1. Enhance the Look

The website flipping market for startup sites is very competitive so it is important to create a website that is unique and catches the buyer’s attention. A professional logo or header and a custom template will make your startup look unique and professional. If you have a blog, adding images to your posts will also make a big difference.

2. Add Quality, Unique Content

In addition to the look of the website, the content is also important. Avoid using PLR articles as-is or syndicated articles from places like Ezine Articles. Instead, rewrite the PLR articles or write your own from scratch. The more unique content you can add to your website before you sell the better. Aim to have at least ten quality, unique articles.

3. Get Backlinks

Having just a handful of backlinks can add immediate value to your startup website. A few comments left on do-follow blogs and some social bookmarking should do the trick. If you want to go the extra mile, submit a few articles to some of the large article directories. The more backlinks you manage to get before listing your website for sale, the more valuable it will be – and the more money it will command.

4. Generate Revenue No Matter How Small

Before you list your website for sale, strive to generate at least “some” revenue – even if it’s just a few dollars from AdSense. If it’s an affiliate site, try to generate at least one sale. And if you’re promoting an ebook, such as a PLR ebook you put together, create a sales page on the site and see if you can sell one copy. Once your website is generating revenue you can use it as a “proven method” of profitability. Any startup site that is generating revenue will always have an advantage over other startups that aren’t generating revenue.

5. Create a Mailing List

Create a mailing list isn’t as hard as it may seem. Create a free report or an online course using PLR articles and give it away for free when people sign up. If you can get a handful of people on your list prior to flipping the website you’ll be one step ahead of your competition as most startups won’t have lists.

With plenty of competition among startup websites and prices dropping, your website needs to truly stand out. Using the above methods prior to flipping will put you ahead of the race and get you more money in the end!

This article contributed by Travis Van Slooten. You can read more of his articles at http://www.flipwebsites.com

So, what the heck is it? Apple calls it a tablet. In other words, an entirely NEW category of device.

Which brings me to the following question. How do YOU plan to protect your tablet? With a case, cover, sleeve or bag? Due to its irregular size, many are not sure on how they plan to keep it scratch, dust and accident-free. Plus since Apple is not including any built-in accessories, many also need room to hold extra connectors (and whatnot) to expand the iPad’s functionality. Such as the camera connector, etc.

G34 media has created a new web property dedicated to iPad covers and cases.

The blog site was created in January 2010, the same day Steve Jobs announced the iPad. As we learned from an (ebook reader site) we created, protection will be key. Especially since it’s such a coveted, expensive and high end device.

But what will SELL best? Cases, covers, sleeves or bags.

That is the question. So far, it seems cases are in the running. Followed closely by bags.

Did you pre-order an iPad? If so, do take a minute to let us know below how you will PROTECT it.

Blog site specs:

• The blog site runs on WordPress
• Uses the gorgeous Snow Blind wp theme
• Has 30 plus articles, 100% original (all written by me)
• Built-in eBay shop, promoting new iPad screen protectors
• Laced with Amazon affiliate links
• Google Sitemap submitted and approved
• Initial on site SEO completed
• Initial off site SEO completed, including a press release submission
• Custom logo – on order!
• Traffic – organic search engine traffic via Google, Yahoo and Bing
• Revenue – over $50 (so far) from Amazon, eBay and Commission Junction

We’re closely monitoring the blog site to see how it performs, as we get closer to the iPad launch date of April 3rd.

To follow progress on the site, subscribe through RSS, via email, or follow on Twitter.

Questions? Ask below.

First, let me say Congrats! on getting yourself a piece of web history and joining an exciting field. Blogging, social media, online marketing, SEO, is alot of work but it’s also alot of fun.

If this is your very first niche blog site and are not sure where to begin, let’s go over a few basics now.

First, make sure you know your niche. Make sure you know which keywords you are after and or targeting through your new blog. See below for more on this.

