Proven 5-Step Low-Cost Blueprint For Online Wealth Creation
Recently, one of my subscribers, Tom Moore wrote me a thank-you email in reply to my Instant Article Wizard Pro email. He thanked me not so much for the Instant Article Wizard Pro but rather for sharing the Proven 5-Step Low-Cost Blueprint For Predictable Online Wealth Creation.
In the email, I laid out 5 simple steps but there is really more than just 5 mere steps (I couldn’t fit all in that short email) and in this blog post, I’m going to lay them all on the table in a silver platter for you…so read every word carefully!
You see, making money online is really not difficult if you keep to the basics consistently. The problem is, too many entrepreneurs who are just starting out want to jump start all the steps and hopefully make 5 figures within a short time. Heck, it took me a whopping 7 years to reach a consistent 5 figure income.
I soon realized something about wealth creation and how the world is being created and I’m sure most of you would feel the same way too. However, this is just my perception and I am only speaking from my experience, my point of view.
Being the *diplomatic* guy that I am, I believe everyone is entitled to their own opinion about things but here’s my take on wealth creation (You really need to hear this for yourself..)
There are of course many ways to build wealth but before I show you the 5 steps, I will share a golden nugget that will catapult you towards your goals with focus and speed like a raging bull, and keep you working consistently like clockwork.
I think that nature has a special way of showing us how things are being built. If you have not already realized, all the wealthy people in the world do not become wealthy overnight. It is through years of consistent effort that most people do not see.
Everyone wants to be earning like the gurus but most unconsciously avoid the boring work involved. We live in a world of instant gratification. We get instant credit, instant loans, instant cash, instant cup noodles, fast food and so forth.
I remember when Janey was around, she used to do lots of gardening. I simply do not have any patience for such things. She would consistently trim, water and buy all kinds of nutrients for her plants. And after a couple of months, her plants would bloom and she would get all excited about it.
One day, it dawned upon me that the only time I get fascinated is when I see the flowers bloom but I would otherwise totally ignore or be unaware of all the hard work that she had consistently put in.
It was there and then that I decided that consistent effort is the key to success!
Warren Buffet also mentioned in one of his books that he only invests in boring business…well, I see consistency in pruning, watering and fertilizing the plants as boring business, so it is in many businesses depending on how you see boring.
I see writing articles everyday and submitting it to ezinearticles as boring because it’s performing the same task every day. But it all builds up.
Here’s what most uninformed online entrepreneurs are doing. They buy one seed, plant it in, water it for a few days, and if they do not see any significant results, they move on and buy another type of seed/plant, plant it in again, water for a few days, and without seeing much result, they get disappointed and goes on buying another seed.
The secret is to plant one seed and consistently water and nurture it. Now, I’m going to show you how the entire article marketing formula builds up to an unstoppable traffic generation strategy.
Eg. If you write an article and submit to ezinearticles.com, you’ll definitely get some traffic and traffic that never ends. However, the traffic might be insignificant. Let me illustrate it even further.
Say you wrote an article today on: “how to build your own dog house” and post it to ezinearticles.com. Once you post the article, you’ll get drips of traffic for the rest of your life.
Assuming that your article generates you only 10 visitors a month for the rest of your life.
Technically speaking, if you write 5 articles, you’ll generate 50 visitors a month, which of course is really insignificant. Bumped it up to 5 articles a day for 365 days would add up to 1,825 articles with 18,250 monthly visitors for the rest of your life.
Can you see how the entire boring task builds up ?
Stop chasing from one seed to another - focus on one method and consistently hit at it - you’ll yield your fruits in due time!
And finally the 5-Step Blueprint:
Step1: Selecting An Affiliate Product With High Search Volume
You might want to search if there is demand for your niche by going to
https://adwords.google.com/select/KeywordToolExternal First!
(Heads Up! Google used to show only a green bar for search volume indication but now it’s showing VOLUME SEARCH RESULTS which means it could potentially put Wordtracker out of business)
There are lots of affiliate programs to join which I have listed in the toolbar that I gave to you.
Those are affiliate sites that I personally use myself. (If you have not gotten the toolbar, you can register to get it at the left side of this blog)
There are many angles to approach an affiliate product and from my testing, these are the kinds of affiliate products that work the best
- Affiliate Product With A Typical Sales Page (Clickbank & Paydotcom kind of long copy)
A long copy sells a product better because I realized that the more you tell, the more you sell! The conversion is normally better with long, interesting and irresistible sales copy
- The other kind of affiliate program such as Commission Junction, Amazon.com or CPA would best be targeted towards prospects that require you to do some pre-selling before promoting the products direct. (In other words, you are acting on behalf of a sales letter before directing them to your offer/affiliate link)
Otherwise, your traffic has to be targeted before sending them through your affiliate link. Let me illustrate it further.
