7 Things to Consider When Choosing an Automatic Site Generator

Everyone wants an easy way to do things. Whether it?s making food or doing a job, they always want the way that is easiest. Sometimes, however, the easy way isn?t the best. Sometimes the best way is to simply take the time to do it yourself ? or use something good to help you do it.

When it comes to web site creation, people tend to go for an automatic web site generator. Some do it because they don?t have a lot of time to create a site; others do it because they don?t know how to create a site. Chances are, you?re one of those people considering using an automatic web site generator. You want to know if you can craft a good niche site using an automatic web site generator. In this article, we?ll go over the pros and cons of using an automatic web site generator.

The Pros of the Automatic Web Site Generator

We previously said that the easy way isn?t always the best. Does that mean you shouldn?t consider an automatic web site generator? No, it simply means that you should closely look at all the pros and cons of using one before making a decision.

Automatic web site generators are great for several reasons.

1. They are easy to use

Those who are new to web design probably don?t feel they know enough to create their own site. Perhaps they consider hiring someone. But what if you could get a good web site designed for a very low price? That?s the option that an automatic web site generator gives to you. You are able to create good looking sites without paying a ton of money or learning HTML/ASP/PHP coding.

2. An automatic web site generator creates a quality site in a small amount of time

If you do have experience in web design, but lack the time and energy to pour into designing your own site, that?s also where automatic web site generators come in handy. They do every single bit of the coding and design for you, so that you don?t have to do the time-consuming labor involved in manually creating a site. An automatic web site generator makes the job easy and convenient for you.

3. There is no need to figure out complicated coding?an automatic web site generator does it for you

Often the hardest part of web development is to fix coding errors. When you choose to use an automatic web site generator, you won?t have to fix errors because there will be none. The automatic web site generator is accurate in coding ? it?s what it does.

The Cons of the Automatic Web Site Generator

Virtually everything has its down side, The automatic web site generator is no different. Be sure to consider the following before deciding whether or not to use an automatic web site generator.

1. You might not be able to generate a site that you like

One clear con about the use of an automatic web site generator is that you aren?t able to really choose what you?d like on your site at design time. The automatic web site generator does the work for you and decides how to design the site. For those who want to pick and choose elements on their site, they will not like the automatic web site generator (unless some time is spent working on the underlying page template).

2. Your site won?t be fully customizable

Many people who have a site like to add a personal touch to the site to make it their own. You can?t do that with a site made with an automatic web site generator. What you get is what you see?you can?t really edit it to your liking at design time, instead you need to go and modify the pages after they?ve been generated.

3. The site won?t always be of a high quality

Some automatic web site generators create sites which don?t really look good. They look canned and unoriginal. That?s one of the disadvantages of using an automatic web site generator?the site is often not very good looking. This of course is down to the individual who?s created the site and can be over come by simply spending the some additional time on the page template that you?re using or spending some cash on a predefined template that you like.

4. The site?s design might be used by another site, thus making your site look bad

Because your site is created by an automatic web site generator, there may be several other sites on the web that look exactly like yours. This hurts your credibility and makes you look bad. Again if this is a concern (and for some it isn?t ? because they are purposely trying to brand themselves like a competitor) it is a very simple task to find a template vendor who has freshly designed templates that are for sale only to a limited number of clients.

When deciding whether or not to use an automatic web site generator, take all of the above into consideration. You should be able to make the right decision for you and your site. It is worth noting that there are many different products on sale which will automatically generate a site for you but only a handful that will consistently allow you to build high quality sites.

Paul Foley is the creator of the Cash Sense software and as such knows automatic site generation. Paul also provides a newsletter with lots of free information that will help the niche maketer make the most of opportunities. Cash Sense Newsletter

Postcard Marketing is a Lead Generator-Not a Brand Builder

I would like to make two important points about postcard marketing:

Point #1 - "Learn More" is Not an Offer
Here's the reason I stress this point. While working in the postcard marketing industry, "learn more" was one of the most frequently used calls-to-action I saw put onto postcards. The problem was, these companies gave the reader no reason to learn more. No incentive was mentioned. No compelling argument was made. No mention of the value to be had. Just a plain old "learn more."

I call this the "so what" factor. I get postcards all the time that tell me a little about the company and close with a "learn more" statement. "So what," is my immediate reaction. How does this apply to me?

You could also call this the "we exist" approach to marketing, where the company sends a postcard to thousands of people just to prove their existence. Trust me, in this day and age, you have to do a lot more than exist if you expect your marketing to generate a response.

Here's the bottom line. "Learn more" can no longer stand on its own as an offer or incentive. It will not spur anyone to act. You need to include something of real value if you expect any kind of response.

