Initial Coin Offerings: A Crypto Revolution Whatever happened to the ICO?

Initial Coin Offerings: A Crypto Revolution. Whatever happened to the ICO?

Initial Coin Offerings (ICOs) gained immense popularity in 2017 and continued to thrive in 2018; however, they have become a bitter disappointment to many. Nowadays, alternative approaches for token offerings have become more favored due to various factors. A significant reason is that most ICOs have failed due to misdirection, hype, pump-and-dump manipulation, and even fraud. An ICO, which stands for Initial Coin Offering, is a method blockchain projects use to generate funds and introduce a new cryptocurrency. 

On the surface, ICOs may seem similar to Initial Public Offerings (IPOs), where companies sell shares to the public on the stock market. Many consider ICOs the cryptocurrency industry's equivalent to IPOs, although this perception is arguably not entirely accurate.

While IPOs are closely monitored by regulatory bodies, Initial Coin Offerings (ICOs) enjoy relatively more freedom, with fewer formalities and documents required. This freedom, however, comes at a cost, as investors must conduct extensive due diligence to separate fact from fiction.   Additionally, investing in crypto tokens through ICOs does not necessarily grant ownership in the company, unlike IPOs. The lack of regulation surrounding ICOs has led to some instances of non-compliance with federal securities laws, resulting in legal issues for specific tokens.

Many in the crypto industry would argue that it’s misguided to begin with a securities framework to govern the introduction of crypto tokens. This approach is incompatible and hinders the development of new business models arising from these token use cases. 

Hence, it is essential to acknowledge that tokens can represent a unique category of assets, necessitating a dedicated legal and regulatory framework. Unlike the restrictive "security" label often applied by regulators, tokens do not always signify a personal financial stake or equity share in a larger entity. Instead, they serve as a novel proxy for our digital existence, which is constantly evolving.

ICOs Are Predominantly Speculation 

In a token sale or Initial Coin Offering (ICO), a crypto startup sells its newly created digital tokens to raise funds for its future ecosystem. The startup's success depends on convincing potential investors of its concept or blueprint, showcasing credible engineers and a sound executive team. A key element of most coin offerings is a company’s “white paper,” a document that outlines the project's goals, technical specifications, and team credentials. 

Hardly any ICOs, if at all, can claim to have a working product, service, or protocol in place when the token sale begins. The promise of delivering the intended utility or purpose for its token and future crypto-based ecosystem, coupled with exaggerated promises of profits to unsuspecting investors, has resulted in fraudulent schemes and even exit plans. 

With the rise in popularity of utility tokens in 2017, scammers took advantage of the situation by creating fake ICOs. Numerous so-called tech companies managed to raise millions of dollars in the highly enthusiastic cryptocurrency market, employing misleading or dishonest methods to attract investors.

ICO Scams Prevalent

The Wall Street Journal reviewed 1,450 documents related to Initial Coin Offerings (ICOs) in 2018 and revealed several red flags in 271 instances. These red flags included plagiarized white papers, guarantees of returns, and absent or fabricated executive teams.

Investors have injected over $1 billion into 271 coin offerings that have raised red flags, per a review of company statements and online transaction records. Out of the 1,450 projects examined, which have primarily targeted English-speaking audiences since 2014, it’s claimed that they have collectively raised at least $5 billion. Research conducted by Satis Group, a firm specializing in data analysis, reveals that since 2017, cryptocurrency coin offerings have generated over $9 billion in overall proceeds worldwide.


Source: WSJ.com

A considerable number of projects, specifically 124, failed to provide any information regarding the personnel involved. Moreover, several projects listed team members who were either non-existent or real individuals unaware of their names being used. Additionally, 111 projects were found to have copied entire sections verbatim from other white papers, including descriptions of marketing strategies, security concerns, and technical details, such as database interaction methods for other developers.


Source: WSJ.com

Furthermore, it was discovered that several projects completed their white papers or websites by incorporating executive pictures taken directly from online stock photography or other platforms, such as LinkedIn. One of the most notable examples is Premium Trade, an investment startup. The images of its executive team, consisting of five members, were discovered to be used on almost 500 unrelated websites simultaneously. Interestingly, Premium's co-founder Andrew Ravitsky was also identified as "Dr. John Watsan" in an online cardiology course.


Source: WSJ.com

The Premium Trade website portrayed CEO Idan Cohen as an "experienced entrepreneur," but the depiction of Mr. Cohen is indeed Eduardo Carillo, a close acquaintance of the photographer. The images that supposedly depicted Premium Trade's executive team of five members were probably purchased from stock photography websites. In many instances, the photos used by Premium Trade are of individuals who have been seen on various other websites across the Internet.


Source: Wall Street Journal analysis of Google Image Search results
Photos: Designed by Freepik (stock images)
Premium Trade website (screenshot)

The United States has shown skepticism towards initial coin offerings (ICOs), regardless of their legitimacy. A primary concern is the lack of regulatory oversight, which makes it easy for inexperienced investors to get caught up in fraudulent schemes. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has issued warnings to investors, citing that many cryptocurrency deals in the private market may violate securities laws. To illustrate this point, the SEC created a fake coin offering website as an example of what to avoid.

As a result of this negative perception of ICOs, Initial Exchange Offerings (IEOs) and Security Token Offerings (STOs) have recently gained popularity as alternatives—more about these in an upcoming article. 

Token Utility Is Of Utmost Importance To ICO Startups


Source:  William Mougayar

Apart from the outright scams, most ICOs fail because entrepreneurs and developers neglect the three fundamental aspects of a successful ICO: Tokenomics, Utility, and Security. For the purpose of this article, we will focus on Utility, as proposed by William Mougayar, a prominent blockchain theorist and strategist. Mougayar's token utility framework consists of three tenets: Role, Features, and Purpose. Each role serves a specific purpose, as depicted in the accompanying chart.


Source:  William Mougayar

When assessing a token-based company, it is advantageous to have as many criteria met regarding the token's purpose. The function of tokens can be likened to nails that secure your business model. Having multiple nails to firmly establish and maintain its defensibility and sustainability is preferable.

Entrepreneurs' resourcefulness is showcased in the various practical applications they devise for tokens, effectively bridging the gap between concept and implementation. It's a display of ingenuity at the token level, where creative ideas come to life.

If the way the token is used is unclear, poorly described, or can be defended, then that model has a flaw. Listed below are questions to determine if an organization can be categorized as ICO-based.

  1. Is the token tied to a product usage, i.e., does it give the user exclusive access to it or provide interaction rights to the product?
  2. Does the token grant a governance action, like voting on consensus-related or other decision-making factors?
  3. Does the token enable the user to contribute to a value-adding action for the network or market being built?
  4. Does the token grant an ownership of sorts, whether it is real or a proxy to a value?
  5. Does the token result in a monetizable reward based on an action by the user (active work)?
  6. Does the token grant the user a value based on sharing or disclosing some data about them (passive work)?
  7. Is buying something part of the business model?
  8. Is selling something part of the business model?
  9. Can users create a new product or service?
  10. Is the token required to run a smart contract or to fund an Oracle? (an oracle is a source of information or data that other than a smart contract can use)
  11. Is the token required as a security deposit to secure some aspect of the blockchain’s operation?
  12. Is the token (or a derivative of it, like a stablecoin or gas unit) used to pay for some usage?
  13. Is the token required to join a network or other related entity?
  14. Does the token enable a real connection between users?
  15. Is the token given away or offered at a discount as an incentive to encourage product trial or usage?
  16. Is the token your principal payment unit, essentially functioning as an internal currency?
  17. Is the token (or derivative of it) the principal accounting unit for all internal transactions?
  18. Does your blockchain autonomously distribute profits to token holders?
  19. Does your blockchain autonomously distribute other benefits to token holders?
  20. Is there a related benefit to your users resulting from built-in currency inflation?

