Internet Online Cash 

Welcome to Internet Online Cash, a basic information site to suggest internet avenues to attempt to make money. Also includes a bit about blog optimization, since many blogs are popular as a information platform, and consequently as a cash earner for many.
These are ideas from my own experience, from being based in New Zealand. It seems these days, so many people are looking for specific avenues for making money online either directly or indirectly. The popular social net work site MySpace is an example of this, and the online auction site in New Zealand, Trademe. Also, the extremely popular ad systems of adsense from Google, and the amazon affiliate program for blog and web sites. There are other platforms such as chitika, blogvertise, text link ads, and others.

Different Avenues to Earn - What's For You?

There has been a huge increase in the use of free blogging platforms, free web editors, free hosting sites, social networks, Google's adsense program (My adsense review), various affiliate programs, post to paid forums, internet marketing and their applications, ezine articles, paid web surveys, stock photo sites, online auctions, pay per click sites and email pay per click programmes. So opportunity abound, it's no surprise that thousands worldwide are trying to generate additional income. But to do so, you must promote your blog/web site, in part by having good dynamic content, optimize selling online, and participating in forum posts, social networks, and other platforms, and apply enhancement components and optimization techniques.

Please note for some of these avenues you may need a paypal account for payment. Visit their site and perhaps checkout reviews like this one to see if it appeals to you, if you do not have paypal. I have used it for buying (it's free), and have had no problems. Selling using paypal, I think, is more involved and is described here by it's owner the auction site ebay.

Blogging Platforms - The Easy Way? For some...

Blogs can be considered as a collection of your own private or group thoughts, or online diary for others to read online. It's a platform, when published as separate posts, to try reach out for others to read, comment, review, and maybe subscribe. Many become very successful, which tend to be in the technological, political, internet, blog/web marketing and optimization fields.

Blogs seek to inform, humor, and teach in an effort to interest their readers who can become actively engaged if they want. It's a form of valuable communication for us to be invited to respond, participate, and perhaps learn more in doing so. For the blogger, it's a engaging communication media platform for sharing your thoughts to your reader's thoughts.

Blog Site and Tips - There's Always More...

o Google's blogger, Wordpress.org, wordpress.com, and typepad, seem to be the most popular. There are others, including blogs in the popular social network sites. Many bloggers place ads, affiliate links, pay for click search forms, etc, and hope to get their readers to click on them, and of course to buy or sign up to the listed items. You need to enhance and promote your blog to attract more readers and hence more ad clicks to generate income. Blogging to gain readership and income will take time, as there are about 15 million active blogs, and about 60 million inactive blogs, as of May 2007. Suggestions to help promote and enhance your blog are:

Content:
o Create good quality, well researched, and ideally unique content to keep readers interested...and to come back. This will develop a core, perhaps supportive audience, who may subscribe and distribute your blog via different channels.
o Great content, e.g. breaking news, tutorials, can be used as a link bait, to attract more readers that may want to link to your blog. Also tagging (bookmarking) your site in social networks may help attract links.
o Perhaps try free content, if you can't easily create content, say from freesticky and perhaps get ideas from websites and article directories. Skelliewag has good content and other blogging tips. You may be able to expand on the topics to offer more, or create a sub topic within topics.
o Learn content and blog layout or template ideas from viewing other blogs and leave a worthwhile comment and perhaps a link. This may track back to your blog and retain readers.
o You need to be passionate about your blog, with regular postings, and not primarily out to make money. So perhaps not too many ads, as this may make readers feel you are only about earning money. This means they may not come back.
o For more in depth blogging optimization, including improving content creation and marketing techniques visit problogger and skelliewag. Also visit dosh dosh, which has excellent monetization and optimization blogging articles

Customization:
o Customize your layout by using tabular format, colors, imported templates, frames, search forms, etc. Refer to google blogger tips, blogger buster,beta blogger, and blogger new tips for tutorials on component, design, html editing, and format techniques. Many plain or standard blogs can be customized to appear as a semi commercial website.
o Ad placement - This may require experimentation to try to place ads in ideal locations, relative to your content and design, on your page to generate clicks. For example, many visitors quickly scan pages from left to right, so having a column of ads on the left, is likely to be more effective than on the right.
o Ads in your blog should blend in with your content, so that it looks natural, without being too dominant. It's background and borders should ideally be the same as the page it resides on. Ads also have to be optimized.
o Enhance your site by signing up with additional platforms, such as technorati, feedburner, widgetbox, and feedblitz. These sites basically add components (e.g. rss feeds) to allow readers to easily sign up to your blog. Other add ons can be added manually, but often require some html editing.
o Use a ad and stats tracking analysis program if available, to evaluate what scenario generates the most clicks. Aspects such as what type of ads (links, image and links, customized search, etc), their relative size and position on your page, and their original pathway source (e.g. from search engine, referrals, url pathway, etc) should be evaluated for effectiveness. Google Adsense channels, and Google Analytics Goals are examples of optimization tracking of ads.

