Today I reflected on the fact that I came online at the end of 2008 and really started building my business in the summer of 2009. You may wonder why there’s a gap of about seven months between coming online and really building my business.
Think back to when you graduated from Middle School or Junior High and went on to High School. In some countries, as in Jamaica, you graduate from Elementary School and go directly to High School. In Junior High you may have been a ‘big cheese’; you were on the Honor Roll and in the Top 10 in your grade, or maybe even school. You may also have been ‘Teacher’s Pet.’
Now here you are at High School and you realize your security blanket is gone! You realize (more…)
Starting an internet business can be confusing and challenging. As a beginner doing research on how to proceed you will frequently see the statement that to be successful on the internet, you must create your own product.
Creating your own product is a goal that all internet marketers should strive for. But, is this the best starting point for a beginner or ‘newbie' to internet marketing?
Pros:
Your first product will likely be a free report, but you may also create an ebook for sale. Digital products are the most popular products to create.
A well-written ebook will give the author expert status and sales; the author can become well-known quickly, allows for Joint Venture opportunities.
The reader is able to download the ebook immediately. Solid information on a specific topic in provided in one place; one document.
Cons:
A well-written ebook may take several weeks or even months to complete research and writing.
Being new in starting your internet business you may be relatively unknown so you may not be perceived as an expert who can provide information that people may want to buy.
Lack of experience in marketing online so as to promote your product effectively and implement systems for payment.
Of course there are always exceptions, as someone may already be a successful writer or have offline marketing experience that allows him/her to transition more quickly into their internet business and produce a 25-30 page or more ebook very quickly.
If creating your own product may not be the best starting point in your internet business, what are your options? My Mentor, Connie Ragen Green has often said that Affiliate Marketing was what she started with when she started her business online, and Affiliate Marketing is responsible for approximately 50% of her income today. I was a student in Connie's 1st Affiliate Marketing class earlier this year and am allowed to attend her new session, which she's teaching again. Connie is an expert at teaching Affiliate Marketing as she has become a Super-Affiliate. It's not too late to join Connie's class today. This is the last time she will be offering this class in 2010. Click here to learn more.
Sales has long been regarded as a numbers game because your success depends on selling small amounts to many persons or selling large amounts to a smaller number of people.
It would not be incorrect to conclude that marketing is also a numbers game, and this is especially true of Affiliate Marketing. You also need large numbers of targeted prospects to see your offers and click on your affiliate link so you can make money online. How does the Know, Like and Trust factor encourage others to click on your affiliate links?
It has often been stated that people do business with those whom they've come to know, like and trust. So while Affiliate Marketing is great for beginners to internet marketing, you'll become more successful as you build relationships over time.
An effective starting point is with a blog where you provide posts and articles that offer answers to questions and solutions to concerns your readers may have. Through your posts, your readers will get to know you as your personality and authenticity are reflected in your writing style and quality.
Over time when your readers see that you're willing to provide valuable content for free, they are more apt to click on your affiliate links and purchase products through you. This is because they now trust you that you would recommend only what you've personally used and got benefit from, or at the very least know the quality of previous work produced by the marketer you are an affiliate for.
How has the know, like and trust factor proven to be helpful in your online business? Please share.
Today I reflected on the fact that I came online at the end of 2008 and really started building my business in the summer of 2009. You may wonder why there’s a gap of about seven months between coming online and really building my business.