A company's success is likely assured if it confirms and implements the procedures for most items listed above. The more usage scenarios they can confirm, the stronger their Token-to-Market fit will likely be.

Evolutionary and Successful ICO-based Projects

Most ICOs fail to meet the expectations they initially generated or encounter difficulties during their implementation, so it’s crucial for potential investors to thoroughly scrutinize and evaluate these ventures before committing their resources. However, it should be noted that a few ICOs have successfully delivered on their promises.

ICO-based projects that have evolved and succeeded have utilized Initial Coin Offerings to secure the necessary funding to create the groundwork for a decentralized and digital future. These projects range from establishing extensive data storage systems to implementing more equitable payment systems for artists and creating innovative financial products.

The influence of prominent blockchain ventures such as Ethereum, EOS, Telegram, Tezos, and Filecoin cannot be overstated, as they have garnered substantial financial support and yielded significant impact. Projects like Cardano, Solana, TRON, and Polkadot have also achieved remarkable success in their ICOs, etching their names in the annals of history as some of the most successful ICOs ever. 

These pioneering initiatives have not only blazed a trail for nascent projects but have also offered valuable lessons in crowdfunding and decentralized platform development, demonstrating the vast potential of decentralized platforms and the innovative ways in which they can be financed, showcasing the enormous potential of blockchain technology. 

At the heart of these successful ICOs is a dedicated and driven team of talented developers who put in long hours to ensure their success. Also, their transparency and a genuine desire to contribute to an emerging industry and technology parallel to the centralized bodies that the broader community is now recognizing as corrupt and oppressive.

In Closing…

As previously stated, the majority of ICO startups merely possess an idea, a concept. They haven't even developed an alpha version of their final product; it is all founded on speculation and the project's potential. What if an emerging crypto industry project already had a working beta version? A platform and protocol that were already constructed, along with a robust community, and then decided to launch an ICO-like campaign for iterations, further development, and marketing strategies?

Markethive is gearing up to accomplish precisely that. This is a big deal as it’s never been done before, and it will propel Markethive and its Hivecoin token to unprecedented heights, making them a pioneering force in the industry. Introducing a cutting-edge crypto ecosystem and blockchain technology to the marketing, social networking, and broadcasting sectors is a trailblazer in this uncharted territory, revolutionizing how entrepreneurs approach marketing and communication.

I will provide more comprehensive information in my upcoming article. In the meantime, join us for the Markethive webinar on Sunday at 10 am MST, where we discuss the history, current status, and future developments of everything pertaining to Markethive.

This article is provided for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as legal, business, investment, or tax advice. Furthermore, however plausible, the contents of this article may include speculative opinions. Of course, there is nothing wrong with speculation as long as its premises are made clear. Speculation is the customary way to begin the exploration of uncharted territory as it stimulates a search for evidence that will support or refute it.

Resources: WSJ.com, William Mougaya, Doubloin.com.

 

Editor and Chief Markethive: Deb Williams. (Australia) I thrive on progress and champion freedom of speech.  I embrace "Change" with a passion, and my purpose in life is to enlighten people to accept and move forward with enthusiasm. Find me at my Markethive Profile Page | My Twitter Account | and my LinkedIn Profile.

 

 

 

 

Tim Moseley

The Truth and Lies About Making Money Online: Discerning Fact from Fiction

The Truth and Lies About Making Money Online: Discerning Fact from Fiction

The internet has opened up a vast array of opportunities to make money online, creating a landscape where the lines between truth and myth often blur. On one hand, stories of successful digital entrepreneurs and freelancers seem to promise endless potential for wealth and autonomy. Yet, on the other hand, the web is rife with misleading information and schemes that overpromise and underdeliver. Understanding this digital terrain requires a discerning eye and solid knowledge of what truly works in the realm of online income.

The Truth and Lies About Making Money Online: Discerning Fact from Fiction

The Truth and Lies About Making Money Online: Discerning Fact from Fiction To navigate the online money-making landscape effectively, it’s essential to identify realistic avenues and set oneself up for success. This means starting with legitimate freelancing platforms, exploring the ins and outs of blogging and content creation, tapping into the potential of ecommerce, and leveraging social media for influence. Additionally, online education and scalable ventures offer solid pathways for generating income. It’s crucial to recognize that while the internet is teeming with possibilities, not every opportunity is suitable for everyone, and success typically demands hard work, dedication, and a strategic approach.

KEY TAKEAWAYS THE TRUTH AND LIES ABOUT MAKING MONEY ONLINE:

  • Success in making money online requires careful navigation and understanding of the digital landscape.
  • There are diverse pathways to online income, including freelancing, content creation, and e-commerce.
  • A strategic approach and avoidance of scams are essential for sustained online financial growth.

UNDERSTANDING THE ONLINE MONEY-MAKING LANDSCAPE

The Truth and Lies About Making Money Online: Discerning Fact from Fiction

In examining the online money-making landscape, it’s crucial to recognize the diversity of income streams and distinguish the genuine opportunities from prevalent misconceptions. This section explores the various types of online income, the integral role of the internet in business, and the truth behind common myths about earning money online.

EXPLORING TYPES OF ONLINE INCOME

Online income can be classified into several categories, each with its unique characteristics and requirements. Freelancing has emerged as a dominant form because individuals leverage their skills directly to clients through platforms like Upwork or Fiverr. Another form is affiliate marketing, where one earns commission by promoting products or services. Exhibit A of diverse income opportunities is a guide highlighting ways to make money, which includes a list of viable online activities.

THE ROLE OF THE INTERNET IN MODERN BUSINESS

In today’s digital age, the internet serves as an indispensable tool for business operations, marketing, and customer engagement. Companies use the internet to reach a global audience, refine their marketing strategies using data analytics, and operate e-commerce platforms. The internet has also made it possible for individuals to establish businesses with minimal overhead costs, as exemplified by a slew of successful online entrepreneurs who have embraced modern business strategies.

SEPARATING MYTHS FROM REALITY THE TRUTH AND LIES ABOUT MAKING MONEY ONLINE:

While many believe that making money online is effortless, the reality is far more nuanced. True, opportunities for passive income exist, such as dividend stocks or rental profits from real estate investments; however, these usually require substantial upfront investment or previous assets. Contrary to the myth that profits come easily, genuine online income strategies often require hard work, persistence, and a realistic approach to what can be achieved. It’s important to approach such endeavors with a discerning eye and realistic expectations.

SETTING UP FOR SUCCESS

The Truth and Lies About Making Money Online: Discerning Fact from Fiction

To effectively navigate the online money-making landscape, individuals must adopt proper strategies, deep dive into their intrinsic skills, and carve a distinct personal brand. This foundation is critical for long-term sustainability and true success in the digital realm.

