Health Upgraders

People think that its easy to make money from the Internet. While the cost of setting up a company has gotten cheaper on the average compared to the Industrial Age overhead. You also have more people with the same idea to compete with now. So in exchange for less capital, you get more competition. If its not one thing its the other.

There is a theory why not everybody, a large majority of online businesses fail to make money online: The Pareto Principle.

Simply stated. The Pareto Principle posits that there is an imbalance in the way wealth flows. A significant minority of a certain group will always get a larger share than the rest of the majority in terms of certain desirables like profit, market share, customer satisfaction, etc.

Most people tend to assume that all things are in equilibrium in one way or another. It was assumed that 100 units of input usually and logically gives you simply 100 units of output as well. But this is not the case. This fallacy is so prevalent most people take it at face value.

The Truth is that 100 units of input can actually give you back 0 to more than 100 units of output. If in actuality, you take a look at reality, when the causes and effects of a phenomenon are analyzed, more often than not it will show an imbalanced result.

We use the numbers 80/20 to show the disparity in general, but the results arent usually along this ratio. There is usually no 50/50 balance but more often an 80/20, 70/30, or even a 99/1 ratio. Therefore, when we have grasped at the true critical relationships of a phenomena, then the natural state of things is most likely to be significantly imbalanced.

So what does this have to do with making money online? Very elementary, Dear Watson. The Pareto Principle also applies in force to the Internet. Why are most businesses not making much money online? It is because a businesss presence is not optimized to its strengths, giving Murphys Law a big field day.

To be more specific, here are the reasons why:

1. Great wealth flows to the most optimized. Businesses that have spent the time to capitalize on their strengths and protect their weaknesses will have the advantage in attracting more business. This is because most people online who want to purchase a service or a product prefer that it can be reliable as well as trustworthy with the money they spend.

Businesses that have determined their target market and spent the time aggressively wooing these customers get the most revenue. Take note that even a slight advantage is highly valued by customers.

2. Concentration on a strength that matter to the customer. Markets are fickle. And online businesses that take the time to identify their target markets needs and wants will always get the customers favor and money.

Another benefit on making the effort to communicate with the customer is the surgical and precise allocation of capital to support and enhance a feature customers value. Businesses like these are never flying blind.

3. Businesses that react or initiate actions to positive or negative customer feedback the fastest gets the businesses. Companies that address a customers feedback for better service and sustains it while making a profit, gets more customers to be loyal to the business.

Since customers mostly do not want to start searching for a better business unless they see the advantage from a competitor or worse, forced by incompetent service from their current provider, it would logically be better for a business to just make significant adjustments to keep customers than lose them to competitors.

Most online businesses do not see the potential dangers of ignoring feedback from customers and not taking action to rectify their concerns in the most effective way possible. The next point explains this.

4. Small factors exponentially affect huge outputs. Imagine a herd of zebra in an African plain. When one zebra spots a lion nearby, it alerts the rest of the herd, and they run for safety.

Same goes with the money from customers. If at a crucial moment negative feedback from customers hit critical mass, customers will start moving to the nearest seemingly competent competitor for safety. Customers follow safety in numbers.

This is also the same for making profits. Customers who found gold in a company in terms of product or service will try to get everybody else on the bandwagon, creating a vortex of spending that concentrates on the lucky company. Sales will be exponential as long as it can sustain the phenomena that customers are crazy about.

Many web users frequently involve themselves in at least one online forum. Online forums are a great way to connect with others on a more personal level. Some forums are very informal and involve discussion on everyday issues, while others are more informational. If you are trying to find free ways to advertise your own website, using online forums to promote website traffic is a great idea. There are several ways you can use online forums to promote website traffic. You should carefully consider the various different approaches and how you want your company to be viewed before using a forum as a means of advertising.

The easiest way you can use an online forum to promote your website, is by simply adding a link to your website in your forum “signature”. Many forums allow each member to create a “signature” that is added to the bottom of each of their posts. If you include your website address, it is likely that others you chat with in the forums will become more familiar with the website name and probably even check it out. This is one of the most reserved ways to promote website traffic in online forums. This is a great option for someone who does not want to be as pushy about the advertising aspect. You can be more natural with the ad delivery by using forums in this manner. You can even begin visiting forums that you usually don’t, just to get your “signature” out there more frequently across the web. Many blogs also allow comment sections where you can leave your website in your “signature”, so take advantage of these avenues as well.

