The following is a sponsored review of the Bloggers Base network, and my opinion on it has not been swayed by virtue of payment in any way.

One of the most asked questions that I get surround the concept of marketing your blog. As the old adage would go, running a successful blog is very much a sense of how much traffic you can get there… and we would want to apply the old 80/20 rule to marketing: 80% marketing, 20% content. As tough as this might be, the marketing side is what really drums up popularity behind a blog… and good writing alone will work more against than for you if you aren’t actively looking for readers.

Understanding that marketing is key can be a great step forward in your plan to dominate the blogosphere… but then the question becomes HOW exactly should you market? Sure, you could pony up and start an advertising campaign to get the word out… but unless your content is also good, you will find yourself in a ditch sooner rather than later. Instead, I would recommend starting to network across other niche blogs that are similar in focus to the one you are trying to run. Reach out to the bigger names and start making as many friends as possible. Before long, you will start to see traffic feeding in left and right.

How do I find similar blogs in my niche?

I have been asked the question “how do I find similar blogs” literally dozens of times more than I would like to have it asked, and the question is usually to use Google or another search tool to organically dig up the best names. However, it has recently come to my attention that there is a better option out there… Bloggers Base!

That’s right, my good friend Dan has come up with what I think is a top-notch idea… and it comes in the form of a new social media network devoted to bloggers. Sure, there are your classic communities like Twitter, Digg and StumbleUpon that have captured a lot of market share… but if you are a bit newer to blogging and DON’T have a network already lined up, it is very very difficult to gain any traction when you start so far down the food chain.

The Problem With Big Networks

When I think about marketing via social media, it usually links back to the classic one-day rally where you will get 1,000s of page views on one “hot” piece of writing… but then never hear from these people again. However, with Bloggers Base you actually get the chance to form a network with other people interested in your content space. Think of this like “LinkedIn” for bloggers!

When Dan first approached me with the possibility of running a review, I realized what a great opportunity this truly is. While it is still in the beta stage, Bloggers Base offers what the “big networks” can’t… and that is a level playing field. When you register for Digg… you are almost forced to make a ploy for the old timers that have a reputation built up in the community if you want to have any degree of success. However, with Bloggers Base, those that write the most will get noticed. Alternatively, even if you don’t wind up with a cash incentive (yes, they give out prizes), you get a new network of friends to leverage later on.

Where the revenue really comes from in blogging…

So, it all get’s back to making money from your blog… right? I am going to assume that most of you are in this because cash is always a nice incentive on the side of getting your name out there. When people ask how to make money from blogging… the answer isn’t to sell ad space or to write a bunch of sponsored posts every month, it is leveraging your network of users for profits over time.

Truth be told, bloggers without a dedicated crew of readers that legitimately care about what you have to say will never be successful. One one hand, Bloggers Base offers you the ability to get massive amounts of traffic to the posts that you write. However, when you really step back and think about it, if you are a top contributor to Bloggers Base you will get much more than the $500 a week that they currently offer to their best authors… you will be getting friends. If there is one thing I have learned, it is that friends lead to more friends.

Once you start the networking cycle, and assuming you continue to put out excellent content on your blog, it is only a matter of time before your blog begins to churn out more and more RSS subscribers every day… sometimes even at alarming rates! Using social media seems to be the next big fad across the internet, so why not hop on the bandwagon before there is no room left to sit down?

Bottom Line: I highly recommend that you all sign up to, or at least check out, BloggersBase.com. It is a tremendous opportunity, and completely FREE! At the very least, creating a profile and making an account will get you another social media network to gain a little bit of backlink-juice to your blog and/or website. Check it out!

-Jimvesting

This is a sponsored review of the GWDish.com reseller of Dish Network services; payment has not influenced the opinion in this piece.

On February 18th, 2009, all full-power television stations in the United States will stop broadcasting in analog and start broadcasting only in digital. What does this mean for you? Well… you better find a better way to watch television FAST if you live in the United States. Although I do have a spot in my heart for antennae-based tv sets (heck, I watched some of the 2009 NLF playoffs on one), technology needs to take precedence as we blow by other nations in our broadcast capabilities.

Regardless of where you live, it is becoming a practical “status symbol” to have the best television and the most channels available. I myself use Comcast’s Digital Cable service… but it sometimes lacks in just what I can and can’t see. Because of this, I think that you should all consider a satellite tv service such as the popular Disk Network.

Getting Hooked Up With GWDish.com
If you are interested in unlocking more channels like more Sports channels and Movie channels, you need a more advanced connection made possible through a satellite tv network like Dish Network or Direct TV. GWDish.com wanted a review here for exposure, and they definitely have a great product to offer. But why would you order through GWDish.com instead of through the Dish Network directly? The answer is in customer service and ease of use.

I’m not going to lie, even I am very confused with how the whole satellite tv system works… but GW Dish is one of only 40 “top level” retailers (OE Partners) for the Dish Network. They are authorized to do business across the United States, and do everything from the installation, to customer service, technical support and billing.