Second, have a plan of action. What goals do you have for this blog site. Is it to capture leads? Is it Adsense clicks you’re after? Maybe you want to sell an ebook? Affiliate marketing with Amazon or eBay? Whatever it is, decide early on what you want your blog to do for you.

Now let’s move on and discuss easy traffic tips. Because regardless of the blog business model you’re after, traffic is key. Plus this article assumes you’re PAST THE BASICS.

1. Organic Search (a/k/a SEO) – This is perhaps my preferred method of gaining traffic to a new blog. It’s good, because “searchers” as I like to call them are looking for one of three things:

• to research
• to socialize
• to buy

That’s it. That’s why their online and it’s your job as a new blog owner, to figure out which of those three things YOU are going to give them. Once you have this decided, you will need the Google Keyword Tool to check on the (in demand keywords) in your niche, and don’t forget to check on your competition, use the SEO Quake From Firefox free add-on for this. Make sure your onsite SEO is strong and lastly but not definitely not least – add SEO rich content.

After you’ve got some initial ground, it’s VERY important that you focus on:

• content
• and getting good backlinks

You need both. You can’t let either flounder.

2. Twitter – This is my second preferred method of easy blog traffic. Each niche blog that I create comes with a Twitter page as part of the package. Why? Because its great for traffic. The “search” feature on Twitter can’t be beat, because it’s in “real time”. This means, that “as it happens”, it shows up on Twitter. As of last count, there are *18 millions users on the micro network and grows BIGGER by the day. It can’t be discounted. (*source)

Need help with Twitter? Let me know as I provide a low cost Twitter account set up service.

3. Facebook Fan Page – This is web 4.0 at it’s best. It’s gaining in popularity as we speak, because if done right, it works. On social networking site Facebook, you have the ability to create what is called a FAN PAGE. This page is basically for businesses to promote a service, product or brand. As a site owner, you can use it to promote your new blog. You can include quite a bit on a fan page such as the site URL, a logo, RSS feeds, fans, images, articles, tips, polls, videos, giveaways, and so much more. You can also set it up so that it automatically updates, when you update your blog. You don’t have to visit both at the same time. It’s a pretty cool new method to promote online, and it’s 100% free.

Need help? Let me know as I provide a low cost Facebook Fan Page set up service.

4. Forum Marketing – To be a blogger or online marketer you NEED a network. There’s no two ways about it. You can’t succeed on the web without one, plain and simple. You can’t. You won’t. Why do you think Myspace, Facebook and Twitter are so crazy insane HUGE? Because there’s demand and there’s a need. Look for the networks in YOUR NICHE, join up and become acquainted with the other members, provide value, learn, ask questions, etc. Become a community member, this will in turn help you in many many ways – down the line. Some of the better forums for bloggers, include Warrior Forum, Problogger.com, and Digital Point.

As a new blog owner, you will no doubt have questions and run into issues that you will need help with, that’s what your blogger friends are for. Seek them out, and in no time. You will be happily skipping about with glee and joy!

5. Viral Widgets – If you’re lucky enough to be a developer or know one, then a fancy widget such as a Facebook game, an iPhone app, etc would surely net you some sweet traffic. If you aren’t a developer or know one, you can (if within your budget) always outsource the creation. Places like the Warrior Forum and Digital Point have paid developers for hire. Think of something cool, get it done and promote it everywhere.

6. Contests/Giveaways – After you’ve done your quick research on your niche and have some good articles on the blog, have a sweet giveaway to get the word out. Think of something whether in (physical or digital form) that is low cost, but has high value to your readers. This could be a book, unique screen savers, silly bumper stickers, iPhone case, a funny t-shirt, etc. Think INTERESTING, FUNNY, WACKY, or COVETED. Set it for at least two weeks in advance and make sure to post about it in your social networks, the blog itself, and blog contest forums. Remember this could be digital, so get creative and again think of your market and what they would want to win.