DEVELOPING A BUSINESS MINDSET

  • Key Element: Strategy
  • Primary Goal: Foster Resilience and Adaptability

 

Success starts with the right mindset. This involves thinking strategically, much like a seasoned chess player anticipating moves ahead. It’s about understanding the value of patience and resilience. Developing a business mindset means learning from setbacks and constantly seeking new ways to improve one’s approach to online endeavors.

IDENTIFYING MARKETABLE SKILLS THE TRUTH AND LIES ABOUT MAKING MONEY ONLINE:

  • Core Assets: Skills & Unique Product Offerings
  • Marketing Relevance: High

One should meticulously assess their skills and experience to identify those that are most marketable online. It may involve:

  • Technical Skills: Web development, graphic design, data analysis.
  • Creative Skills: Writing, social media content creation, video production.

By aligning these skills with current market demands, individuals can create a unique product or service offering, setting the stage for a successful online income stream.

BUILDING A PERSONAL BRAND ONLINE

  • Focus: Recognition & Trust
  • Marketing Integration: Essential

Building a personal brand requires a strategic marketing approach. One should:

  • Craft a cohesive online presence across platforms.
  • Engage with their audience consistently to build trust.

This creates a reputation that acts as a badge of trust and authenticity, positioning them as a go-to authority in their niche.

STARTING WITH FREELANCING PLATFORMS

The Truth and Lies About Making Money Online: Discerning Fact from Fiction

Before venturing into the world of online freelance work, understanding the nuances of different platforms is crucial for success. Each offers unique opportunities, from securing gigs to building client relationships.

UTILIZING UPWORK FOR FREELANCE WORK

Upwork stands out as a leading platform where freelancers can connect with potential clients looking for diverse services. It operates on a bidding system, where freelancers submit proposals for jobs that match their skills. Clients peruse these proposals and select the freelancer they believe is most suited for their project. A robust profile and a compelling pitch are essential for catching the attention of clients on Upwork.

FINDING GIGS ON FIVERR

Fiverr offers a twist on the freelance marketplace model, allowing freelancers to create specific “gigs” that clients can purchase directly. This approach to freelance services streamlines the process for both parties. Freelancers can set their prices and package details, while clients can easily browse offerings to find what fits their needs. Standing out on Fiverr requires a focused presentation of one’s services and the savvy to market them effectively.

EXPLORING ADDITIONAL FREELANCING OPTIONS

Apart from Upwork and Fiverr, there are other platforms worth exploring. Freelancer.com is another popular site that caters to a global clientele and offers a wide array of job categories. For language professionals, Gengo is a platform specialized in translation work. Diversifying one’s presence across various platforms can increase the chances of finding freelance work and building a broad clientele. Freelancers should research each platform’s strengths and align them with their skills and goals.

BLOGGING AND CONTENT CREATION

In the realm of making money online, blogging and content creation stand out as versatile platforms for building a digital presence and generating income. They provide a means for individuals to share expertise, build communities, and monetize their content through various channels.

STARTING A NICHE BLOG

When initiating a blog, selecting a niche is critical. A focused niche allows a blogger to cater to a specific audience, enhancing the chances of attracting dedicated followers. For instance, blogs concentrating on personal finance or health often find more monetization opportunities than those with a broader subject matter. As seen in the narrative by Margaret Bourne, the complexity of making money from blogging is understated, yet attainable with the right strategy.

EXPANDING INFLUENCE WITH A YOUTUBE CHANNEL

Content creators who extend their digital footprint to a YouTube channel stand to increase their influence substantially. A channel serves as a visual extension of a blog, potentially capturing a larger audience with engaging multimedia content. It’s a platform where creators can share their expertise in a manner that appeals to those who prefer watching over reading.

MONETIZING THROUGH AFFILIATE MARKETING

Affiliate marketing is a prominent method for bloggers and YouTubers to earn revenue. By integrating affiliate links within blog posts or video descriptions, content creators receive a commission for products or services sold through those links. The credibility and relevance of the recommended products are crucial, as underscored by a guide from Ahrefs, which emphasizes the need for aligning affiliate products with the creator’s niche and audience interests.

ECOMMERCE AND ONLINE STORES

Ecommerce has revolutionized the way individuals sell products and services online. With a myriad of options available, one can embark on an online venture with varying levels of investment and technical expertise.

DEVELOPING AN ONLINE BUSINESS MODEL

The cornerstone of any successful ecommerce venture is a robust online business model. This involves identifying a target audience, setting up a user-friendly online store, and establishing a clear value proposition. It is imperative to align business operations with consumer needs and incorporate efficient logistics to streamline the purchasing process.

DROPSHIPPING: A LOW-INVESTMENT METHOD

Dropshipping stands out for its appeal to entrepreneurs looking to enter ecommerce with minimal upfront investment. In this model, one can run an online store without maintaining inventory. The store acts as an intermediary, taking orders from customers and passing them to suppliers who handle fulfillment. This method reduces risk but requires diligence in selecting reliable suppliers to ensure product quality and delivery standards.

SELLING UNIQUE PRODUCTS ON ETSY

For those with a creative flair, Etsy offers a platform to sell unique products to a global audience. Sellers on Etsy cater to consumers seeking handmade and vintage items, setting up storefronts to showcase their distinctive goods. Success on Etsy demands not just a unique product offering, but also an understanding of how to optimize product listings to attract and retain customers.

SOCIAL MEDIA AND INFLUENCING

In the fast-paced realm of social media, influencers have established lucrative careers through platforms such as Instagram and TikTok, harnessing the power of visual and interactive content. By partnering with companies, influencers generate substantial advertising revenue, shaping consumer behavior and driving online sales.

MAKING AN IMPACT WITH INSTAGRAM

Instagram stands out as a visual platform where influencers can reach millions with striking images and compelling stories. They curate their feeds to showcase a lifestyle or expertise, attracting followers and companies keen on tapping into their engaged audience. A well-crafted Instagram presence not only bolsters credibility but also opens doors to advertising revenue through sponsored posts and affiliate marketing.

CREATING VIRAL CONTENT ON TIKTOK

TikTok’s algorithm favors creativity and authenticity, making it an ideal platform for crafting viral content. With its short-form video format, influencers can rapidly gain visibility by generating content that resonates with the zeitgeist of the platform. This can rapidly amass a following eager to consume and interact with content, making TikTok a powerful tool for influencer marketing.

COLLABORATING WITH COMPANIES AS AN INFLUENCER

Influencers and companies often enter into collaborations to market products or services to a targeted audience. Successful influencers negotiate deals where they receive payment or commissions in exchange for featuring a product, thus creating a symbiotic relationship. This partnership is predicated on the influencer’s ability to authentically integrate the promoted items into their content to avoid alienating their audience.

ONLINE EDUCATION AND TUTORING

In the realm of digital earnings, online education and tutoring have emerged as leading methods for individuals to monetize their knowledge and marketable skills. They provide flexible avenues for educating others while also generating revenue.

