The Individual Guide

Is your web site performing as you expected? Do you know who visits your site and how often? What is the nature of their visits? Where do your visitors come from? What other web sites or search engines are referring visitors to your site? What web pages interest your visitors the most and which ones attract less attention? As a teaching consultant of On-line Marketing courses, I frequently formulate similar questions to audiences that generally include sales directors and marketing executives from medium and large size companies. My listeners are always amazed when they realize that even though their companies are investing large sums of money to conduct market studies or purchase marketing results (e.g. Nielsen) to learn about their client’s preferences, they are not taking advantage of analyzing and interpreting the data from their own web traffic statistics. The differences between the two primary sets of web traffic statistics -server activity analysis and real-time statistics via script controls and cookies- have already been covered in a former write-up (see “What is behind all those web traffic reports”, 9/2/03). This article will now focus on those pieces of information, contained in a web traffic report, that are of most interest from a Marketing perspective. After learning where to look and how to interpret the data, one will feel more encouraged to embark in the apparently arduous task of interpreting web traffic statistics. Our prize at the end will be a significant increase in web site performance, greater traffic, better search engine positioning and a deeper understanding of the expectations and interests of our web visitors. All this combined can translate into additional sales, more registered users and a larger amount of frequent users. Let’s explore what we need to consider first. Web Traffic Hits, visited pages, number of sessions… Rather than being overly concerned with the absolute values of these statistics that, incidentally, may vary dramatically based on the type of software being used to measure the web traffic, we should pay attention to the evolution of these values over time while maintaining the measuring software the same. One can click on a weekly or, better yet, monthly view report and the graph will quickly show whether our traffic is increasing or decreasing, and a simple mathematical computation (perhaps the tool automatically provides it) of dividing the number of visited pages by the total number of visitors will tell us how many pages a visitor views on average. Whether our traffic increases, decreases, or remains stable, it will be interesting and valuable to see when a particular trend changes and analyze if the change is caused by a previously planned action, such as the launch of an on-line publicity campaign, the agreement to exchange web links with other sites, or the start of search engine positioning services. Visitors In this section, it is important to distinguish between unique visitors and repeating visitors. If one of your goals is to sell a service or product on-line, a high degree of repetition from your visitors will likely indicate a high level of customer commitment to your service or product. However, one must exercise caution when evaluating the number of unique versus repeating visitors. If your tool, for instance, uses the visitor’s IP address to determine whether the visitor is unique or not, the tool will at times count multiple visits from the same user as unique. This can happen when a visitor uses a dial-up modem to access the Internet, since each call will likely get a different IP address assigned. Conversely, if a group of users is accessing the Internet behind a router or proxy, they will all share the same IP address and the tool will count them as a single repeating visitor. If cookies, on the other hand, are used to determine the uniqueness of a visitor, the data collected will be much more reliable.

Other useful information typically associated with visitors is their country of origin and their language, which may prove useful when considering international opportunities or the value of creating a version of your web site in another language.

Visited Pages Determine which pages are visited the most besides your default page, which tends to register the largest number of visits since it is the typical point of entry to your web site. Identify those areas of most interest to your visitors. By analyzing the most common navigational routes, discover how far your visitors click. If the report, for example, reflects a large number of visits to your home page and classifies them as unique page visits, it could mean one of two things. Your site is experiencing low quality traffic, with visitors not interested in your products or services and therefore not going beyond your home page, or you may want to consider redesigning the home page, since apparently is not generating enough interest among your visitors and thus, they are not navigating deeper into your web site.

The report will also identify the most common exit point out of a visitor’s session. Once this exit page has been identified, its design can be reinforced to include new points of interest with links to other sections of your web site. Sessions and visit duration This value tries to measure the amount of time that a given user spends navigating a web site. One must be careful, though, when considering this piece of information, since a visitor could inadvertently leave a window, and therefore a session, open and minimized. This would be measured as an active session, even though the user was not actively navigating through the web site. In any case, a large number of very short visits could indicate an erroneous positioning of a web site. In other words, the web site is attracting visitors who cannot find what they were expecting. Referrals and search engines One of the most valuable pieces of information that can be obtained from a web traffic statistical report is the origin of the visits. In other words, it is extremely helpful to know the web site that visitors were navigating prior to reaching ours. We will be able to distinguish between users who clicked on a link at another web site in order to reach ours from visitors who clicked on one of the search results returned by a search engine. In this latter case, the report will also identify the keywords that were used to launch the query.