Exposure:
o There are sites that pay for your blogs, from their advertisers, if accepted. This might be for product reviews, services, etc. You might have to include links to the advertisers web site, and perhaps have a blog at least 30 days or longer, a certain number of posts, amongst other requirements. Blog for pay sites include blogvertise, blogitive, helium (you don't require a blog), and payperpostcom amongst others.
o You can also submit or post blogs in social sites (e.g. myspace), and blog (e.g. blogengage, mybloglog, blogcatalog, blog explosion, entrecard, etc) and article directories (e.g. GoArticles). Also get involved in blog and other forums such as the helpful bloggeries. All of these avenues will help expose your site and improve your general experience.

I am involved in a couple, such as valued opinions, smile city (in New Zealand). Many are straight forward "tick" type questionnaires, but some are quite long, so you need patience and a bit of thinking (Go hand in hand I think).

o Answer to the best of your ability (i.e. don't blindly tick away), because I think some questions can be related to earlier questions (i.e are cross referenced). So you could contradict yourself if you are not careful. This may impact your creditability.
o Do think carefully, even critically for product type questions, and sometimes attributes that you know of, are perhaps not mentioned in the survey - then perhaps say so in the comments section.
o The more responsive you are at surveys - perhaps the more surveys you receive to participate. Again it takes patience to complete them.
o Always add meaningful comments and responses, as I believe you may get more surveys, particularly if you suggest improvements, and solid ideas (with examples or web link references).
o Be careful when signing up for some surveys, by resisting to buy or trial out products, offers, and services. You may get unwanted spam mail and pop up ads.

Social Net Work Sites - Too Much too Soon?

These are large scale sites where people can interact with others with similar interests and activities. This is often achieved through channels such as profile optimization, chatting, blogging, forums, videos, photos, select discussion groups, and so on.

o Myspace, Bebo, and Facebook, are popular net works to try to advertise yourself or blog/web site. Listings can be in classifieds, your user profile, user groups, blog panels, and other channels. Though often such sites can become cluttered with profile ads, videos, sponsors, etc, and of course thousands or millions of users. I still have a link to my website in My space and have had a couple of views.
o Many other social sites are emerging, and some are perhaps geared to the more "mature" users. It's a matter of finding one that suits you and can help promote your blog/web site.
o Some social sites may not appeal to all, as many are geared to the youth market and weighted towards their specific interests and thoughts.
o Perhaps sign up with more than one network, and look out for others that crop up that could be more user specific to your needs.

Submission Sites - Ranking Up...

These sites help to popularize you blog/web site by yourself and others being involved based on voting ranks. Below are the most popular, but there are others, such as furl and reddit

o Stumble upon - This seems to become popular where you can share websites that you 'stumble', with others (i.e. a group of like minded friends). Hence you can share opinions, and their is a rating system for sites. It is a vast network, which has the potential to include your site as being popular.
o Digg This
A popular sharing site for finding the best voted web/blog content by users. The aim is to get on the homepage to increase readership and hopefully more clicks on your ads. See this article about improvement tips to get really dug up...
o Del.icio.us
Probably the most popular internet bookmarking site for listing your favorite sites, where you can share with others, and hopefully get links to your site/blog. I submitted my own site...pcsourcepoint (Computer help links/NZ links)

Paid to Click Email Surveys - Forever Clicking?

o These still exist, but because of the advent of free blogging/web and social platforms, I believe have lost a bit of popularity.
o You basically get paid for clicking on emails - but you need to click several, and sign up with several sites.
o Many involve a referral system, which will pay a bit more, if you get others involved. So you need several referals for effectiveness.
o Here is a listing that you may consider. I have tried this, but in my view, it took up too much time, and with many other subscription emails, blogging, etc, I had no real time to continue.

Affliate Programs - Refer to Earn

This is where you sign up with a web site's or company, to add feeder links or ads to your own site to drive or refer traffic to affiliate programs, other ads, products, and services. You can get others involved as affiliates to increase your income.

o For your personal sites, you can have affiliate links or ads that refer people to products or services that relate to your content, or perhaps complimentary. Some companies can even automate your content to display content relevant ads and text links.
o Amazon and Google adsense is a starting point for many as it's generally free, and easy to set up. Their are dozens of others such as affiliate future. Most popular online stores, or stores that sell popular products are likely to have a affiliate program.
o The more traffic you refer, and if users buy, then you get a percent share, maybe 5% to high as 50%. This approach is often called PPS (pay for sale) used by online merchants and some companies.
o There is also the common PC (cost for click). This is where the affiliate is payed when a visitor clicks on a text ad or a banner - often about 5 to 50 cents. Examples are Google adsense,Yahoo publisher, and Kontera to name a few. Some programs you can buy hundreds of links to sell.
o Some companies require approval, which may be based on your content, popularity or rank, other existing ads, etc.
o Returning referrals, where a already referred visitor returns to buy again can help you profit. Hence the you will be paid again, and possibly on a on-going basis or a fixed term.
o You can get others to join up as affiliates to your affiliate program, and you get a percentage of their sales, ideally through a established 3rd party.
o You can set up your own affiliate program with relevant software, but may involve time to handle the administrative and possibly security functions.
o Effectively promote your affiliate approach, ideally in a niche market or area. This could take time, but I have noticed many are using social networks such as myspace. I was offered to join such a program, I think based on my website design.
o There are several online afflilate programs, software, guidelines, and their products and services and so on. You need to select what system best fits with you, determine whether it is a relevant value product or service. You need to provide good customer service, and importantly you need to market yourself and goods effectively online. That is, get repeat visitors to click or buy...
o Maybe have a look at affiliate guide com for more resources, and also marceilbeck com for more up to date affiliate programs amongst other money making avenues.

