How To Make Money With a Website

It seems that almost everyone has, at one time, had a fantasy about starting their own business, most of which involve using the internet and a website. In fact, due to the ever increasing ease of use, internet businesses are growing at a phenomenal rate. Unfortunately, 99% of web sites never make more than a few dollars each month.

So, how do you make sure that your website or home business is one of the 1% that actually makes some money?

• Take the time to do it right. – The internet is full of cheesy, cookie-cutter, web sites that offer no value to the reader. When you are building your website, take the time to make it look nice and ensure that is stands out fro the billions of other website’s on the net. If you do not have the skills to build a nice site yourself, spend the money to hire someone to do it for you.
  

• Provide the reader with something that is worth reading. – Most people use the internet for research or hobby reading on topics that interest them. Your website or home business MUST give free information that a reader will want to know. You don’t have to give away all your information or trade secrets but, you do have to offer an incentive that will keep a potential customer on your site long enough for you to get some money out of them.
• Use every method possible to make money on each visitor. – Let’s face it, even the most profitable business will not convert 100% of their visitors. However, you can increase your conversions by diversifying your revenue streams. If you sell a product for example, be sure that your product is not the only way you have to get money. Including ads, affiliate programs, and free trials are just a few ways that you can diversify your income streams.
• Build a community – A website is a great way to build an online community interested in your home business. Offering forums for people to correspond in and providing free answers to people’s questions can be a great way to "trap" a reader and keep them coming back to your site.
• Optimize your website for the Search Engines. – SEO or search engine optimization is the process of making your website easy to find and read by search engines. In fact, most web sites fail because nobody knows they exist. Look for a free e-book or hire someone to optimize your site. A SEO consultant can help you determine the best ways to have your site optimized and profitable. Zero traffic will always equal zero sales.

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How To Download And Set Up an FTP Program

There are a number of things about designing and building your own website which cause confusion and uncertainty to those who are new to this activity. FTP, which stands for File Transfer Protocol, is one of those things that always seems to confuse and intimidate people who are new to website design. Part of this confusion is probably because the full name ‘File Transfer Protocol’ seems to shed no light on understanding what it is, what it does, or what it is used for. In this article I shall attempt to shine a light on this mysterious creature and take the reader through the process of downloading and installing a free and popular program to make FTP available to them.

First, to shed some light on the name ‘FTP’, or File Transfer Protocol’: the word ‘Protocol’ is used in it’s usual everyday sense that it is a set of rules or guidelines by which something is done. So, simply put, a File Transfer Protocol is a set of rules or guidelines by which files can be transferred from one computer to another over the internet or a network. This sometimes doesn’t make any sense to people who don’t understand computers because they don’t realize that many different computers use many different codes. If you have a file on one kind of computer and you want to use it on another kind of computer then without a set of guidelines, or a ‘protocol’, to ‘translate’ the file from one computer to another it would not be possible. FTP is a form of code which helps you when you move a file from one computer to another. Think of FTP as a ‘translator’ or ‘interpreter’ working in the United Nations so that all the different countries can talk to each other and settle their differences.

And that’s it: simple isn’t it? Often people don’t believe it is quite as simple as that but it is. There is nothing else to understand about FTP unless you are about to start programming, which you’re not.

The other thing that helps to make FTP appear confusing and complex is the fact that you often use a program to do it: These are called ‘FTP Clients’. FTP Clients manage the ‘translation’ from one computer to another and will allow you to upload files, which is to send files to the server; or download files, which is to get files from the server. They will also allow you to make changes to files on the server. FTP and the FTP Client are essential ingredients of a web designer, or website owner’s toolkit. There are very many different designs of FTP Clients, many are free and many will cost money to buy. Many operating systems have an FTP client integrated within them and browsers such as Firefox have an FTP client which can be installed and used as part of the browser. You will need to have an account with a web host before using an FTP Client, but so long as you do have a web hosting account then you can use an FTP Client to transfer your site and all your files to the web host, and back again.

