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What's the pros and cons to adding my website to my signature?

by fin
32 replies
I want to add my website to my signature, and I don't.

I don't want to do it if it will hurt me, but I'm perfectly willing to do it if it will help me.

I'll share my pros and cons with you and you can help me decide, if that's OK with you.

I'll start with cons:

1. People will steal my ideas. Maybe, but I have a blog. It's a very personal thing. I'm sure there are hundreds of people doing it anyway. If they copy me - it's just more competition. Followers like you for your personality. You can't copy that!

2. People will use the same affiliate products. There are hundreds of affiliates out there already, using the same products. As per above, if people are visiting my blog, it won't matter anyway.

3. People will copy my articles. There will be some of that. They won't be able to become an authority in the niche if they just copy my content. They will be found out. If they aren't popular it won't do me damage anyway.

And the pros:

1. People can syndicate my articles using a bio box in my signature. More visitors.

2. People can see my work and ask me to guest blog. More visitors.

3. People can use my work as a portfolio. I can earn extra money writing articles.

4. People might become followers. More followers.

5. People might want to JV. More money.

6. People from warrior forum might link to my work. More followers.

7. People on warrior forum can get to know me. Building relationships. I'm a warrior for life.

What do you think? Any pros and cons I've missed? Is it a good idea?

Do the pros outweigh the cons?

Looking at it from a long term point of view, I am going to build this up into a superstar blog. Personally, in monetary terms, I will make this successful and the cons will be brushed aside, but I don't know if it's to soon to release my golden egg. It's nothing new though. Just good old me and my take on the world.

Thank you for listening and I look forward to your replies.

PS. I'm not in a niche, I'm tackling a market. A huge one, but with a twist.
#adding #cons #pros #signature #website
  • Profile picture of the author TestiVar
    When you are in business, you get to choose your customers.

    Are the people here on the Warrior Forum who you want as customers? Add it.

    If you want to avoid the kind of customers you would attract from the Warrior Forum, then don't add it.
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    • Profile picture of the author fin
      Originally Posted by TestiVar View Post

      When you are in business, you get to choose your customers.

      Are the people here on the Warrior Forum who you want as customers? Add it.

      If you want to avoid the kind of customers you would attract from the Warrior Forum, then don't add it.
      Are they my customers? I guess, some of them. They may just be followers and enjoy reading my stuff. They may even share stuff with their followers.
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  • Profile picture of the author Coolstro
    I vote yes add it in, let the world see what your up to. you need to obtain an abundance mentality as in there is enough to go around for anyone serious. Yes all those Con's are possible but everyone has to just move past it and accept it
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    • Profile picture of the author TopBackBuilder
      Originally Posted by Coolstro View Post

      you need to obtain an abundance mentality as in there is enough to go around for anyone serious.
      This is all you need for your answer, seriously.
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  • Profile picture of the author richie757
    Banned
    [DELETED]
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    • Profile picture of the author DreamWarrior
      Originally Posted by richie757 View Post

      The way I look at it is that in order for anybody to go to your page if that is what you are linking them to then they need the link to click on. The whole thing about people stealing your ideas, they are going to do it no matter what. I would put your link in your signature and get people to click on it if I were you.
      I totally agree. Unfortunately, you can't stop people from taking your ideas and doing something with it. Welcome to the WWW arena.

      Now, if you want more traffic, then by all means, add your site to your signature. It's one way you can advertise yourself for free.
      If you are that worried about people stealing your information, then move away from the online forum and just stick to working in a 9-5 job.

      If you look at it from a positive perspective, just think that the more exposure you get, the more people will get to know about you and it can open doors for you.

      Just go with the flow. If you notice that it isn't working out for you, then remove it.

      All the best.
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  • Profile picture of the author TopKat22
    I say add it and if for some reason you feel it isn't working for you, then change it later.

    As for the statement by another poster about: are the Warrior members your type of customer or not, I think that would be very hard to say. I have "met" some great people in here who I doubt would ever do the cons you mentioned.

    However, like all things on the internet, there will be some who will do the cons.

    And believe me, having legal protection like copyrights and patents won't even help unless you can afford to legally protect them, I know that from experience offline.

    The best thing I ever did was stop worrying about it and know "what goes around comes around."

    Yes, I've had intellectual property stolen from me and used. They did not last long.

    I've since said, "you may hurt me in the short run, but you won't hurt me in the long run" because what goes around comes around.
    Signature
    44 days in and we broke the $10K a month recurring bench mark.