Since on a new blog, you’re probably not gonna have too many readers, best bet to promote your contest/giveaway is via Twitter, Facebook, friends, FORUMS, other blogs, guest posts, a press release, and/ or your email list. (If you have one.)

7. Friends – What are friends for, if not to boost you up? Tell them you have a new web property and want them to come on by and visit. Ask for their feedback, or simply let them see what it’s all about. Be sure to tell them to pass it on to their friends as well.

8. Press Releases – Great for exposure in online circles, as many reporters, bloggers and other authors routinely use Google Alerts to scout out for stories, new products, etc. Make sure to at the very least write one good press release. Even if it’s simply announcing the grand opening of your fabulous new blog site, and what it offers. Then let it spread like wildfire. Oftentimes, bloggers think that a “press release” is meant for a product company or an offline company, but in fact press releases can be used by anyone for any newsworthy purpose. Don’t overlook this simple, quick and low cost idea.

9. Blog Carnivals – This is considered old school by many. But it works and its targeted. Blog Carnivals are like chains where bloggers sign up and share their content with one another. There’s an actual site named Blog Carnival. You sign up with them for free, look for blogs in your niche and submit your article to the carnival. Choose an article that you want a backlink to, as this is one of the primary benefits of joining a Blog Carnival. This method is not for gaining barrels of traffic, but it’s good for SEO. So that’s why, i’ve included it in the list.

10. You tell me! What easy traffic tips do YOU have for a new blogger? A tip that maybe is not that well known, but works like a charm. Please share below in the comment area.

BONUS TIP #11. Guest Posts – I had to add this easy traffic method to the list, because it’s all the rage now. I recently wrote about how and where to guest post. Be sure to take a quick look at my article.

Submitting a guest post is one of the BEST methods for good traffic to a blog, new or old.

Let’s take a look and see.

Why would someone buy an established website?

There are many reasons for this, and also keep in mind that there are different types of sites being bought and sold. It’s abit more obvious why someone would buy an established website, because of the built in revenue and traffic. You could then add it to your portfolio of passive income or resell the site (again) at a later date. Makes perfect sense, provided of course, you do your due diligence and snag a good website.

Why would someone buy a new, not yet established website?

But how about a new website, one that was established recently and has no traffic or revenue. Why would someone buy this type of website? There’s a BIG market for this type of website, and let me tell you why.

Not everyone knows how to build a website, yet. Not everyone knows how to set up basic on site SEO, not everyone knows how to create a blog, not everyone knows WordPress and it’s back end system, etc etc etc.

And make no mistake about it, as Flippa’s numbers prove above, there’s great demand for site creation, as a whole. Be that a company site, a personal blog, a niche product site, a new site, an established site, etc. And buying a ready made site is the way to go!

Below are ten reasons to buy a website today.

1. Buy because virtual property has value, just like real estate property – Score a good domain name in a hot niche and it might become the next business.com success story.
2. Buy because of the established revenue and traffic, it would normally take months or even years to reach this peak on a new website.
3. Buy because on a new website all has been done for you, then you can concentrate entirely on site promotion and marketing. Or adding content. Your choice!
4. Buy because Flippa rocks as THE online marketplace for buying and selling sites.
5. Buy because the site has a snappy design you would have to pay through the nose otherwise to get.
6. Buy because good site sellers are worth their weight in gold. On Flippa, there’s a handy dandy feedback feature and its used on every auction. Look for feedback as you would on eBay, and find the top sellers.
7. Buy because you want a site that has X number of features and you don’t know or don’t have the time to DIY. What such features? Maybe a forum, a job board, an active community, email list, premium WordPress theme, premium WordPress plugins.
8. Buy because the price is right.
9. Buy because you want a leg up on the competition. Maybe you need a vertical market and someone is selling the top site in your particular niche. Buy now, laddy!
10. Buy because “fill in the blank” here. Why would YOU buy a website?

via PR Web

What is the most sought after gadget this Christmas season? If you guessed ebook readers, then you would be correct.

