I just finished up a great new OOAK template: Blue Fleur Boutique Template. I really enjoyed creating this design and the custom category/page rollover menu is a fun touch. Be sure to check it out!

SEO can seem like a daunting task, but articles like “Backlinking - Why Search Engines Think It’s Important” from the Vertical Response Marketing Blog help to make sense of it all.

What is Backlinking?

Plain and simple it is what it sounds like – getting other web sites to link back to your web site.

But the search engines don’t just count the number of backlinks you have, they QUALIFY them.

Google and other popular search engines use a ranking algorithm (which is a closely guarded secret that Sergey & Larry probably don’t even know) to evaluate the quality of incoming links, page rank of the linking site, the content on the site or blog linking in, the link text, and a whole host of additional criteria, to determine the value of that link to the search engine.

Bottom line? You don’t just want anyone linking into your site, you want the right kind of site with the right type of link.

I have been compiling a list of business resources and articles that I have run across. I thought it would be helpful to many of you out there to have a list like this. You can find tips on search engine optimization, buying a domain name, and numerous resources for purchasing business related supplies. If anyone has a great resource that they feel would be a welcome addition to my list, please leave me a comment and include it.

I will be updating the list as I find new resources - be sure to check back often. Thanks and enjoy the list!

:: View List Here ::

AllBusiness.com put together an interesting list of the top 10 e-commerce mistakes. A good list to read over if you’re just starting out or trying to improve your current shop.

The novelty of shopping on the Internet has worn off, and today’s customers are sophisticated and discerning. Because the competition is always just a mouse-click away, you need to make sure your site is the very best it can be. Because if you do not do e-commerce right, your visitors will find someone who does. AllBusiness.com

Who is Kickshaw Confections?

Kickshaw Confections is me, Heather, my husband Karl and all my little taste testers. I’m a work at home mom and confectioner/chocolatier. Candy making is in our blood and we love being in the business of satisfying sweet tooths.

Why did you decide to start a business?

We started Kickshaw to help supplement my husband’s income so he can eventually work less hours and spend more time with his kids. I also needed a creative outlet. My mind is always running and it needs to stay busy. I guess 4 kids doesn’t keep it busy enough.  :0)

How did you get started?

We purchased a little lollipop e-store and then decided to take on the family tradition and expanded to a full line of confections. My inlaws have been confectioners for over 20 years.

What do you sell?

We sell a full line of handcrafted from scratch confections. We do not use dyes or preservatives. Our chocolate is very fine and we are so proud of that and our best selling gourmet almond roca.

What would you have done differently in the beginning?

Honestly, I probably wouldn’t have bought the little lollipop shop. I would have just went straight on with our other confections. I was nervous to have people try my treats, because even though my family and I loved them, I was so nervous what others would think. I would have put that fear behind me instead of hiding behind it for nearly 8 months.

What advice would you offer to a WAHM just getting started?

Don’t let fear stop you. Look at it straight in the face and tell it to move on over. Go straight to your dreams and when you face a hurdle, don’t stop, go over it, even if it takes a while.

Ecommerce imagery: Persuading with pictures

The power of images in making a sale has been well known in traditional marketing for a long time. This becomes even more important online when there’s no physical product for users to handle. The images on your website alone have to work even harder to convey the true look and feel of your product.

You’ve worked too hard and for too long to let someone steal your creation. To help protect your intellectual property, register it at www.myfreecopyright.com .

MyFreeCopyright.com provides a third-party, non-repudiation, registered dating of your original digital creation. By using this service, you publicly associate your digital copyright and defined rights to you…

What you can copyright is viewed broadly and includes mostly all literary, musical, dramatical, graphical, audiovisual, sound and architectural works.

Awhile back I had posted on a message board about my brother, who is in Iraq, and his wife, who is expecting their first child. Molly of BlueBerriest wanted to show her appreciation for their service to our country. She was was kind enough to send my sister-in-law a wonderful baby sling. Molly was great to work with and was helpful in picking out the right size. If you are, or know anyone in the market for a baby sling, be sure to checkout www.blueberriest.com .

Looking for a “green” online print resource? Greener Printer may be your perfect solution. They use recycled papers, soy inks, 100% wind powered and shipping is certified carbon-free.

Eco-friendly online print ordering made easy!

Conduct your printing online using recycled papers and a green certified company. GreenerPrinter delivers top-notch quality while helping your organization to keep with its green mission. And we’re 100% Wind-Powered!

Through GreenerPrinter, you can obtain

• High-quality, affordable printing and mailing services
• Real-time print quotes and online ordering
• State-of-the-art recycled papers
• Printing by a certified environmentally responsible company
• One-click reorders and instant access to job and account history

Who is Georgie Designs?

Georgie Designs is a handcrafted jewelry business. But who is it really? It’s me, Robyn Klauer, the owner, marketing manager, money manager, researcher, secretary, and oh…I design and make jewelry, too!

Why did you decide to start a business?

I have always been crafty. Jewelry making has been my favorite of all things tried. I had been making it for years and giving it away. I decided it was getting too expensive so I started selling it on the side. Then after I had my daughter, it just seemed the perfect fit to work from home doing something I loved while still getting to give 110% to my daughter.

How did you get started?

I first sold on eBay. But eBay is difficult. There are so many jewelry people selling that it is hard to make any money. So I decided to have my own website. My current website is actually my second attempt. I had a site back in 2005 but gave it up because it was too expensive to maintain and I was discouraged by how hard it is to get Google to find you. I was working full time as a School Psychologist at the time so I didn’t really give it my all.

What do you sell?

Handcrafted jewelry using quality ingredients such as sterling silver and semiprecious gemstones.

What would you have done differently in the beginning?

I would have not given up so easily! It is a lot of work, but the harder you work and the longer you’ve been doing it, the smarter you get. It takes a lot of time to get it right, in my opinion.

What advice would you offer to a WAHM just getting started?

Don’t get discouraged when things are slow in the beginning. It is a learning process that takes time. And just because you have talent and put up a website, doesn’t mean people will buy from you. Marketing is the most improtant part of the business. If you don’t have an image, and people can’t find you, you won’t be successful! Oh, and don’t be afraid to tell everyone you meet that you own a business. Word of mouth is huge!