EzSEO Newsletter # 273
January 25, 2010 by Andy
In this issue:
1. Web Stats
2. Sell ice to Eskimos – Part V
3. Web Content Studio – Official Release
4. Jiggling the Web
5. Thesis WordPress Theme?
6. Great Firefox Plugin
Hi Again
This is the first newsletter for a while.? With a lot of nasty bugs going around I’ve had a house full of sick people for the last few weeks.? I’ve also been busy with the “unofficial release” of Web Content Studio so I haven’t had much time to sit & think – a requirement when it comes to writing a newsletter.
Anyway, I woke up this morning realizing another weekend had gone by without a newsletter, so here? I am, sitting & thinking….
In this newsletter, I’d like to continue with the Ice To Eskimos series, tell you about a fantastic Firefox plugin for web designers, share Michael Campbell’s powerful Web 2.0 strategy, and more.
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1. Web Stats
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A couple of years ago I was using a script called Advance Logger to monitor and analyze my website traffic.? I wrote about it in my newsletter and so I do get asked whether that is still my stats software of choice, especially since I have more recently begun to talk about Google Analytics.
So, what stats program(s) do I use and why?
Most of the time I use Google Analytics.? It provides everything I need in a stats program, and its free.? In fact, the only disadvantage of Google Analytics is that your stats are only updated once a day.? For most of my sites, that isn’t a problem.? However, there are times when I want to get stats as they happen.? For those sites I still use Advance Logger.
Recently though, during the pre-release of Web Content Studio, I wanted to monitor traffic in real time so I tried a service called Get Clicky.
This service will allow you to monitor traffic to one site for free, and the stats you get are quite comprehensive.
For WordPress users there’s even a WordPress plugin for Get Clicky users to allow you to automatically add tracking code to your pages, view stats from within the Dashboard plus a lot more.
If you are looking for a good real-time web traffic script, Get Clicky might be worth a look.
One feature I particularly liked when I tested it was that it shows you at a glance how many visitors are on your site at that moment in time.
Read more about Get Clicky.
BTW, if you have a favourite stats script or service that is free, please share it with readers of this newsletter by leaving a comment at the end of this newsletter.
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2. Sell ice to Eskimos – Part V
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There have been four parts in this series so far, but a little time has passed since the last instalment, so let me just remind what we have looked at so far, and where you can re-read those parts:
In newsletter 267 I suggested that perhaps the reason your site was not converting very well was that you were trying to sell ice to eskimos.
In newsletter 268 we looked at conversion rates, and how small changes in parts of the conversion formula can make big changes to your conversion rates (both up and down).
In newsletter 269 we looked at how you can find buyer keywords.? You can read that (and watch the video) her:
In newsletter 270 we looked at my moto for an affiliate sales page:? “Pre-sell the product, sell the click”.
So to recap what we have talked about so far, you conversion rate is dependent on a lot of things.? To put it simply, the visitor that arrives at your site is looking for something and you have to try to make sure your page provides what they are looking for.
By targeting buyer keywords, your page is more likely to attract buyers rather than info-seekers.? That’s a good start.? However, the page they land on must be carefully constructed so that it helps with the buying decision.? I am referring here to the layout of the page, rather than the content itself.
I am not about to give you a magic formula here since all sites and pages are different.? What I can tell you is a few useful layout tips that have helped me.? I suggest you try them on your own sites and see what works and what doesn’t.
The first three are MUST HAVE, whereas the last two are things to try.
1. Avoid distractions.
When someone lands on a page of your site, are there flashing graphics, busy sidebars and links that can take them away from your sales message?? As they read the page, is there anything that will distract their attention from your carefully written pre-sell?? A good sales letter will guide your visitor to the action link (the action link is the link you want them to click – usually an affiliate link) without distractions.
