What Must One Know To Be A Proficient Muse-ologist?

[HalfSwede]

Hi Folks:
I decided to set up my second muse by myself and learn as I go. This may be basic for some, but here's what I learned:
- Basic HTML editing using Adobe Contribute
- How to use FTP
- Some basics of writing sales copy and layout
- How to integrate Aweber into my web site
- How to integrate PayPal
- Editing a 30-minute MP3 file down to a 60-second RA file for use as a testimonial (using Audacity and RealProducer, as I recall)
- Setting up Google AdWords and Google Analytics
- ...and probably a few more things

OK, maybe nothing too complex, but hey, it's a functional site that has the potential to generate income as is. Also, there are probably certain things I could do better, but again, for now, it works (e.g. lot more to learn about AdWords).

So the question is: To be a proficient "muse-ologist" what subjects must one have a basic understanding of? Not necessarily master, but have a enough knowledge so that one could get something up and running and make some money without having to outsource everything.

I'm thinking some SEO knowledge wouldn't hurt.

Any other subjects that come to mind?

Cheers,
HalfSwede

[FHouston]

Now, this is what I'm talking about....HalfSweed poses some of the same questions and concerns that many of us probably have, namely, more of the "How-to" aspect of muse design.

As I've mentioned in a few other posts, many of us are willing to learn, we have the desire and the independent spirit, but we need to know HOW to apply and execute certain principles. With all of the garbage and overwhelming amount of information out there, we need to find and learn from legitimate sources.

For example, in an effort to learn, should I start with learning Google Adwords? When should SEO come into the mix? How about the process of studying markets and selecting a product? There's a lot to learn out there, many of us are more than willing to learn, but we just need to sort it all out and start with QUALITY information that will end up being productive for us.

[webgal]

Well, I don't think you need to start with Google adwords. At this point an overview. And HalfSwede does have experience as a salesman and an independent business owner so he applied this knowledge to his copy which is an enormous advantage and it shows.

This would be my approach, much simplified.

Product and area of interest
Define and narrow target market
Define your site and marketing strategy
Start thinking about domain name
Then choose your tools to build a website since they depend on all the above.

Basically,
Planning> building> marketing

[Marcie]

Great post. As much as I thought I knew about web marketing before, Tim's book (and this forum) have really opened my eyes. I really think "niche" is the word - and the future - become a subject matter expert (or perhaps you already are) at something you are really passionate about. Otherwise, it'll bore you over time - just like a regular job :) Carve out your own place in the web and own it.

[Sven]

Well you got it just about right!
I would like to change one thing and add another. I have used adobe's contribute but did not realy master it. Looking back I think it s best to skip html editors altogether and use open source cms. I'm not saying that contribute can't deliver a good website (I just don't know how :-), cms gives a neater, better looking website with way more features and is way quicker. That's the 80/20 way.

The one thing I'd like to ad is an odd in your list:
In order to succeed you must have STARTED. The experience is more important than the result, start, and keep trying stuff out. You do not need to master your list before you start. So forget about aweber and integrating paypal for now, just get going.

Sven

[HalfSwede]

The one thing I'd like to ad is an odd in your list:
In order to succeed you must have STARTED. The experience is more important than the result, start, and keep trying stuff out. You do not need to master your list before you start. So forget about aweber and integrating paypal for now, just get going.

Sven

I agree to a point. Agreed that you must start somewhere. To emphasize a couple of words in my original post, I mention "learn as you go" which, to me, implies starting then learning as opposed to learning then starting. Also, I mention becoming "proficient" and "basic understanding", not necessarily being a "master." For what I wanted to do, I needed to start learning Aweber and PayPal. Now, I have a basic understanding of those two tools, but certainly wouldn't call myself a "master." Certainly I will be learning more as I go. Maybe in a year I will be a "master." :)

Your first point about Adobe Contribute vs. Open Source CMS is a good example. I had someone mention Contribute to me and have never heard of Open Source CMS. So, for my first project, I used what I had heard about. It got the job done, although I am certain there are better ways. Next time, I may say, "Hey, I remember this Sven dude mentioning something about CMS Open Source or something like that, maybe I'll check that out"...and in the process learn how to make better looking and faster web sites.

Thanks for mentioning Open Source CMS...I'll look into it.

Cheers,
HalfSwede

[webgal]

Well, like everything else, what you use to build your site hinges on what it is you want to do. You match the tool to suit your goal. Most everyone does this backwards. Once you have at least a goal (marketing strategy) and objectives (things you want to achieve with your site, ie SEO, affiliate marketing?) and you make a list of the "stuff" you want on your site, then you choose the tool to build it.

For example, there are actually some sites that do not hinge on SEO but on PPC. So you'd build it differently.

Even if I use Wordpress, I use Dreamweaver to make it my own and play with the stylesheet. And even if I have ecommerce or wordpress, there are some files I have downloaded for either backup or to alter on my local system so I can use seek and find, css hint tools etc.

This is a good newbie's guide. And while I have reviewed this ebook and I sell it on one of my sites, I'm going to lead you directly to the author's sales page, which I am not affiliated with. The link is NOT an affiliate link and I do not get kick backs for leading you there.

It is written by a Canadian writer who has done a nice job explaining what an autoresponder is, cPanel, fantastico. It is really basic but has some nice tutorials in a separate folder for specific subjects. This would not be for someone as far along as halfswede, sven or marcie but more for someone who is pretty new to the internet and really overwhelmed.

Lessons for a Newbie (http://lessonsforanewbie.com/)