Rising Star Systems

An Open Letter to LunarPages

or Why I Recommend Against Using LunarPages to Host Your Website The last 2 months have been a virtual hell for me (pun completely intended).  Sometime in the middle of May, I started noticing real problems with my website.  I was in the midst of doing a lot of content creation and tweeking to the […]

Niche Marketing – How Thinking Small Can Payoff Big

Artists MBA, Professional Program

What is a Niche, really? And why is everybody talking about Niche Marketing? Many business owners are afraid to define their niche on the mistaken premise that they will lose business as a result. The truth is just the opposite. Designing your marketing around a Niche can enable you to have a major impact on […]

WordPress Website Essentials with Jesse Petersen

You’ve heard me say it again and again, you need your own website. A My Space Facebook or ReverbNation page isn’t enough. To succeed in the 21st Century, you must have a web presence all your own.

For most people there are 3 obstacles to creating their own website and in my experience, Wordpress solves all three.

Twitter for Artists – An Interview with Carla Lynn Hall

Twitter, Internet marketing

If you’re not using, or haven’t gotten the hang of, Twitter yet, it’s a great social networking tool that enables you to get your point across in 140 characters or less. It’s a great way to start and build relationships in less time than it take to send an email. People who are unfamiliar with Twitter often get bored before they see the opportunity that’s available. If you’ve given up on your Twitter account, or want to learn how you can use it to build your business, this workshop is for you!

Debra Recommends Ning – Create Your Social Network

social network, Internet marketing

Ning.com is a very cool thing!  Ning lets you create your own social network and/or join others. Based in Palo Alto, Calif., Ning offers an easy-to-use technology platform enabling you to create and join Ning Networks for your interests and passions. With over 1.3 million Ning social networks created and more than 30 million registered […]

Debra Recommends Patrick Schwerdtfeger Internet Marketing Expert

Internet, marketing, business

I met Patrick in 2006 through his San Francisco Bay Area Meetup – The Entrepreneur and Small Business Academy.  I am tremendously impressed with his vast knowledge of marketing on the internet, SEO and social media marketing. Patrick is, frankly, a self-described geek and ridiculously passionate about all things internet marketing.  And he has a […]

Debra Recommends Bob Baker – The Buzz Factor

indie music, marketing

Bob Baker is an author, musician, and workshop leader who is dedicated to helping musicians, authors, and creative people of all kinds get exposure, connect with fans, and increase their incomes through their artistic passions. Bob’s books include “Guerrilla Music Marketing Handbook,” “Unleash the Artist Within,” “Branding Yourself Online,” “Self-Publishing Success Secrets,” and more. I […]

Debra Recommends Ariel Publicity and Cyber PR

publicity, Internet marketing

Since meeting Ariel Hyatt from Cyber PR in 2009, we have become good friends.  I was honored to participate on a Panel at the TAXI Road Rally that she moderated.  (Pictured left to right, Dean Krippaehne, Vikki Flawith, Ariel Hyatt, Derek Sivers, and me, Debra Russell) I was very impressed by her knowledge and presence […]