2. Pre-sell the product. Talk about the benefits, NOT the features.? Therefore instead of saying that this treadmill can fold up, say that the treadmill can be easily folded and stored out of site.? Not seeing the treadmill between use is a benefit, correct?? Turn the features of the item into benefits and write about the benefits.? This point is less about layout and more about content, but I felt it needed to be added here 
3. A call to action at the end of the page, with a clear link to click.
The Call to action is a statement that tells your visitor exactly what you want them to do.? I recommend that you don’t use any fancy CSS styling of links to remove the underline.? If a person cannot immediately see the link, chances are they will not click it.? Make the link visible, and UNDERLINED.
4. Buy Now Graphic above the fold.
One thing I have found works well on some sites is to have a “Buy Now” square graphic above the fold (ie visible when the visitor lands on the page).? The graphic should have an incentive to help get the click (like a discount code, or text that implies scarcity etc) and a picture of the product.? This graphic can be right or left aligned on the page so that your main text flows around it.? Be aware though that if someone clicks this link, there is a good chance they wont read your pre-sell, so I tend to use this type of graphic only on pages that I have not put a lot of effort into.
5. Buy Link above the fold.
Again, this is one to experiment with because anyone clicking it won’t be reading your pre-sell.? The idea here is that the buy link is obvious.? You want to make sure that your visitor knows exactly where to get the item from.
You can see a screenshot of the layout using suggestions 4 & 5 below to help you understand what I am referring to:
Above all, track the changes you make to your pages so that you know what is happening to your conversion rates as you make minor tweaks.
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3. Web Content Studio – Official Release
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On Monday 11th January I released Web Content Studio to this newsletter list for a period of 24 hours.
Since then, I’ve had a lot of valuable feedback and am now ready to set the official launch date and price.? On 1st February (one week from today as I write this), Web Content Studio will be released for $167.
Between now and 1st February, I have a special link that subscribers of this newsletter can use to buy at a discount.
NOTE: The link is not on the sales page..
At the moment, the link is setup to sell Web Content Studio for $127.
Between now and the 1st, the price will increase up to the release price of $167 in $10 jumps. I’ll hold the $127 price for at least today, but after that, without warning the price will start to go up.
Get Web Content Studio Before the Official Release by Clicking Here.
To check the current price, click the buy link on that page.
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4. Jiggling the Web
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In 2007, Michael Campbell created a system of using social media to help promote his web pages.? That system was unlike anything I had seen before, because Michael was using the social sites in a different way to most people.
Over the last couple of years, Michael has shared that strategy with a few of his coaching clients and customers, but he recently decided to release the full system for free.? You don’t even need to optin to his list, though I suggest you do anyway because Michael is one of the true pioneers of Internet Marketing.
Some of you will recognize the system when you see it because other marketers have seen how powerful this system is for themselves and worked it into their own strategies.
I suggest you head on over to Jiggling the Web, and learn one of the most powerful “secrets” in Internet Marketing.
BTW; Michael also wrote an excellent guide called Goobert that works with the Jiggling strategy.? The original Goobert was quite short, and knowing how people mistakenly equate quantity with quality, I doubt that Goobert was the huge success it should have been.
Recently Michael released Goobert 2 which is bigger and contains more diagrams, so I suggest that while you are over there reading about how to Jiggle the Web, you also click the link at the bottom of that page to read more about Goobert.
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5. Thesis WordPress Theme?
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In the last month or so, I have started experimenting with a WordPress theme called Thesis.
The theme itself is hugely customizable from within the Dashboard, but also allows programmers even more power.
The theme incorporates a lot of SEO features that would otherwise require plugins to achieve.? One things I have seen over the years is that plugins can cause a lot of problems, so any theme that means I can get rid of plugins is definitely one to consider.
The only thing that stops me wholeheartedly recommending this theme to everyone is that the templates are not typical WordPress templates.? You cannot just open the templates and edit to your hearts content (something I like to do on my own WordPress sites).? While most things are configurable from the Dashboard and therefore make this the perfect theme for beginners, power users will want to look at the system of hooks used by this theme, for total power.
