can play your newly backuped DVD in your DVD player and watch the movie on TV!
Step 2b, Copy a 4.7GB Single Layer DVD movie from your hard disk to a DVD disc
Run dvdSanta, click the "Disc Image or DVD Video folder to DVD" button...
Open the DVD's VIDEO_TS folder in your hard disc, select any file in that folder, than click "Open" to continue...
Now insert a blank DVD-R/+R disc in your DVD burner. If you are a using DVD+R/RW disc, just click "Burn!" and wait dvdSanta finish the burning job. If you are using a DVD-R/RW disc, you should select burning speed to 1x,2x,or 4x, then click the "Burn!" button to burn the disc.
And ...Done! When the burning is finished, you can play your newly backuped DVD in your DVD player and watch the movie on TV.
How to Transfer miniDV Camcorder Tapes Directly into DVD Movies?
Before You Start...
Yes, dvdSanta can transfer miniDV tapes Directly into DVD video format, which means, you don't have to prepare a Huge hard disk space to dump your DV tapes first, then encode the video to DVD video format later. (Do you know? a 10 minute DV video can eat up 2-3GB of your hard disk space. Using dvdSanta can save you a lot of time and disk space.)
Here are the things needed for this job: a miniDV Camcorder. a PC with IEEE 1394 (Firewire) port, running Windows 2000 or Windows XP. In order to do the real-time DVD conversion, you PC should be Fast Enough, which means the PC should have at least a Pentium 4 2.0GHz or faster CPU, at least 256MB RAM, and at least 5GB free hard disk space. an IEEE 1394 cable. dvdSanta 3.00
Step 1, Connect an IEEE 1394 (Firewire) cable to miniDV Camcorder.
Connect an IEEE 1394 (Firewire) cable to your miniDV camcorder. Turn on your camcorder and switch the mode to VCR mode.
Step 2, Connect the IEEE 1394 (Firewire) cable to your PC's IEEE1394 port.
Connect the other end of the IEEE 1394 (Firewire) cable to your PC's IEEE 1394 port. (If your PC does not have IEEE 1394 port, you will need to purchase and install an IEEE 1394 card on your PC.)
Step 3, Run dvdSanta and burn the DVD.
Run dvdSanta, click the "Digital Camcorder Direct to DVD" button
Use the buttons on the left side to control your camcorder. You can play, stop, rewind your tape. If you want to transfer a whole tape, click the "Rewind" button to rewind the tape to its beginning.
Then, click "Play and Capture" button to start transferring the miniDV tape into DVD video.
Now the transferring begins. Wait until it ends. If you want to stop in the middle, click the cancel button. After the transferring completes, click "Create DVD" button to burn your DVD video.
dvdSanta has done preparing the DVD video, now it's time to burn your disc.
Before you burn the disc, you can use a software DVD player such as PowerDVD to examine the DVD video created by dvdSanta. The DVD video is stored under c:TempDVDVIDEO_TS folder.
Now you can insert a blanc DVD-R/+R disc in your DVD burner now and click "Yes" to continue.
If you want to burn this DVD disc later, you can click "No" button now and quit dvdSanta. The DVD video is stored under C:TempDVDVIDEO_TS folder. You can burn it later using dvdSanta and follow " How to Copy a 4.7GB Single Layer DVD movie "
If you are a using DVD+R/RW disc, just click "Burn!" and wait dvdSanta finish the burning job. If you are using a DVD-R/RW disc, you should select burning speed to 1x,2x,or 4x, then click the "Burn!" button to burn the disc.
Done! When the burning is finished, you can play your newly made DVD in your DVD player and watch the home video on TV!
If being interested in it, please click dvdsanta for purchase!
By SBIGGY at 7:37 23 Jul 2010
Hey guys,
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Nice...
Bernie
By Gaubsadudge at 14:58 13 Aug 2010
whats up everyone
just registered and put on my todo list
hopefully this is just what im looking for, looks like i have a lot to read.