A large number of referrals will come from other pages within your own web site, while the rest of the referrals will typically be from external web sites or search engines. In occasions, you will also find visits from web based e-mail services or directly from a visitor’s Internet browser, indicating that your site is probably stored as a favorite, or the URL has been directly typed on the browser’s navigation bar.

It is important to regularly track those web sites that act as referrers to our web site, or those search engines that most frequently locate our web site with a given set of keywords. A final word of caution: be careful not to click directly on the links included in the report belonging to the referral web sites. If you do, the statistics report page may appear as a referral to their web site, and depending on the security of your server, your statistics report page could be accessed by the owners of the referral web site. Search keywords Search keywords are those words or phrases that Internet users provide to a search engine in order to find new web sites. Phrases are typically more valuable than isolated words, but both can be used to identify the interests of your audience. In some cases, you may be surprised to learn some of the keywords that were used to locate your web site as well as those terms that were never used. It will be interesting to observe the evolution of a particular term over time. For example, if your web site promotes real estate, you may detect changes in customer preferences for certain areas based on the number of search keywords associated with specific locations. If a location rarely shows up as a search keyword, it may be a good indication that your customers are not interested in real estate there. Likewise, terms such as buying or selling will suggest the type of transaction that your clients are looking for.

Internet browsers, operating systems, screen resolutions…

Finally, it may be helpful to check on the type and version of Internet browser being used by your audience, as well as the type of operating system and screen resolution. These are mainly technical aspects, but may prove very useful for redesigning or optimizing your website. For example, a web site can be optimized for a specific Internet browser or a particular screen size. At times, one will notice that different markets will favor certain computer configurations. Conclusion Web statistics provide such large amounts of data regarding the activities taking place inside a web server that processing all of it may become an overwhelming task. However, once you become accustomed to locating inside your own web analysis tool or service all the values described in this article, you will be in a position to properly evaluate the information that is being conveyed, as well as observe its evolution over time. This will allow you to take action and make the appropriate marketing decisions that will maximize the performance of your web site. Soon, you will identify your most important metrics, what you want to measure with them and the reason why.

Most professional web hosting service providers include some type of web traffic control system for their customers. If your provider does not offer this capability, you will be able to find equivalent services from other Internet-based companies that provide web traffic statistics. After you start receiving your traffic reports, allocate in your weekly schedule adequate time to evaluate the information. You will discover soon that this invested effort will start paying dividends!

The Samsung G800 has been a favorite with consumers since November 2007. As you would expect from Samsung the overall design of this mobile phone is outstanding. For the money the Samsung G800 is fairly well featured.

Moving on to the display the mobile phone is equipped with a 2.4 inch screen, which is a pretty average size display if you look at other phones you could get for the price. The display type is TFT, 256K colors. The Samsung G800 comes equipped with bluetooth, for compatibility with a number of accessories. The Samsung G800 has support for 2G GSM 900 / 1800 / 1900 and 3G HSDPA 2100 . The G800 is fitted with a 5 MP, 2560х1920 pixels, autofocus, video, xenon flash, 3x optical zoom camera. A WAP 2.0/xHTML, HTML, RSS reader compatible browser is also included. The ring-tones on the G800 are Polyphonic (64 channels), MP3 along with a vibrating tone . The Samsung G800 is that is supplied with a Standard battery, Li-Ion battery cell. The battery usage the G800 is 3:20 talk time and 220 hrs standby charge. The mobile handset is pretty light weighing in at 134 g,. When compared to other handsets on the market the Samsung G800 is one of the more compact phones on the market. Colour wise this mobile phone only comes in Titan Grey,. This phone is also equipped with , Java MIDP 2.0, Stereo FM radio, MP3/AAC/AAC+/e-AAC+/WMA player, Built-in handsfree, Document viewer (Word, Excel, Power Point, PDF), Bluetooth printing, Voice memo, Face Detection and TV out.

