• Legal Help - Incorporation, Power of Attorney, Real Estate, Business Contracts and other legal forms – Free Incorporation Service by Rocket Lawyer
• McAfee Secure Seal – Have you considered adding a security seal to your web site to boost conversions and trust? When prospective customers know that your website has been verified by a reliable 3rd party and can click on the Seal to instantly verify your credentials it can be very beneficial. We are a long standing partner of McAfee and check out the McAfee Secure Seal Promotions
• Efax – perfect solution for receiving or sending faxes without the cost of an additional phone line. They are the worldwide leader in internet faxing and what’s amazing is that it sends them to you via email.  Efax
• Skype for Business – we use Skype everyday at Vastplanet for domestic and international phone calls and can’t say enough good things about it. You have the option to purchase phone numbers that ring to your phone of choice, caller ID masking and voicemail. With unlimited calls in the US for $30/year it’s a nice advantage for the small business to have. Try Skype for Business.
• LifeLock – have you thought about identity theft? With any small business you are signing many documents and filling out applications and it’s time to consider protecting your identity. We all want to be positive but hear the stories and just like the above services we use LifeLock too.
• Buildium – property management software for landlords and property managers, used to manage over 350,000 units and ranked # in online property management. As a cloud based system, you can collect rents online, track income and expenses, keep track of repairs, advertise and run credit checks on new tenant applications. Overall, we recommend Buildium for property management software.
• LandLord Max - Property Management Software – useful for property managers, real estate investors, landlords and property management companies. What we liked was the ability to manage rents, see reporting and ability to expand rapidly. This software is for your pc or mac and is based on a flat fee price vs. a monthly. Try Landlord Max for Free.

As a small to mid size online business you will see amazing review systems on sites like Staples, Brookstone & REI.com. Did you know the same review solution is available for you on the Yahoo Store platform and many others? This powerful review engine is used by more than 850 leading merchants across 2700 websites.

Product Ratings & Reviews.
Increase Conversion and Boost Sales!

Try PowerReviews Express FREE for 30 Days!

Power Reviews Express Features:

• Fast and easy to implement
• Delivers conversion boosting features
• Compatible with your eCommerce platform: ProStores, Shopify, Infopia and Yahoo Stores
• Additional Power Review product review systems can be integrated up to the enterprise level.
• Starts at just $80.00

Example of Power Reviews at Danner Boots

Actual Product Review

McAfee Case Study:
Cars.com Builds Trust and Boosts Online Conversions with McAfee SECURE Service
“After the test started, I watched the results and I quickly become a believer. The McAfee SECURE service increased my online conversions by over 2 percent and delivers a great value that more than paid for itself within 6 months.”  Vince King, Director of Web Production, Cars.com

Vastplanet Promotion – Try McAfee Secure Seal For FREE!
Yes, it’s a 30 day trial so you can test the conversion improvement before you buy.
Check out the McAfee Secure Seal Promotion

Security Seal Example

Learn More about McAfee Secure Seals from Michael Vorel of Vastplanet

Why a Security Seal?
As soon as your customers see a security seal, they know that your website has been verified by a reliable 3rd party, and can click on the Seal to instantly verify your credentials without leaving the site. This gives them confidence to complete their purchase. Check out the McAfee Secure Seal Promotion and Try It

About McAfee Secure Seal (Hacker Safe previously)

• Leading security certification service and provider of the HACKER SAFE service.
• Used by over 80,000 web sites. McAfee is the largest dedicated security company in the world.
• 65% of the Internet Retailer Top 500 Sites use McAfee Secure Seal (Overstock, PetCo, Costco, Cars.com)
• Proven to increase sales by 11% by boosting consumer conversions (according to a recent study)
• Search Bonus – McAfee Secure clients are featured in page 1,2 of TheFind.com & Google results as a bonus!
• Get Started Today and Save McAfee Secure Seal Discount

Need a SSL Certificate for your Ecommerce Store?
We have partnered with the SSL Store to provide a cost effective solution to purchasing SSL certificates. They are aggressive discounters and why pay more when you can get a deal. Find GeoTrust, VeriSign, Thawte and RapidSSL. The best part is that you can purchase and install in minutes! Explore SSL Certificates and save hundreds!

