Is Search Engine Submission Necessary?

The short answer is no—search engine submission is not necessary. Most search engines today, especially Google, discover and index pages by following links. This means that just one inbound link from any indexed page can alert the search engine to your page. If that page links to other pages on your site, those will also be indexed, and so forth.

Therefore, inbound links are crucial. In fact, acquiring backlinks might be the most significant aspect of SEO. Ideally, a website owner shouldn’t have to actively seek out links. When the content is valuable, interesting, or essential, users naturally tend to link to it, which is the foundation of the Google PageRank algorithm.

That said, submitting your site to search engines won’t hurt. It takes only about five minutes to submit to the major ones, and once is sufficient—there’s no need to resubmit. This action doesn’t speed up the crawling or indexing process.

It’s important to note that submitting your site to platforms like Google, Yahoo, and MSN is free. Beware of SEO companies that claim you need to pay for indexing; these companies are typically more interested in profit than your best interests.

Consider this analogy: would you embark on a cross-country vacation without a map? Navigating without guidance is challenging enough with a map, and it’s even harder without one. This is precisely what many people do in the online realm—they try to build businesses without a clear roadmap. After months or years of aimless wandering, they become frustrated and give up, believing the Internet doesn’t work for them. The reality is that they simply failed to follow a well-defined path.

You don’t have to get lost in the vastness of the online world. Below, I’ve outlined ten steps to help you chart your course and set you on the right path. While it may not cover everything you need to know, it will provide a solid foundation for your journey.

Consider it your beginner’s map to Internet marketing profits.

1. Choose a targeted market

The most common mistake when starting a business is choosing a product first and then looking for people to buy it. If you begin this way, you’re heading in the wrong direction. Successful businesses take a different approach: they identify a target market first and then create a product that meets the needs of that audience. Instead of finding leads for a pre-selected product, they find targeted leads and discover what those individuals are looking to purchase.

Before starting a business, you must know exactly where your leads will come from. Think about targeted customers first, and only then develop a product tailored to their needs. Consider this: would you prefer 1,000 general visitors to your website each day, or 10 highly targeted, eager buyers who are willing to pay for your product? If you’re smart, you’ll opt for the latter—those ready-to-buy customers will make the difference.

2. Develop a Product

Next, you need to create a product or service specifically for your chosen market. Avoid simply jumping on the affiliate program bandwagon at this stage. When selling a product online, there are three primary approaches to consider:

a. You create your own exclusive product.

This is one of the best opportunities you can pursue. By developing your own product, you gain control over all aspects of it—setting the price, granting reprint rights, launching an affiliate program, and more. Many successful entrepreneurs have launched their careers by creating and selling their own information products. There’s no reason you can’t do the same.

Think about the knowledge and experiences you’ve gained throughout your life. Chances are, there’s something valuable you can turn into a “How-To” product. If you don’t have a particular area of expertise, you might know someone who does, and you could collaborate on creating a product, sharing the rights and benefits. Don’t overlook this opportunity or dismiss it—it’s a proven path to success.

b. Another option is to buy the rights to an existing product or partner in a joint venture (JV)

You can purchase the rights to successful products for anywhere between $500 and $20,000. If you identify a product that aligns with the interests of your target market, offering a substantial up-front payment for the rights can be a smart move. This way, you’ll own the product outright and won’t need to pay ongoing royalties.

Another strategy is to search through magazines that cater to your target audience, looking for products people are already selling. Reach out to those sellers and propose an arrangement to secure exclusive Internet rights for their product. This can be structured either as a percentage of profits or with an up-front payment, allowing you to bring established products to your market without developing something new yourself.

c. You join an affiliate program.

If you’re new to the online business world, starting with affiliate marketing can be a good option. However, it’s important to understand that the profit potential may not be as high as creating your own product or securing exclusive rights to one.

When selecting an affiliate program, ensure it offers a product that is indispensable to your target market—something they simply can’t do without. Also, pay close attention to the commission structure. For example, if you’re only earning 5% on a $10 book, you’d make just 50 cents per sale, meaning you’d need 2,000 sales to earn $1,000. This is not a sustainable way to make money online. Instead, focus on programs with higher-priced products and commissions of 25% or more to generate significant profits.

3. Create a USP

To stand out in a crowded market, it’s crucial to develop a unique selling position (USP) for your product or service. Too many businesses fall into the trap of becoming “me-too” companies, merely replicating what others are doing online. In a global marketplace, customers can easily navigate to a competitor’s site, making it critical for you to offer something that differentiates you.

