Free Internet Web Directories are not a new thing; they have for a long time constituted a simple way for webmasters to increase their site’s search engine rankings.

Certain directories, however, are to be avoided; particularly the ones who ask for reciprocal links …

A number of Zlionauts, wanting to improve their ranking, have linked their Zlio Shops to Web Directories that demand reciprocal links in exchange. When getting out of hand, however, it can turn your Zlio Shop into something like that:

This, of course, strongly disturbs your Zlio Shop’s performance and tends to make your visitors flee the site. Furthermore, the practice of placing advertisement links on your Zlio Shop is forbidden, as mentioned in Zlio’s terms of use.

In order to avoid such situations, Zlio has decided to limit the creation of external links to five per Zlio Shop. Therefore it will from now on be possible to add external links only to your Shop’s footer, and only with a limit of five.

Every Zlio Shop not respecting these terms will be deleted without prior notice.

Nevertheless, to link one’s Shop to free Web Directories is always possible, and actually recommended. There are many quality Directories out there, although some of them may be hard to find.

Here is some advice on how to link your Shop to Web Directories:

1. In a text file, prepare all the important information relating to your Shop (title , description, keywords) in a way that will allow you to easily cut and paste this information into the required fields within the directories.

2. We suggest you avoid directories demanding a reciprocal link to your Shop. This type of partnership will not aid your shop in any way, and will simply jam your pages with unuseful logos and banners. The creation of direct links to such directories is in any case limited to five links.

3. Before submitting a store to a web directory, you should verify that it points directly to your Shop’s URL, and not to a redirection site, such as www.directory.net/redirect.php?site=shop.zlio.net. Only links pointing directly to your site will be picked up by the Search Engines.

4. Using a “directory of directories” allows you to compile an impressive list of quality directories which you can link your Zlio Shop to. An example for such a site is http://www.web-directories.ws

5. Look for directories that specialize in the topic of your Zlio Shop. For example, if your Shop specializes in home decor, type “home decor directory” into your Search Engine in order to find directories specializing in this topic.

6. Always keep an updated list of your web directory submissions, in order to avoid signing up twice with the same directory.

Dogs are known as “man’s best friend”. These days, however, they feel more like an integral part of our family, spending a great deal of their time with us and with our loved ones.

Is it any wonder then, that a survey by the Veterinary Pet Insurance (VPI) found that more and more dog owners give their four-legged friends human names? According to the survey, the names Max, Buddy, and Rocky top the list for male dogs, while the Top Three female dog names are Molly, Maggie, and Daisy.

As a tip of the hat to these beloved companions, Zlio has partnered up with an array of Petstore-Merchants who offer every product imaginable for pets in general, and for dogs in particular. Merchants such as 1-800-Petmeds, Dog.com, and Petco are just at the tip of the iceberg.

Do you have a dog? What is his or her name? Do you love your dog enough to create a Zlio Store under his or her name? Why not take a close up picture of that beloved companion of yours, and stick it right on the frontpage of your Store? We think there’s no better way to pay homage to your best friend, especially when there are thousands of products you can fill your Store with !

You created a Zlio Shop highlighting the topic of vacations, mountains or the ocean, and now you’re not sure which keywords to use?

Why not make use of Google’s Keyword Tool?

This easy to use tool will allow you to follow the latest trends by finding the most up-to-date keywords.

You can check out their Website at: https://adwords.google.com/select/KeywordToolExternal

Here’s an example:

Type in the following keywords:

• travel
• travels
• beach
• ocean
• mountain
• mountains

Validate your selection by clicking on Get keyword ideas

A table will be displayed which, by default, will show three colums:

• Advertiser Competition
• Approximate Search Volume
• Approximate Average Search Volume

Don’t hesitate to be curious: access the drop down menu and choose which columns you want displayed.

We suggest you select Search Volume, which shows you the changes for a specific keyword within a twelve month period.

Note that you can choose a Match Type for your keyword. This is especially helpful when using whole phrases as keywords.

An example with the phrase “summer vacation”

• Broad Match – This is the default option. Results will appear for both “summer” and ”vacation”, in any order, and possibly along with other terms, both in singular and plural.
• Phrase Match – Results for “summer vacation” will appear in this exact order, and possibly along with other terms in the query.
• Exact Match – Results will appear for the specific phrase, in this order, and without any other terms in the query.
• Negative Keyword – You can use negative keywords if you want to exclude certain terms and phrases from the results.

One of the best things you can do for your Zlioshop, or any online business for that matter, is to stay on top of what’s happening on the web.

New applications, technology, and methods of promotion and communication are developed everyday to give surfers a more complete web experience. We’ve decided to put together a list of the 10 essential websites to know and watch so that you can stay in the now:

1. Technorati: The most comprehensive blog search engine on the web. Also an internet search engine, use Technorati to find out what people are most interested in right now. Check the top 100 list to see whose blogs and websites are succeeding and why.

2. Del.icio.us: Social bookmarking that works primarily on tags. Keep track of subjects that interest you and perfom tag searches for just about anything. For example try “Cheat at CSS” if you’re looking for some new designs for your Zlioshop.

3. Digg: Another social bookmarking site that works primarily on user votes and catgories. Submit stories, news, blog articles and more then vote and leave comments.