One of the most popular free FTP Clients is ‘FileZilla’; it is easy to download and use and, if you are using Windows XP, then I can take you through the steps – although I doubt they are very different if you are using another operating system. I am using Firefox 2, and so if you are using any other browser there may be some slight differences, but nothing major:

The simplest way to download Filezilla is to go to the Google search page and type ‘download.com filezilla’ into the search field and the very top result will be for Filezilla at the download.com website. Click on the link and you will see the name of Filezilla with a big blue link below it saying ‘download now’. Click that and a small window will appear with a button saying ‘save file’ – click to save the file and you will download the software automatically. It will take a few seconds to download.

Now look for the new icon on your desktop; it will be called ‘Filezilla set up’ or something similar. Double click the icon. The first thing you will see is a small window asking you to select your language, make sure it says English (or whatever your preferred language is) then click the ‘ok’ button. A license agreement window will appear; click ‘next’. The next page will ask you to ‘choose components’ – ion most cases the defaults are perfectly ok for most installations so I suggest you agree with the selection and click ‘next’. You will now be asked where you want to install the software, in most cases the default location is your program folder, which is fine; if you want to install it elsewhere then type the location in here, otherwise just click ‘next’. You will now be asked to choose a start menu folder, again, the default will be fine, click ‘next’. You will now be asked to decide on some general settings, if you are using a shared computer then select ‘use secure mode’ otherwise leave all settings as they are and click ‘Install’. The software will now be installed onto your computer; this will only take a few seconds and then you will be asked to close the window – click ‘close’.

You will now have a new icon on your desktop, coloured maroon and blue with a big ‘FZ’ on it and called ‘Filezilla’. You can put the original download file into your recycle bin and delete. Double click the new icon to start your FTP Client.

To use the FTP Client to transfer files between your computer and your web host you will first have to set it up. After double clicking to start up the FTP Client, click on the ‘File’ menu and select ‘Site Manager’. A new window will appear, find the button which says ‘new site’ and click it. A folder will appear in the main area of the window, type the name of your site into the new folder which appears.

Get your login details for your web host, because you’ll need them now. Under ‘Host’ type in the FTP address of your website; this will be a website address beginning with ‘ftp’ in a format such as: ftp.siteforge.net or else it will be a number series in a format such as: 88.88.888.88 – either will do. If the boxes below are greyed out then your site manager is set to anonymous login. To input your login details deselect ‘anonymous’ and select ‘normal’ for Logon and input your username and password for accessing your web host. You can now click ‘connect’ and your FTP Client will connect to your web host and you can upload or download files for your site.

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How to Build a Garden Path

A well-designed garden path not only leads you through your garden, but keeps your feet dry and protects your plants from being damaged. Ideally, a path invites you into the garden, leading you under beautiful branches and around trickling fountains, and even over garden bridges. By following a few easy steps, you can build a garden path that does all of this and even more.

Plan Your Route

Whether your path is intended to lead from the driveway through the garden to the front door, or from the patio to a secluded bench, the first step is to plan your route. If your path is prone to heavy traffic and is more utilitarian than superfluous, a straight and wide path that gets the traveler where they want to go is best. This doesn’t mean your path will be boring.

Plant interesting foliage along the path and add garden ornaments to keep the path attractive. A secondary path that might branch off of the main path can be narrower, since it is not expecting the heavy traffic flow, and might twist and turn a bit more. Instead of twisting and turning at random, make your curves seem practical—bending the path around an existing tree or placing a boulder in the nook of the curve.

Choose a Material

When choosing a material, it is important to consider again the purpose of your path, as well as your budget. You can use materials from sand or mulch, which can be free, to relatively expensive cut stone or pavers. Keep safety in mind. For primary paths, use a surface material that will be safe whether it is wet or dry, and will not slip or become uneven. Also, consider the style of your house. The material you use for your path should blend in or complement the style of the existing house and other structures.