Unfortunately for Samsung the G800 has lots of competition meaning it is relatively easy to get a great bargain on this mobile handset.

The most cost effective way to shop for a mobile currently is via websites. To find the best price try using a site that allows you to compare mobile phones to find the cheapest Samsung G800 .

When I trace back some of my favorite internet marketing eBooks, systems and courses I find that they were written by people residing in the UK. Internet marketing UK style is no different than how the rest of the world is doing it but in my humbled opinion the books I’ve found out there are written very well and explained both for the newbie as well as seasoned professional internet marketer. The UK is also a pretty big place and many new marketing concepts come out of there every day. I am fascinated with learning how these brilliant concepts come to be.

The internet is as much commercial as it is information services. The beauty of the internet is they have built an infrastructure that utilizes both marketing and information services together. Unlike television for example where by you watch the show then see the commercial, the web shows you both and the commercial is often very much in line with the information and offers you something valuable in line with your interests (the site you sought out for example). In much the same way product placement in movies works. Internet online marketing advertising business is brilliant if you ask me, its very non invasive so long as you don’t use it in the way of spam but in line with website marketing.

So you have decided to work at home (either by choice or
necessity) and now you are faced with the decision as to whether
to pursue a work at home job or to start a home based business.
That may sound like a minor distinction, but this can pose a
dilemma as the differences can actually be quite significant.

A general psychological characterization of the entrepreneurial
spirit, says they are typically people who have a high energy
level, set long-term goals, feel quite self-confident, and view
money and financial security as a measure of accomplishment and
piece of mind.

They are further characterized as problem solvers, who take
risks, learn from their failures (as well as those of others),
accept personal responsibility, seize the initiative, and use all
available resources to achieve their success.

Entrepreneurs compete with themselves and believe that success or
failure lies within their personal control or influence. They do
not see setbacks as failures, but rather as learning experiences.
Most of all, they exhibit persistence and tenacity, never giving
up and never quitting the quest for success.

If you fit most of these criteria, you would probably elect to
start a home business instead of undertaking a work at home job.
However, the decision to work at home does not necessarily mean
that you want to be the owner of a business. You may prefer
working at home for an already established company. This is
often easier to do than owning a business yourself and you may
not want all the headaches, responsibilities and obligations that
come with owning your own business.

Regardless of which path (job or business) you choose, the first
step is to figure out what business or work-from-home opportunity
you want to pursue. There are many excellent information sources
such as public libraries and Internet sites that list seemingly
countless home business and work at home job opportunities. The
abundance is so great that it might well lead to confusion.

One of the most important factors is often overlooked. This is
your personal inventory. Often this will yield some direction
and focus to the business or job selection process. Assess
yourself and your situation. Write a resume for yourself that
includes your background, education, training as well as any
particular on-the-job skills you possess that could possibly be
used in a venture or job. Also look at your leisure-time
activities and hobbies, because many businesses result from a
person following their “passion.” Ask yourself how much time you
can realistically put into a business venture, given your present
commitments.

Once you have determined the general type of home business or
work at home job that you want to undertake, it is of critical
importance that you do your homework (research) to select the
specific opportunity where you are going to make your
“investment” (some combination of time, effort and money) in
working at home.

Kirk Bannerman operates his own successful home based business
and also coaches others seeking to start their own home based
business. For more information visit his website at
Proven Work At Home Business for more details.

Not losing weight but gaining it is why we are faced with an obesity epidemic in children. This is the real problem. Forget weight loss diets, children need a weight gain prevention diet. In fact they need weight gain prevention habits as obesity prevention must begin at home.

All tour buses, school buses and shuttle buses should have solar power. Why? Well, because they have huge surfaces on the roof to put on solar panels and because the price of solar panels in the solar power industry have come way down in the last 10-years.