4. Mashable: The Social Networking blog. If it’s important and it’s online chances are you’ll find it on Mashable.

5. Facebook: Long having since surpassed its predecessor Myspace, Facebook allows you to use groups and pages to promote anything you like without having to spam your friends.

6. Stumble Upon: “Discover” new websites with this interactive browser. Be sure to submit your Zlioshop so that millions of users can “stumble” across it.

7. Webware: The best of Web 2.0 applications and news.

8. InternetNews: Find out what’s happening on the net, right now, with this traditional newspaper approach to web news.

9. The Consumerist: “Shopper’s Bite Back” at The Consumerist. Find out what consumers really think, what they like, and what they’re angry about on this blog.

10. Lifehacker: “Tips And Downloads For Getting Things Done.” Interested in computers? Why not use the same principles to upgrading and organizing your machines with your life.

There seems to always be a new trend on the horizon, whether it be bringing back the tapered jean or sending wheat grass instead of flowers.

2008 is witnessing the greatest and most unexpected comeback for food lovers: the return of the cupcake. Cupcakes you say? Yes, I say cupcakes. All over the country, super posh designer cupcake shops are opening up to fill the growing demand for our lost childhood treat – and these are no ordinary cupcakes. We’re talking red velvet cake and cream cheese icing cupcakes, pumpkin spice cupcakes, mimosa cupcakes, or even the fruit du jour, pomegranate.

Specialty cupcake shops have been reporting lines that extend down the block in cities like New York, Chicago, DC, and LA.  With all of this cupcake buzz, now would be the perfect time to add some confectionary goodness to your Zlioshop. Check out books on baking, decorating, and designing cupcakes with everything from art inspired to vegan.

Our merchants have also got plenty of baking supplies including cupcake trays for the oven and cupcake stands for presenting your beautiful creations when you’ve finished. 

Get in the now and add some cupcake inspired deliciousness to your Zlioshop today!

The days are getting hotter and longer, school is out for summer, and it’s finally time to head to the beach. 

Get ready for fun in the sun by packing a virtual beach bag for your Zlioshop. Be sure to stock all of those beach essentials that keep yourself and your family safe and comfortable in the heat! 

Virtual Beach Bag Essentials:

• Sunscreen
• Swimsuits and bikinis
• Big beach towel
• Umbrella
• Books
• Mp3 player and portable speakers
• Volleyball net, bad minton, or other beach games
• Cooler 
• Flip flops and sandals
• Sunglasses
• Hats
• Beach bags
• Beach tents and shelters for families with kids

Create a beach themed Zlioshop for summer or even a “Virtual Beach Bag” category within your preexisting shop to sell those beach essentials all sumer long!

What is a social network service? “A social network service uses software to build online social networks for communities of people who share interests and activities or who are interested in exploring the interests and activities of others.” *

Did you know that the growth of social networking has caused even the Presidential candidates to move their campaigns onto sites like Myspace and Facebook? You too can maximize use of free social networking sites to promote your Zlioshop.

Add a link to your Zlioshop on Myspace and Facebook and be sure to invite your friends to come take a look.

Groups are a great way to get people involved – like this Zlionaut who started a Facebook group for their Zlioshop and already has over 40 members!

Follow the lead and use the “Recent News” section to let people know when you’ve updated your Zlioshop by adding products or items on sale.

While you’re at it, be sure to become a fan of Zlio on Facebook here or join the Zlio members group here!

*Definition from Wikipedia.com

Do you sometimes feel overwhelmed with the selection of products when stocking your Zlioshop? Do your eyes get glossy at the sight of pages and pages of choices?

Try browsing our merchants websites through Zlio.com to find products you like first, then search and add them.

Here’s how:

Once you’ve logged in, go to “Manage My Store.” Click on “My Revenues” and then select “Manage Merchants” from the drop down menu (you may remember this page from How To Ban A Merchant).

Now select a merchant you like and click on the corresponding badge on the left. You’ll note that once the merchant’s home page opens, you are still logged into Zlio and can surf through the Zlio Gallery.

Browse products, noting what you like for later searches – and when you want to change merchants, just select one from the list on the top right hand side!

Another approach to browsing may help you discover products that you didn’t even know you needed to have!

The Beijing Olympic Games for 2008 may not be beginning until August 8, but the ceremony has already begun!

Chinese President Hu Jintao announced the official launch of the Beijing Olympic torch relay on March 31st in Beijing’s Tian’anmen Square – and the journey has begun.

Last night marked the beginning of the Almaty leg of the torch relay, which will be the torch’s first stop on it’s international tour of 135 cities!

Why not get ahead of the games by opening your Olympic-themed Zlioshop today?

Try adding Olympic products like signed photos and game balls from Grandstand Sports Memorabilia, or dedicate your Zlioshop to your favorite Olympic sport. You could even open a Beijing-themed Zlioshop featuring travel guides etc. to help all those travelers going to see the games!

Once you’ve logged in to “Manage My Store” click on “My Revenues” and select “Manage Merchants from the drop-down menu. Click on any merchant’s logo and save money on all your own purchases automatically!

You can also buy from your own Zlioshop!

*Note that this offer is only applicable through the “pay per sell offers” section.