The Best Deal Online?
I haven’t had enough of a research look to confirm that GWDish.com is actually the best bang for your buck… but they certainly do have a lot of advantages. A few of the features that they feature are:

• Free Equipment
• Free Installation
• Free Activation
• Free Home Protection Plan for 9 months
• Free Second Room Programming (with a phone line connected)
• Free HBO+Starz For Three Months
• One Year Cinemax For Just $0.01!  (Need to sign up for credit card auto pay)
• $50 credit to your first bill
• $60 check sent to you within two weeks
• (2-year contract required)

There are literally hundreds of combinations available, and tons of great offers. They have an extensive line up of HD channels that look absolutely incredible.. and GWDish.com will even hook you up with a DVR Recorder to boot. Understandably, the website design doesn’t have much in the way of “sex appeal,” but it gets the job done, eh? Because of this, my recommendation would be to proceed with a certain level of awareness and caution. From what I’ve seen so far, the customer service is top-notch and they are great to work with. If you are in the market, why not give them a shot!

-Jimvesting

This is a sponsored post of IronBlogger.com. If you are interested in your own sponsored post or review, please check out our Advertise page for stats and rates.

I’ve been in the blogging game for well over a year to this point, and have definitely picked up a lot of tips and tricks to get by. In the “make money online” niche, there are certainly a lot of competitors. In order to beat the competition, you need to have something that sets you apart from the pack. One of the best ones, in my mind, has been the fact that I am a student blogger.

In comes Robin Haney, a guy from CANADA no less, trying to take my spotlight with his increasingly popular blog IronBlogger.com. This is a website that talks about the web, technology, making money and even gags on the internet that are worth checking out. Don’t let the innocent air about this guy fool you, Robin rules the internet with an iron fist… and is soon to take you into his world. Believe me, this student blogger isn’t messing around. Because of this, I am declaring guerrilla warfare!

Why the Iron Blogger Needs to be Stopped!
Okay, okay, this post isn’t serious. My good friend Robin Haney came to me a few weeks back asking for a sponsored post to shed some light on IronBlogger.com and I whole heartedly agreed. In all seriousness, IronBlogger is a very cool website that talks about everything under the sun, and is a website that I love for some light reading in the morning as I’ll usually find something interesting.

I want to take this opportunity to talk about how to blog correctly, because I think that Iron Blogger is a great example of this in action. Too many people try to start a blog and be the best from the get go. This is the wrong attitude, as it takes time and patience to climb to the top. Sure, all of us want to be the “head honcho,” but in order to do so… one must first establish a brand name that people will find credible. The thing about “make money online” blogging is that it is all about establishing a sense of credibility between you and your readers. What Robin Haney has done correctly, is just this. While still a fresh blog, I could see IronBlogger.com potentially generating a lot of interest if things stay consistent.

Bringing the REAL story, one post at a time
Another thing that I really like about IronBlogger.com is that all of the posts have a very personal feel to them. Since it is a personal blog first, make money online blog second, Iron Blogger has posts like “Dell AC Adapters Suck” and “Create a Popup Form with Aweber.” With all of the variety, it’s not a bad blog to simply plug into your RSS reader in the event that what Robin is talking about today excites you. By posting every day, Iron Blogger has a ton of useful information all around the website. While I don’t like the fact that there isn’t a set “niche” about it, it certainly keeps you entertained when you are hearing about blogging income one day, and fixing a broken iPod the next.

Looking to Start a Blog?
If you are looking to start your own blog and want a second opinion on where to go, I’d definitely recommend subscribing to IronBlogger.com and asking for a helping hand. Other than coming to yours truly , Robin is a great option… and will be sure to guide you where you want to go. I feel like the best way to get your foot in the door is to mirror someone who has already gotten the train rolling… as is the case here. With over 100 subscribers and definite room to run, not to mention advertising that is very inexpensive for all you value guys, check out Iron Blogger for some ironic blogging tips and tricks that you can use for your ultimate success on the net.

-Jimvesting

P.S.: Sorry Robin for the “unexpected” intro, it was late and I was feeling creative, haha

The following is a one week sponsored contest from The Ground, the makers of one ingenious tool… soon to become a golfer’s best friend on the links!

Jimvesting is writing about golf?! That’s right ladies and gentlemen, I’ve been known to shoot a round of golf in my day… and it’s a sport that a lot of people are big fans of around the world. Heck, we’ve even seen “Tiger Woods” being named as the greatest all around athlete of all time… so the sport has definitely become a household name despite its roots.

Chances are, you know somebody that is absolutely in love with this increasingly popular game. Maybe you are a casual golfer yourself, or perhaps you have a few friends that like to play every now and then. As the holiday season approaches, wouldn’t you like the chance to get yourself one awesome new golfing tool to use for yourself, or pass on to a friend? Shipping and handling is paid for, all you need to do is write a sentence or two to be entered… let’s learn a bit about our sponsor, shall we?

