What is a Wiki? Why have one?

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The basics.

Put simply, a wiki is where different people can update a web page or web pages.
Whether it's a marketing tool a collaborative project or simply a bit of fun, there's now hundreds of different scripts around that you can use to get your own.

They're not new, although it's tempting to think they are. The first one was started back in 1994 as a QUICK way of updating content.(In fact the work 'wiki' means quick in Hawaiin apparently)

Ironically, I got that last fact from Wikipedia.org - which you should have heard of by now - a great source of information. One of the most visited resources on the web.

So, why have one?

Well, I have one that my VIP private members have access to and it's just for practice really and sharing stuff internally.

But the main reason I want YOU to think about having one is for marketing purposes really.

As you know, search engines love unique, fresh content. That's exactly what a Wiki can offer. If you have a site where people can update stuff themselves and add to the collective knowledge, then it will grow over time, assuming you nurture it properly.

This means it will receive more incoming links as people want to link to it and then it snowballs.

But Can't People 'Ruin' it?
Yes they can, but they can also protect it as well, in a 'self-policing' kind of way. Of course, you can also get security functions to ban certain IP addresses or limit access to different 'levels' of the wiki that people can update.

If you have a Wiki that covers a fairly niche subject, then hopefully your visitors will take 'ownership' of it and become involved. This leads to loyalty, returned visitors, increased links etc. (Any form of interaction usually increases conversion)

So, if you have a fishing tackle shop, set up a Wiki about carp fishing round your local area. People can upload pics of the fish they've caught & add tips, tactics etc.

If you sell bike parts, you can let people write loads of stuff about biking & upload pics or YouTube clips etc.

If you sell antique furniture, let people add stories and facts about your treasures to bring the whole thing 'alive'. As always, you're only limited by your imagination.

It's all about forming your own community and getting known for something, rather than being just an 'also - ran' website. And it costs nothing apart from dedication.

(Like most of my tips, you can make a fortune cheaply, as long as you're prepared to make the effort. If not - then you'll ultimately end up paying a lot more...)

Of course,if you're REALLY worried about security- use a microsite! Simple, choose a niche, think of a domain name, then stick a Wiki on it & link it back to your main website.

Did you know, you can have a domain name already set-up with a wiki plus a blog and a forum (i.e. of the most interactive things you'll ever need) for just £95 these days? And that includes a year's hosting!!! (If you want the details of this - visit my contact page & I'll email you http://www.mklink.com/contact2.php )

If you'd like more information about how you can get more visitors, conversion and sales,
for you money, try joining my VIP club...Free trial for a month!

Just go to http://www.mklink.com/freetrial/ today and register for a month's trial!

'till next time,

Mike Knight. MKLINK Internet Marketing Tips