If you guessed rudolph the red nosed reindeer, you would be incorrect.

Ever since Amazon came out with its glorious Kindle, all heck broke loose in the ebook industry. And this was in 2007. Since then we have the Sony Reader, several models of the Kindle including Kindle 2 and Kindle DX. And just recently to spice things up Barnes And Noble threw plans for a color ebook reader called (Athena NOOK) into the foray, followed by the electrifying announcement of a solar powered ebook reader from LG.

Yes, the ebook reader industry is mega red hot!!!

I created a new blog entitled ebookreaderguide.com to chronicle the happenings of the awesome ebook reader industry and to provide a guide to the various ebook readers on the market. As I mentioned earlier, lots of people want an e-reader this Christmas but are confused as to which one to buy. This is the primary function of my new blog – to provide tips and information to consumers on which ebook reader is best for them.

The blog is powered by WordPress (of course) and it features a gorgeous WordPress theme with a lot of social networking apps built-in, plus a very cool back end (admin options) area.

Want to follow the ebook reader industry?

Go now to EbookReaderGuide.com

Are you in need of a domain registrar? One that is reliable, easy to use and affordable. How about one that has a groovy affiliate program.

Then you will be happy to hear about Namecheap. This is my registrar of choice and has been for about 2 years now. I have all but one domain name registered through Namecheap, so that would be almost 15. Why do I choose Namecheap over others more well known (and marketed) such as craptastic Go Daddy?

Well for one thing they DO NOT bombard me with a bazillion ads and offers when I try to quickly register a domain name. They DO NOT send me a gagoolian emails asking me to sign-up for this whatchamacallit and that whoneedsitcrap.

But what I really digg about Namecheap is their super easy-no fuss interface. It’s all laid out real simple and makes for a nice experience, plus they have several cool features built-into their registration process. Whenever you register a domain name, you can set it up so that it AUTOMATICALLY sets up DNS from your server a/k/a webhost. This makes it nice and quick to register and set up a new domain name for that quickie blog you want to create. (and maybe sell)

Here are some more cool features from Namecheap:

• Easy login
• Easy account set-up
• Easy domain search
• Discount on transfers from another registrar (like craptastic Go Daddy or Yahoo)
• A marketplace which allows you to quickly sell and push domain to another NC user
• Twitter integration (not sure I like this but its available)
• Affiliate program – 15% commission on referred customers
• Monthly discount promo codes on new registrations
• Free Who Is Guard (contact info privacy)
• Quick registrations
• Payment via Paypal is accepted
• Live Support
• Forums
• They have a Facebook fan page and Twitter account
• Cheap domains (less than $9 with coupon code)
• All TLD extensions (including the new .ME)
• Free email/URL forwarding
• Easy as pie control panel

If you’re a blogger, internet marketer or site flipper then you know you NEED a domain registrar you can count on and one that is easy, quick and affordable.

Namecheap is my choice.

My next blog project is on the uber popular teen boy band The Jonas Brothers. This trio of music awesomeness is a force in the music industry and their reach only grows bigger everyday.

I had been meaning to create one on the JoBros and finally got around to it, see blog details below.

Name: Jonas Weblog

WordPress Theme: Fresh News

Monetization Model: Adsesne, Ebay, CJ, Ticketmaster and Amazon

This blog is an Adsense and affiliate blog, which means you will want to drive traffic to the blog, via one of the three methods below:

1. Article Marketing – create an account on eZines and direct (about 10 articles) to the blog via the author resource box.

2. Links – build links with press releases, dofollow blog comments, guest posts, or directories.

3. Additional Fresh Content – hire someone on Digital Point Forums to write two or three articles a week on the blog.

This blog is perfect for the (marketing savvy webmaster) who wishes to have a side income from Adsense and affiliate marketing. Drive targeted traffic to the blog, then wait for the commission checks to roll in.

If you have any questions on this blog project, do not hesitate to contact me.

