Soon to be on SBI Day 7

As Cat-Talk-101.com continutes to grow, so do I.

Creating the content and adding some HTML code is becomming more natural, though I still use my "code templates"...no reason not to.

In addition to content, I've created my privacy/legal policies page as well as my site map.

When SBI released the option for the 3rd column, even for Block Buildit templates, I made a decision.

I'm not going to add it...just yet. When I do, I see it as being where I'll add the invitations for Content 2.0...meaning where visitors will be able to add their own contributions.

The cool feeling is that I like my site...it is really bringing forth the vision I had for it, and I am feeling more at ease with how my site blueprint is tieing together...meaning, my original plan is OK!

Though I'm confident that I will not be reaching my goal of 30 pages before the end of the year, I'm fine with that.

The content I'm creating is quality, and that, after all is what is is all about!

Tweaking the keywords...

I think I am completely caught up "tweaking" my existing web pages on
http://www.cat-talk-101.com...again!

Every time I think I'm "done", I find something else that I need to do, or want to check. Really trying to make sure that when I do this "follow up", it's important and not just "busy work".

Tonight's work was focused on reading each published web page, and as I came across a concept word or supporting word, I referenced my SBI Brainstorm It generated list for the best form of that word.

When writing, I try to use specific keywords, but in the text or content, there will often be general ideas phrases where I can get more exact with the wording and use a specific keyword.

It took a few hours, but with 4 pages, I now have over 70+ keywords worked in. The main page concept word is the big focus, but the supporting words are worked in naturally.

The next step is to review the Action Guide and see what new step I can take, alongside beginning my next Tier page. I'm torn between creating my next Tier 2 page, or building another supporting Tier 3.

I'm leaning on the Tier 2, so I can add my two remaining pages that I've written...originally for The Cat's Eyes Tier 3 page. The page just went so long, and in the process I realized that two of the subjects could be used under another section.

No matter, I'm onto the next step!

The Greatest Thing About the Internet Is....

It's always there...even when I'm not.

During the time between my last post here, and now, I've been learning to develop my website as well as building pages...that is, up until life stepped in and required my energy and attention.

Even though I have not worked on my website in over 3 weeks, the traffic has continued to find me. It's so encouraging to realize that building an online business will truly allow me to do what I can as I can.

Am I still a strong supporter of SBI? You bet! My only fear is seeing how much I do or do not remember when I start back to work on my new page....all of which should take place tomorrow.

For those wondering, I have found SBI to be easy to understand, easy to find the answers when I don't understand (in their forums) and proving to provide to me all that they have promised in the way of putting me out on the internet to the search engines. Their research tools did indeed guide me to developing keywords that I am already being found for...5 of them...actually, in 5 different word combos for similar words...I've only created 3 pages live, you see.

Anyway...really did not mean to be so long in posting...I can predict that my life will still be very demanding, but I'm truly determined to get back into my writing and developing web pages.

It takes 30 pages before I can have the option for monetizing available...I'm slow, but create total pages that I'm satisfied with...so if I can create 10 pages per month, I'll have the monetizing option available for the New Year...there you have it...I just set a goal...30 quality pages by December 31st 2010.

To date: 3 pages...goal: 7 pages by September 30...meaning...3 days per page? Truthfully that does not sound like something I can do...I really like to research and write, finding the perfect images for the point. Don't get me wrong, I am going to shoot for the moon and see how I do!

Will post back the last day of the month to state how many pages I've published.

Cat-Talk-101.com Is Live!!

Not only have I chosen the perfect domain name...I've chosen the perfect homepage template and written my homepage copy! Yes...my website dreams are really coming to life, for I have a live website!!!

Truly tonight I made great strides using the Verify It! tool from SBI! that allowed me to do the one time manual sitemap upload and verification of my site to Google, Yahoo, Bing and Ask search engines.

When I had to do that for this blog, all on my own, it was so difficult, and seemed to take forever. Though it did take me a little while, tonight's work seemed so much easier with the step by step instructions and links from SBI!.

The next step for me is to build a footer, upload some libraries and learn to create a graphic. Oh, and finally get to write some content!