Is a Security Seal the same as a SSL Certificate?
Actually they are 2 different things. The security seal is a verification to the site visitor that you are who you say you are and have been verified by a third party like McAfee. The purpose is to instill trust, prevent fraud and improve conversions. We recommend the use of security seals and take a moment and explore the McAfee Secure Seal

A SSL Security Certificate is true security and is easily identified when you see https:// and a little lock or VeriSign symbol next to the web address. When you are taking credit cards and holding valuable consumer or business information it needs to be secured. The brands vary but the leader is VeriSign. You can read more about SSL security seals at our trusted partner – The SSL Store.

SSL Security Certificate Example
Web sites using Extended Validation (EV) certificates have shown conversion increases of 20% more than any other type of SSL certificates. Check out the EV certificate promotions from VeriSign here – SSL Store

VPN – Virtual Private Network

• Are you looking for an extra layer of security and privacy? With a virtual private network (VPN) you can create a unique IP address that’s perfect for databases and websites.
• Protect your personal identity. With a VPN your IP address will always stay the same which means that websites that you visit will not be able to see your physical location. Perfect for using open wi-fi systems at airports, coffee shops and hotels. With control over your IP address you can change your location around the world to access local content, check advertising and more. For example, you can access Pandora or Hulu on an oversees trip.
• Suitable for use with your office, home or mobile phone – check it out – StrongVPN.com
  StrongVPN.com offers you a solution to all your privacy concerns with any internet connection.

Vastplanet believes in helping small businesses get started and specializes in affordable, ready-to-go ecommerce solutions with vpzip.com. Perfect for new store owners and niche opportunities, we integrate Yahoo! Store template designs to save you money and time. As a Yahoo! Merchant solutions developer since 1998, we also provide custom design, ecommerce & marketing consulting to assist existing merchants on maximizing revenue and conversions.

Check out the latest Yahoo Store Templates at VPZIP.com

Need a Yahoo Store? Start selling online & Save 35% on Yahoo Store Web Hosting

Grooming Lounge

Magento E-Commerce Store
World class online store that compliments the Washington, DC retailer's instore experience for mens grooming products.

Elizabeth Charles

Yahoo Store E-Commerce
Modern, minimalist design that mirrors the experience of walking into their NYC or SF Australian designer boutiques.

Urth Child

Yahoo Store E-Commerce
Custom solution showcasing organic, natural, and eco-friendly products for children.

Grooming Lounge Emails

Email Campaigns
Monthly newsletters that capture the online and offline store brand feel within an email.

Swiss Watch Customs

Yahoo Store E-Commerce
Create modern online store solution for a high end Swiss watch parts while accenting style.

Mike's Pies

Yahoo Store E-Commerce
Online store for Mike's award-winning pies for local Tampa and nationwide customers.

Red Cypress Outfitters

Yahoo Store E-Commerce
Hunting and outdoor supplies retailer needed a fresh approach to merchandising and design.

Shop Jinny

Yahoo Store E-Commerce
Create a visually pleasing online store for a Fashion Boutique with eclectic style and leading brands.

Tony Little

Yahoo Store E-Commerce
Redesign the Tony Little online store to be better merchandised, user friendly and easy to manage. Tony is a well known celebrity on Home Shopping Network.

Aleratec

Yahoo Store E-Commerce
Online solution for a leading manufacturer of DVD & Media duplication products.

Project Gadget

Wordpress Blog Design
Custom Wordpress blog for gadget reviews with video, social media and customization.

Trampoline USA

Yahoo Store E-Commerce
Develop web site for leading retailer of trampolines and trampoline parts.

Facebook Ecommerce aka social commerce is now a reality and with more people spending time on Facebook every day it’s a perfect time to develop an online store. As Facebook enthusiasts we researched all the methods for creating an online Facebook Ecommerce strategy and developed a guide to help you get up to speed. When you are ready to explore your options, let us know as we can integrate your Magento, Yahoo Store, Shopify, Ebay or other ecommerce platform to Facebook. You choose, whether to have an integrated shopping cart within Facebook or direct product links to your online store.