If anyone is interested in a series of Thesis Theme Tutorials, I am thinking of writing some in this newsletter so just let me know by leaving a comment at the end of this newsletter.
In the mean time, do go over to the Thesis theme site and read about the benefits of this theme.? I think you will be very impressed.
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6. Great Firefox Plugin
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If you are into web design, then I have found a fantastic plugin for Firefox.? It seems I was the last to find out about it…
It’s called Firebug.
If you do any sort of HTML, CSS or javascript, Firebug will allow you to edit, debug and monitor any live web page.
Rather than describe how this works, I’ll just suggest you head over to the URL above and install it into Firefox.? Once installed, there will be a small icon in the bottom right which allows you to activate it.
Firebug is simply amazing, and free!
Well, that’s it for this issue.? If you want to ask a question or have a comment about anything in this newsletter, please leave a comment at the end of this newsletter.
Have a great week!
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Visit the subscriber Bonus page for fr.ee reports and other subscriber-only:
If you enjoyed this newsletter, please recommend it to your friends. Also if you have any tips of your own, questions or comments, please leave a comment at the online version of this newsletter: http://ezseonews.com
Any tips or questions & answers I print in this newsletter will also be put up on the web version of the newsletter with a link to your site if you want it. That’s extra free traffic for your site as well as an incoming link to your site.
The products reviewed in this newsletter are often affiliate products, and as such, if you buy through my link, I will receive a commission.
The contents of this newsletter is copyright 2010 Andrew Williams.? If you want to republish any of the articles, you must get permission from the author.
This newsletter disclaims all responsibility for the advertising copy or the product advertised. You cannot rely on the fact that the newsletter has examined the product or recommends or endorses the product, unless it clearly says that it has, when you make your decision whether or not to purchase the product or interact with the advertiser. You are advised to do your own investigation before buying.
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Glad to see that you’re taking a look at Thesis Andy. One of the major benefits imo is that any customisation is carried out on custom css and php files so core wordpress files remain untouched. That means a knowlege of php, hooks and css is useful. I’d definitely be interested in tutorials.
Tony
I am interested in Thesis theme tutorials.
Hello Andy,
Great, if you want to make some tutorials, specialy and that ‘hook ‘thing. I purchased the thesis theme a while ago, but have serious troubles with implementing all the available hooks.
Regards,
Philippe de Tiege
Definitely interested in a Thesis Theme Tutorial.
I’ve been using Thesis them (with a developer’s license) for several months now. I’ve been highly satisfied with the results. I’m not a coder, so the cust0mizing features built in to the dashboard are very handy. Also, it’s pretty easy for a relative newbie like myself to tweak the code on the css style sheet and php file by using the Custom File Editor on the dashboard of the most recent iteration of Thesis. However, like many users, I’m ready to take my skills to the next level. Thesis has a great form community for support, but if you were to put together some tutorials on building custom themes from the Thesis base, that would be great!
Andy,
Count me in for the Thesis tutorial. Looks a great way to customize WordPress.
Peter
Hi Andy –
Yes, I believe a tutorial would be great for the Thesis users . . .
I’ve been using Thesis for a while on all my sites and it did take a learning curve to understand the .custom css usage and the hooking system.
But with your teaching style and way of explaining complexities it’ll be a great addition for new Thesis users.
Chris
Andy
I would be keen on a series of Thesis tutorials also – particularly regarding implementing custom sidebars on different pages.
I’ve been struggling with interpreting the forum posts around this subject for some time. Just need a decent teacher that can explain this in clear English.
Know of anyone ???
Pete
Pete
Best wishes that all in your home enjoy well-being very soon.
Three other things.
1)I love Goobert and Jiggling the Web, it really is a profitable system and it is absolutely the most fun you will ever have making money online. Anyone who is looking for a great simple system will not go wrong purchasing Goobert.