TEACHING SKILLS THROUGH ONLINE COURSES

Creating and selling online courses can be a lucrative venture for experts in a particular field. Platforms like Udemy allow individuals to design their own coursework and reach a global audience eager to learn. Those looking to teach should aim to create comprehensive, high-quality courses that deliver value to their students. This often involves:

  • Structuring the course into digestible segments
  • Including interactive elements like quizzes
  • Providing additional resources like downloadable materials

 

Courses that offer practical, actionable skills tend to perform better as they cater to the learners’ desire to gain abilities that are immediately applicable.

BECOMING A TUTOR ON PLATFORMS LIKE TUTOR.COM

For one-on-one instruction, tutoring presents a personalized option. Websites such as Tutor.com serve as platforms where tutors can connect with students needing help in specific subject areas. Success in online tutoring is driven by:

  • Expertise: Tutors must have a strong command of the subject they wish to teach.
  • Communication: Tutors need to convey complex concepts in a way that is easy to understand.
  • Reliability: Consistency in scheduling and quality of teaching fosters trust and encourages recurring sessions.

Dedicated tutors often build a reputation that can lead to a steady stream of clients and, consequently, a stable online income.

INVESTMENTS AND SCALABLE VENTURES THE TRUTH AND LIES ABOUT MAKING MONEY ONLINE:

When it comes to making money online, investment often plays a crucial role in starting and scaling business ventures. Scalability and sound money management are fundamental to transitioning from a modest side hustle to generating six-figure revenues.

STARTING WITH A SIDE HUSTLE

Establishing a side hustle online requires both an initial investment and consistent hard work. One begins by identifying a niche market underpinned by a strong demand that they can cater to, often while managing other professional or personal responsibilities. Investment takes the form of both time and often, a modest amount of capital to set up the infrastructure necessary for the hustle to grow—be it a blog, an e-commerce platform, or a freelance service. Perseverance plays a key role as most side hustles do not turn profitable immediately; they require dedication and continuous improvement.

SCALING TO SIX FIGURES AND BEYOND

Scaling a side hustle into a six-figure business is a testament to one’s ability to strategize and execute effective money management tactics. It involves expanding one’s customer base, streamlining operations, and often injecting additional capital for marketing and product development. Achieving revenue in the six figures typically doesn’t happen overnight. It involves careful planning, the willingness to reinvest back into the business, and maintaining the perseverance to overcome challenges. Scalable ventures particularly benefit from automation, staff expansion, and data-driven decision making to ensure sustainable growth.

AVOIDING ONLINE SCAMS

Engaging in online money-making ventures requires vigilance to sidestep scams and verify legitimate opportunities. Effective strategies include scrutinizing the veracity of reviews, understanding the role of luck versus skill, and recognizing the competitive nature of digital entrepreneurship.

IDENTIFYING AND AVOIDING GET-RICH-QUICK SCHEMES

Get-rich-quick schemes often make extravagant promises of substantial profits with minimal effort or time. These fraudulent programs typically use high-pressure sales tactics and misleading testimonials.

  • Warning Signs:
    • Promises of high returns with little risk
    • Aggressive marketing and urgency claims
    • Lack of detailed company information

 

To protect oneself, individuals should:

  1. Research the company and offer thoroughly.
  2. Read reviews from multiple sources, looking for consistent patterns indicating potential problems.
  3. Beware of the role of luck; legitimate businesses are built on strategic planning and execution, not chance.

For further reading on avoiding these types of scams, visit FTC Consumer Advice.

ENSURING THE LEGITIMACY OF AN ONLINE BUSINESS

Determining an online business’s legitimacy is crucial before engaging in any financial transactions or investment of time.

  • Verification Steps:
    • Check for credible contact information and physical addresses.
    • Seek out authentic and balanced customer reviews.
    • Investigate the business on official consumer protection sites.

It’s advisable for individuals to:

  1. Understand the marketplace and competitive landscape; a legitimate business should have clear differentiators and value proposition.
  2. Document all transactions and communications for future reference.

An informative guide on safeguarding against internet scams can be found at Norton’s avoidance tips for 2024.

DIVERSIFYING INCOME STREAMS

Diversifying income streams is not just a strategy; it’s a necessary approach to maintain financial stability and growth. It involves expanding one’s earning potential beyond a single source, engaging in multiple ventures to secure a more robust and reliable income.

THE IMPORTANCE OF MULTIPLE REVENUE SOURCES

In the realm of online entrepreneurship, relying on a single source of income can be akin to walking a tightrope without a safety net. Multiple revenue sources not only provide a cushion against the unpredictability of the market but also open up opportunities for increased earnings. For instance, a blogger might not only rely on ad revenue, but also branch out to affiliate marketing, e-books sales, and online courses. This diversification helps mitigate risks and ensures that if one income stream falters, others can sustain their financial foundation.

BALANCING ACTIVE AND PASSIVE EARNING METHODS

Diversification should also strike a balance between active and passive earning methods. Active income requires one’s direct involvement, like providing services or selling goods. In contrast, passive income is the goal for many self-employed individuals because it generates revenue with minimal ongoing effort after the initial investment. Interest from savings, dividends from investments, or royalties from written works are examples of passive income which, while often requiring considerable upfront hard work and investment, can eventually lead to a more liberating financial life. Successful online entrepreneurs often combine both active and passive methods to build a comprehensive and resilient financial portfolio.

OPTIMIZING YOUR ONLINE PRESENCE TRUTH VS. MYTHS ABOUT MAKING MONEY ONLINE

Online businesses must prioritize their digital visibility to succeed. The process of making your website more attractive to search engines and users alike involves a strategic approach to SEO, site development, and community engagement.

LEVERAGING SEO AND ONLINE MARKETING THE TRUTH AND LIES ABOUT MAKING MONEY ONLINE:

Effective SEO ensures a website ranks well on search engines, increasing organic traffic. Businesses should focus on two aspects: on-site SEO which involves optimizing content and meta tags, and off-site SEO which includes building backlinks and online reputation. For online marketing, deploying targeted advertising campaigns on social media and search engines can significantly boost visibility and traffic.

BUILDING EFFECTIVE WEBSITES AND HOSTING

A website is the cornerstone of an online business. It should be user-friendly, fast, and mobile-responsive. Securing reliable hosting is crucial, as uptime and load time directly impact user experience and SEO ranking. Regular maintenance and securing a memorable domain name enhance website efficacy and brand recognition.

ENGAGING WITH CUSTOMERS AND BUILDING A COMMUNITY

An engaged community can transform the reach of an online business. This involves consistently interacting with customers through social media, forums, and email. It is essential to create content that resonates with the audience to encourage shares, comments, and engagement. Businesses should foster trust and loyalty, potentially turning each customer into a brand ambassador.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS TRUTH VS. MYTHS ABOUT MAKING MONEY ONLINE

This section addresses common inquiries about the reality of earning money online, including the success rates, legitimate methods, and how to sidestep usual pitfalls.

WHAT ARE LEGITIMATE METHODS FOR EARNING MONEY ONLINE?

Earning money online can be achieved through various reputable avenues such as freelancing, running an e-commerce store, blogging, affiliate marketing, or providing digital services like graphic design or writing.

CAN BEGINNERS GENUINELY MAKE A PROFIT THROUGH ONLINE VENTURES, AND HOW?