What makes your product or service unique? Can you provide better guarantees, superior customer service, enhanced technical support, quicker delivery, or more competitive pricing? Identifying and promoting these unique advantages is essential. Clearly communicate what sets you apart from your competitors and make it the cornerstone of your marketing efforts. This distinction will help build loyalty and drive sales.

4. Pick a Domain Name and Hosting Service

The next step in building your online presence is selecting a domain name that effectively represents your business, unique selling proposition (USP), and offer. Aim for a name that is concise, relevant, and easy to remember. Avoid using dashes or intentionally misspelled words, as these can lead to confusion and missed opportunities when customers attempt to find your site. If the domain name is too complex, potential traffic might be directed elsewhere.

When it comes to hosting, opt for a provider that offers reliable customer service and technical support. Personally, I recommend a provider known for speed and round-the-clock assistance. Finding a host that responds promptly ensures that any issues are resolved quickly, helping to keep your website running smoothly. Make sure to test the customer support services before making a decision.

5. Develop a Customer Friendly Site

The next step in establishing your online business is developing your website and making it accessible to the world. If you’re aiming to run a full-time online business, it’s highly recommended to learn web design yourself. There are many user-friendly software programs available, and knowing how to make edits as your site grows will save you significant money in the long run.

However, if your main business is offline and your website is just an additional income stream, you might consider hiring a professional to handle the design. Either way, it’s crucial to design with the customer in mind.

Ensure that:
– Order forms for online credit card purchases are easy to find.
– All links are clearly labeled and intuitive.
– Your website is simple and easy to navigate.

Customers don’t share your deep interest in the specifics of your business, so focus on highlighting the benefits of your product or service. Place your unique selling proposition (USP) and the core benefits of your offering at the top of the website, because many users don’t scroll past the first screen. Make it clear, simple, and valuable to keep visitors engaged.

In summary: Benefits, Benefits, and more Benefits should be the rule for how you present your website content!

6. Offer a Freebie

One of the key strategies for driving traffic and increasing sales on your website is to consistently offer a compelling freebie. Free offers act as powerful incentives that attract visitors and encourage them to engage with your site. For instance, I have seen significant success by providing a range of freebies, such as reports, weather updates, and news articles. However, the standout attraction has been the two free e-books available to anyone who subscribes to our newsletter.

No matter what type of business you operate, it’s essential to come up with a valuable freebie. Here are some ideas to consider:

– Create a free report: Compile valuable information relevant to your audience and offer it as a downloadable PDF.
– Incorporate interactive features: Adding a message board, forum, or other engaging CGI programs can foster community and keep visitors returning.
– Offer free demos: If you have software or services, provide a free trial or demo to allow users to experience the value firsthand.
– Develop unique content: This could include exclusive articles, templates, checklists, or tools that cater specifically to your target audience.

By offering valuable freebies, you not only attract visitors but also create opportunities to build a relationship with them, paving the way for future sales and customer loyalty.

7. Start Your Own Opt-In List

Almost every successful full-time Internet marketer I know has built their own opt-in email list. This can take many forms, whether it’s a weekly newsletter, a daily tip, or important updates sent out to subscribers. Regardless of the format you choose, focusing on building a loyal list of email subscribers significantly increases your chances of success.

It’s essential to understand that most customers don’t make a purchase during their first visit to your site. They typically need time to get familiar with you and your offerings, often hanging out on your list for weeks or even months before making a decision to buy. Trust takes time to develop, and a consistent email presence helps cultivate that relationship.

Interestingly, I’ve found that some of the most effective leads come from offline advertising. For instance, consider placing ads in targeted magazines related to your business or utilizing postcard advertising in popular card decks. Starting a co-op with others can also be a great strategy—by pooling resources, you can run ads without incurring significant costs. Offline leads often convert at a higher rate than many online advertising methods, making this an avenue worth exploring.

By following the short 10-step outline provided, you’ll have a solid roadmap for creating your own Internet success story. Just like you wouldn’t embark on a trip without a map, don’t attempt to navigate the online world without a plan.

If you’re interested in diving deeper into effective strategies, be sure to check out Terry Dean’s brand new free eBook, “10 Quick and Easy Ways to Increase Profits to ANY Website Overnight!” It reveals time-tested Internet marketing secrets that can help you boost traffic, reduce expenses, and significantly increase profits.