Also proper Keywords distribution on pages is important.

As far my knowledge Squidoo is not a press release site it is a social networking site that allow users to create webpages on your interests and do recommendation.. If you're looking site similar to...

Which email service you're using?

Google Reader is best tools to get the update from your favorite websites.

You can get a rough idea from developers if you post your requirement in a freelancer site.

You can go for free blogs with free domain and free hosting but you'll have no control like your own, also with blogspot or wordpress.com you're branding others domain name rather than yours.

I hope this may help you; http://www.motobit.com/tips/detpg_add-pop3-user-account-windows/

A niche directories are more focus on regional/local area, their targetable portion are market sector that narrowly defined which have specific group of potential customers.

If you have merchant account you can accept payments through credit and debit cards & bank transfers as well depending on the payment processor that you choose.