It's been a long time coming, but I'm on the path to success!

With SBI! I finally registered my perfect domain name

Yes it has been several months since my last update.

Yes it is taking me longer to achieve my goal of a passion driven website.

Yes I finally did make it through to Day 5 and I registered my domain name!!!!

My perfectly researched and niche rich name of: Cat-Talk-101.com


Thankfully I listened to the Action Guide from the very beginning and did not rush to register any of what I thought were the perfect domains. They were so not perfect that I can't remember what they were!

I cannot stress enough how much I believe in SBI! as the best education I could have found for learning to build a viable content driven website.

My work is far from over, mind you.

Currently I am reading an e-book on Web Design Success, however I have selected my template and it is live. Now don't get too excited...the template is live, but I've not built my homepage yet so...no content.

The template, I must say, is really cheerful!

The cool thing about the work on Day 4 is that I have a "blue print" of what will make up my website, complete with researched keywords...researched to the point that I know what words I need to write about first to have the highest chance of ranking highly for those words, thus, building traffic to the site.

Well, that's a really quick highlight of my progress...in a nutshell, so to speak.

Don't know when I'll update again, but just as a tortoise slowly plods along the path towards the finish line...so, I too, as well!

Until next time...
Annie

Disipline: Starting out it's not how much you do, but that you DO it!

Good intentions, creative ideas and enthusiasm don't mean a thing if you ain't got....no, not that swing, but discipline.. 

Building strong discipline in completing my daily "to-do" list is my focused goal this month.  Out of that will come progress in the areas that are important to me, and hopefully help prevent me from "back-sliding".  You may know what I mean...one minute you are productive and knocking projects off your list, then the next minute your desk is a piled up mess and you feel out of control of your life.

I'm finding that instead of focusing on how much I get done, it's more important that I"m getting "it" done.

I'm exercising every day...not a long time, but consistently.
I'm working on the SBI Action Guide every day.  Not quickly, but with strong focus on what I do.
I'm cleaning one room a day...as scheduled.
I'm taking one paper/project out of my "holding" file and doing something with it.  It might take two or three days to complete, but I'm activily doing something.

For now I'm not making any predictions on where this will lead.  For now, I'm just focusing on discipline.

Find and Develop Your Best Site Concept...That's what' up next!

Last night was one of relaxation combined with good productivity.  As my goals quoted below from my previous post indicated, I wanted to wrap up Day 1..which I did.

Current Goals for Progress:


~Watch Video Action Guide for Big Picture and Day 1

~Read articles in the Read Now folder

~Stay organized: Delete or sub-file by topic any bookmarks for articles I choose to keep

The idea of creating topic specific Favorites folders to file Action Guide articles I want to read later is a great one...starting out organized is key.

To prepare for Day 2 of the Action Guide I printed the 37 pages of  Find and Develop Your Best Site Concept.  In a few minutes, in fact, I'll do my first read-through.  Tomorrow I'll watch the Video Action Guide, then I'll finally make my true start at actually "doing" the steps.

I don't want my site to be full of half-understood choices.  I'd rather take 3 times as long to work the program and create a solid, well built website, than to rush and think "I guess I'm doing this right" and end up with a half baked concept.

Since the tortoise is the SBI mascot, I'm believe I'm moving at just the right pace!

Site Build It Action Guide Update: Big Picture & Day 1

Three days into owning SBI and I'm feeling at ease...not the least bit overwhelmed. 

Thus far I have read the "Big Picture Introduction--Prepare To Succeed" and Day 1 -- Master The Basics.

As I have been reading and have come across links for articles to read, I'm bookmarking them into 1 of 2 folders:

~Read NOW

~Read LATER

After I read each article I will decide if I can delete the bookmark or  if I should re-file the article into a reference folder.  For example, one article has to do with building in-bound links...definitely something I can see would be of importance for future reference.

Also, instead of printing every page of the Action Guide, I'm reading until I come across something that I believe I'll need to have in front of me...such as the technical directions on how to work some of the research tools, etc.