You can also simply post advertisements into online forums. This is a more direct way of reaching those that read the forum. It is free indeed, however you need to be aware of a few things before using this approach. First, some online forum moderators do not allow direct advertisements on their boards. They usually don’t do this to be mean or unreasonable; they do it to avoid the entire forum being filled with advertisements. It is possible that you may be able to sneak an advertisement in without being scolded, but it is better to follow the rules.

Another thing to consider when using direct advertisements in online forums is that the entire approach may seem a little pushy. Many people consider online forums as a place that is personal and free from annoying ads. Therefore, they may not respond well to a direct advertisement as they may see it as being made by an intruder that is not part of the normal forum “family”. Being bold enough to go this route however will most definitely give your site more traffic, because some of the readers will be prompted to check out more information from your post.

When deciding to use online forums to promote website traffic you need to consider what types of forums would be most appropriate for your posts. You can certainly use forums that you regularly comment within, even if they have nothing to do with your website. People who are use to seeing your comments will likely respond warmly to your website just because they consider you familiar. In addition to your regular forums, consider searching for forums that have some sort of a link to the content on your website.

For example, if you have a website about exercise, consider looking for a fitness forum to post within. After posting at the sites that are directly related to the content of your website, consider going to those that are somewhat related. Using the same example for the exercise website, consider also posting on sites that are about overall health or dieting. This will attract a broader audience. Overall, the more people you reach with your use of online forums to promote website traffic, the more positive results you will see. Using forums are perfect for those on a tight budget who still want to promote their site. Just be sure to consider forum rules and choose an appropriate approach before posting. You don’t want to ruin your website’s reputation or even the reputation of your business.

Anybody that has a web site wants more traffic, and specifically
targeted traffic. Without targeted traffic (visitors that are
truly looking for what you are selling) a very low percentage of
visitors will buy from your site.

Although it is much tougher to get targeted traffic to your site
the odds that someone will buy your products will be much
higher. On the other hand, if you can get enough non-targeted
traffic to your site, even with a low percentage of sales, you
can still increase your income by a similar amount.

Think about it. If you could get 100 highly-targeted visitors a
day to your site and sell to 10% of those potential buyers, you
would be making money. However, by attracting 1000 non-targeted
visitors to your site each day and selling to only 1% of those
viewers you would make the same number of sales. So the question
becomes “which is easier to attract, targeted or non-targeted
traffic?”

I don’t think anyone would disagree with me when I say
non-targeted traffic is much easier to get. One of the best and
fastest ways to attract new visitors to your site is with paid autosurf
programs. You can sign up with several paid autosurf sites and
then almost immediately have hundreds of viewers looking at your
site daily. And it is free to join many of these. No matter what
you are selling a certain percentage of those viewers will in
all likelihood be interested. You could be selling dog biscuits
and at least a few of the 1000 visitors to your site will be
interested.

Ideally you should attract targeted visitors to your site, and
there are several good ways to do that. But while you are
working hard to get good traffic to your site you may want to
get others to visit too. After all, a few sales from low-quality
visitors is better than no sales. While you are building up your
targeted traffic you could also be getting non-targeted traffic
for some extra sales. Why limit yourself to just one group of
potential buyers?

If you are interested in quality traffic there are several
methods that you might want to try. One of the best ways is with
testimonials. There are two ways to benefit with testimonials.
One, whenever you buy a product from someone else you can send
them a testimonial that they can publish on their site. Internet
marketers know that “testimonials sell products” and will many
times love to add your testimonial to their site. A testimonial
adds credibility and potential buyers are more likely to buy a
product from someone that has lots of great testimonials. The
trick here is to make sure you include a link to your site in
your testimonial. When someone visits the other site and sees
your testimonial they can click on the link to your site. Only
people interested in what you are selling will come to your site
…targeted traffic.

