Amazing method to get referrals... Step 1.

[Dunstan]

Ask a lot of people here and they'll tell you to build a website to help get your referrals. It's hard work and a steep learning curve but it can be very rewarding. I'm going to assume that you're ready to invest time and money into it otherwise there's no point. Step one, read this, and read it well: Search engine optimization - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Making the site

1. Get hosting. I recommend Hostgator. It is only $8 a month to host an unlimited number of sites. Just reply in this thread if you don't want to spend that much there'll be cheaper alternatives.

2. Get a domain. I personally use Godaddy. This will be the name of your site. If you're targetting the UK then get a .co.uk and if you're targetting the US/international then get a .com.
Use one of these coupons whilst registering as it will save you some money: Godaddy promo codes and coupons list for 2010

What's in a name?
Decide what gift you're targetting and have that in your domain. eg. freeipod.co.uk
Use your imagination. A lot of them have been taken but make sure itsnotstupidlylong.co.uk ...

Read this whilst your signing up as it will explain how to set nameservers so that your site works: How to Host a Godaddy Domain on Hostgator | eHow.com

3. Create your site. Use Wordpress as it's amazingly easy. This tells you step by step how to set it up. How to Install Wordpress on Hostgator Using Fantastico | eHow.com

4. Customise your site. Change the theme of your site by installing a new wordpress theme. Here's a guide: WordPress Tutorial - Change your WordPress Theme

5. Optimise your site using plugins. This shows you how: WordPress Tutorial - WordPress Plugins
You want to search and install these plugins:
All-in-one-seo - Read this for help setting up: SEO Tutorial Video | WordPress Developer
Google analytics - You'll use this later.
xml-sitemap

6. Optimise your site for SEO: WordPress Tutorial - WordPress SEO

7. Create some content for your site. Simply go to posts and start writing. Use images to grab the attention of your visitors.

Make a post which will be your homepage. Here's how: Writing Posts « WordPress Codex

Then make it your homepage by following this guide: WordPress Tutorial — How to Make a Static Page Your Home Page (Front Page) Using WordPress « WordPress Tutorials – Business Blogging 101

Here's how to add your referral link to your post: How to add a link to your post in WordPress « InTouch

You can include: contact us pages etc.

Here are some help topics for wordpress if you're stuck: WordPress Tutorial - How to Install and Manage WordPress

Here's an example: FREE iPod, FREE iPhone, FREE PS3, FREE Wii - Get yours now!

As you can see:
the URL: tells you exactly what the site's about
the title: contains the gifts that I want to promote
the writing: tries to pursuade the user to sign up.
the pages: how it works, proof it works

Write a sales pitch explaining step by step how the process works whilst making the signup link obvious

You've now got your site running with a homepage and pages explaining how the process works. The site looks good and would pursuade people to sign up if they see it... the next step is get people visiting your site.

[mcgrou]

great post

[ainsleee]

Thanks, a good detailed explanation.

[Jackc£10]

Thanks a lot that great advice, on the hosting side of things maybe you should look into justhost, they have unlimited hosting for £2 a month with the coupon code 50OFF and you also get a free domain with that

[Douf]

i have never tried wordpress is it anygood?