If you were to promote an affiliate product from amazon.com (Say a Nokia phone model 1234i - I’m just making this up as an example), you will realize that there is no sales copy to try and sell the visitor on buying Nokia 1234i.
Therefore, the kind of traffic that you send through your amazon.com affiliate link should be prospects that are looking exactly for the Nokia 1234i Model.
Step 2: Building A Worm Hole Traffic Website
A website essentially is just a page with contents. A Blog is also considered a website. There are many places you can get blogs for free. I believe you are familiar with Blogger.com, Squidoo.com, Hubpages.com, Wordpress.com and so forth (You can access them from the toolbar as well)
The technical part of using and setting up these sites are fairly easy and straightforward. You’ll know when you register with these websites. Plus you can easily use Google to find free guides on them.
However, if you want to own a piece of your own .com and how to set up it, there’s also a series of step-by-step videos on the toolbar where you can easily follow, on setting up your own virtual real estate, plus another series of videos which shows you how to set up a profitable mini-site from scratch.
Step 3: Earning That All-Important Clickthrough
Before you start sending traffic to your website, it is important to know what is the PRIMARY OBJECTIVE that your website wants the visitors to do.
In this case, the only aim is to earn that ULTIMATE CLICKTHROUGH to the affiliate product you are promoting, through your affiliate link. Do not leave it to the visitors to decide!
You need to design the layout such that after reading whatever content (soft-selling the product) you place, the visitor can easily click the text hyperlink, which is subtly and prominently placed and laden with benefits (take the key benefits from the affiliate sales page).
Step 4: Content or Value Contribution
One thing you must know is that the internet exists because of information and the one that makes the biggest bucks owns the most information or content. Just look at the search engines like Google, Yahoo, MSN, about.com and similar sites like EzineArticles.com.
The more ORIGINAL, VALUE-ADDING content you have, the more traffic you’ll get. If you know nuts about writing articles you can use Article Wizard Pro which I highly recommend.
Step 5: Traffic (No Big Deal!)
Remember the little pep talk we had earlier? The more articles you have, the more traffic you’ll get. Period! The more traffic you get, the more sales you’ll make. It’s all about consistency and focus.
I wish I could go into more details on Traffic, List Building, Website Design, SEO, Conversion, Marketing , Copywriting, Entrepreneur Mindset and the topics could be endless so pen down in the comments below and let me know what would you like to know more about and I try to post it up.
One last note: If you ever wonder why most find it hard to succeed online, it’s because they
do not stay focused long enough to see the fruits of their labor. And they go on buying from one opportunity to another in the hope of a faster method only to end up back to square one!
Would love to hear your thoughts on this.
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July 10th, 2008 at 3:40 pm
Excellent post and so very true. I have been using ezinearticles.com for a few years now and stats show 1000’s of site hits from articles posted over time. Articles from 2 years back are still drivibg traffic.
great advice indeed.
Cheers,
Ken
July 10th, 2008 at 3:56 pm
Boy did you describe me to a tee! I have several web-sites (more than I listed) and I have never made any money because I’ve gotten bored and started something new rather than consistently working on one thing.
I’ve recently started fengshuitoolkit.com and hope to do this one right. I work on it several times a week and am selling my own products and using adsense ads.
I would love to hear your comments. I know I have a long way to go.
July 10th, 2008 at 4:00 pm
what is the PRIMARY OBJECTIVE that your website wants the visitors to do.
This, in my opinion, is one of the strongest pieces of advice in your article.
So many people think, “I want to do this… and that…” and then they put a site up that either tries to do it ALL or ends up doing things that don’t actually build the business.
For example, when I first started my website I had Adsense on the site, but no signup for a newsletter. I was making Adsense sales, but I was losing the ability to sell to those customers ever again.
I put up a newsletter box, took down the Adsense.
After a while, I re-designed my site and eventually put Adsense up again - however, the first goal is always always always to pick up the lead.
I put lead-generation as a higher priority than sales and revenue, simply because effective lead-generation and relationship building makes the sales become a byproduct of successful growth.
I also added an exit popup which has increased my conversions by over 400%
My website does do a ‘lot’ of things, but I can always narrow it down to three fundamentals:
- List building
- Valuable strong niche content
- Product sales (own and affiliate)
Whenever I coach people, I ask them your same question, “What’s the first thing you want somebody to do when they come to your site?”
That answer determines everything else….
July 10th, 2008 at 4:49 pm
Hi Craig,
Thanks for another excellent post! I must download your toolbar, as well.