The second way to benefit from testimonials is to put some of
them on your site. If you can get email addresses for the people
buying from you it is a simple matter of mailing a request for a
testimonial to them. You can put these testimonials on your site
which will increase your credibility with shoppers, even with
the non-targeted shoppers.

Writing articles is another way to promote your site and get
targeted visitors at the same time. There are many popular free
article directories on the web that you can submit your articles
to. Other web masters often get articles from these directories
and then add them to their own sites. All you have to do is
write an interesting article (like this one) and then submit it
to several article directories. Not only will these article
sites publish your article on their site (with links to your
site), but others will grab your article and put it on their own
sites (with links to your site). Some of the more popular
article directories are ezinearticles.com, goarticles.com,
articledashboard.com, isnare.com and many others. Just type in
“free article directories” in a search engine and you will be
amazed how many there are.

These are two great methods for attracting high quality traffic.
But what about the easier low quality traffic? The best way to
get traffic quickly is to sign up with online autosurf programs.
It seems like most of them are scams, but there are actually a
few very good ones. Not only will you get your site viewed by
many, but you can also make some very good money with these auto
surf programs. Autosurfing has become an extremely popular way
to not only make money online, but to get lots of traffic to
your site.

Companies like you, that have web sites, can get lots of traffic
from autosurf programs. When you join an auto surf program you
have the option to list your web site in their “autosurf”
rotation. Some paid auto surf programs even allow you to join
for free. And you can usually join the others for just a few
dollars. Thousands of other people that belong to those autosurf
programs will end up viewing your web site every day.

But in addition to attracting others to your web store you can
also make money autosurfing. For many, auto surfing is big home
business. Some people are making thousands of dollars every
month. You might actually end up making more from paid autosurf
programs than you will selling your products online. Although
there are plenty of autosurf scams out there you can also find
some very honest auto
surf programs where you can make a good return on your
investment. You just need to do your homework before joining any
of the hundreds of autosurf programs on the net.

So there you have it. We have discussed three successful ways to
get visitors to your site. And remember, if you limit your
attention to only targeted traffic you will be missing a lot of
non-targeted traffic and potential sales. Keep an open mind
about the type of traffic you want to attract and you can be
successful with your online business.

Web hosting is an online program for people to store information, videos, pictures, etc. Web hosts provide space for customers on the internet in order for them to create web pages. Generally, web hosts are only adequate for personal home pages, as larger, more intricate sites require more complex packages with database support and development platforms. Most people get there start using free hosting however, free web hosting is very limited when compared to paid hosting, since they have a small disk space, and require you to have your own ads on your site. Shared hosting is paid hosting where your site is on the same server as many other sites. Some problems with shared hosting is that if something goes wrong with one site, it effects all of the other sites as well. There are also a few restrictions with shared hosting, although these are not even close to how limited free hosting is.

Dedicated hosting is paid hosting which can be quite expensive. You will have your own server with dedicated hosting, and there are virtually no restrictions. Dedicated hosting is more expensive than shared hosting because there is a never ending supply of addresses for dedicated hosting. However, dedicated hosting requires you to have an http server certificate, FTP access, and a domain server name. If you are just starting out with creating web pages, most people would recommend using free hosting at first. After upgrading to shared hosting, you can then decide if dedicated hosting is for you.

Project Safekids provides webmasters a valuable tool which could save a child’s life. Add our Amber Alert Ticker to your website today.

Please visit Http://www.projectsafekids.org/code.html to get an Amber Alert Ticker for your website today.

Our Amber Alert News feed displays information about abducted children as it happens. This auto updating content. You simply enter a few lines of html code into your web pages and that’s it. If a tip comes from your site which leads to the arrest and conviction of a child abducter you are paid a reward.

Project Safekids is a not for profit community service organization dedicated to creating awareness of the dangers that face our children and families daily. Interested in sponsoring an event? Please Contact Us , our trained professionals will help you assess which event will best serve your needs.

Project Safekids is the foremost provider of child safety programs throughout the U.S.A. In an effort to make our services available to more families all of our child safety programs are available on a National Level. Project Safekids Child Identification programs were created specifically to work with the National Amber Alert System. Amber Alerts work ! Over 155 children have been successfully recovered as a result of the National Amber Alert since being signed into law on April 30th,2003.