If you have a moment check out our latest project – vpzip – affordable, ready to go ecommerce solutions or explore our portfolio.

Regards,

Michael Vorel
Twitter @michaelvorel @vastplanet

• Affiliate Summit West 2012 – January 8 – 10, 2012 – Las Vegas, NV
  3 day premiere affiliate marketing event at Caesars Palace, the place to be for performance marketers, merchants and agencies. Meet Us at Affiliate Summit West 2012
• AdTech NY 2011 – November 8 – 10, 2011 – New York, NY
  The largest digital marketing event with 10,000 attendees and 300+ exhibitors at the Javits Convention Center.
• Pivot Conference – October 17 – 18, 2011 – New York, NY
  Pivot is an exclusive two-day event by Brian Solis. Created for top brand managers and CMO’s who seek to bridge the gap between their brand and the rising Social Consumer.
• Affiliate Summit East 2011 – August 2011 – New York, NY
• Affiliate Summit West 2011 – January 9 – 11, 2011 – Las Vegas, NV
  Bi-annual affiliate marketing show with over 4000 attendees.
• Consumer Electronics Show (CES) – January 7, 2011 – Las Vegas, NV
  Showcasing the latest consumer electronics and  products.
• Affiliate Summit UnConference 2010 – September 26, 2010 – Orlando, FL
  Gathering of performance marketing service providers and marketers at SeaWorld.
• Affiliate Summit East 2010 – August 15 – 18, 2010 – New York City, NY
  Affiliate Marketing trade show that occurs 2x per year and focusing on performance marketing. As an advisory board member for Affiliate Summit we highly recommend attending.
• Audience Conference 2 – August 14, 2010 - New York City, NY
  The premiere event in the world to discuss audience and community hosted by 1938Media & Affiliate Summit.
• Internet Retailer 2010 – June 8-11, 2010 Chicago, IL
  Annual ecommerce tradeshow with 6,000 attendees, 175 Speakers and 407 exhibiting companies.
• Internet Retailer 2010 Interview - Webmaster Radio Interview with Michael Vorel & Shawna Fennell, host of Ecom Experts
• International Business Summit – March 11, 2010 Tampa, Florida
  Michael Vorel presented on marketing and how the local business can maximize revenue with internet marketing, social media and relationship marketing. The International Business Summit consists of Nine bi-national chambers of commerce, centered in the Tampa Bay area. This year’s Summit offered excellent plenary and workshop speakers, a welcome by Mayor Iorio, a keynote lunch speaker, a wide choice of nine break-out sessions, a top-level panel, and a highly-entertaining speed-networking session. You can see the presentation below:
• New Life Event – February 28, 2010
  Michael Vorel presenting on: Ecommerce Trends & Conversion Strategies – Learn from the Leaders
  Description: Learn about current trends in ecommerce and find out who the market leaders are and why they are successful. The session was perfect for the prospective online store owner, existing store owner or internet marketer to better understand what’s needed to succeed in today’s online business. You can see the presentation below.
• Affiliate Summit West- Jan 18, 2010 – Las Vegas, NV
  The bi-annual tradeshow is the largest gathering of affiliate marketers and is a regular event for us. As an Affiliate Summit advisory board member we make a point to participate and support the event. As an exhibitor we represented our merchants we manage, networked with affiliates, merchants and overall had a great experience. Michael Vorel gave a presentation on E-Commerce Sites Deconstruction and Strategies for Affiliate Marketers. During the talk, he discussed the E-Commerce Industry, Holiday 2009 Results, E-Commerce Leaders, Conversion Tactics while highlighting key Affiliate Sites and takeaway strategies. You can see the presentation below:

Internet Marketing Workshop | International Business Summit

Ecommerce Trends | Conversion Strategy | New Life Event

Ecommerce Store Deconstruction | Affiliate Marketing Strategy |  Affiliate Summit

As a Wordpress developer and Internet marketer we use Wordpress themes every day. Professional based themes not only save you money but increase your speed to market. Time is money so please take a look at our preferred design partners below. I wanted to let you know that if you decide on purchasing a theme we can always help you with integrating or modifying the designs to match your branding.