So, I take it that article writing is your primary method for generating traffic, for list building, and for sales. I’ve had some success with Giveaway Events, in terms of building a subscriber base for my Natural Healing Newsletter. At first, I was afraid that people would immediately unsubscribe, after downloading my gift. However, at least 75% of opt-ins, have remained subscribers to the newsletter. Do you participate in Giveaway Events, yourself?
I very much appreciate the time and effort you give to this site, and the valuable information that you share with your readers.
best regards,
Laurie
July 10th, 2008 at 6:42 pm
Hello,
I believe the continuous focus is absolutely vital for success online. Ok, if some actions or sites do not bring in the business, you might want to decide to stop and find new opportunities, but the way to approach is mostly the same. This means focus yourself and most of all focus your visitor-customer.
Some great advise here, I must download that toolbar.
Danny V from Belgium.
July 10th, 2008 at 6:58 pm
Scares the _ _ LL out of me, but here we go. I am just starting out at this game after being away from the “hopping around” that I did looking at so many confusing products and info. Most of it just went over my head.
Glad I came across your article. I must have signed up for something over the years! Hopefull with a great focus, faith and a pair then I can make this one work.
Thanks for the info and MAKE IT a great day,
Jeff
July 10th, 2008 at 7:20 pm
Very well said, it really nice to read some real wisdom on the net, regarding making money from your Internet business.It motivated me to start article writing again, and has given me a little push to continue building my brand of one on the net.
Your article is very much appreciated and thanks for taking the time.
July 10th, 2008 at 7:20 pm
Great post Craig.. very informative. A lot of people really overlook the simple things which they should be doing, regularly. It may sound rather mundane and boring but overtime, it pays off.. big time.
July 10th, 2008 at 8:04 pm
Thanks for the enlightenment, most of us are guilty of this instant riches and guru’s have made a meal of us. Need people like you to wake us up and smell the coffee
July 10th, 2008 at 11:28 pm
I like your thoughts. There is a lot to think through when starting a blog. I think getting traffic is the hardest and it takes time and sometimes I am not a very patient man but my blog at ideasforoutdoorliving.com Ideas for Outdoor Living is starting to get noticed.
July 11th, 2008 at 12:42 am
So true… I’ve spent thousand of dolars on all kinds of programs… and followed through with none… we all want the “blooming flowers” but often are unwilling to put in the “borring” work that takes us there…
Finally I was lucky enough to find something that I love and that made all the difference. I guess there are some businesses where even the “borring” work is pleassurable. As a workshop presenter and keynote speaker i love every aspect fo my business and I enjoy getting some affiliate commissions on the side from places that I trust and I myself am a customer.
Great stuff!!! I have dozens of articles laying around. I’ll get out and start posting them on the net.
Thanks for the reminder
July 11th, 2008 at 1:21 am
Craig:
Great job…you are so right and that is what I am experiencing right now. As a former teacher and some experience in sales, the Internet is NOT the piece of cake 6 figure income sitting back dreaming about it. You do have to work it! Thanks.
How about some hints on “traffic” and “list building”?
Keep it coming, you are realistic.
Again, thanks-Marie
July 11th, 2008 at 3:27 am
Hi Craig,
I like your style….blunt truth.
I am guilty of opening mails and expecting instant formula success. Guru sell hypes and pushy affiliate sales….heck with them. Minus some IM who provide value contents, but then you would go blast with infor overload.
I say stay focus and continue to plough on one thing for at least 6 months to see real result. Then go for a break and enjoy your own fruit of labour and still see cash register
*kah ching*
Be blessed
July 11th, 2008 at 3:39 am
Thanks Craig.
You also described me to a Tee. I realize that focus is key but I still allow myself to be distracted. I guess I am waiting to earn my first dollar before I get serious about that program but that is the “catch 22″ or the tiger chasing his tail. You have reminded me that I need to get serious about my focus. First time here and a great post indeed. Will look forward to more helpful info for a novice.
July 11th, 2008 at 4:08 am
Craig,
Thanks I appreciate articles like this that teaches us to better ourselves; as well as help us to look at things from someone else perspective.
Keep up the good work and thanks for the blueprint.
Barry
July 11th, 2008 at 12:04 pm
It all comes down to the basics and Craig, you nailed it on the head. I think we all fall into the boredom and impatience mode from time to time, particularly when we’re writing articles about the same subject day after day. I’ll print out your article and keep it as a motivator for those uninspired days!
July 11th, 2008 at 12:04 pm
You Say “The more ORIGINAL, VALUE-ADDING content you have, the more traffic you’ll get.”.
Simply put…that’s the whole truth about succeeding on the net.
