Deadwood Magazine Theme

Awesome magazine theme from Graph Paper Press!  This is a $39.99 value and the theme has all sorts of functions to customize so you can have your site looking perfect in no time.  Oh, it’s called Deadwood and I love everything about it.

I actually bought this intending on using it and then went a completely different direction than planned so now it’s up for grabs.

I just want to say thanks to Thad for allowing me to give it away:)

AND, if any of you want to submit a guest post, please send them to lori at thecowboyshack dot com.  I’d love to have some to put up while I’m gone because I am just not going to have the time!!!

Real Life Design

Since I decided to UNmerge my blogs, I thought I’d do some different things here at Blogging with Cents.  Instead of the usual SEO, affiliate marketing stuff, I’ll be supporting women in business as I should have from the get go.

So, today I’m featuring Real Life Design.  Sarah is the cheif designer and can create you a masterpiece for your blog for little cost.  She provides examples of her work and her packages are neatly detailed, complete with the buy now button.  From “A Day at the Spa” for $65 to a simple blog button for $10, you’re sure to find something that will suit your makeover needs.

If you are need of other services like wordpress installs or a cute scrapbook style makeover, she’s partnered up with some lovely women to be able to offer you everything your heart desires.

So check Real Life Design out and give her some consideration the next time you’re thinking about a new makeover or a new banner!

SparkplugU Launch, Helping U Be Successful!

Wendy has gone and done it again.  No, she didn’t relaunch her site, she launched a new site called SparkplugU.  It’s all about helping everyone be successful with their work at home jobs!  If anyone can teach you, Wendy and her team can.

Take live courses!  The upcoming business course for example includes:

In this Course We Will Cover

• Week 1 - Advertising, Affiliate Marketing, List Building & Autoresponders
• Week 2 - Product Development
• Week 3 - Systems and building replicable segments of your business

Prerequisites

• You should have an existing service-based business (consultants, freelancers, coaches, etc.)
• OR You should be a blogger that desires to start monetizing your traffic or increase your earnings

It is strongly recommended that all participants have an existing web site, because the strategies we will be teaching are primarily geared toward internet-based promotion

From learning how to organize your home office to Podcasting Bootcamp with Kelly, you’re sure to find a course that suits your needs and learning desires.

Oh, and you must sign up for the FREE Internet Business Idea Guide!  I just did and am loving the info.  I never, ever promote anything that is fake or a scam!  Wendy is real and sincerely wants you to be successful.  I would trust her with my kids:)

Now I’m off to browse the new SparkplugU site!  I just wanted to tell you about ASAP!

Email Marketing - Building a List

Be prepared to have a small email list when first starting out. It takes time to build trust with readers and it takes effort to start a list and maintain it.

Here are some simple ways to create your email list:

• Add a “Join My Newsletter” box on your site. Providing a sign up box/link in a visually appealing spot, you’re more likely to attract readers instantly. I recommend you provide both box and link. Use the link to lead them to a page that explains what they might read in your newsletter. Be sure to provide the sign up box on that page as well.
• Ask your regular readers to sign up first. Be sure to always get permission and always keep in accordance with the Can-Spam laws. If you request emails in person or by email, it’s very important to get their permission first!
• Spread the word! Use social networking sites like Twitter or Mom Bloggers Club to let people know about your free newsletter. Include the phrase “Free Newsletter” on your business cards and in your signature via email and forums.
• Incentives are a quick way to get subscribers. Simply offer a freebie to those who sign up. It can be anything from $5 Paypal or some one on one time with that person to help them with some blogging needs.
  Run a “Forward to a Friend Contest.” In your e-mail newsletter, let your contacts know that if they use the “Forward to a Friend” link to send this month’s newsletter to at least one new recipient, they’ll be entered into a drawing for a prize. Most e-mail marketing service providers let you see which subscribers forwarded your e-mail to a friend.
• Partner up! Talk with a network or other blogger with a newsletter and consider promoting each other. You can also write a guest post and in your byline, include a link to join your newsletter.

3 email marketing websites you can use to create newsletters and build your list!

• Constant Contact
  Aweber
  iContact

Reasonable prices with the features and quality intact.

This one is by far the most popular and perhaps even the best. Lots of features and with a reasonable price for everything you get!

Another popular one that has is priced on the lower end but without compromising quality.

By following the tactics above, you’re sure to increase your subscriber count easily. Research thoroughly before choosing your email marketing program. Make sure the one you choose can provide all the features you need for your budget.

Do you have a newsletter?