• StudioPress – search optimized, pre-designed Wordpress themes with unlimited support. These are perfect for business as well as consumer oriented sites – StudioPress.com Be sure to check out the amazing solution that is endorsed by Brian Clark of CopyBlogger – StudioPress.com Genesis Theme Framework
• DIYthemes- creator of Thesis – one of the most popular Wordpress theme solutions in the market. With top notch programming and flexibility for incorporating widgets and advertising, we highly recommend  taking a look. Thesis Theme for WordPress
• SoloStream - quality Wordpress themes that are designed for the latest features, social media and expansion with excellent tutorials and support. We have used these on various sites. Solostream.com
• WPZoom – impressive array of Wordpress themes with full support. Just released video based Wordpress templates that are very nice. WPZOOM.com
• WooThemes – try a different approach and consider multiple themes with top notch customer support and professional, premium designs. Experience a variety of templates for consumer, business and affiliate marketing applications. WooThemes.com
• LinkTrackr - once you have your Wordpress Template you will most likely promote some advertisers via affiliate marketing links. With Link Tracking Software you can change the url, track and manage your affiliate links easily.

• Yahoo Web Hosting (Yahoo Store Ecommerce or Yahoo Web Hosting)
  Get everything you need to launch an ecommerce business or traditional web site with 24-hour phone support and 30 days of free consulting from award winning Yahoo!. We are an authorized small business partner of Yahoo! and have worked with the platform since 1998. The key advantage to a Yahoo Store is that you will be able to manage everything on your own and is am excellent way to control your business expenses. 2 thumbs up!
  - Start selling online Save 35% on Yahoo Store Ecommerce hosting
  - On a budget? Ready to go Yahoo Store template solutions at vpzip.com
  – Start a web site or Wordpress blog Save 25% with Yahoo web hosting

• Rackspace Managed Web Hosting Servers & Managed Cloud Hosting
  Interested in first rate web hosting experience where performance and support is critical to your operation? Do you require a dedicated server or managed services? We recently configured a client’s server and really is worth the additional cost. Vastplanet is an official partner of Rackspace and can help customize a solution for your hosting.  The Rackspace managed cloud is brand new and offers a cost effective alternative to a managed server, please contact us directly and we can discuss your options.
  Rackspace Managed Servers and Cloud Hosting Options

• NetDepot Un-Metered Cloud Hosting & Servers
  Customized vmware virtualization cloud solutions and dedicated server configurations with 24-hour on-site support by certified hosting engineers. NetDepot just announced unlimited bandwidth on shared cloud hosting and is an excellent value for your business.
  NetDepot.com Cloud Hosting

• Crucial Magento Web Hosting
  Magento requires substantial resources to run properly and you want a host provider who can deliver a cost effective and high performance solution. We came across Crucial and appreciate the flexibility of split shared and split dedicated server options.
  Crucial Magento Hosting

• GoDaddy Web Hosting & Domains
  Excellent choice for buying and selling domains and inexpensive web hosting & Wordpress blogs under $10/mo. We use them both for various projects and really easy to use. One important item to add is that GoDaddy does not charge you to forward domains to different url’s like some competitors do.
  GoDaddy Special Domain Sale! $6.89.com
  
  
• BlueHost Web Hosting
  Starting at $6.95/mo they offer unlimited domain hosting, unlimited hosting space, unlimited file transfer and email accounts. This is very popular with affiliate marketers and a low cost way to have multiple sites.
  Blue Host Web Hosting $6.95 Per Month with Free Domain

You may have the following questions?

Popular Ecommerce Trends
Social Media Integration, Behavioral Analysis & Learning, Personalization for Each Customer, Customer Segmentation, Mobile Applications, Email Alerts, Automated Cross Sell & Upsell, Enhanced Navigation, Learning Search, Shopping Guides, Customer Care (Live Chat), Account Registration / Wishlists, Analytics and Conversion testing.

Ecommerce Trends | Conversion Strategy Presentation