Install the Path

The exact method of installation will depend on the type of material you chose. Regardless of the material, however, you will need to ensure good drainage so you are not creating a swamp or bog instead of a path. Additionally, you’ll probably use a base and some edging to ensure a level path. Once you have your path, you’ll love to use it and you will take great pride in knowing you created it.

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How to Select Flooring

The flooring in a home is arguably the most important style element. Deciding what type of flooring to install should not be done rashly or without considering all of your options. Each kind of flooring material is suitable for a multitude of different purposes, so before you install something you’ll regret a year from now, be sure you know how to select flooring.

Use of Space

The first thing you need to consider is how you will use the space. A bedroom might call for a different flooring option than a kitchen, although some options such as laminate flooring make sense for both. Is the room large and spacious or small and dark? Light, airy rooms can easily handle dark flooring, whole small spaces benefit from lighter flooring options.

Traffic Patterns

Next consider the amount of traffic that passes through the room. Bedrooms receive relatively small amounts of foot traffic while entryways and family rooms receive plenty. Carpet in rooms with heavy foot traffic will become worn down quickly and need to be replaced. Heavier choices such as Pergo flooring or tile will last for decades without showing signs of wear or tear. Save carpet for rooms with little traffic, or at the very least, consider leaving a stretch of tile or hardwood where most walking occurs and carpet in the space where more sitting occurs.

Lifestyle

Your lifestyle should be a third consideration. Pets and small children can wreak havoc on hardwood and carpet. But carpet is more comfortable for playing on the floor with young children. If you are looking for easy flooring, avoid hardwoods as they require more maintenance than laminate, tile or marble. If you entertain frequently, those same options are great for cleaning up spills and keeping mess to a minimum.

Flooring Aesthetic and Comfort

Once you know your basic needs and style, consider the aesthetic and comfort of the various options. Hardwood flooring is beautiful. It can warm up any room, but you must be willing to work to keep it looking that way. Carpet soften a room and makes it feel cozy, but will need to be replaced in about five years to keep it looking at its best. If you spend time playing on the floor with children or pets, carpet is a nice option, but if you prefer a cleaner, more modern look consider hardwood, laminate, or even stained concrete flooring.

Flooring Cost

Finally, consider cost. There are options for most flooring choices in every price range. Some, such as hardwood and bamboo flooring, will be more expensive as a whole than basic carpet or laminate. Your cost should be figured over the number of years the product will last as well as any potential impact in home value. Home values are positively impacted by quality flooring choices, so it might make sense to maximize an investment.

Carpet will need to be replaced and hardwoods must be refinished periodically which can impact cost calculations as well. Once you have a rough idea of how much to spend per square foot and a material you like, invite a professional over to give you an estimate or speak with a supplier about installing flooring yourself. Once you’ve made your decision and had your new flooring installed – celebrate your home’s new, refined look.

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How To Paint Kitchen Cabinets

Nowhere else in your house is such a large amount of woodwork subjected to such harsh treatment than in your kitchen. Your kitchen cabinets are opened and closed countless times a day, oftentimes by hands covered with butter, melted popsicles, or other food residue. Not only that, but the air in the kitchen is constantly changing, from high humidity resulting from boiling water or steaming vegetables, to hot and dry heat from an oven baking at a high temperature for a long time.

It is no wonder this highly visible part of your kitchen may be in need of a makeover. By simply painting your kitchen cabinets, you can completely transform the look of your kitchen.

Clean the Cabinets

Before you begin, it is important to clean the cabinets. Years of accumulated dust, grease, and grime can build up and prevent a quality job of repainting. You will probably find this process is easier if you remove the cabinet doors and find a place where you can lay them all out flat. Simply use an all-purpose cleaner, a few rags, and a little elbow grease to get the job done.

Sand the Cabinets

After the cabinets have thoroughly dried from their cleaning, use a fine grit sandpaper to lightly sand the flat surfaces of your cabinet doors. By preparing the surface for the primer you will put on next, your cabinets will look better longer. If you skip this step, you’ll have to go through the whole painting process sooner than you would have to otherwise.