Point #2 - Postcard Marketing is Not a Branding Tool
Visit the websites of a few postcard printing companies, and you'll hear the phrase "top of mind awareness" tossed around a lot. The idea is that by sending a constant barrage of postcards, you will be "top of mind" with your potential audience.

I don't know about you, but on a given day, I don't have any companies at the top of my mind. Nor do I remember the postcards I received yesterday or last week. If a postcard has a valuable offer that's relevant to me, I'll hang on to it for later consideration. I might even respond to it right away. But if it follows the "we exist" approach to marketing, it gets a big "so what" from me.

Postcard marketing is a response-based medium, not a branding tool. If you're engaging in postcard mailings just to build awareness, you're on a slippery slope that will eventually blow your marketing budget with little to show for it.

In postcard marketing, repetition does help. But it's not a magic cure. The key is to repeat the mailings that work, not just the mailings in general. A failure repeated many times rarely becomes a success -- not in my experience.

Focus on building a successful postcard first and foremost. Set your sites on response generation and/or lead generation. When a postcard generates leads, it can then be repeated and improved upon. But don't repeat a postcard failure just because a vendor tells you to. They stand to gain in such scenarios; you do not.

Good luck with your postcard marketing!

* Copyright 2007, Brandon Cornett. You may republish this article online as long as you retain the author's byline and the active hyperlinks below.

Brandon Cornett is the publisher of PostcardSmart.com, the Internet's largest library of postcard marketing advice. He is also the author of a forthcoming book on postcard marketing, due out on March 1, 2007. To stay informed about the book's release, you can subscribe to the blog located at http://www.postcardsmart.com/directmailblog/

ATV Dirt Bike Scooter Generator Dealers In The United States

ATV Dirt Bike and Scooter Dealers are on the rise in the United States. In fact, recent data suggests more ATV's were sold last year than small trucks which makes this a serious growth industry. With growth comes concerns. The price point on these motorized vehicles is what fuels demand. However, the old adage of buyer beware should be in full effect here as well as you get what you pay for.

It's important to deal with a quality importer when choosing to sell these motorized vehicles. Time and time again reports of new dealers with broken down units with no parts support seem to pop up on every ATV forum in North America. It's almost if you need to buy 10 sell 6 and use the extra 4 to strip for parts. The alternative is do nothing is destroy your existing customer base and risk damaging your preexisting business.

This can be a real mess or as some would say, "My secondary income has become my primary headache." In response, some quality importers such as Honda Jackel and Kymko has stressed the need for only selling to established shops and retail outlets. How many times have you seen a Redcat or Kazuma brand ATV on the side of the road next to a Dairy Queen? Buy an ATV and get a free Belt Buster Hamburger....Obviously, the industry is due for a change. This practice of selling to anybody and no parts support hurts us all.

The ATV Dirt Bike Scooter industry is a sure fire growth market. Please remember with explosive growth comes some potential serious pitfalls. Choose an importer that stands behind their product and does the little things like answer the phone, back end parts support and only sells to quality dealers.

Jackel Motorsports is a well respected quality importer of ATV's Dirt Bikes Scooters and Generators that care about the little things and takes a stand against the many bad apples that are starting to pollute the industry. They can be reached at 1-888-529-8629 or by email sales@jackel.com http://www.jackel.com

Hydrogen Fuel Cell Generators for Trucks

In many states truck drivers are not allowed to let their trucks idle all night. The reason has to do with pollution, but the problem is the truck drivers need a way power for heaters, air-conditioning and such and they will run down the batteries if they use too much juice.

One option many truck drivers opt for is to buy a portable generator. We now there are portable Hydrogen cell generators available. There are now commercial portable generators you can buy for your home to power up your house, cabin or shop. There are small golf carts, mopeds and automobiles, which run on hydrogen cells.

These make great portable generators for the Trucking Industry so drivers do not run their engines all night wasting fuel. Since the storage of hydrogen is not so simple and the availability not so simple these types of portable generators would work best in the Trucking Industry for those companies which already have Hydrogen Fuel Tanks at their depots, distribution centers or trucking terminals.

Nevertheless, if all trucks at truck stops were running Fuel Cell Generators then the truck drivers would get better sleep at night without all the rumbling engine noise and they would not be subject to all the CO2 pollution and thus could open their windows at night without choking on fumes.

The T-5 Group (The Truck Think Tank Team) understands the reality of such massive implementation in the Industry and thus although this may never come to pass in the next decade, we thought it of interest to bring it to your attention.

Some studies have shown that Truck Drivers have severely weakened immune systems due to the noise at truck stops which permeates and it causes their pulse rate to jump as much as 40% of normal during sleep. This has long-term health implications, as well as causing drowsiness leading to sleep depravation issues, lack of concentration and potential for accidents. Fuel Cell generators are quiet and pollution free.

