Before I hit “send” I realized that this information can probably help more people, so I asked Lain if she would mind if I shared the discussion here. She's a sweetie and said “go for it”.

Here's the conversation…

Hi Nicole-

I was thrilled to discover your success cast. It's very educational and inspiring. I just listened to the Susanne Myers Interview, and she had so much great content and advice! I like hearing what Internet marketing “gurus” have to say, but I always take their advice with a grain of salt – after all, it sometimes seems that the only people making money online are those telling others how to make money online! But her story was so true and honest, and she's actually been there in the trenches doing what she turns around and suggests to the listeners. Wow!

I listened over and over and took notes about her advice on what she'd do if she had to start over from scratch. Amazing!

I would like to learn more about how to get incoming links on my website, but I haven't found much on that topic.

Can you possibly help steer me in the right direction?

Also, I was interested in knowing if you sponsor any training programs, or if you do coaching. Out of all the Internet marketers, I think I resonate most to what you have to say. I love how much you love your mom, too! It's so sweet. You're a real person, not some used-care salesman.

I believe in offering quality content to help people improve their lives, first and foremost. I don't want to automate a business selling something people don't need, or take part in some shell game or pyramid scheme. You seem so honest and real, and that matters to me.

Thanks for all you do-

Lain Ehmann – www.getscraphappy.com
Life doesn't have to be perfect to be good.

Hi Lain,

First of all, I LOVE your blog. I just got sucked in when I clicked through your link. Your writing is very genuine and heartfelt. I love it.

Second, thank you for the kind words. They mean the world to me.

As for your question, my belief is that 80-90% of your efforts during your day should be spent “off” site, rather than “on” your site. Yep. That means time spent actually marketing your products and services Well, that is IF it's a blog that you want to make money. Personal blogs are different, of course. But, the ones that need traffic to support your family – be doing at least one marketing activity per day (that not counting blog commenting or time on Twitter).

My awesome helper said she sent you the link to WebTrafficBasics.com to help you with some basic link building – it's an older course and needs to be updated, but it's still solid, and still free.

As for me, my one-on-one coaching rates are really high – just to try to protect my time a bit, so I really hesitate to send you to the page. I mostly work with infoproduct sellers who have a stream of income that I can help them to boost.

Actually, Susanne does have a link building course now. Just click here to get started -> Beginner Link Building Course

There are $300-$3000 courses that I could recommend, but I think you'll get more than what you need in that course. I trust Susanne 100% when I have questions about Link-Building so I recommend her course without hesitation.

Warmly,
Nicole

Here's how it'll work. Kelly started today by posting a question for me on her blog. (As you can see, we're keeping the tone very intimate and personal – not just business stuff.)

Now, in a day or two, I'll respond here to her question and write her back (including a question for her). She'll respond on her blog and we'll keep the cycle going. So, you'll want to watch both of our blogs so you can see the conversation progress (and so you don't miss any of the fun!)

I do need your help, though. Tell me what you've always wanted to ask Kelly (post below in the comments) so I can get some ideas of what to ask her. Remember, the questions can be business-related, but more personal than “How do I get more traffic to my website.” (answer: www.WebTrafficBasics.com ) This is my conversation with her, but I welcome ideas.

I already know the first question I wanna ask. Something I've been dying to ask her for awhile!

Stay tuned….
Nicole

PS. What do you think of the new blog design? I LOVE the colors! (My favorite color is green.)

Hi Nicole!

Thank you so much for all the great free information in your WebTrafficBasics.com course. However, I noticed that you don't give any tips for advertising in it. What's up?

I'd like to advertise my site, but would like your advice so I don't waste money.

Erin

Hey Erin,

You caught me. I'm not a big advertiser myself, so I don't always give tips on the obvious — which you called me on.

There are some obvious things to watch for when choosing advertising.

Is the advertising targeted? — For instance, you wouldn't advertise make-up on a Bait and Tackle site.

Is the site getting traffic? — You can ask to see the stats from the web owner if they are asking for a large investment or check into alexa.com (It's not a true indication of how much traffic the site is getting, but it'll at least allow you to compare a few sites overall.)

From there, you need to decide if it's going to help your own Search Engine traffic. For me, I do buy links on some sites because I own my own website. However, if I had a Direct Sales replicator site, it may not make sense for me to spend money on a lifetime link. It really depends on your goals.

Also, do you plan to be in this particular business for a long time? If so, then definitely buy some advertising — especially lifetime links. However, if you switch businesses as often as some people switch their socks, then buying a lifetime link may not be a wise investment for you.

That being said, here are some places I recommend for advertising:

Click here for HBWM

Click here for Direct Sales Ads

Click here for USA WAHM

Have a look at them and see if they are what you're looking for. I also am reopening my advertising at ShowMomtheMoney. Although it says “Sold Out” you can purchase it. Just mention that you read it on my blog.

Here's the page — > Business Opportunities (Direct Sales) Advertising

I hope that helps, Erin!

Nicole

Ok, Nicole. So, I get that you write and submit articles. What ELSE do you do to get traffic?

Cute. Sometimes I get on my articles rant and forget to mention some of the other ways I get traffic. lol.

You're welcome to sign up for my free course at www.WebTrafficBasics.com to learn more ways to get visitors to your website. No scams or posting ads in classifieds. These are ways to build long-term traffic to your website.

Nicole

I have something pretty cool for you today. I grabbed my goodfriend, Kelly McCausey, pioneer in the world of Internet Talk Radio, and hostess of www.WAHMTalkRadio.com.

I asked her all my top questions about how to get an interview, what to do and most importantly what NOT to do.

I've added the interview to the WebTrafficBasics.com course here where you can get a sneak peek – http://www.webtrafficbasics.com/onlineradio.htm

If you're already in love with Talk Radio, Kelly has a course she teaches to start your own talk radio show. It walks you through the steps for starting an Internet Talk Radio show on a shoestring budget. Check it out – Shoestring Internet Talk Radio

Nicole

You can learn more about article marketing and get the call info here – (sign up in the bright pink box on this page)
http://www.webtrafficbasics.com/articles.htm
(If you've already signed up for the EASYArticleMarketing.com coures or ecourse, you got notice already so you don't need to sign up again.)

Grab a friend and come to the class. If you have a team or JV partner, tell them. ANY type of online business can benefit from article marketing, if you do it right.

See you on the call!
Nicole