Apply Primer

If you are repainting your cabinets with the same color, you may choose to skip this step. However, particularly if you are painting over wood varnish, priming will help form a better bond between the wood and the paint. This means that the paint will be less likely to chip away when the doors are bumped against each other or hit with a pot. The type of primer you use is primarily determined by the type of paint you plan to use. An oil-based paint necessitates an oil-based primer, whereas a latex top coat will need a shellac primer. Be sure to do this in a well-ventilated area, and cover anything that you don’t want to get paint on.

Paint Cabinets

Use either a sprayer or a high quality paint brush to apply the paint to the cabinets in several thin layers. It may be tempting to lay it on thick so you can finish faster, but you will achieve a much better look if you can be patient and use thin layers of paint. You may choose to lightly sand the cabinets’ flat surfaces between coats to get a really professional-looking finish. Once they are completely dry, hang them carefully back up in your kitchen and enjoy your new kitchen décor!

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How to Obtain a Building Permit

When beginning a construction project, you must obtain a building permit before any concrete is poured or any nail is driven. Building without one can result in heavy fines and will actually cause you to lose time on your project. Take the time to do it right and it will pay off in the long run.

Plan Ahead

Getting approval for construction and obtaining a building permit can take time, particularly if there are complications along the way. Be sure you start the application process early and leave yourself plenty of time before the planned start date of the construction project. This way you can be sure you have the necessary permit and will not cause any delay in the project.

Obtain Architecture Plan

If you are building new construction, obtain several copies of the architect’s plan for submission to the municipal building department. Be sure you have the architect’s seal of approval on the plans. For additions or major modifications, you must go through similar steps and get an architect’s approved copy of the plan.

Complete the Application

Contact the permit group of your local municipal building department to get a copy of an application for a building permit. Fill out the main section of the application, supplying all requested information. Ask your plumber, electrician, and any other contractors to fill out relevant parts of the application as well. Check with the permit office for any additional paperwork, such as septic design plans, that may be required. Turn in the completed application with the required number of architectural plans and a survey of the land to be developed. Be sure to include the necessary payment for the application fee.

Wait for Approval

The approval process can take anywhere from three to six weeks, or longer if there are complications. As you wait for approval on your building permit, make sure you have your construction loan in order and any special supplies have been ordered for your project. After receiving your building loan, typically a building inspector will periodically come out to the site to ensure you are in compliance with approved plans and codes.

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How To Increase Your Home Value

Read a home decorating magazine or watch a cable-TV home improvement show, and you might easily conclude that any upgrade will pay off when you sell. This is simply not so because even in good times, not all projects have widespread appeal. You’ll earn back virtually your entire investment in a kitchen or deck, but less than 75 cents on the dollar if you add a home office or sunroom, according to "Remodeling" magazine’s annual cost vs. value survey.

What’s worse, some renovations can even hurt you in the eyes of home buyers, a costly problem if you hope to sell in a softening market like today’s.

The Swimming Pool:

In some areas, especially hot-weather spots like Arizona and Florida, a pool is a must-have. In the Southwest, adding one boosts your home’s value by 11 percent on average, according to a National Association of Realtors study. But elsewhere it can just as easily turn off buyers, who worry about affording the upkeep and insurance. And if the most likely buyer of your home is a family with small children, think long and hard before installing a pool.

"People with younger children may be leery of houses with pools for safety reasons," says Barry Graziano, a real estate agent with Prudential Rand Realty in White Plains, N. Y. "I’ve had families walk away. A pool can cut down on the number of people who will want to buy your house."

The Addition:

You’ve thought about how that great room and master bedroom wing will let the family spread out. But what you probably haven’t considered is what the space will look like from the outside.

"A badly designed addition can kill your resale value," says Sal Alfano, the editorial director of Remodeling. "People focus on the floor plan and the flow, but not on how it fits into the neighborhood or even the house itself."