It would cost less than $5000 per bus to put on solar panels that could operate most of the electrical needs of the bus. If all buses put solar panels on top then the price of solar panels would come down drastically. There would be more money due to the economies of scale to propel the solar power industry to come up with new inventions and innovations that would help with more research and development to make them even more efficient on top of that.

School buses run lots of lights that warn motorists that kids will be crossing and all these lights could be run from solar power or from solar power assisted batteries. If it was a cloudy week then of course the alternator would run the lights instead, but also consider that school buses sit over the weekend in the yard and can be generating electricity while parked.

Tour buses often have televisions, refrigerators and air-conditioning all of which have electrical needs and for about $10,000 you could set up a very nice solar power system. Shuttle buses, which take people to and from the airport also have lighting needs and hydraulic assisted handicap elevators and other very important electrical needs which could all be run by solar power. The great thing about solar power is that it generates energy whenever the sun is shining and except for the cost to install it, that is free energy. Consider this in 2006.

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Consumer promotions advertised as contests, however, can require an entry fee or proof of purchase. The reason why contests are treated differently is that the winners are not chosen by chance but by an element of skill. You can win super BMWs every 14 weeks. 8 months ago a Belgium online company has started with a online sweepstakes. Anyone can win great laptops every 4 days at windeprijsvraag web. Although some sweepstakes ask for a proof of purchase or UPC code, the sponsors must provide an alternate method of entry if they do so. This saves entrants time and effort. Sweepstakes are also legally different from contests in the United States. Entering sweepstakes by mail is declining in popularity. Sweepstakes promotions are prohibited from requiring a purchase to enter. 9 hours ago a Dutch webcompany begun with a dutch online sweepstakes. Members sign up once and are entered to various sweepstakes each month. 8 hours ago a European company took of a contest websites. Really great prizes to win at dutch online contests. There are also other online services, which automatically enter members into sweepstakes. Sweepstakes are generally easier and quicker to enter than contests. 8 months ago a Europe based dutch online company started a sweepstakes websites. Fantastic swimming pools to be won at online sweepstakes. That should be marvelous or realy terrific to win 6159 dollars. It will be terrific or absolutely fantastic to win 5138 euro. Great Porches to win at contest websites. Marvelous cars to be won at sweepstakes websites. Really everybody can win fantastic cash prizes every 23 weeks. Before home computers were popular a common method of entry was a mailed one. Many more sweepers are choosing to enter online sweepstakes. Thats really great or terrific to win 9689 euros. 11 days ago a Dutch dutch company took of a dutch online sweepstakes. Super plasmas to win at dutch online contests. Many state lotteries also run a second chance sweepstakes in conjunction with the retail sale of state lottery scratch cards. Really anyone can win realy terrific SUVs every 9 weeks. Sweepstakes are frequently used by fast-food restaurants to boost business. In an effort to increase consumer demand for scratch cards and to help control the litter small problems associated with the disposal of non-winning lottery tickets. That will be absolutely fantastic or terrific to win 1395 dollar.

168 reasons may seem like a daunting list but let me assure you it is much easier than that. There are 168 hours in a week. Now, my point is this, do you know how you are spending those 168 hours weekly?

If you don’t, you’ll find it hard to make the necessary changes to your schedule that will make the difference between mediocre and exceptional…

Starting this week, take a notepad or at least a piece of scratch paper and start taking inventory on your time. How much do you sleep? Groom yourself? Eat? Travel? Play? Do Chores? Work? Socialize?

Keep adding to your list for a week then add up your totals. You may be surprised at what you find.

It is critical to your success and fulfillment that you take your time very seriously. Time is really the one commodity in life you can’t negotiate for very much. You can regain your health, your wealth, often even a lost love, but you can’t recover a single second.

How many times have you wanted to really get your life in gear but said you didn’t have the time? Now you’ll know if you really do or not? If you have hours being wasted on things that don’t serve your goals, can you blame anyone but yourself if you don’t accomplish them?

Honor yourself by learning to honor your time. You’ll be glad you did!

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An ancient practice from Eastern Medicine, bowel cleansing is fast becoming the next new diet for the Western world.
What is bowel cleansing and does it safely cause healthy weight loss?

