Hi Keller,

I think the “Feedback Forum” is a great idea for making sure the content that you add to your website is what your readers want/need. (I'm not sure what the “Search” call to action means though?)

I have a list of about 150 articles I could write for a new blog, but am stuck at where to begin. My plan was to write 10 pillar articles first, and then give readers the option to vote on the next article to be written (out of a list of the next three I was going to write say)

Does that sound like a good idea? Do you think that would be best as an above-the-fold poll on the homepage?

Thanks, Andy

Andy, I’m not sure what you mean by “Search” call to action. Please explain.

Interactivity can make a website shine! Any time you ask for feedback or reader input, it makes the reader feel more important and part of a community. I like the idea of a poll. I would place the poll at the end of each article as well as your sidebar. That way, it’s always visible.

If you have enough to write 10 pillar articles, why not put together an eBook? You can give it away for free if readers sign up to your newsletter. Then use the other articles on your blog. Or, sell the eBook if it has really good information in it.

Also, you may want to use some articles for article marketing. Set aside 5 articles that are not crucial for your website and distribute them to article directories like GoArticles.com. Don’t post them on your blog unless you change the text (you don’t want duplicate content – content on your website as well as others’ websites).

Writing 150 articles is a BIG task to take on. I have a long list of article topics I want to write about, but it will take time to get through each one. You may want to work on 2-3 articles a week. They can be any topic you want (of course they need to be related to your blog topic). This way, you can write about a topic you’re inspired to write about that day. I’ve noticed my best articles come when I’m in the mood to write them. If I feel forced, I won’t get them done or done right.

If you haven’t set up a blog yet, I would say that’s your next step. Set up your own WordPress site and start writing!

Hi Keller!

My question is: How do you set up a business selling physical things (such as your kitchen ware business). Did you have to purchase things ahead of time? What about storage, shipping, etc? Are there companies that help out with these tasks?

Thanks for the great site!
Hannah

Hey Hannah – thanks for the great question. I plan to write an article about this soon, but for now, I'll just give you some quick tips.

I use dropshippers – they warehouse the products and then ship them directly to my customers. This is the most cost-effective and easy way of selling products online (at least that I've experienced).

If you want to actually carry products yourself, you will need to invest in storage and spend time shipping orders. Dropshippers take care of these activities for you.

You don't have to purchase products ahead of time when working with a dropshipper. In fact, you don't purchase products until you receive a sale on your website. Then you simply email your dropshipper or visit their website and purchase what you need for that order.

The major issue with working with a dropshipper is you have little to no control over inventory. A product may get discontinued or go out of stock and you might not find out until after you've received a sale for it. But, there are ways to handle this issue.

Since a dropshipper provides an extra service (shipping to your customers), the product prices might be higher than wholesale or they may add on a “dropship fee” per order.

In order to build a high quality ecommerce store, I suggest you purchase a Network Solutions ecommerce package. I've worked with them since 2006 – all of my stores use their hosting.

In order to find a dropshipper, I suggest you look online for wholesales and then inquire about dropship services.

Thanks Keller, after looking around on your site I saw that you have a few articles on drop shipping. I do think that would be a great future article, however: Going into the detail of researching and deciding upon a market to go into, website building, marketing, finding suppliers, etc.

As I am just beginning my online business creations, I for one am finding these articles quite helpful.

:D

Thanks Hannah! I will definitely work on getting some info for you soon. If you have any other suggestions for article topics, visit my Feedback Forum here: http://fresheventure.uservoice.com/ I love hearing from you!