Watch out for boxy, poorly detailed additions and be careful of a style that will look dated when you throw your open house. Spotting the trend that’s on its way out is trickier than you think. While it is easy to assume that sleek red European kitchen cabinetry is tomorrow’s harvest gold fridge, other design staples that seem like sure bets can quickly drift into obscurity too.

That’s what Mark Johnson, a Whirlpool design manager, says is happening to stainless-steel appliances. "For a period of time, people aspired to a commercial kitchen" he says. "What I am seeing is more interest in warmer finishes."

You want a design trend with legs. Johnson says custom panels that dress appliances in maple or mahogany finishes are likely to remain popular for several years. Also, think about the materials for hardware like hinges and light fixtures. Polished brass or anything shiny is out. Brushed nickel is a better option. Johnson is betting that oiled-bronze finishes will take off next.

The Jacuzzi:

The elaborate master bath is okay, but the big circular tub with 15 jets that can pulse or massage is risky.

According to Holly Slaughter, brand manager at RealEstate.com, you’re better off with an oversize shower that has a rain showerhead and multiple jets (think of it as a car wash for humans).

Baby boomers have little time to spend hanging out in the bathtub, and parents with small kids prefer a conventional tub. Ultimately, don’t expect a future buyer to pay up for the luxury you considered an essential.

How To Build an Outdoor Fireplace

Your patio or deck is a special place, and perhaps it’s time to add the most impressive piece of garden décor, an outdoor fireplace. An outdoor fireplace offers warmth and comfort in all seasons, but is obviously used most in the fall and winter. Regardless of climate or personal use, here’s how to build an outdoor fireplace. There are many styles of outdoor fireplaces.

Portable Outdoor Fireplaces

The most simple (and least expensive) options are self contained fire pits or chimneys. A clay chimenea available from most garden centers or design centers can make a festive addition to a small patio, especially if it won’t get much use. A portable fire pit or brazier is another option perfect for smaller budgets or small patios.

Built-in Fire Pits and Ovens

The most simple built-in options are permanent fire pits, which are essentially a ring of well laid stones perhaps with built-in seating, or a cooking fireplace that closely resembles a brick oven.

Elaborate Outdoor Fireplaces

Custom outdoor fireplaces can rival indoor fireplaces with gas logs, mantles and designs. These are best designed and built by professionals or with careful study and design research.

Create a Layout

If you’re opting for a portable fireplace, you simply need to purchase one and find it a good home on your patio. You might also consider new seating or an appropriate (nonflammable) patio cover to complete your new outdoor lounge.

Elaborate designs are best left to professionals, but it is possible to build the more simply designed fire pits or ovens. Fire pits are the least expensive design and can be used for basic cooking. Ovens are more complex, but can be used for many forms of entertainment and baking.

In your layout, select a location for your fireplace. Be sure to keep it a good distance away from existing buildings, wooden structures and other garden elements. Also be sure there is enough room for guests about three feet away from the fire. Circular fire pits are best for entertaining, so be sure to leave room for seating all the way around.

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Buy Materials

If you’re interested in an oven, consider buying a prefabricated unit to install yourself or get the assistance of an experienced contractor. Fireplaces must draw correctly and regulations in your area may be strict on outdoor fire structures.

If you’re creating a fire pit, purchase bricks suitable for flames or use stones to create a fire circle.

Create the Fireplace

Assemble the oven style fireplace exactly according to instructions to ensure it works properly. To create a fire pit, dig a pit at your desired depth. Line it with stones, brick or gravel as you see fit. You can also leave it bare dirt.

Line the perimeter of your pit with closely laid rocks or bricks. Clear away any surrounding grass or overhanging limbs. Arrange seating, or build custom seating around the fire pit and your work is done! Sit back and enjoy.

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How to Build a Fountain

Nothing is more satisfying than sitting out on your patio on a beautiful day listening to the water trickling in the fountain you built yourself. Fountains are not only beautiful to look at, but they are very appealing to listen to as well. While the idea of building your own may be daunting at first, you need not be intimidated. By following a few easy steps, you will be well on your way to building a beautiful fountain to adorn your backyard.