2)Thank you so much for Web Content Studio, an amazing product. It is a real game changer. Everyone writing content for the web should buy it at whatever price you can get it.
3)Thank you Dr.Andy Williams for the great series on “Sell Ice to Eskimos” I have parts 1-4 compiled as one document,next to my computer and I read it at least once a week. I will add part 5 today. It focuses my thinking and reminds me to stick to basics. Sometimes it is easy to forget that and get caught up in complicated schemes. Thank you for reminding us all. Thank you for your great newsletter.
Hi Andy,
I’m new to WordPress as a beginner so I would be very interested in your tutorial guide. I’ve checked the DIY site but I wonder if it includes ready made professional look theme in the package and if I can find any push button to go SEO template free with this DIY since I don’t have graphical background knowledge to start one.
Thanks.
Anthony
Hi Andy
I followed your training using the Revolution theme so the Thesis training would be good to get a comparison between the two.
Hi Andy,
Thanks for a great software in WCS, very intuitive with several tools in it. I like it especially the writing your article and finding how many theme keywords in before u post to your blog.
By the way i use Frugal 3.15 for my worpress and i find it highly customisable, and very clean hence the word frugal.
cheers,
Terence
I am definitely interested. I only have one wordpress site and am looking into using Thesis for future sites. I have read a little about it but a structured tutorial would be helpful.
Thanks,
Darwin
Hi Andy,
I’m sure you know about statcounter.com. Been using them for years. It’s free to boot! Monitor as many sites as you like. They also have a WP plugin. I u/l the plugin to any new wp site I’m building and it takes 15 seconds or so to configure it. Stats are realtime and Big G does not get to keep a silver bullet for your network.
What’s the scoop on the new datafeed tool? Any news? I would like to see something that updates old posts when merchants change their code, delete products or add new products. The biggest headache for me is when you have a perfectly running site with 3,000 products then the merchant all of a sudden sends out an email saying “Sorry, this weekend we are converting to a new format. Please update any links you have to the new format” Hey! I have 3,000 indexed posts with 3,000 links to update. A nightmare, other than deleting all and rebuilding.
L
I was wondering where you were. Can you share a little with us about the success of the Web Content Studio ‘soft launch’? I realize many details may be confidential, but watching the process has bene nfomative and I wish we could have some generalized feedback on the things that went well, the things you would do differently next launch, etc.
Also, I didn’t buy, due to many conditions aside from my estimate of the program’s worth, but I hope to hear some user reports, feedback, etc. from ‘early adopters’.
Did any of you reading here buy the product? I’d expect some of you did … Love it? Hate it? Making a fortune using it? ???
G’day Andy ,
Thank you for another informative Newsletter – much appreciated.
I would be most interested in Thesis Theme tutorials from you.
Best regards ,
Norman Holden
Yes…I was thinking about getting Thesis, but couldn’t face another learning curve. This would really help, it sound like!
I have used Thesis but it was very challenging and I would love guidance!
Another vote for Thesis Tutorials!
Thanks!
> interested in a series of Thesis Theme Tutorials
Very much, si se?or.
Great idea on the Thesis idea Andy. I started converting my websites to wordpress around the same time you did and happened upon thesis when it was first released, since then I have learned how to customize it pretty well, which of course took up time I probably should have been using to monetize. Would love to read your tutorials and if you want any ideas for them, send me an email and I would be more then happy to help out.
Hi Andy,
Thanks as always for taking the time to introduce new stuff in the IM Biz. However, I’m not only taken aback, but also quite shocked, that you’re coming across so many things NOW, that have been around for quite some time?
For example, I remember ages ago, you said that you’re finally “getting on the Web 2.0 bandwagon.”
This was after Web 2.0′s wheels were so SO far ahead in motion already??!! Then you come across Market Samurai – another piece of software that has made great headway, waaaaaaaay before you got introduced to it.
Now you’re talking about Thesis and Firebug, which once again have been around for a rather long time??? Thesis has become a HUGE success and I’ve had it since its inception and Firebug I started using over a year and a half ago – maybe more.