Please visit Http://www.projectsafekids.org/code.html to get an Amber Alert Ticker for your website today.

Over the space of a year, central London conference centre One Great George Street has more than doubled their web traffic from re-designing their website to make it more user friendly and DDA compliant. To gain better search engine positioning and hence increase traffic further they have also embarked on an SEO project.

Who are One Great George Street?
One Great George Street is an elegant and historic central London conference venue. Situated in the heart of Westminster the venue has 19 rooms suitable for a plethora of events, from conferences to meetings; training sessions to product launches, awards dinners to private fine dining and the venue is also available for exclusive use for weekend wedding receptions. With modern and traditional rooms and the capacity for 6-400 guests, there’s a room for every occasion.

Although a well known and established conference venue already, in 2004 it was felt that the corporate image needed to be updated to better reflect the prestigious nature of the business. So, along with a new logo and new brochures an access-friendly website was brought online in Feb 2005.

Website creation
Designed and created with the help of marketing agency WDPA (now SOUK Response) and built by E-Business (part of Thomas Telford Ltd), the new site adopted the fresh new streamlined look that can be seen on all other literature and material. As well as updating the site aesthetically, the aim was also to make it more in line with the new DDA standards. The venue is keen to offer a service for all, so that people of all abilities have easy access to the site and the facilities in the building.

Improvements and additions included an option for changing text size for sight-impaired users and a page detailing accessibility features in the building. A text version is also currently being developed to improve the accessibility. With a clear navigation system, it was made easier to work through from searching for a suitable room, to seeing virtual tours and making a booking. As wedding receptions are an increasingly valuable source of business to One Great George Street, two distinct sections were created – one for weddings and one for corporate visitors. These markets have very different requirements so it’s important to separate them to make the site more relevant for the visitor.

Search Engine Optimisation opportunities
On the SEO front, basic foundations were laid down by E-business in late 2005 with the aim of testing the waters whilst fully researching the SEO options. During the last 6 months since adding keywords, alt tags, meta tags etc, the positioning on the key search engines has increased slightly, but by working with an experienced SEO agency the aim is to get even higher visibility. Commercetuned (www.commercetuned.co.uk) are working on an ongoing project which includes adding new website coding, link building and providing recommendations on keyword positioning on the customer interface.

With search engine marketing and optimisation being such hot topics, the One Great George Street marketing strategy needs to keep up with and top of these trends and are therefore fully embracing any changes. The marketing plan has been adapted over the last two years to incorporate this more and more with all campaigns now including e-shots and web advertising as a core element and all communications are directing the client to the website.

Visitor numbers
With visitor numbers increasing so significantly, the re-designed website has been a great success. Over the last 3 months a key campaign was undertaken and a quarterly e-newsletter was distributed and the success of these can clearly be seen with visitor numbers at nearly triple what they were before the re-design. From the visitor statistics what is also very encouraging is the increase in ‘returning’ visitors. This again has doubled over the last 6 months to 28% of total visitors.

This increase in traffic is great news for the venue and is far more than expected, but there is still more that can be done to improve the awareness of this conference centre, which is why Commercetuned are now on board working on an all encompassing SEO/SEM project.

Sarah Wasser is the marketing manager at One Great George Street, a central London conference venue that also offers wedding receptions in Westminster

When a site has outgrown its web host on all counts or when a web host does not keep its promises, moving web hosts becomes imperative. If a web host fails to provide much needed expansion requirements or technical support you need to upgrade to one that can meet your growth needs.

The first step is to ensure that you have all legal documents and contracts with you. Then make sure you have accurate and updated copies of all content, databases, scripts, and clientele lists. A back up needs to be done as a matter of routine not just when you need to move. Trouble can rear it head in the form of hardware failure or unexplained data losses.

Research the market thoroughly before deciding on a new hosting service. List your requirements and look for a host that can exceed your needs. It is not just bandwidth that you need to look at. Consider technical support, upgrading options, as well as whether the host is keeping up with new developments in the field.

It is important to run from the two web hosts simultaneously for a period until all debugging is carried out and problems are solved. Activate your new solution and upload all your pages, databases, and scripts. Use the new IP address provided by the new company and test the site.