Yes, beginners can indeed make a profit online by choosing a method that aligns with their skills and learning how to effectively market those skills or products. Starting with a blog or an online shop, creating valuable content, and utilizing SEO can welcome success.

HOW MANY INDIVIDUALS SUCCESSFULLY GENERATE INCOME ON THE INTERNET?

Countless individuals earn money online, but success varies widely. Many create supplemental income, while others build substantial livelihoods. The exact number is fluid due to the ever-changing internet landscape and the varying definitions of “success.”

WHAT ARE COMMON MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT EARNING MONEY ONLINE?

Misconceptions include believing that making money online is quick or easy, and that it requires no initial investment. The reality is that, like any business, it often requires time, effort, and perseverance.

WHY DO SOME PEOPLE FAIL TO MAKE MONEY ONLINE, AND HOW CAN THAT BE AVOIDED?

Failure can often be attributed to chasing quick-rich schemes or having unrealistic expectations about the effort required. Avoiding failure involves setting realistic goals, continuously learning and pivoting strategies based on results, and avoiding scams.

ARE THERE SECRET OR LESSER-KNOWN PLATFORMS THAT CAN BE LUCRATIVE FOR MAKING MONEY ONLINE?

While there are no secrets to success, emerging platforms or niche markets may offer opportunities for profit if recognized early. Staying informed about industry trends can lead to finding such lesser-known platforms before they become mainstream.

 

What is a legit way to make a $100 a day

Tim Moseley

Markethive Launch Date 2024 ICO strategy

Markethive Launch Date: 2024 ICO Strategy

In my recording I refer to several terms, and services. The following links are in accordance to my references:

  1. The Howie test (An SEC ruling)
    https://www.embroker.com/blog/what-is-the-howey-test-does-crypto-pass/
    and
    https://www.investopedia.com/terms/h/howey-test.asp

     
  2. Top 6 ICO Platforms

    Solulab
    https://www.solulab.com/
    Solulab is a prominent company specializing in blockchain and cryptocurrency development, offering a complete range of services for ICO launches. Their offerings encompass everything from ICO Platform Development, smart contract creation, token generation, to strategic marketing. With their deep knowledge of blockchain technology and a proven history of successful ICOs, Solulab stands out as a reliable partner for startups aiming to kickstart their projects.Coin Launch is a well-established platform that specializes in guiding blockchain startups through the ICO journey. With a focus on compliance and security, Coin Launch offers comprehensive solutions to ensure that projects meet regulatory standards while maintaining transparency and investor trust.

    Coin Launch
    https://coinlaunch.space/
    Coin Launch is a well-established platform that specializes in guiding blockchain startups through the ICO journey. With a focus on compliance and security, Coin Launch offers comprehensive solutions to ensure that projects meet regulatory standards while maintaining transparency and investor trust.

    ICO Box
    https://icobox.io/
    ICO Box is a platform renowned for its comprehensive suite of services tailored for ICOs. They provide end-to-end support, from token creation and smart contract development to marketing and legal compliance. ICO Box's commitment to security and efficiency has earned them a place among the top ICO platforms.

    Coin Factory
    https://coinfactory.tech/
    Coin Factory is an ICO platform that specializes in token creation and smart contract development. It offers a user-friendly interface for project founders to launch their ICOs efficiently. Coin Factory's focus on the technical aspects of ICOs makes it an attractive choice for startups with specific blockchain needs.

    Blockstarter
    https://www.blockstart.eu/
    Blockstarter is a platform that focuses on simplifying the ICO process for startups and investors. They offer user-friendly tools and resources to guide projects through token creation and crowdfunding. Blockstarter's commitment to accessibility and ease of use has made them a favorite among blockchain enthusiasts.
     

Coral
https://www.coral.community/
Coral is an ICO platform that offers end-to-end solutions, including token creation, marketing, and community management. Coral's experienced team assists startups in navigating the complexities of the ICO landscape. Its dedication to compliance and transparency makes it a trusted platform for raising capital.

 

Tim Moseley

Gold slightly up but strong greenback limits gains

Gold slightly up but strong greenback limits gains

The Leading News Source in Precious Metals

Kitco NEWS has a diverse team of journalists reporting on the economy, stock markets, commodities, cryptocurrencies, mining and metals with accuracy and objectivity. Our goal is to help people make informed market decisions through in-depth reporting, daily market roundups, interviews with prominent industry figures, comprehensive coverage (often exclusive) of important industry events and analyses of market-affecting developments.

Gold slightly up but strong greenback limits gains teaser image

(Kitco News) – Gold prices are just slightly higher in midday U.S. trading Tuesday. Silver prices are slightly lower. Some modest safe-haven demand was featured today, but solid gains in the U.S. dollar index and lower crude oil prices have squelched buyer interest in the metals. February gold was last up $2.30 at $2,073.90. March silver was last up $0.021 at $24.075.

U.S. stock index futures are lower at midday as risk appetite in the marketplace is less robust on this first trading day of 2024. Reports say merchant ships in the Red Sea are still coming under attack from Iranian-backed Houthi rebels. The U.S. Navy sunk three Houthi boats on Sunday, killing its occupants. That has prompted some mild safe-haven demand for gold and silver.

In other news, there was more weak economic data coming out of China, as its official purchasing managers index (PMI) came in at 49.0 in December from 49.4 in November. The services sector PMI was unchanged at 49.3 in December. Readings below 50.0 suggest contraction in the sector. This report was also a negative for the metals markets, as China is a major consumer of metals.

The key outside markets today see the U.S. dollar index strongly higher on a rebound after hitting a five-month low last week. The USDX is still in a downtrend, however. Nymex crude oil prices are lower, still trending down and trading around $70.75 a barrel. The yield on the benchmark U.S. Treasury 10-year note is presently fetching 3.929%.

U.S. economic data due out Tuesday includes the U.S. manufacturing purchasing managers index (PMI), the global manufacturing PMI and construction spending.

Technically, February gold futures bulls have the solid overall near-term technical advantage. Prices are in a three-month-old uptrend on the daily bar chart. Bulls’ next upside price objective is to produce a close above solid resistance at the contract high of $2,152.30. Bears' next near-term downside price objective is pushing futures prices below solid technical support at $2,000.00. First resistance is seen at today’s high of $2,088.10 and then at $2,100.00. First support is seen at today’s low of $2,064.30 and then at $2,058.20. Wyckoff's Market Rating: 7.5.

March silver futures bulls have the overall near-term technical advantage. Prices are in a three-month-old uptrend on the daily bar chart. Silver bulls' next upside price objective is closing prices above solid technical resistance at $26.00. The next downside price objective for the bears is closing prices below solid support at the December low of $22.785. First resistance is seen at today’s high of $24.335 and then at $24.50. Next

support is seen at last week’s low of $23.76 and then at $23.50. Wyckoff's Market Rating: 6.0.

March N.Y. copper closed down 120 points at 387.85 cents today. Prices closed nearer the session low today. The copper bulls have the overall near-term technical advantage. Prices are in a choppy, 2.5-month-old uptrend on the daily bar chart. Copper bulls' next upside price objective is pushing and closing prices above solid technical resistance at the July high of 404.45 cents. The next downside price objective for the bears is closing prices below solid technical support at the December low of 372.90 cents. First resistance is seen at today’s high of 391.20 cents and then at the December high of 397.40 cents. First support is seen at today’s low of 386.10 cents and then at 382.00 cents. Wyckoff's Market Rating: 6.5.