    Guaranteed 60% Opt In Rate Traffic-Real People-Fresh Today-High Quality Biz Opp traffic![/URL]
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    • Profile picture of the author Shaun OReilly
      There's NO competition if you focus on being yourself.

      Why?

      No one can copy your unique voice and perspective on
      what the marketplace needs.

      If you're in a niche where you want your money sites
      hidden from prying eyes - then keep your sites out of
      your signature file.

      However, if you want to get your message out there
      to a wider audience, then consider adding your links.

      Dedicated to mutual success,

      Shaun
      Signature

      .

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  • Profile picture of the author richie757
    Banned
    [DELETED]
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    • Profile picture of the author Richard Van
      Originally Posted by richie757 View Post

      Most of all internet marketers take content from other people and use it. For instance, articles many people take other peoples articles and spin them then post them wherever. You just have to accept it. You know? It can be frustrating but what can you do?
      You don't have to accept it all.

      It's derivative works, it's stealing and it's no way to build a reputable business. You may accept it but I certainly don't and neither should anyone else.
      Signature

      Wibble, bark, my old man's a mushroom etc...

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      • Profile picture of the author richie757
        Banned
        [DELETED]
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        • Profile picture of the author Richard Van
          Originally Posted by richie757 View Post

          I agree with that. There are just people out there do that because they do not know anything about what they are promoting.
          Yes, you're right. I just mean its not right to do it and a shame it happens. People shouldn't accept it though.

          It's such a shame people that are going into business feel the need to steal other peoples content.

          I'm not quite sure what you should do Fin, weigh up the pros and cons I guess, there are a lot of potential customers if it's the IM niche you're in, quite a few idea thieves as well.

          Sorry, that probably wasn't a lot of help for you.
          Signature

          Wibble, bark, my old man's a mushroom etc...

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        • Profile picture of the author octobergal
          I think you should definitely put it in your signature. The pros outweigh the cons for sure, you just listed them. Focus on being YOU, nobody can copy that in it's entirety.
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  • Profile picture of the author Marhelper
    Originally Posted by fin View Post


    I'll start with cons:

    1. People will steal my ideas. Maybe, but I have a blog. It's a very personal thing. I'm sure there are hundreds of people doing it anyway. If they copy me - it's just more competition. Followers like you for your personality. You can't copy that!

    2. People will use the same affiliate products.     There are hundreds of affiliates out there already, using the same products. As per above, if people are visiting my blog, it won't matter anyway.

    3. People will copy my articles. There will be some of that. They won't be able to become an authority in the niche if they just copy my content. They will be found out. If they aren't popular it won't do me damage anyway.

    And the pros:

    1. People can syndicate my articles using a bio box in my signature. More visitors.

    2. People can see my work and ask me to guest blog. More visitors.

    3. People can use my work as a portfolio. I can earn extra money writing articles.

    4. People might become followers. More followers.

    5. People might want to JV.     More money.

    6. People from warrior forum might link to my work.     More followers.

    7. People on warrior forum can get to know me.     Building relationships. I'm a warrior for life.

    Looks like the pros outweigh the cons.
    Signature
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  • Profile picture of the author JOSourcing
    Banned
    Another thing you might view as a pro or a con is the way a sig acts as a believability tool. I view a lot of websites posted here, and I use them to solidify the believability of the persons who posted them.

    Two things happen.

    I'm either pleasantly surprised and thus pay more attention to those whose webwork strengthens their convictions on the forum, or, I'm completely turned off and block (ignore) those whose dismal web stats and quality contradict what they post here.

    So consider yourself warned. {insert evil laugh here}

    ;-)
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  • Profile picture of the author AlenGeorgeson
    Dude, there really are NO cons at ALL IMO! I mean come on, its' free traffic.

    Cheers

    Alen
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  • Profile picture of the author Alexa Smith
    Banned
    Originally Posted by AlenGeorgeson View Post

    I mean come on, its' free traffic.
    And all free traffic is good traffic by definition, to you, is it, Alen?

    Originally Posted by fin View Post

    Any pros and cons I've missed?
    I think you didn't mention any potential SEO advantage from links in your sig-file, here? That could be a consideration? They're not like article directory cr@plinks, you know?

    I think you've listed the pro's and con's well, though, and it's just a question of how they add up/balance out, from your perspective. For me, the con's easily outweigh the pro's, but that's because a lot of your pro's wouldn't be pro's, for me (am not looking for work etc.).

