The latest updates on information selling and running an online infoproduct business

At a conference in New York this week, the New York Times has revealed some changes to its online presence which indicate how important blogging has become in the information world. The New York Times will be increasing its number of blog pages, plus it will be making some of its online content subscription only - following the model of The Financial Times, which sells information online. However, the New York Times is going further by setting up an affiliate scheme. Here we see the Times using two essential components of the online information selling world. Firstly, they are going to increase their dependence on blogs. Secondly, the Times is putting part of its financial future in the hands of affiliates who will bring in subscription revenue. You could take note of this...! Blog your work and get yourself some affiliates. If it's good enough for the New York Times it should be good enough for you!

One of the problems that you will face trying to sell your information products online is the fact that your emails from your autoresponders could be viewed as 'spam'. This means that filters could prevent your emails from reaching their intended targets, thus reducing your likely sales. There are several things you can do to help avoid this.

Firstly, write normally. Avoid using hyperbole or exaggerated claims. Similarly, avoid repetition of words and phrases. Write like you would talk and you'll reduce your chances of difficulty.

Secondly, avoid using so-called 'spam fooolers'. These are words like m^oney or fr*e. These do not fool the spam filters - in fact they make your emails look more like spam - plus they can't be read so easily by your readers.

The next thing to consider are the words you'll be using. Words such as 'free', 'make money', 'rich', 'sex', etc are bound to get your email greater attention from the spam filters. If possible, avoid such words.

If you are in any doubt about your email, get it checked for likely problems at:
http://www.lyris.com/contentchecker/