$7 Tools | Make $7 Secrets Do More

Admin Expansion 1.4 Released

Mon, 21 Mar 2011 20:33:28 -0800

$7 Tools' flagship product, Admin Expansion, has been updated to version 1.4. This new version adds several features, most notably in-place configuration of $7 Secrets Scripts itself. It's no longer necessary to edit an arcane text file, all the while worrying that you'll bungle the job, drop a semi-colon and leave your site high and dry. A simple web form, secure within your password-protected admin panel, allows you to quickly and confidently change product and system settings. Admin Expansion also supports in-place configuration of all $7 Tools Expansions. Again, no need to fumble with a text editor. Additional features include allowing an affiliate ID with any supported 7DSS action (order, giveaway, etc.) or those provided by another Expansion and a reorganization of the admin menu. Admin Expansion now supports five new Expansions—Checkout Expansion, Landing Page Expansion, Social Proof Expansion, Template Expansion, and Snag Plugin—as well. Upgrades to version 1.4 are free to all users who have purchased in the last 2 years.

Easier Downloads

Fri, 18 Feb 2011 16:29:15 -0800

Isn't that a mess? All those links for one product? That's what nearly every product download page on 7DollarTools.com looked like until today.

By eliminating support for old versions, I was able to remove three of those links. And the documentation link I was able to remove by putting all the documentation for my products on the website. (Why I didn't do that before, I don't know. It makes updating the instructions for all existing users very easy.)

Lastly, I eliminated any choice for new and existing users of my products--that was just confusing for most people. I was trying to keep users who were already using my products from downloading SourceGuardian loaders and another copy of Admin Expansion Lite, but by asking new users to check for the loaders before buying I am able to avoid providing the loaders at all.

(Admin Expansion Lite is now always provided as a separate download, which allows me to update it without creating new packages for the other Expansions.)

Once all that was done, here's what the same download page looks like:

Lesson to learn: make things easier for your customers and users.

Support For Older Versions of 7DSS Ended

Thu, 17 Feb 2011 21:24:51 -0800

Back in 2007 when I started $7 Tools, I was supporting $7 Secrets Scripts version 2.6; in fact, Admin Expansion was specifically written to fix bugs that were present in that version. When I took over $7 Secrets, I corrected those bugs and I removed the bug fixes from later versions of Admin Expansion, but I kept available the version (1.1.2) compatible with 7DSS 2.6. Versions of other Expansions dependent on AE 1.1.2 also remained available. As of today, though, I'm no longer supporting any Expansion that doesn't work with 7DSS 2.8. Older versions of all Expansions have been removed from the site and users are strongly encouraged to upgrade to 7DSS 2.8 and update their Expansions. And new users won't have the confusing choice of download options when they reach the download page.

Are We Compatible?

Wed, 16 Feb 2011 21:28:59 -0800

Most products available through $7 Tools are protected by a tool called SourceGuardian, which I use to encode my PHP scripts. Every once in a while I'll get a refund request from someone whose hosting company won't install the SourceGuardian extension and, as a result, the purchased Expansion won't run. I think it's a poor provider that won't install this common software (particularly since they usually have Zend Optimizer and ionCube installed -- two extensions that have a similar purpose), but I'm stuck giving the refund. To prevent these requests in the future, I've put a link on each Expansion's sales page indicating there are some system requirements. There's also a reminder after the user clicks the order link. The requirements are simple:

You need to be running 7DSS
You need to be running SourceGuardian

Buyers are encouraged to download a test script to make sure their server supports SourceGuardian. If the loaders aren't already installed, the user is given a link to download them or, if the server doesn't support user-installed loaders, instructions are provided to pass to the hosting company. I've been working with Inovica (the publishers of SG) the past couple weeks to make the test script more user-friendly, by clarifying various messages and adding additional logic. I hope you find it useful; please let me know if you have any issues as you use it. Additional reading: Installing the SourceGuardian Loaders System Compatibility

Admin Expansion 1.3.1

Wed, 16 Feb 2011 18:03:11 -0800

Admin Expansion and Admin Expansion Lite have been updated to version 1.3.1. The most significant change is the destination of the "Fix" links in the 7DSS admin panel: since $7 Secrets Forum moved from the YaBB platform to Simple Machines, those topics have new addresses. Additional reading: Admin Expansion Change Log Admin Expansion Lite Change Log

Get Your Tickets Here

Mon, 08 Nov 2010 09:48:42 -0800

Today I'm announcing that I'm a licensed developer with Maian Support, arguably the best, free PHP support ticket system on the planet. I've been using Maian Support since 2007; I had tried a number of free alternatives and found MS to be the easiest to use. In 2008, MS became a commercial project, Ticket Desk Pro, through a partnership between the developer and an established Internet marketer. However, due to some differences between the partners (as I understand it), the product languished and eventually the partnership dissolved, returning MS to the developer, David Bennett. In 2010, David released Maian Support 2.0 with both a free and a paid version. Most of my customers will be satisfied with the feature set of the free version; the paid version removes limits on various features, which will be important if you're providing support for more than just a few products. More importantly, the paid version permits the removal of some fairly blatant copyright/advertising notices and links, which will be important to many users. As I licensed developer, I am able to install either version on my customers' websites and I will offer some compelling prices to do so. In the coming weeks I'll set up a sales page for the service; in the meantime, if you're interested, fill out a support ticket and set the category to "Installation Request."