    The con's, on the other hand, would be pretty huge.

    Originally Posted by fin View Post

    I'm tackling a market. A huge one, but with a twist.
    If linking to the site is going to give the "twist" away, I'd really think twice. But that's just me ... :p

    If you do manage to do any damage, it's not easy to undo it. Maybe not possible at all. Something of a one-way street? Be careful ...
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    • Profile picture of the author fin
      Originally Posted by Alexa Smith View Post


      I think you didn't mention any potential SEO advantage from links in your sig-file, here? That could be a consideration? They're not like article directory cr@plinks, you know?



      If linking to the site is going to give the "twist" away, I'd really think twice. But that's just me ... :p
      I'm not doing SEO. It's strictly syndication and social media until I can employ a full-time SEO guy.

      The way I see it with the twist, right or wrong, is that if my site becomes huge - everyone will see the twist anyway.

      I'm not picking on your points BTW, they are good.
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  • Profile picture of the author Alex Kage
    Yeah, I don't think those are quite cons.
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  • Profile picture of the author fin
    OK, I'm gonna put it in. Feel free to tell me what you think.

    BTW, at the moment there are no sales funnels on the site, in case anyone thought I was after quick cash.

    I was genuinely wanting opinions.

    It seems YES is the way to go.
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    • Profile picture of the author Alexa Smith
      Banned
      Originally Posted by fin View Post

      OK, I'm gonna put it in. Feel free to tell me what you think.
      I instinctively like it very much, and will be back tomorrow to read all the rest, when I have some time.

      I'm glad you decided to do that, otherwise I wouldn't have seen it.

      (No opt-in yet? It's never too early: I'm "just saying".)
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      • Profile picture of the author fin
        Originally Posted by Alexa Smith View Post

        I instinctively like it very much, and will be back tomorrow to read all the rest, when I have some time.

        I'm glad you decided to do that, otherwise I wouldn't have seen it.

        (No opt-in yet? It's never too early: I'm "just saying".)
        I still need to write a freebie.

        I figured, if they like my blog they will be back. If not, it wasn't meant to be, anyway.
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        • Profile picture of the author Alexa Smith
          Banned
          Originally Posted by fin View Post

          I still need to write a freebie.

          I figured, if they like my blog they will be back. If not, it wasn't meant to be, anyway.
          Mostly I was asking because I wanted the freebie (and to see what sort of freebie you'd write for this site!) :p

          I like sites like this. I think that in the fullness of time, you can acquire a loyal readershp and do very well with it.
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          • Profile picture of the author fin
            Originally Posted by Alexa Smith View Post

            Mostly I was asking because I wanted the freebie (and to see what sort of freebie you'd write for this site!) :p

            I like sites like this. I think that in the fullness of time, you can acquire a loyal readershp and do very well with it.
            Lol, I'm going to do it soon.

            Yeah, that's the plan. I'm not expecting money for a year. That's the point in which I'll lose my hair. I'd welcome success a lot quicker.
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  • Profile picture of the author Devon Brown
    If you over think a signature.. I'd really hate to see how you work your own business. Dude. You must be exhausted. It's free to add your website to your signature. Everything is a risk, but adding your website for people to find should be a no brainer. Put it there and smile with pride.
    Signature
    Click Here To Make $2.63 - $5.93 Per Click As A JV/Affiliate!!
    Follow Me On Twitter, Facebook [/B],Visit My Blog
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  • Profile picture of the author Charanjit
    I think you should go for it, just a question on this topic, how many different url's can we put in?
    Signature

    Want to learn more, read read and read more. http://www.mannusblog.com/index.php/...e-optimisation

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  • Profile picture of the author Mosa
    I'm all for the transparent business model. I actually expect people that follow my blog to copy what i'm doing.
    Signature
    Tired of people who blur stuff out and make ridiculous claims?
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  • Profile picture of the author Zayne
    IMHO, it seems like you are in a catch 22 situation.

    I cant give advice on this, because I would like my name next to Googles on their webpage, because I believe that plastering your name accross everything is the best way to build a brand (everything good and worthwhile or course) but the only thing with that is having your stuff copied or stolen. To be honest, that just means you are amazing. If people copy you, then you are the leader.

    Leadership is a good thing!

    I would put my signature on every email I send if I could, sometimes it just cant be done though!

    Zayne
    Signature

    "Being Successful is A State of Mind - Thinking Successful = Being Successful"

    www.newageonlinebusiness.com - Who Else Wants to Make $1000 a week online?

    www.dollarzayne.com/free-offer - 43 Businesses You can Own Today - FREE!