Once things function satisfactorily you must transfer the DNS servers from your previous host to the new one. The transition may take around two weeks so it is essential to keep both sites functional during that transition period. Check mails from both sites until such time you don’t receive any communications to the old site. Once you are sure, discontinue your old hosting service.

Be sure to:

* Select a new service that is similar to your old one as far as technology is concerned. And that you are using the latest design software and that the host has the latest server versions. This will maximize site efficacy.

* Check carefully the hosting service agreement pertaining to the new host.

* Choose a dedicated environment that will offer more capacity for dealing with online customers and provide adequate bandwidth allowances.

* Check out the benefits of an annual plan against a monthly one.

* Find out if your new web hosts are reliable, honest, and competent. The people running the web hosting service must comprehend the technology thoroughly and keep abreast of new developments.

* Check forums to see if the new host you have selected has good reviews and whether there are any valid complaints.

* The host must ensure that your site is up and running 24/7 for 365 days. The pages must load instantly; to this end the web host must have state of the art computer systems. CGI routines, autoresponders, PHP, ASP, SSI scripts, credit card gateways, and so on. All systems must function smoothly.

Be a wise and informed mover.

The use of traffic exchanges to increase web site traffic has been gaining popularity lately. Many webmasters are finding the ease of use, along with the free traffic too tempting to pass up. With very little effort webmasters can direct hundreds of visitors per day to their site. However, there are little “tricks” that can be done to maximize the traffic while limiting the time and effort spent working. While the following techniques are very simple to implement, there will be some work involved. Please be prepared to invest at least 30 minutes a day to this effort at first, and you will notice the time requirements will substantially decrease as time goes on, with it eventually reduced to zero!

Before we begin, I would like to first explain what a traffic exchange does and how it works. A traffic exchange allows webmasters tons of free traffic by viewing other people’s sites. It works on the basic function of “you-view-my-site-and-I-view-yours”. To gain credits/visitors, the user has to view a particular site for a certain time limit. Although each exchange works on a similar basic concept, the actual workings, time limits, and ratios can vary somewhat between each one.

There are two types of traffic exchanges, manual exchanges and auto exchanges. Manual exchanges require the user to click on a certain link at the end of the set time limit in order to gain credit. This is done to help ensure real people are viewing your site. Auto exchanges do not require a click to proceed to the next site, as it automatically loads upon the timer reaching zero. Auto exchanges can have a greater number of “fake” views because the user does not have to actually view your site, as credits can be aquired without the user present. This does not mean auto exchanges are without any merit however, as real people do use these, and I have personally generated many sales from auto traffic exchanges.

Perhaps the greatest draw of traffic exchanges is the fact that you can gain massive traffic using other people’s work and effort. Just about every exchange has a multi-tier type affiliate program that earns referring users a percentage of their downline’s earned credits. This can be huge once you are able to build a sizeable group of webmasters under you. This step will be the key to successfully getting the most out of your traffic exchanges and working as little as possible for a huge amount of traffic.

***Just a side note. Most traffic exchanges are free, but offer an “upgrade” package usually at a nominal monthly fee. If you refer users that upgrade, not only will you receive many credits from their efforts, most exchanges offer a monthly recurring commission for each referral. This is like icing on the cake; free traffic to your site AND a monthly residual income for the life of your referral!

Let’s get started. The first step is to find a handful of traffic exchanges that appeal to you. A search for “traffic exchange” on any search engine will bring up more than enough options for you to choose from. One traffic exchange that is essential to join is Tr afficSwarm.com. This exchange provides you with very targeted traffic, has a large user base, and allows you to promote up to 10 URLs at once for free. You will also want to choose at least four or five more and sign up to each one. Once you sign up, you will receive a referral URL. This referral link is what will help you build a large downline, and is critical to your success in getting the most out of your traffic exchanges. Be sure to get your referral URL for each exchange you have signed up for.