The Ground – First Class Club Holder

I remember a few years ago when I was playing more regularly, I used to bring my clubs around in my golf bag. The problem is, most golfers will leave their bags at the next hole on the course when they hit their balls to the green… bringing just a club or two with them to finish the hole. I’ve ended up losing two clubs simply by putting them down and completely forgetting I brought them with me! The Ground solves this problem in sweet fashion, with their innovative solution to golf stands!

The Ground keeps your clubs in sight and grips dry. With a wide array of color combinations to choose from, The Ground was designed to fit and look like one of the clubs in your bag. The patented foot press allows for easy insertion and removal from both your bag and the fairway. Essentially, it is a club-esque tool that you can carry around and create an instant golf stand to put next to the green when you are trying to make your putts and (hopefully) finish under par. This is a relaly cool idea, because it will fit naturally in your bag and you can conveniently bring it along with you… using it amongst your friends to keep clubs safe and secure.

That Sounds Cool! How Can I Get My Hands On One?

Sure, The Ground sounds like an awesome gift idea for a friend, or a practical piece of equipment for your golfing arsenal. If you’d like to learn a bit more about it, feel free to read the full description on their website.

How To Enter For A FREE “The Ground” Club Holder

1. Step One – Visit The Ground’s website and check out the club! In order to win the contest, you need to have a good idea of what the club looks like and how it is useful in a golfer’s set
2. Step Two – Post a comment saying who you would like to give the club to! This could be a friend, a role model or even a relative! The choice is yours, and the most creative answer will win
3. Step Three – The winner will be announced by email on Friday, December 19th. This means that if you want your entry to count… you better include an email address (not shown publicly) in your comment!

So there you have it, all you need to do is write a comment talking about who YOU would give a free The Ground… and you can win a free professional club holder worth an estimated $30.00! Have you ever seen an easier prize to win? I think not! Get your entries in now, because the doors are only open until Friday, December 19th at 11:59pm EST. Oh, and Merry Christmas!

-Jimvesting

The Ground’s Christmas Quickie is Now OPEN!

The following is a sponsored review of StockMarketBlog.com. The content of this article has not been influenced by payment. Check out our advertise page for our rates!

As many of you know, I am an active participant in the stock market. I am absolutely fascinated with the way that markets trade day after day, discounting and projecting into the future on a real-time basis to reach what investors feel is the market value of a company. Those of you that actively follow Jimvesting know about the small business that I own, Bullish Bankers, that is fast becoming a popular financial community destination on the internet.

Recently, one of the other popular financial blogs came by and decided to ask for a review. I hadn’t heard of the website before, but decided to check it out to see if it was a website that I liked enough to give a positive review. Lo’ and behold… we have a great new community called Stock Market Blog!

All About StockMarketBlog.com

Many people wander around, listening in to the news every once and awhile, wanting to get involved in the market… but somewhat unsure as to how they should actually go about entering. How do you find a good stock to make you money in the short or long term? Where can you find some kind of “ease of mind” to solidify your investment decisions? Who should you really trust when making trades?

Stock Market Blog dot com gives you the inside scoop from a 30-year old trader from Canada, an investor who has been day trading profitably for a bit over three years. This is essentially a live journal of events, where each day you get an update as to the trades that were made throughout the day. Essentially, what you get is a journal log of what this particular trader is doing to make money, and how well he is doing over time. This is a fantastic way to get started in the financial markets before jumping in with real money. By seeing how a professional handles trades, you can get a much better grasp on investing.

Weighing the Pros and Cons

Most weblogs offer unique insights into niche markets, but some fail to provide constructive advice… so it is important to understand what is good or bad about a particular website. The following is a list of pros and cons that I have found with this website to guide you through:

Pros:

• Great Domain Name!
  The first thing that should strike you about this upstart financial website is the killer domain name. With a brand name recognition like StockMarketBlog.com, there is a high probability that Jan (the owner) is going to see some great traffic from organic search techniques.
• Daily Updates!
  I like the fact that Jan C. writes about his experience same-day, day after day. This provides a real time information highway that is going to be a lot more effective for your trading in the long term.
• Honest and Objective!
  This blog doesn’t try to force you into thinking that one stock is the next best thing… it is simply a log of trades that could potentially get you interested in investing. Profits and losses are posted each day that include commissions… so you will know exactly what to expect every time you visit the blog.

Cons:

• Generic Theme
  I love blogs simply because they give users the opportunity to express their opinion in an open arena. However, a generic template like the one used slightly detracts from the effectiveness of the material, and definitely reduces my own confidence in the information.
• Advertising
  Looking around my blogs, you can tell I’m a fan of ads. However, I only approve when they are in selective areas, and this blog may have just a bit too many advertisements scattered around the site.

Jimvesting’s Recommendation: I DO recommend visiting and subscribing to Stock Market Blog simply because of the free information you are getting from a seasoned investor who isn’t afraid to disclose losses. Let’s look at Jan C.’s “Five Trading Rules” on the sidebar: always obey stops, don’t be greedy, be patient, accept losses, the opening bell rule. I love these rules because they show me that this guy knows what he is doing, and isn’t hyper-risky. We all need to accept losses, it’s the best traders that can deal with them and trade effectively over the long run.

-Jimvesting