Choose a Location

Find a place in your yard where a fountain would be visible but not intrusive. To keep your fountain clean and free of debris, choose a place out of the reach of low hanging branching or trees that drop a lot of leaves. Look for as level a spot as you can find.

Choose a Style

The style of fountain you choose will affect how easy or difficult it is to build. The easiest fountain to construct is a simple one—a fountain with a single decorative urn or pot. The more complicated your design, the harder it will be to construct. Find a waterproof container that matches your style and is a suitable size for your fountain. If latex has not been mixed into the concrete of your pot, invest in a sealer to coat your container or freezing will gradually chip the pot. Apply the sealer according to manufacturer directions.

Gather Your Materials

Before you build, gather your materials. You’ll need the main component of your fountain—a large pot or urn. In addition, find some silicone sealant, an electrical cord, a shovel, a drill, and a pump. There are several options to choose from for the pump. Choose the one that matches the type of fountain you want, whether the water is gurgling and bubbling at the surface or shooting up into the air. Be sure you have everything together before you begin.

Put It Together

Drill a hole in the bottom of your pot for the electrical cord to run through. Place the pump in the pot, and be sure to test it before permanently installing it. Run the electrical cord through the hole in the bottom of the pot and use the silicone sealant to seal the hole. Dig a trench from the fountain to the electrical outlet, but be very careful when working with the wiring, and keep the electrical cord in mind when working or digging in the yard. Once you have your fountain assembled, you can enjoy it for years to come.

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How to Build a Birdhouse

A perfect activity to bring children together with their parents or grandparents, or a relaxing way to connect with nature, building a birdhouse can be easy! Whether you plan to use your finished product as an indoor decoration, a garden garnish, or a functional home for your winged backyard friends, your birdhouse will show your craftsmanship and remind you of the fun time you had making it.

Make a Plan

First, decide whether your birdhouse will be purely functional or decorative. While colorful and decorative birdhouses are a joy to look at, birds prefer to make their homes in more natural, plain and weathered unpainted houses. If you are serious about attracting birds to your finished product, do some research on the types of birds you are interested in. Otherwise, you might consider the size and color you want your birdhouse to be.

Gather Materials

Once you have a plan, gather your materials. You will need enough wood for the floor, four walls, and roof of your birdhouse. In addition to wood, you’ll need galvanized screws, nails, sandpaper, wood glue, paint, polyurethane finish, and a dowel to serve as a perch at the door of your little house. In addition to your materials, you’ll need tools. While constructing your birdhouse will be easier with the assistance of power tools, many people find satisfaction in using hand tools to put a more personal touch into their creation. Whether powered by electricity or human labor, you’ll need a saw (either hand, band, table, or scroll), a drill, a hammer, a tape measure, a carpenter square, a screwdriver, and a paintbrush. Gather your materials before you begin construction to ensure you have everything you need.

Safety First

While it’s important for everyone attempting this crafty endeavor to consider safety, those working with children need to be especially aware of the safety precautions. This is a great opportunity to discuss the importance of tool safety with your children or grandchildren. Work in a well ventilated area, and be sure to wear protective equipment such as gloves, goggles or safety glasses, and closed-toe shoes. Avoid wearing loose-fitting clothing. Be particularly conscious of safety around the power tools and/or handsaw. With a few precautions, this activity will be safe and enjoyable for everyone.

Cut & Assemble

Once you have your plan, your materials, and your wits about you, begin construction. First, measure your wood and use your carpenter square to ensure right angles. Mark your birdhouse’s dimensions on the wood. Be sure to measure twice so you only have to cut once. Once everything is measured out, cut your pieces. Before attaching any of the pieces together, go ahead and cut the hole for the bird entrance and the little perch just beneath it. Use the wood glue and nails to assemble the pieces. Don’t forget to leave the bottom unglued for easy removal for cleaning between seasons. Sand the birdhouse, then decorate according to your predetermined plan. Congratulations! You’ve built a birdhouse!

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