Well this can be annoying but no need to fret, as below i give you over 15 creative domain name suffixes and prefixes which you can use to snatch up the “next best thing”.

1. Guide (as in yoga exercise guide.com)
2. Hut (as in  coupon hut.com)
3. Point (jonas brothers point.com)
4. Just (prefix)
5. Blog (vegas golf blog.com)
6. Weblog (taylor swift weblog.com)
7. News (twilight movie news.com)
8. Big (prefix)
9. Solo (seo solo.com)
10. Simply (prefix)
11. Hub (blogging tips hub.com)
12. Tips (social networking tips.com)
13. Get (prefix)
14. Zone (miley cyrus zone.com)
15. Pros (freelance writing pros.com)
16. Surplus (this one is good for product-based blogs such as plumbers surplus.com)

These are just some of the domain name extenders i have used when registering a name for a blog flip, when the one i prefer is already in use by someone else.

So next time you have that killer niche idea and a name in mind, but it’s taken, get creative and adopt one of the multi-purpose extenders above.

I’ve seen quite a number of great domain names lately on Sitepoint and would ask that next time you visit, do focus on the extenders some sellers are using. Then see if you can come up with a few on your own.

Oh! and one last thing, if at any time you have doubted the importance of using keywords in your domain name, see what Matt Cutts has to say about it.

Reader Question?

Have you used a funky domain name suffix or prefix that didn’t make my list above? Share below.

1. Blog flipping is a low cost entry business, you can literally be up and running in no time. (like today)
2. Flipping blogs is fairly new, so competition relatively speaking, is still pretty low.
3. This is the type of business you can run anywhere: your dorm, home office, local coffee shop or heck even in class.
4. Can you turn on a computer? If yes, then you’re qualified to flip blogs
5. Are you a member at Digital Point Forums? If yes, then you already have connections for graphic work, should you need it.
6. Can you write? If yes, then you don’t need to outsource articles for your flips. (be like me – i write all my articles and pocket even more profit)
7. It is easy to find hot niches. Just pick up any magazine or keep tabs on Google Trends, and voila there is a hot niche waiting for you to exploit. It is that easy.
8. Desmond (the creator of the Blog Flipping Formula) is a super cool guy and he will help you in your new adventure. Desmond will help you via his blog or via email.
9. Heck at only $17.95 you really haven’t much to lose. But i know this is a top notch product and you will make that back on your first blog flip. Desmond does offer a money back guarantee, but you will not be  needing it.
10. The blog flipping formula is a product written by a successful flipper, he teaches you what he has learned and now it’s your turn to benefit.

If you’re new to this blog, you might want to look at my sidebar. On the very top is a banner for my most recent successful blog flip. On Christmas day i sold a blog for $700. This was a blog on the hugely successful Twilight Movie blog franchise. A hot niche right now. I jumped on it as soon as it came out and needless to say, it was hot. The blog had traffic AND REVENUE right from the get go.

This allowed me to flip that baby for a very nice profit. So if you’re wondering whether people are making money by flipping blogs. Yes they are. Yes we are. And now yes YOU can!

Don’t wait get the Blog Flipping Formula NOW! At $17.95 you really have nothing to lose.

Money Making Blogger is my latest flip and features:

WordPress 2.7
Niche theme with wide body post area
5 original (written by me) and high quality articles
Fully SEO optimized
Indexed in Google
Adsense Ready

Revenue Ideas

There are numerous ways to monetize this blog, including Adsense, affiliate programs, your own ebook, Clickbank, etc. My advice would be to create your own ebook and use the blog as a marketing vehicle to promote the book.

Perfect For Beginners

I’ve full configured this blog site all that the new owner will need to do is add content and promote. This is a great blog for a beginner net marketer and or someone who wants to try their hand at blogging.

Money Making Blogger is ready for a new owner. Any questions on this blog, shoot me an email.

Starting bid is $99 and the BIN is $149.

P.S. Don’t forget to join my buyers list to be notified of all my new blog site packages.