L. Winslow is a Transportation and Economic Advisor to the Online Think Tank, a Futurist and retired entreprenuer. Currently he is planning a bicycle ride across the US to raise money for charity and is sponsored by http://www.Calling-Plans.com and all the proceeds will go to various charities who sign up.

Solar Power Versus Generator ? The Choice

As I write this in early 2007, the controversy over global warming has heated up (pun intended), and people are taking another look at solar power versus generator. For those living outside the power grid, the second look may save not only the green in the rain forest, but also the green in the bank.

Many who live "off the grid" in isolated locations have traditionally relied on generators for electrical power. Others have installed generators for back-up, emergency electrical power. Neither thought there was a choice, but now there is a choice: solar power versus generator.

In this article, we look at the choice. Which is more economical; more convenient; more environmentally friendly? Should you make the change?

Solar Power versus Generator - Cost

The cost of solar power versus generator is much less over the long term.

The initial cost of a solar power system will be greater than that of a generator system. This is often the reason people install a generator rather than choose solar power. One must look beyond the initial cost, however, to get the full comparison of solar power versus generator.

* Solar power, once installed, has little maintenance or further expense. There is no fuel to purchase, since the sun's energy fuels the system.

* Generators are not so. After installation, a generator will require regular servicing by a professional every 6 months. Generators require fuel ? a cost that is constantly increasing. Moving generator parts must be replaced from time to time due to wear and tear.

Solar Power versus Generator ? Convenience

Convenience is another factor to consider when looking at solar power versus generator power. Solar power is much more convenient than generator power.

* Solar power may be less convenient to purchase and install, since it is not as widely available as generators. This is due to the currently small market for solar power. As the market increases, however, this will be less of a problem. Solar power systems have no moving parts to wear out or need lubrication. Once installed, solar power requires little attention. The user can almost forget it.

* Generators are widely available, so convenient to purchase and install. Convenience decreases after installation, though. A generator must be monitored frequently to be sure sufficient fuel is available. It must be refilled often when used as a regular source of power. Fuel must be ordered and delivery taken ? or fuel must be hauled by the owner. The system must be serviced twice a year. This servicing will include filter changes, an oil change, a tune up, and complete inspection of the entire unit. Worn parts must be replaced.

Solar Power versus Generator ? Efficiency

The solar power versus generator battle includes the matter of efficiency, too. Which is more cost-effective? The facts seem to point to solar power.

* Solar power is received in through the panels, free of cost, and stored in batteries. It is ready for use when needed, but in times of reduced usage, the power remains in storage.

* Generators run constantly, regardless of the amount of power being used at a given time. As they run, they consume costly fuel. When power usage is reduced in bright daylight, generators must continue to run.

Solar Power versus Generator ? Dependability

Some argue that, in comparing solar power versus generator, we must compare the dependability factor. In this area, they claim, generators win.

* Solar power is very dependable in locations that have bright sunlight 300+ days of the year. In areas with less sunlight, or during periods of cloudiness and storm, solar power is less dependable. The system will continue to provide power from charged batteries, but will eventually go dead. Having said that, it must be noted that Germany, which has far fewer sunny days than most of North America, is said to have much higher usage of solar power. The problem of dependability seems not that big.

* Generator systems do not depend on sunlight. They do, however, depend on fuel. If storms or some other disaster hinders one from replenishing the fuel supply, generators also become useless.

Solar Power versus Generator ? Eco-friendliness

Finally, eco-friendliness must be considered in any discussion of solar power versus generator. That is, which is kinder to the environment: solar power or generator? The obvious answer again is solar power.

* Solar power has no emissions when working. There is no pollution involved in fuel production ? no greenhouse gases. It is totally clean. Solar power uses a renewable energy source.

* A big drawback to generator use is still the matter of emissions and the environment. Generators are usually run on diesel fuel, and diesel fuel is produced from a fossil fuel. There are emissions in the production of the fuel, and also in its use. Diesel generators are a major source of air pollution and high sulfur levels in North America. Exposure to diesel generator exhaust can lead to health hazards.

Solar Power versus Generator ? the Solution

For most people, the resolution of the solar power versus generator debate is to install a hybrid system. Using solar power as the main energy source will save money. The fuel is free. Solar power is convenient, efficient, and eco-friendly. What it lacks in dependability can be made up by having a small back-up generator for prolonged cloudy periods.

My Choice

When I compare solar power versus generator, I definitely have to choose solar power. It is clean, free, quiet, and peaceful.

© 2007, Anna Hart. Anna Hart invites you to read more of her articles about solar power at http://www.solar-energy-connection.com. Anna has also posted articles on that site about solar power for homes. If you want basic information about solar power for the home, you won?t want to miss her article on the subject.