Many good traffic exchanges provide you a premade fast loading splash page with your referral link built into it. These splash pages are great, however they promote only one site. Your next step is to create a similar page promoting all of your traffic exchanges at once. For an example check out http://www.informativeresources.com/trafficexchange.htm Please feel free to use this exact format as long as a link is placed back to my sites’ home page. Also be sure to replace all referral links with your own. Please keep in mind the short time (usually 15 -30 seconds) a surfer has to actually view your site, therefore your page needs to load quickly and demand action. Using a simple, easy to navigate page such as the one mentioned above, that promotes all of your traffic exchanges will ensure maximum referrals to your downline.

Once your page is complete, you will want to login to each traffic exchange and start promoting your URL. This is where the work starts, I recommend dedicating at least 30 minutes a day surfing your exchanges and promoting your site. You will want to surf all your exchanges at once to maximize your efforts. An easy way to do this is by using a tabbed browser such as Firefox, however I just open up separate windows for each traffic exchange, and just toggle between them all using (Alt+Tab). Following this method should yield you new members in at least one of your traffic exchanges daily.

Now, not everyone will be able to spend the time it requires to build a huge downline. However, there are some shortcuts to achieving a large downline without as much effort. If time is a concern, you could always pay someone to click the exchanges for you. You could also use only autoexchanges which would not require you to actually be there. However, what I would recommend doing is, purchasing a downline. Guaranteed signups are fairly priced and can produce good results. You can search on any major search engine for guaranteed signups and get many great choices or you can go to http://www.informativeresources.com/wholesaleaccess.htm I do recommend USA only signups as International signups do not convert as well. USA only signups may cost a little more, however it is well worth it.

Now this is where the fun begins. With the steady supply of new members joining yout programs, you should start to see an increase in your sites’ traffic. Perhaps even a few have upgraded and now you are earning a monthly commission on their efforts. Congratulations! Now we can take it to the next step. Many traffic exchanges allow you to email your downline. Send each one of your members a copy of this article, just be sure to leave all the links intact and to include the resource box at the bottom of the page. Once they see how easy it is to create a large downline, earning them alot of free traffic and even some cash, they will start to promote their referral links thereby giving you even more free traffic and commissions. Many traffic exchanges have affiliate traffic and commissions earned as many as five or more levels deep! Your traffic and earning potential is unlimited.

As you can now see, traffic exchanges provide a valuable service to webmasters across the globe. With every site needing quality web traffic, using free traffic exchanges correctly can provide thousands of quality hits per month. As there is not an easier or more cost effective means of advertising, the traffic exchange industry will continue to grow in popularity and importance for every web site owner in the years to come.

Noah Ulrich is webmaster of http://www.informative resources.com His site maintains top rankings in all major search engines, and has maintained an online presence since 2001. His site provides top quality master resale rights, guaranteed signups, and guarant eed web traffic to businesses worldwide.

Many small businesses have the misconception that their business can not benefit from a website; that websites are too expensive or that because they don’t use a computer neither do their potential clients. Here are 7 reasons why your small business NEEDS a website:

1. A web site lends credibility to your small business. Consumers expect businesses to have a web site and more and more consumers are turning to the internet to research a business service or product before purchasing. If you don’t have a web site you could be losing out to the competition. Even if you operate your business out of your home, a web site can help give your business a professional image.

2. Web sites are a cost effective venue for promoting your business. Many small business owners are afraid that web sites cost too much money. This is just not true – a professionally designed web site can cost less than $100/ month. Considering you have the opportunity to reach millions of potential customers this is a cost effective method to reach your target market.

3. Web sites allow businesses to update information about their products and services quickly and easily and a web site is an effect way to communicate your schedules, events, promotions, and product and service support to your customers. It is easy to direct clients to your web site for frequently requested information like directions, payment terms or product support. Brochures, flyers and other print advertising can easily become outdated, but your web site can always carry your most up-to date information.

4. Web sites are open 24/7 365 days a year. Your customers (or potential customers) can learn about your products and services at their leisure. With the busy lifestyles most people lead, the convenience of a web site is a huge selling point when making purchase decisions.

5. Your web site (eCommerce) can act as a second location to sell your products/services. If you are a retailer, a web site gives you the opportunity to sell your products and in some cases your services to a GLOBAL market. Sometimes businesses think that their products or services won’t sell online but remember people are buying cars and even houses online!