Bowel Cleansing 101

Keeping things simple, bowel cleansing is equal to Western Medicine’s laxative. Practitioners of bowel cleansing will argue that their methods are more effective, natural, and completely unrelated to using laxatives.
My point is this: increasing water content in the large colon acts like a “wash” to empty the bowel lumen.

Some Laxatives and “natural” substances used in bowel cleansing both do exactly this…”washing” the colon by trapping water which evacuates undigested food.

Any claims made beyond trapping water simply have not been rigorously studied and represent opinion and theory, at best.

Methods for bowel cleansing are too numerous to cover in this article. The only comment I’ll make is about the one commonality found in all of them…non-digestible natural substances.

Fiber like substances can be found to some degree in all bowel cleansing methods. Remaining in the bowel (colon) lumen, they trap water increasing the bowel’s water content. This results in increased pressure and tension inside the bowel and results in a large bowel movement consisting of undigested food.

This is what is called “washing” or “cleansing” the bowel.

Bowel Cleansing — A Healthy New Diet Option?

A healthy weight loss method promotes fat loss while preserving muscle tissue and water content. Weight loss by bowel cleansing results primarily from water loss. This is not a healthy method for losing weight and will cause weight gain soon after the cleansing.
I did find a few small studies that showed the opposite results with some bowel cleansing methods. These particular methods do seem to result in healthy weight loss.

Further investigation of this apparent contradiction revealed that the bowel cleansing methods also placed dieters on a high fiber diet.

Diets high in fiber are significantly lower in calories and if gradually implemented will result in healthy weight loss.

Bowel Cleansing — Is it Safe as a New Diet?

Some bowel cleansing methods are safe but others can be dangerous if abused. Critical electrolytes are also lost in the “washing” or “cleansing” process and if repeated too often can lead to disturbances in your nervous system and heart rhythm.
Before you start a new diet, use the new diet Safety Checklist. Make sure it’s safe and won’t cause you harm.

As far as bowel cleansing is concerned, it’s my opinion that you have better options for helping you lose weight.

To Healthy Living!

Michael A. Smith, MD
Chief Medical Consultant
Diet Basics Website

Dr. Smith is the Chief Medical Consultant for the Diet Basics website. His articles, RSS Feed, and newsletter, Annals of Diet Basics, are fast becoming the net’s best weight loss resource. Check out his newsletter, Annals of Diet Basics, and receive the power to continuously update and improve any diet plan you want to start.

The Senate voted 66-34 to ban flag burning. Lacking one vote, the bill was rejected. How can this be? Who voted against it? The United States Flag is a symbol of our great Nation. Burning the flag does not fall under free speech.

In order to have free speech, a tongue must move. There are no tongues moving when a flag is being ignited by a butane lighter. This is an action against one of our greatest symbols that our country has. The United States Flag represents where we’ve been as a Nation and where we are going. Men and women have fought and died to protect our flag and what it represents. We do not need mealy-mouth politicians to take the flag and make it some sort of mockery.

The only thing more unpatriotic that burning the American flag is to protect the individual who burns it. The burners should be hauled away for life. The politicians who protect them don’t deserve to stay in office. How would the democrats like if if a person were to burn one of their bills that a person decided they didn’t like? The vandal would be accused of God knows what and hauled away in chains. The flag should be no different.

Freedom of speech does not protect actions. Punching someone in the face is an action, and it’s not protected under free speech. It is a criminal act and you will be punished for assaulting whoever it was you hit. The United States Flag is to be respected and looked upon for it’s symbolism. If you want to bad mouth the country, you have that right. You should not be allowed to desecrate the symbol for freedom. Taking part in any desecration of our Great Symbols are to be looked down upon as true Americans.

The top Presidential Candidates for the Democratic Party all voted against the amendment to ban flag burning. If these are the type of people who are aspiring to reach the highest office in the land, they better get with the real world. Any sane person will not vote for an official who agrees that the desecration of our Country is to be looked upon as a freedom of speech issue. Hillary Clinton is trying to be more mainstream for the moderate voters. Her advisors aren’t doing a real good job. Once again, the democrats continue to alienate the majority of America.