A great piece of advice I read in one of the SBI e-zines about getting started is:  Put your SBI blinders on....meaning, don't let the books, forums, newsletters, etc, of other methods draw your attention away.  All we need to focus on is the education from SBI.  So, I took an hour yesterday to clean out my original Internet Marketing notebooks, articles, brainstorm lists, etc.  Also, I bagged up and stored my copy of Honest Riches by Holly Mann.  It served it's purpose, but I don't need it now.

There were several issues of a magazine from my niche topic that I had accumulated.  I tore out the pertinent articles I wanted to keep for future reference and created a file by subject.  It will be a while before I need to think about them again, but for now they are not a piled distraction.

Still doing well on my home and personal to-do lists.  It dawned on me last night that to be successful in all areas of my life comes down to the simple act of discipline. 

Won't it be great if it really is that simple?

Current Goals for Progress:

~Watch Video Action Guide for Big Picture and Day 1
~Read articles in the Read Now folder
~Stay organized:  Delete or sub-file by topic any bookmarks for articles I choose to keep

If I can accomplish these goals today, then I'll be set to start Day 2 tomorrow...Develop Your Best Site Concept!  Now that will feel like I'm getting some concrete poured for this business' foundation!

It Only Took Me A Year and A Half...

My journey began over 1 and 1/2 years ago...and I'm happy to say, I'm still traveling.

Tonight I purchased my SBI! subscription. As my prior notes on the Action Guide indicate, the beginning of the process involves reading and/or watching the videos, analyzing, studying, thinking...BAM...using my brains and motivation.

So far I've:   Printed the Business-Building Checklist
                    Read the Big Picture Introduction: Prepare To Succeed

As the material teaches, I'm going to take my time, read and watch the Action Guide, click on every link for articles, and absorb all SBI! has to teach me.

My goal:  DO IT ONCE AND DO IT RIGHT!

SBI: Today is The Day!

The clock is ticking, I'm working my way through today's "To-Do" list, and by this evening, I will be purchasing my SBI! Website subscription!!! 

It's time.  This is not an impulsive decision, but a well thought out, worked for and planned arrival along the path that started over two years ago.

Want to know why I'm waiting until tonight?  Past experience.  When I get excitied about beginning a new project, it's all too easy to "go to dessert first" before finishing my dinner...meaning, do what I have to do before starting on what I want to do.

Here is a link to an article on the 10 Disgusting Habits of Work From Home Internet Marketers .  I was never as bad as this list, but I did have a time when I felt obsessed with learning IM and my house and home office responsibilities definitely took a back burner.  This was when I was reading Honest Riches by Holly Mann.  Her book was actually a great way to begin my education on Internet Marketing...I'd still highly recommend it for those starting out in this big "field of dreams", but afterwards, if building a website is how you want to proceed, the information from SBI is far more in depth...perfect for the 2nd stage of the process.

This time, I'm in a great place.  My house and home office work are up to date...I'm healthy and exercising...eating smart and healthy...basically...I'm ready!

So...in a few more hours, I'll actually begin my "college course" towards building my online business.

Today is a great day!

Will soon be purchasing my SBI! Website

Having just finished viewing the last of the SBI Video Action Guide, I am on the cusp of purchasing my website subscription.

My original intent to review each "day" of the Action Guide fell to the wayside during the Christmas season and subsequent bought of illness...then being out of town.

Though I was "plugging" along with watching the videos, the vast array of content made for difficult material to simply "review".

The bottom line:  If you decide to purchase and use SBI, the knowledge you will learn along with the tools provided will more than pay for themselves.

Just today while reading the section on monitizing, I was ovely impressed with the additional powerful tools that become available after writing and publishing 30 pages of content. 

Did you know that there really is a formula for knowing when to begin monitizing on your website?  Well, there is!  And SBI teaches us why and when...among hundreds of other important lessons.

If you do read or view the Action Guide before purchasing SBI, keep in mind the phrase "read from 30,000 feet"...meaning, read for becoming familiar, not for learning.  There is an advantage to getting familiar with material before trying to study and comprehend, let alone apply it.

I'll openly and honestly say this, I enjoyed the basic knowledge I learned from Holly Mann's Honest Riches, but what she teaches is like elementary school knowledge when compared with all that SBI has to teach. 