Try out my “Markets Front Burner” email report. My next one is due out today and is going to be entitled, “When China sneezes…” Front Burner is my best writing and analysis, I think, because I get to look ahead at the marketplace and do some market price forecasting. And it’s free! Sign up to my new, free weekly Markets Front Burner newsletter, at https://www.kitco.com/services/markets-front-burner.html .

Kitco Media

Jim Wyckoff

Time to Buy Gold and Silver

Tim Moseley

Gold closes out 2023 above 2063 technicals point to price gains in January

Gold closes out 2023 above $2063, technicals point to price gains in January

The Leading News Source in Precious Metals

Kitco NEWS has a diverse team of journalists reporting on the economy, stock markets, commodities, cryptocurrencies, mining and metals with accuracy and objectivity. Our goal is to help people make informed market decisions through in-depth reporting, daily market roundups, interviews with prominent industry figures, comprehensive coverage (often exclusive) of important industry events and analyses of market-affecting developments.

Gold closes out 2023 above $2063, technicals point to price gains in January teaser image

(Kitco News) – If you told investors in September of last year that by the end of 2023, the gold price would be closing higher than the year, many would have dismissed it out of hand. At the time, gold was trading in the $1,640 range, well off its highs following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and high interest rates were providing additional headwinds for the precious metal.

Well, interest rates rose even higher this year, but spot gold still managed to finish the final trading day of 2023 trading at $2,063.45 at the time of writing, with many analysts predicting hundreds more in gains during the year to come.

Veteran trader CEO Technician noted in a post on X that gold had a solid year.

Kevin Wadsworth of NorthStarCharts hearkened back to those September 2022 doldrums to reflect on how far the precious metal has come, and why he was so confident in his bullish predictions.

pic

In another post, he shared an annual chart showing gold breaking to the upside ahead of 2024. “This will be gold's highest yearly close EVER,” he wrote.

And all of this comes ahead of what should be a very strong start to the new year, if history is any indication.

According to analysis by the World Gold Council, gold tends to perform very well in the first month of the year, posting an average return of 1.79% in January since 1971, nearly three times the precious metal’s long-term monthly average.

“This doesn’t mean that gold prices rise every January,” the WGC said. “There’ve been several years when it hasn’t, most recently in 2021 and 2022. Years with negative returns in January generally coincided with periods when the US dollar has strengthened – often significantly.”

But with the greenback seeing a recent pullback, and with rate cuts and treasury yields set to fall in the new year, January is shaping up to be one of the strong ones.

Alastair MacLeod, Head of Research for Goldmoney and SchiffGold, shared the following chart summarizing his perspective on gold’s likely trajectory in 2024. “It puts the price relationship in the right perspective!” he said.

Kitco Media

Ernest Hoffman

Time to Buy Gold and Silver

Tim Moseley

Get More Affiliate Revenue with These 25 Original Ideas

Get More Affiliate Revenue with These 25 Original Ideas

Affiliate revenue is a great way to earn passive income from your blog, website, or social media. However, it can be challenging to stand out from the crowd and attract more clicks and conversions. That’s why you need some original and effective ideas to promote your affiliate links and products.

Banner AutoAffiliate

Here are 25 proven tips to increase your affiliate revenue in 2024:

  1. Create a resource page or a list of recommended tools on your website and include your affiliate links.
  2. Write honest and detailed reviews of the products or services you are promoting and highlight their benefits and features.
  3. Create a comparison post or a video where you compare different products or services in the same niche and explain why you prefer one over the other.
  4. Create a tutorial or a guide on how to use the product or service you are promoting and show its value and results.
  5. Create a case study or a success story on how the product or service you are promoting helped you or someone else achieve a specific goal or solve a problem.
  6. Create a landing page or a squeeze page dedicated to the product or service you are promoting and optimize it for conversions.
  7. Create a lead magnet or a freebie related to the product or service you are promoting and offer it in exchange for an email address.
  8. Create an email sequence or a newsletter that educates your subscribers about the product or service you are promoting and builds trust and rapport.
  9. Create a webinar or a live stream where you demonstrate the product or service you are promoting and answer questions from your audience.
  10. Create a quiz or a survey related to the product or service you are promoting and offer personalized recommendations based on the results.
  11. Create a coupon code or a special offer for the product or service you are promoting and share it with your audience.
  12. Create a contest or a giveaway where you reward your audience with the product or service you are promoting or a related prize.
  13. Create a challenge or a course where you teach your audience how to use the product or service you are promoting and provide support and feedback.
  14. Create a testimonial or a video where you share your experience and results with the product or service you are promoting and encourage others to try it.
  15. Create a podcast or a video series where you interview the creators or the experts behind the product or service you are promoting and ask them to share their insights and tips.
  16. Create a blog post or a video where you share your favorite tips, hacks, or best practices related to the product or service you are promoting and show how it can improve your audience’s lives.
  17. Create a roundup post or a video where you feature other influencers or experts who use and recommend the product or service you are promoting and ask them to share their opinions and advice.
  18. Create a guest post or a video where you collaborate with another influencer or expert in your niche and promote the product or service you are promoting together.
  19. Create a social media post or a story where you share a sneak peek, a behind-the-scenes, or a before-and-after of the product or service you are promoting and generate curiosity and interest.
  20. Create a social media post or a story where you share a testimonial, a review, or a feedback from a happy customer or a user of the product or service you are promoting and showcase social proof and credibility.
  21. Create a social media post or a story where you share a question, a poll, or a quiz related to the product or service you are promoting and engage your audience and collect feedback.
  22. Create a social media post or a story where you share a fun fact, a statistic, or a quote related to the product or service you are promoting and educate your audience and spark a conversation.
  23. Create a social media post or a story where you share a meme, a joke, or a GIF related to the product or service you are promoting and entertain your audience and make them laugh.
  24. Create a social media post or a story where you share a tip, a hack, or a best practice related to the product or service you are promoting and provide value and help your audience.
  25. Create a social media post or a story where you share a personal story, a challenge, or a goal related to the product or service you are promoting and inspire your audience and connect with them.

These are some of the best ways to promote your affiliate links and products in 2024. You can use them to create engaging and valuable content for your audience and increase your affiliate revenue. However, remember to always disclose your affiliate relationship and follow the rules and guidelines of the affiliate programs and platforms you are using. Also, make sure to track and measure your affiliate performance and optimize your strategies accordingly.

If you want to learn more about affiliate marketing and how to grow your affiliate revenue, you can check out some of the web search results that I found for you. I hope you find them useful and interesting. 😊

1https://www.bing.com/search?q=Get+More+Affiliate+Revenue+with+These+25+Original+Ideas

Tim Moseley

Kitco News – After spot gold set an all-time record daily closing price on Wednesday the precious metal continued to trade at elevated levels on Thursday with some analysts predicting the strength is likely to extend into the new year

(Kitco News) – After spot gold set an all-time record daily closing price on Wednesday, the precious metal continued to trade at elevated levels on Thursday, with some analysts predicting the strength is likely to extend into the new year.