Expansion Pack is Now Giveaway Expansion

Fri, 09 Oct 2009 11:55:25 -0800

Back in 2007 when I created my first expansion for $7 Secrets Scripts, I really had no idea where I was going with the product; I thought perhaps that this one product would bundle dozens of features. However, later ideas spawned separate products generally named "__________ Expansion," each product with a narrow set of features, and it became obvious that Expansion Pack was an unfortunate choice of names. Today I'm fixing that issue by renaming Expansion Pack to Giveaway Expansion. There are no new features in Giveaway Expansion, but it does require that you be using Admin Expansion or Admin Expansion Lite (included) version 1.2 or later. Existing users can download the latest version of Giveaway Expansion for two years after purchase by using the download link they received at purchase. (If you've lost your download link, please contact support.) When installed, Giveaway Expansion will rename Expansion Pack's settings file and disable Expansion Pack.

Download Padlock Available Once Again

Thu, 18 Dec 2008 00:05:06 -0800

Back in 2007, when $7 Secrets Scripts was having issues with security, another enterprising programmer created a plug-in to address those issues. Download Padlock was designed to prevent 7DSS users' files from being downloaded by hackers and added the ability to include multiple (virtually unlimited) files on the download pages. For various reasons, Download Padlock disappeared for most of 2008, but I'm happy to report that this essential add-on for $7 Secrets Scripts is once again available. $7 Tools is the exclusive online reseller for Download Padlock and, to celebrate, I'm not only lowering its price to $7 from its original $17, but I'm also offering an additional discount to existing $7 Tools customers who act in the next 24 hours.

New Site Design

Sat, 24 May 2008 16:08:57 -0800

You'll certainly have noticed the new site design that came out as a result of Minisite Wars 2007. Two designers battled it out and this was the winning design, created by Tino Hartung of Tino-Designs.com. I'm not sure what happened with this competition. As of this date, nearly a year after the start, the "war" isn't yet over -- there are still design spots open and there's no winner. I'm glad my skirmish was over before the troops deserted.

Updated Expansions for $7 Secrets 2.8

Wed, 12 Mar 2008 15:30:38 -0800

Yes, you're right: it's been a very long time since I've posted here. The basic reason for that has been that, since my last post, I've been very busy with getting $7 Secrets 2.7, and then 2.8, together and out. Add to that my support activities on the support desk and the forum; getting out a new, Italian language version of $7 Secrets; and maintaining all of my previous commitments, and you can see why development at $7 Tools has lagged. But now I'm pleased to announce new versions of most of the tools here, updated mostly to keep them compatible with $7 Secrets 2.8. Here's what we have:

Admin Expansion 1.2 and Admin Expansion Lite 1.2, offering a new interface for the 7DSS admin panel and 7DSS 2.8 compatibility

Admin Expansion 1.2 now requires 7DSS 2.8.

Expansion Pack 1.1, with compatibility for AE 1.2
Sell-Out Expansion, with compatibility for AE 1.2 and 7DSS 2.8
The $7 Blacklist, with compatibility for AE 1.2

These new versions all require Admin Expansion 1.2, which means they also require 7DSS 2.8. (Previous versions compatible with 7DSS 2.7 are still available in your download area, but, hey, you should update to the latest versions for increased reliability.) To download these updates, use the download link you were sent when you purchased. Remember, purchasers receive free updates for two years from date of purchase. If you have any questions, open a support ticket and I'll get back to you.

$7 Secrets Under New Ownership

Thu, 13 Sep 2007 10:36:43 -0800

Well, this is big! As of September 10, I am the new owner of the $7 Secrets brand. Under the terms of the sale, I have purchased from Jon Leger the full rights to the $7 Secrets report, the $7 Secrets scripts, and the 7dollarsecrets.com and 7dollarforum.com domains. I am really excited about this opportunity to expand (pun intended) the reach of $7 Secrets and to see that the scripts continue to be maintained. I want to first thank Jon for the incredible service he has done the internet marketing community by making these resources available. He has shown that it is possible to put your product out on the Internet at a low cost, without an expensive e-commerce system, and make money—sometimes lots of money—while doing it. It seems that everywhere I turn I see a new report or product or service being sold using the $7 Secrets model and/or scripts; Jon can be proud of the difference he's made in this industry. So, what's in store for $7 Secrets, or, more specifically, the scripts? Well, there are definitely some changes coming. Some I can't mention now, because I've not worked them out yet. Others have not even entered my mind yet. But here are some things I can let you know about:

After being down for 100+ days, 7DollarSecrets.com is up and running

$7 Secrets

This does not mean you cannot promote $7 Secrets!

free Seller Beware! report

Version 2.6 of the 7 Dollar Secrets Scripts is once again available

$7 Secrets

Version 2.7.1 of the scripts is still under development
The support address for $7 Secrets has changed

http://7dollarsecrets.com/support/

If you purchased $7 Secrets at 7DollarSecrets.com and you didn't receive or you lost your download link, file a support ticket
If you're having a problem with installing the scripts, read or reread the installation guide
If you're still having a problem with installing the scripts, or you need to hire someone to install them for you, visit the $7 Secrets Forum. Search the forum first—someone's probably already answered your question. Then, if necessary, post your question, request, etc. in the appropriate area.
If you think you've found a bug, check the forum. If it's truly a bug, it's probably been reported and there may even be a work-around.
If you have a feature request or suggestion,... you've got it: check the forum.

In closing, let me thank you for supporting 7DollarTools.com; I'm looking forward to supporting you with $7 Secrets.

Do your prospects trust you?

Thu, 06 Sep 2007 10:18:26 -0800

What do you suppose is the biggest obstacle to getting people to buy from you? Particularly if you're new to Internet marketing, you'll find that getting people to trust you is the most important thing to do if you're going to get people to buy your product, subscribe to your list, or even click on a link you've sent to them. Overcoming the Trust Barrier is the first video in a powerful new series designed to show you how to apply testing and optimization to achieve maximum conversion with your online marketing system. Created by Doug Hudiburg, a corporate marketing consultant and founder of Strategies for Optimization.com and Daily Marketing Ace.com, this series offers practical strategies to improve your online marketing success. In "Overcoming the Trust Barrier," Doug reveals a fool-proof system for eliminating the #1 reason that qualified prospects don't buy from you. Overcoming the Trust Barrier is not yet available to the general public, but Doug has allowed me to make it available to you—a $7 Secrets user—through a special arrangement—before he opens it up to your competitors. I'm sure you will find (as I did) that Overcoming the Trust Barrier clearly explains the concepts behind the most successful marketing systems (including $7 Secrets), helps you refine your selling process and even opens up new markets for you as you promote your products and the $7 Secrets system. I'd love to hear your comments after you've watched the video!

Expansion Pack Updated to 1.0.2

Mon, 03 Sep 2007 10:29:55 -0800

Expansion Pack has been updated to fix two bugs:

Fixed bug which in some cases caused the Download Expired page to show when bypassing the squeeze page (thank you, Xavier Nelson) [1.0.1]
Fixed bug introduced in 1.0.1 which did not allow bypassing of the squeeze page for giveaways (thank you, Henry Zeng) [1.0.2]

Past purchasers of Expansion Pack for $7 Secrets can download the latest version by using their original download link.

Summer Heat Got You Down?

Tue, 28 Aug 2007 12:00:38 -0800

$7 Secrets user and all-around nice guy, Rob Richards, is promoting Summer 2007's largest giveaway of internet marketing (and other) products -- over 400 in all! There's something for everyone there: website templates, graphics, articles, e-books, software, membership sites, videos, and more. Some offer PLR, some offer MRR, but all are free. I've got a duckie in this swimming pool, too, but you'll have to check out all of the gifts to see what it is. So, if the summer heat's got you down, it's time to get refreshed. Head on over to the Summer JV Giveaway and load up on all the great stuff right now!

Tip: Alternate Squeeze Page for Giveaways

Sun, 19 Aug 2007 19:13:29 -0800

If you're running a giveaway promotion (whether using the built-in 7DSS giveaway feature or an Expansion Pack custom giveaway) in addition to leaving the order option open, you've probably noticed that your squeeze page says something like "Thank you for your purchase" even if the user is getting your product through a giveaway. I'm a bit of a stickler for communicating to the user accurately, so I needed to come up with a way of showing one squeeze page to a person purchasing the product and another squeeze page to a person getting the product through a giveaway. It turns out this was quite easy to do: just six lines of code to add to your squeeze page and a modfied squeeze page that I called squeeze_giveaway.html. Using a text editor, add these lines to the top of your squeeze.html:

and this line to the bottom of your squeeze.html:

Your squeeze.html now looks like this:




... the rest of your squeeze page here ...

If you've named your giveaway squeeze page as I have (you can change it to whatever you want, but make sure you change the "filename = " line accordingly), when a user clicks your giveaway link they will see your new squeeze page. Users clicking your order link, however, will still see your normal squeeze page, unless their giveaway cookie is set. You can also use the same code to load a modified download.html (front-end product download) or downloadoto.hml (OTO product download) page. Just create the appropriate pages and add the code to download.html and/or downloadoto.html. Make sure you change the "filename = " line! Have fun with this!