What’s up with such late discoveries Buddy? I just don’t understand why these things you are finding out about ‘now’, long after their maiden appearances on the internet, where you’re coming across them so late in the game??
Please know, that I’m always grateful for your insights, advice and opinions, and I’m very grateful for the time you take to make videos and newsletters, I’m just scratching my head over these newly found tools, whatever they may be, that have already made such an impact in this stage of IMing??
Thank you as always for your time and consideration Andy and what I’ve mentioned is said with the utmost respect and gratitude.
Best wishes,
Tyler
You know Tyler, I suspect the reason I am a little behind in some respects is that I don’t go looking for stuff too often. Once you have found a system that works well, I suggest you stick to it, and that is pretty much what I do. I don’t buy into all the new gimmicks and systems – I stick with what works.
That being said, when I said I was “getting on the Web 2.0 bandwagon”, its not that I hadn’t heard of it before, its just I had not seen any long term potential in it. I still don’t see much potential the way most people use it (for getting backlinks), but used correctly, that’s a different matter altogether.
Being the first to adopt new stuff is not always the smartest move. Its kind of like someone who buys every new course & software going – when do they get time to actually work on their business, and how on earth do they manage to narrow down their choices into a system that works?
I would be very interested in Thesis Theme Tutorials.
That’s certainly fair enough Andy and I respect you opinion.
Not quite sure if I would ever consider Market Samurai and Thesis ‘gimmicks’, but I don’t think you meant it like that – that is, if I’m presuming correctly
I do wholeheartedly agree with not wanting to be the first to adopt new stuff. Leave it up to others to track, test and review the product/service, and if it looks like it’s legit, viable and proven to be effective, THEN maybe take a closer look thereafter – that is, if one has the time to manage it all, as you say.
Thanks again very much for your reply Andy,
Tyler
Tyler
No, I am not suggesting MS or Thesis are gimmicks
I like 1003bees. It’s the perfect keyword tracker for your sites. Although I had to pay a one time fee of $19.95
I noticed analytics is not accurate many times and 1003bees is always accurate. It tracks all searches and you can easily see the searchengines and keyword phrases people find you for. Even the search engines referals so you can see which page they find your site.
It’s my personal recommendation. Only disavantage is that they track the stats for 30 days max, but you can download your reports if you want to.
You might be interested in the long discussion about Thesis and Semiologic for wordpress themes on the warrior forum.
http://www.warriorforum.com/internet-marketing-product-reviews-ratings/86811-best-wordpress-theme-ever-semiologic-thesis.html#sTlp3KKtyIlAkFOk
Joe
I wish Aaron would port his firefox seo plugins to chrome.
I’m interested in Thesis but NOT from a programmers point of view – quite the opposite. I want ease of use not “power” and I suspect most readers would want the same.
After all if you can program then create your own theme…
hey andy. love the newsletter. i would be very interested in thesis tutorials. i’ve bought the developer license but i think i’m in over my head on the hook customizing. really could use some help here.
thanks,
joe d.
yes, would love the Thesis tutorials. Would you be bringing out any tutorials on Web content studio?
I use XTreme Tracker and am very happy with it.
Yes on a Thesis tutorial. Well, actually, Yes on your in depth evaluation of Thesis.
Great news letter. Always very informative. I would love a tutorial on Thesis theme. I plan to use Thesis theme on my new WordPress Blog.
Hey Andy,
Thanks for web content studio – love it. Plus, all your great wordpress information and tutorials. I had recently purchased the thesis theme and I really like it. Like you said you will need the hooks plugin to do a lot of changes – but so far it doesn’t seem to difficult.
I would love to see some tutorials on it, as I have just touched the surface using it myself. Hope your family is doing good!
Tony
Don’t overlook the frugal theme at frugaltheme.com – a more flexible framework than the Thesis theme.
Rick