“In the first week of December, it looked like gold was set for a bit of a reality check after the rally above $2,100 fizzled rather quickly,” said Justin Low, currency analyst at ForexLive. “That saw price dip back below $2,000 but gold bugs have definitely salvaged the situation in a push to a record high close this week.”

Looking at gold’s current climb from $1,982 on Dec. 13 to yesterday’s high above $2,088, Low said that “[t]hinner liquidity conditions may still cast some doubts over the latest move higher” but he said there are still good arguments for gold to move even higher as 2024 approaches.

“And the seasonal tailwind in January is arguably one of the strongest points there could be in advocating for an extension higher,” he said.

Spot gold is currently trading at $2,068.37 per ounce at the time of writing, down 0.41% on the session but up 1.8% over the last five days, and up nearly 2.7% during the month.

“The way I see it, gold is poised for one of two things now,” Low said. “It is either we go off to the races to start the new year i.e. fresh record highs, or we get a notable squeeze lower before buyers reload on long positions. It would really surprise me if we got a quiet and slow January, all things considered.”

He added that his reticence to predict which outcome is more likely “is to do with the fact that I heavily detest reading too much into year-end and thin liquidity moves such as what we're seeing this week. As such, I still do hold some reservations about the high points for gold on the week currently.”

Other analysts are looking through the liquidity concerns at the geopolitical and macroeconomic environments, both of which suggest continued strength for gold prices, with the potential for new all-time highs in January.

“The most likely scenario in the current context points towards a continued upward trajectory, with the initial target in the vicinity of $2100 per ounce,” said analyst Damian Nowiszewski at Investing.com.

“The recent strong demand shot established a new historical high in the $2150 per ounce price area, but these were quickly negated,” he wrote. “Buyers are not short of fuel, however, and all indications are that they will be able to permanently overcome the key resistance area tested several times over the past few years located near the round barrier of $2100.”

“The natural target for demand is the area around $2150 and the next round barrier of $2200,” Nowiszewski said. “Possible corrective movements should be limited by the local upward trend line and demand zones near $2000 and $1950 per ounce.”

Kitco Media

Ernest Hoffman

Time to Buy Gold and Silver

Tim Moseley

Traffic generation and affordable SEO services are two important aspects of online marketing

Traffic generation and affordable SEO services are two important aspects of online marketing

Traffic generation

Traffic generation and affordable SEO services are two important aspects of online marketing. Traffic- generation refers to the process of attracting visitors to your website through various channels, such as search engines, social media, email, and advertising. Affordable SEO services refer to the process of optimizing your website for search engines so that it ranks higher and attracts more organic traffic.

There are many ways to generate traffic and improve your SEO, depending on your goals, budget, and niche. Some of the most common and effective methods are:

  • Keyword research: This involves finding and analyzing the words and phrases that your target audience uses to search for your products or services. You can use tools like Google Keyword Planner, Ahrefs, or SEMrush to find the best keywords for your website. You can then use these keywords in your content, titles, meta tags, and URLs to make your website more relevant and visible to search engines and users.
  • Content creation: This involves creating and publishing valuable and engaging content that matches your audience’s needs and interests. You can use tools like WordPress, Yoast, and Grammarly to create and optimize your content for SEO. You can also use tools like Surfer SEO to analyze and improve your content quality and performance. You can create different types of content, such as blog posts, videos, podcasts, infographics, ebooks, and more, to attract and retain your audience.
  • Link building: This involves getting other websites to link back to your website, which can boost your authority and credibility in the eyes of search engines and users. You can use tools like Moz, Ahrefs, or Majestic to find and analyze your backlink profile and opportunities. You can also use tools like Outreach.io, Pitchbox, or Mailshake to reach out to other website owners and request links. You can build links through various methods, such as guest posting, resource pages, broken link building, testimonials, and more.
  • Social media marketing: This involves using social media platforms, such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn, to promote your website and content, and to interact with your audience. You can use tools like Buffer, Hootsuite, or Sprout Social to schedule, monitor, and manage your social media posts and campaigns. You can also use tools like BuzzSumo, Social Animal, or Social Blade to find and analyze the best content and influencers in your niche.
  • Email marketing: This involves using email to communicate with your audience and to drive them to your website. You can use tools like Mailchimp, Aweber, or ConvertKit to create and send email newsletters, offers, and promotions. You can also use tools like OptinMonster, Unbounce, or Leadpages to create and optimize landing pages and opt-in forms to capture and grow your email list.
  • Paid advertising: This involves using paid channels, such as Google Ads, Facebook Ads, or Bing Ads, to display your website and content to your target audience. You can use tools like Google Analytics, SEMrush, or WordStream to create and optimize your ads and campaigns. You can also use tools like SpyFu, AdEspresso, or Adbeat to find and analyze your competitors’ ads and strategies.

 

These are some of the most common and affordable SEO services and traffic generation methods that you can use for your website. However, you should also keep in mind that SEO and traffic generation are not one-time events, but ongoing processes that require constant monitoring, testing, and improvement. You should also follow the best practices and guidelines of search engines and webmasters, and avoid any spammy or unethical tactics that can harm your website’s reputation and performance.

When it comes to driving traffic and optimizing your website for search engines, affordable SEO services can be a valuable resource. These services can help improve your online visibility and attract more visitors to your website. By utilizing techniques such as keyword research, content optimization, and link building, you can enhance your website’s search engine ranking and ultimately drive more organic traffic. Additionally, exploring various traffic generation strategies, such as social media marketing, email campaigns, and content marketing, can further boost your website’s visibility and attract a steady stream of visitors. If you want to learn more about these topics, you can check out some of the web search results that I found for you. I hope you find them useful and interesting. 😊

1https://www.bing.com/search?q=Traffic+Generation+and+Affordable+Seo+Services

RTATEBLOGSPOT

A Blog that Shares Tips, Tricks, and Insights on Various Topics

 

Tim Moseley

What to Do and Don’t Do with Email Marketing

What to Do and Don’t Do with Email Marketing

Email marketing

Email marketing is a powerful and cost-effective way to communicate with your audience and promote your products or services. However, email marketing also requires some skills and strategies to avoid common pitfalls and achieve optimal results. Here are some of the do’s and don’ts of email marketing that you should know:

ecosystem for entrepreneurs

  • Do segment your email list based on your subscribers’ preferences, behavior, and interests. This will help you send relevant and personalized messages that increase engagement and conversions. You can use tools like Mailchimp1 or Aweber2 to create and manage your email segments.
  • Don’t send the same email to everyone on your list. This will make your emails look generic and boring, and may cause your subscribers to lose interest or unsubscribe. Instead, tailor your emails to each segment and offer value and benefits that match their needs and goals.
  • Do write catchy and clear subject lines and pre-header texts that entice your subscribers to open your emails. Your subject line and pre-header text are the first things your subscribers see in their inbox, and they can make or break your email campaign. You can use tools like CoSchedule Headline Analyzer3 or Portent Title Maker to create and optimize your subject lines and pre-header texts.
  • Don’t use misleading or spammy subject lines and pre-header texts that trick your subscribers into opening your emails. This will damage your reputation and trust, and may result in spam complaints or penalties. Instead, be honest and transparent about what your emails contain and what your subscribers can expect from them.
  • Do use a professional and consistent design and layout for your emails that reflect your brand identity and style. Your email design and layout should be attractive and easy to read, and should match your website and other marketing materials. You can use tools like Canva or Visme to create and customize your email design and layout.
  • Don’t use a cluttered or inconsistent design and layout for your emails that distract or confuse your subscribers. Your email design and layout should not be too busy or flashy, and should not change drastically from one email to another. Instead, use a simple and clean design and layout that enhance your message and call to action.
  • Do include a clear and compelling call to action in your emails that tells your subscribers what you want them to do next. Your call to action should be visible and easy to click, and should use action words and urgency to motivate your subscribers. You can use tools like Unbounce or Leadpages to create and optimize your landing pages and opt-in forms for your call to action.
  • Don’t include multiple or vague calls to action in your emails that confuse or overwhelm your subscribers. Your call to action should be focused and specific, and should not compete with other elements in your email. Instead, use one or two calls to action that are aligned with your email goal and your subscribers’ interests.