SBI is serious business about seriously teaching you to build a serious web business...Seriously!

My plan, beginning tomorrow:

Feb 12:  Wrap up loose ends of office and home projects to stay caught up and on track.
               Purchase my SBI subscription.

               Print Day 1 of the Action Guide, put in binder and begin the study and process of building my web  business.

Though my progress to this point may seem slow, the fact is that I am moving on a solid path toward a defined goal, as opposed to flailing around with a mish mash of affilate programs, quickly getting nowhere.

At this moment I offer my praise and thanks to God for giving me the direction I needed to arrive at this point.  Truly, thanks be to God.

SBI Video Action Guide Days 4 & 5

Last night I watched Day 4 of the SBI Video Action Guide on planning the monetization of your site.  A key lesson to remember, which to my knowledge was totally ignored with the information I learned from the Honest Riches Internet Marketing book is....do not be in a rush to try to monetize...not only must you build up your content and trust with your visitors, but for the success of your site with the search engines you need to have a minumum of 30 pages of content then put in applications to at least two online directories.  Apparently a totally content site is easier to be accepted into the directories than one with Adsense or affiliate links.

It's no wonder so many of us become discoraged when we charge out the gate thinking we'll just start selling these wonderful products, then get dismayed when nothing materializes from our earnest efforts.

Also part of the lessons are creating an actual monetization plan to ensure there will be enough viable and profitable ways to eventually make money with your site.  Most everyone thinks of affiliate selling, but the Day 4 VAG helps to guide your thinking outside of the obvious box.

Tonight I watched Day 5 which focused on refining the site concept, registering the domain name and creating your own "voice" for your site.

Several months ago I came up with what I believed was the perfect domain name for my future site.  I was so anxious to go on and register it...however, I'm glad I did not.  Instead of boxing myself in with what I  think, I'm allowing my mind to stay open to the process, when I get there.

There are lots of links to articles and a few e-books, like Make Your Content Pre-Sell .  Though I have read it before, I'll definitely give it another read when it's time.

The thought occurred to me that I might be spinning my wheels, doing all this "pre" reading and watching, before making the plunge and buying my SBI site.  But after a minute, I dismissed that thought, for the following quote came to mind:

"People who fail to plan, plan to fail"

I wish I knew who the author of that quote is so I could give credit, but alas, I do not...but I do believe it.

Therefore, I'll continue at the tortoise pace, learning and planning...slowly moving on my goal to finish watching the Video Action Guide and scanning the written Action Guide, completing all by the end of January.

Until then, I'll keep to my slogan:  Dream-Build-Succeed...The time For Action Is NOW!

SBI Video Action Guide Day 3: Blueprint and Tier Structure Your Website

Having a written list of goals is making it easier to focus on making my way through the Video Action Guide.  The first part of Day 3 was, truthfully, a bit overwhelming and tedious.  HOWEVER, once I'm more than a spectator and actually, for instance, performing my searches for my Master Keyword List, it will make sense and be exciting.

The first section focused on showing how you will use your keyword list to add and eliminate keywords based on the demand, supply and profitability of the words. By creating this well researched list of keywords, you are, in affect, creating a blueprint by which to build your website.

The second section focused on using the 3 tier system to actually structure and outline, or "blueprint",  the pages that will comprise your website, using all the keywords you have been researching. 

One reason I really look forward to using all the keyword research tools offered by SBI is based on my past experience when my husband and I built our 1st and 2nd websites, about 15 years ago.  I remember the webmaster of the 1st site telling us we needed to come up with our list of keywords.  We had to just think up what type of words our customers would be searching for and how they could be tied into our website information.  So NOT scientific, to say the least.

Anyone who is even considering building a website without using the tools offered by SBI is really in for making the job harder on themselves than necessary. 

In fact, here is a real life example:  Would you rather have tools integrated into your website to help you do the research, as with SBI, or would you rather have to buy and study books on keyword research?  And then have to figure out how to implement what you have learned...all on your own?

I know what I'm gonna do!

Dream-Build-Succeed...the time for action is now!