6. A Web site allows your business to showcase your work. Include image gallery or portfolio or even include testimonials about your work. Regardless what your business does you can demonstrate what makes your business special.

7. Use your web site as a tool to share information with your clients through value added services. Perhaps you own a landscape company; you can provide value added information such as bulb planting tips, or environmentally friendly ways to deal with pests.

© 2004-2005 Tanya Beaudoin o/a Office on Demand, All rights reserved. You are free to use this article in its entirety, as long as you include complete attribution, including live web site link. Please also notify Mrs. Beaudoin as to where the material will appear. The attribution should read:
“Tanya Beaudoin, B.A. is a virtual assistant who specializes in e-solutions (including graphic and and web site design) and administrative support for small businesses and non-profit organizations.

Please visit Tanya’s web site at http://www.officeondemand.ca for additional business related articles”

Making custom brushes is one of the easiest things in the world. Seriously! I don’t know why I’ve read some tutorials that make it out to be this multi-step, intimidating process. Creating your own brushes helps to customize both your artwork and the Photoshop work environment.

The Hard Part

“But … you said this would be easy!!” Technically, yes, but I’ve found that some people actually reach a little stumbling block when trying to think of what would make a good brush. Well, the short answer is ANYTHING! I’ve made brushes out of fuzzy leopard slippers, bananas, old trash cans, fabric swatches, dirt … hundreds of things. It helps to have a scanner and/or a digital camera … that really opens up your possibilities. Just a quick walk around your house might yield dozens of fun textures you can make brushes out of. But, even if you don’t have either of those, you can often snurch some good textures off the internet. Try a google search for marble tile and see what comes up. Sometimes you’ll get a nice big image to work with. I’m not condoning stealing someone’s art photos to rip a brush off with, but if it’s just a sample photo of tile, or fabric, or screen, or whatever, I think it’s perfectly fine … you’ll be drastically changing the image in the next steps anyway.

The Next Steps

Okay, so you’ve got some good textures then? Right, let’s make a custom brush out of ‘em! Open up your image in Photoshop. The first thing you’ll want to do is desaturate the image (Shift+Ctrl+U in PS7). Then cut and paste what you’ve got into a new layer. Now delete the background layer. Once you’re down to just the single layer, mess with the brightness/contrast until you get the desired effect (this will require you to think a little bit about how you might use the brush in the future – will you be wanting to use it as a ‘grunge’ effect … something more technical … etc. etc.)

If you view the URL’s below, you can see images of the brush creation.

http://www.jvmediadesign.com/blog/img/tutorials/brush_tut1.jpg ( The starting image)

http://www.jvmediadesign.com/blog/img/tutorials/brush_tut2.jpg (The desaturated image)

http://www.jvmediadesign.com/blog/img/tutorials/brush_tut2.jpg (After messing with brightness/contrast)

The Super Easy Part

Now that you’ve got the image looking like you want, you’ll need to create it as a Photoshop brush. Go to ‘Edit’ then choose ‘Define Brush’. Give your new brush a name and that’s it!! Easy, huh?

Saving All Your Hard Work

There are few things worse than having hundreds of cool brushes gone in an instant. It’s happened to me on one occasion where my hard drive fried out and I didn’t save all my customized Photoshop stuff. So I’m going to help you avoid any tragedies and tell you how to save your brushes. Once you’ve got an amount of brushes made (I personally like to create ’sets’ of brushes that all kind of work together, or just happened to fit my mood that day!), go to ‘Edit’ then choose ‘Preset Manager’. A window with all your current brushes will pop up. You can click on each little square individually. What you’re going to want to do is shift+right click on the series of brushes you want to save. Once you’ve done that, click on ‘Save Set’, give the set a name and save it to your computer (of course these brush files are what you’re going to want to back up!). There, you’re done!

How To Get Other Custom Brushes Into Your Pallet

If you’ve found a cool brush set on the web and you’d like to use them, after you download the file (usually a zip file), you’ll want to extract them to your Photoshop/Brushes directory. To load a brush set in Photoshop, open the Brushes Palette (‘Windows’, ‘Palettes’, ‘Show Brushes’). Select Load Brushes from the menu on the Brush Palette and choose your file. That’s it!

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