I can recommend some tools for creating and sending emails. Email marketing is a powerful and cost-effective way to communicate with your audience and promote your products or services. However, email marketing also requires some skills and strategies to avoid common pitfalls and achieve optimal results.

Some of the tools that you can use for creating and sending emails are:

  • Beacon: This is a powerful tool that makes creating written lead magnets simple and easy. It offers ready-to-use templates, a drag-and-drop editor, and smart PDFs that can embed video, audio, and tracking. You can create unlimited lead magnets with Beacon for free, and upgrade to a paid plan for advanced features. ¹
  • Canva: This is a popular and easy-to-use design tool that you can use to create various types of lead magnets, such as ebooks, checklists, guides, infographics, and more. It has a huge library of templates, graphics, fonts, and images that you can customize and download. You can use Canva for free, and upgrade to a paid plan for more features and resources. ²
  • Outgrow: This is an interactive tool that allows you to create quizzes, surveys, calculators, and other types of lead magnets that engage your audience and collect their information. It has a simple and intuitive interface, a variety of templates, and powerful analytics. You can try Outgrow for free for 7 days, and upgrade to a paid plan for more features and integrations. ³
  • Loom: This is a video tool that lets you record and share your screen, webcam, or voice with your audience. You can use Loom to create video tutorials, demos, or testimonials as lead magnets. It has a simple and user-friendly interface, and allows you to edit, trim, and caption your videos. You can use Loom for free, and upgrade to a paid plan for more features and storage. ⁴
  • Mailchimp: This is a popular and powerful email marketing and automation tool that you can use to promote your lead magnets and nurture your leads. It allows you to create and send beautiful and personalized email campaigns, as well as build landing pages and opt-in forms. It has a lot of features, integrations, and analytics. You can use Mailchimp for free for up to 2,000 contacts, and upgrade to a paid plan for more features and contacts.

These are some of the tools that I recommend for creating and promoting lead magnets. You can explore more options by visiting the links I have provided. I hope you find them useful and interesting. 😊

¹: https://www.beacon.by/
²: https://www.canva.com/
³: https://outgrow.co/
⁴: https://www.loom.com/
https://mailchimp.com/

Source: Conversation with Bing, 12/27/2023
(1) The 8 best email apps in 2023 | Zapier. https://zapier.com/blog/best-email-app/
(2) 10 Tools That Will Help You to Create Amazing Emails – Chamaileon. https://chamaileon.io/resources/tools-of-email-marketing/
(3) 10 Best Email Template Builders for 2022 — Stripo.email. https://stripo.email/blog/top-best-free-email-template-builders/
(4) The 21 Best Email Management Software Tools – Email Analytics. https://emailanalytics.com/21-best-email-management-software-tools/

Tim Moseley

Gold up a bit on bullish outside markets technical buying

Gold up a bit on bullish outside markets, technical buying

Kitco NEWS has a diverse team of journalists reporting on the economy, stock markets, commodities, cryptocurrencies, mining and metals with accuracy and objectivity. Our goal is to help people make informed market decisions through in-depth reporting, daily market roundups, interviews with prominent industry figures, comprehensive coverage (often exclusive) of important industry events and analyses of market-affecting developments.

Gold up a bit on bullish outside markets, technical buying teaser image

(Kitco News) – Gold prices are slightly higher and silver prices slightly lower in midday U.S. trading Tuesday. Quieter, post-holiday trading is featured. Bullish charts are prompting some mild speculator buying interest in both precious metals. The key outside markets were also bullish for the metals today, as the U.S. dollar index was modestly weaker and crude oil prices were solidly higher. Some profit-taking from the shorter-term futures traders did limit gains in gold and silver today. February gold was last up $1.70 at $2,070.60. March silver was last down $0.07 at $24.50.

Asian and European stock markets were mixed overnight. U.S. stock index futures slightly higher at midday. Some markets, including those in the U.K., Germany and France, remained closed Tuesday after the Christmas holiday Monday.

Reports said the U.S. military carried out retaliatory air strikes on Monday in Iraq after a drone strike from Iran-aligned militants left one U.S. serviceman in critical condition and wounded two others. Markets showed no significant price reactions to the news.

The yield on the benchmark U.S. Treasury 10-year note is presently fetching 3.906%.

Technically, February gold futures bulls have the solid overall near-term technical advantage. Prices are in a 2.5-month-old uptrend on the daily bar chart. Bulls’ next upside price objective is to produce a close above solid resistance at $2,100.00. Bears' next near-term downside price objective is pushing futures prices below solid technical support at $2,000.00. First resistance is seen at today’s high of $2,076.30 and then at last week’s high of $2,083.00. First support is seen at today’s low of $2,065.10 and then at last Friday’s low of $2,058.20. Wyckoff's Market Rating: 7.5.

March silver futures bulls have the overall near-term technical advantage. Prices are in a 2.5-month-old uptrend on the daily bar chart. Silver bulls' next upside price objective is closing prices above solid technical resistance at $26.00. The next downside price objective for the bears is closing prices below solid support at the December low of $22.785. First resistance is seen at today’s high of $24.70 and then at last week’s high of $24.895. Next support is seen at today’s low of $24.34 and then at $24.00. Wyckoff's Market Rating: 6.5.

March N.Y. copper closed down 10 points at 390.40 cents today. Prices closed nearer the session low today. The copper bulls have the overall near-term technical advantage. Prices are in a choppy, two-month-old uptrend on the daily bar chart. Copper bulls' next upside price objective

is pushing and closing prices above solid technical resistance at the July high of 404.45 cents. The next downside price objective for the bears is closing prices below solid technical support at the December low of 372.90 cents. First resistance is seen at the December high of 394.50 cents and then at 400.00 cents. First support is seen at last week’s low of 384.10 cents and then at 380.00 cents. Wyckoff's Market Rating: 6.5.

Try out my “Markets Front Burner” email report. My next one is due out today and is going to be entitled, “When China sneezes…” Front Burner is my best writing and analysis, I think, because I get to look ahead at the marketplace and do some market price forecasting. And it’s free! Sign up to my new, free weekly Markets Front Burner newsletter, at https://www.kitco.com/services/markets-front-burner.html .

Jim Wyckoff

Time to Buy Gold and Silver

Tim Moseley

The Artist that came out of the Winter