Paid to Post Forums - Post to Earn and Maybe Learn

o As it says, you can get paid small amounts for posting and in some cases, responding to topics. Again, it seems that quality content is required with hopefully plenty of responses to increase your earnings. I have found this, with the quality web site mylot (Where people discus everyday topics in a good clean site and can earn cash).
o You need to find a forum that appeals to you, and check out reviews to see if they do appeal. For example, user uptake rate, topic content, easy to navigate, are "clean", and so on.
o Some paid to post forums

The popular ebay and New Zealand's Trademe stand out in different parts of the world. I have used both, but found it was better to buy on ebay unique products (relative to NZ)...then sell on trademe.

o Relatively easy to set up for selling, but it's a matter of whether you make a reasonable profit. Fees may erode income, too many similar items, more popular or highly ranked sellers with popular items.
o Bulk sellers can sell cheaper and often have a wider range of items with very high positive feedback (i.e. good sales history), and hence you have to compete or at least contemplate with that scenario.
o Perhaps import or buy niche products and sell on trademe or your local auction. I have done this and it worked. Problem was, others with a lot more money (buying power) can also do the same. I have seen the same NZ buyer for watches on ebay, and then selling on trademe for about a 30 % mark up.
o Suitable for selling cheap or old unwanted items. I once sold a thick long old rope at 3 x what I thought it was worth.
o Content optimization skills is sometimes required for effective selling (also applicable to ebay selling tips).
o For example, try to give precise details for items, e.g. dimensions, brand, serial numbers, etc. This allows buyers to research online, and to search easier on auction sites. Better to mention "15" Firestone, 205 x 70 tyre, 70% worn" than "old tyre for sale"
o Mention other items you are selling, e.g. "see my other listings", "I have similar items", etc.
o Highlight or emphasis particular attributes or features for your item and it's potential other uses it may have.
o Photos - Good quality photo's help sell. Different angles, without distracting background features help.
o Set a realistic reserve that you feel the item is worth, and a low reserve for popular items to attract more bidders. Use of auto extend will help attract even more bidders, and hence a higher price near closing time.

Stock Photo Sites - Photo's Galore

o There are several photo sites to upload your photos/art work in an attempt to sell them, often at low prices.
o Therefore you need to upload several quality photos on a constant basis and hope that you get buyers.
o Often there are hundreds of thousands of quality photos to compete with, many with software enhancements (customisation).
o There are different acceptance levels and criteria to be initially accepted to particular photo sites.
o But as usual it takes time and effort, and often you need to upload to several sites to make it worthwhile. Find a site that appeals to you in terms of pricing, quality, usefulness of features, affiliate or referal program, bulk selling, etc.
o I have noticed that techo - computer generated graphics (often for web design, templates, advertising) sell well. So do some basic conceptual logos...
o I have seen multiple shots by hundreds of users on bigstockphoto alone, indicating the ease of partcipating. So having a half decent camera (> 3 mega pixel) can allow you to click away, then upload easily.
o Visit this resourceful review site (photosecrets) about the processes, techniques and reviews of popular stock/micro stock web sites and more...

Internet or Online Marketing

I have yet to fully utilize this approach, only perhaps on a small scale within trademe. The marketing of goods and services over the internet merges the technical and creative elements.

These would include sales, design structure, sales, advertising, and development. Methods would include seo or search engine optimization (e.g. to increase a site's rank), blogging, affiliate marketing, link baiting, e-mail marketing, ecommerce, visual advertising, market research, and replicating or viral marketing.

Usually there is a real goal, often involving a organization or blog group, to constantly develop and promote their website via online media. Perhaps Yahoo and Google are well known examples with their associated avenues (e.g. Yahoo answers, Google's iGoogle, Apps Suite, Gadgets, email accounts, etc). A good and popular blog I think that embodies this to some extent is lifehacker. Top 100 blogs as ranked by technorati...

Summary - To make it work...

There are other avenues to earn, such as selling videos, creating ad space on your site, and I'm sure others will evolve. In my view, you need to have time, commitment, and the passion to be actively involved in various internet avenues. It's a ongoing developmental mix of creative, technical, design, and marketing/selling aspects to try and adapt to a increasing changing and competitive internet environment. All these factors need to be considered, planned and then implemented effectively to increase your likelyhood of earning online and to increase earnings...