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  • Profile picture of the author Jamus McKenna
    Fin,

    Add it!

    If anyone "rips you off" so what? Sh*t happens! These guys will only be in your shadow.Cast you light bright and strong and focus on your own stuff. Don't waste time / energy worrying about things that might not ever happen, let alone effect your business.

    If things do start to effect your business use copyscape to catch them at it and get your VA to e-mail them to remove posts etc but don't waste YOUR time doing it!

    You'll benefit more then you will lose...

    Cheers,

    Jamus

    P.S. Come on get your signature up! We want to go visit your website!
    Signature
    Getting YOU On-line in No Time
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  • Profile picture of the author David Keith
    up until now, I decided to keep any sig's out of my profile. although I did spring for the option to add in an image in my sig if I want.

    I am not in the MMO niche, but if I could easily create a free report or something to giveaway and put that in my sig to get some value out of the time I spend on WF

    My concern is that people might think I am giving advice or debating an issue just to get sig exposure. That is certainly not true for me, but I am just not sure I want to have my motives questioned.

    Plus it would probably be more work than it's worth to me to try to monetize the crazy IM niche.

    BTW. Glad you decided to add your sig in FIN.
    Signature
    Just a Little War Room Gift.
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  • Profile picture of the author David Sneen
    Hey, I will be honest. I make the best replies I can...and people see my signature, so I can promote my blog. I am here to promote my blog. Period. I am here to learn...so I can promote my blog. I am here to make contacts within the community...possible joint promotions...learning and sharing opportunities...so I can promote my blog.

    Everybody has an angle. I am not going to disguise mine. If you are serious about something, and want to promote it, there is no use hiding it, is there?
    Signature
    David Sneen
    It's what you do when no one is watching
    that determines what you will be able to
    do when everyone is watching.
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  • Profile picture of the author Randall Magwood
    PRO: Free targeted clicks back to your website

    CON: ...can't think of any right now.
    Signature
    ==>> Free book reveals make money with affiliate marketing
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  • Profile picture of the author Usmile
    Originally Posted by fin View Post

    I want to add my website to my signature, and I don't.

    I don't want to do it if it will hurt me, but I'm perfectly willing to do it if it will help me.

    I'll share my pros and cons with you and you can help me decide, if that's OK with you.

    I'll start with cons:

    1. People will steal my ideas. Maybe, but I have a blog. It's a very personal thing. I'm sure there are hundreds of people doing it anyway. If they copy me - it's just more competition. Followers like you for your personality. You can't copy that!

    2. People will use the same affiliate products.     There are hundreds of affiliates out there already, using the same products. As per above, if people are visiting my blog, it won't matter anyway.

    3. People will copy my articles. There will be some of that. They won't be able to become an authority in the niche if they just copy my content. They will be found out. If they aren't popular it won't do me damage anyway.

    And the pros:

    1. People can syndicate my articles using a bio box in my signature. More visitors.

    2. People can see my work and ask me to guest blog. More visitors.

    3. People can use my work as a portfolio. I can earn extra money writing articles.

    4. People might become followers. More followers.

    5. People might want to JV.     More money.

    6. People from warrior forum might link to my work.     More followers.

    7. People on warrior forum can get to know me.     Building relationships. I'm a warrior for life.

    What do you think? Any pros and cons I've missed? Is it a good idea?

    Do the pros outweigh the cons?

    Looking at it from a long term point of view, I am going to build this up into a superstar blog. Personally, in monetary terms, I will make this successful and the cons will be brushed aside, but I don't know if it's to soon to release my golden egg. It's nothing new though. Just good old me and my take on the world.

    Thank you for listening and I look forward to your replies.

    PS. I'm not in a niche, I'm tackling a market. A huge one, but with a twist.
    The pros outweigh the cons, so I suggest you to Add It. Things like pirating ideas and articles are inevitable especially when you own an awesome and exceptional website. But always remember nothing compares to the original content. They might copy your ideas and words but they can't take away it's uniqueness from you.
    Signature
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  • Profile picture of the author TopKat22
    I see you added your site to your sig. Good for you.

    I clicked on it to and read some of your stuff. Interesting perspective you are coming from.
    Signature
    44 days in and we broke the $10K a month recurring bench mark.

    Guaranteed 60% Opt In Rate Traffic-Real People-Fresh Today-High Quality Biz Opp traffic![/URL]
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