An educative and enlightening article
July 11th, 2008 at 12:14 pm
Craig,
Very well written and graphical explanation as why most net entrepreneurs just fail to make it on line. I guess we all have to learn to wean our way out the of the manifold distractions that await us the moment we log on & take us in different directions.The net result is no out put because no real input & concentration has gone in from our side.
Rajan
July 11th, 2008 at 12:52 pm
Craig,
I think this is excellent advice/insight. You hit a problem I struggle with, squarely on the head. Bottom line, ”I’m not consistent.” I do exactly what you said (and have the good sense to recognize and admit it). I try something and then talk myself out of its effectiveness.
I’ve been online for 3 years. I’ve spent over $17,500 with one particular ‘guru’ and have ended up almost bankrupt. He never gave me advice like this.
Maybe your should be charging for it. God knows that you could be.
I’m very, very grateful to say the least.
THANK YOU!!
Michael Murphy
July 11th, 2008 at 1:33 pm
Hi Craig,
Thanks for the insights..
Yes it took me some time to realize this and also to build a list early.
List building is also one part of the “gardening” process
Starting with affiliate marketing is a good way to feel the market and deciding if it’s worth creating your own product to serve it.
July 11th, 2008 at 2:32 pm
Craig,
Thanks for the post. I have a site that is like your example in the video (water Fuel), and I’m sure that I’ll be able to increase the traciffic just by using the information in your post.
I too always just jumped for one project to another, that ends now.
Gene
July 11th, 2008 at 3:25 pm
Nice article and true. The point about having a single purpose to your website sounds easy but is harder to do after checking out what you have to do. For example, my websites are usually designed for adsense income and good content that people will enjoy. I also place a few affiliate products on my sites to help monetize them. I don’t yet have a newsletter signup form to capture my visitors’ name and email address.
It’s an ongoing project and I’m trying to determine the best way to go about it.
Writing articles and submitting them to article directories helps in the traffic area over the longer term and I need to find time and peace enough to do it more regularly. I think you hit the nail on the head though with your five points.
Thanks, keep up the good advice.
July 11th, 2008 at 5:21 pm
dear craig
i am even more confused now than i was before, i am suffering from information overload, now i do no know what to do??i have tried the schemes, done lousey, still no made a dollar! only lost many of them!!I do not know how to get into a reputable business, at a VERY LOW cost. it seems there are too many scams out there!
WHAT would you suggest i do ???. i understand that a business has to grow slowly, and you will not become a millionaire overnight, but WHAT business do you know that will grow and i will not be scammed in, i guess that is the $$$$$$$$$ question.
I know that you are probably very busy, but if you could help me in any way, i would appreciate it!
thankyou Tom.
July 11th, 2008 at 6:05 pm
Well, like everyone else that has commented, you will not be scam if you follow my advice….
You contribute articles and get quality traffic…
The traffic that comes from your articles are visitors that trust you and would like more information from you…
Therefore they will register as your subscriber when you offer them something free (like a free report) which helps build trust further..before recommending them an affiliate product….
it’s as simple as that…
I have also laid our the entire process in the comments on the blog post
http://www.websitetrafficbuildingtool.com/18/2-words-increased-my-opt-in-rate-by-364-sales-by-200/
July 12th, 2008 at 6:05 am
Very Ver interesting for webmasters and in my opinion adopting above will definitely profit all concerned. Thanks
July 12th, 2008 at 1:53 pm
Thanks Craig,
You have just re-inforced what I have known for years, but never, put into practice, thinking that the next one (program or product) could be “IT”.
I call the examples you gave, the farming principle. As you already know, the farmer have to prepare the ground, plant the seeds and water it. Keep the weeds at bay, (distractions) and then patiently wait for the harvest. At times it’s abundant, other times it’s disappointing, but he starts the cycle all over again because, he is focused on what he/she is doing. and believes it what he/she is doing.
I am now focusing on what I am currently doing and keeping it super simple. I patiently await the rewards in abundance.
Jim
July 12th, 2008 at 8:53 pm
Hi Craig,
Another great post!!
I’m considering purchasing Article Wizard Pro. After watching the video, I was wondering with the snippets the software comes up with, is it wise to use it that way, or rewrite the article.
That being the case, why would you really need the tool because you can go to any directory and rewrite articles?
Also, in your email you say:
“If you don’t feel comfortable to use other people’s snippets, by all means quote the source - the article tool has this amazing feature.”
When quoting the source, can we submit these articles to directories?
Lastly, what are the best article directories other than Ezinearticles to submit articles to?
Thanks a bunch!!
Ruth
July 12th, 2008 at 8:55 pm
But the reality is that internet marketing and any other marketing for that matter, is the life blood of any business. But your advantage on the internet is huge, cause of the low cost and ease. (you can do it yourself) But you still have to work hard and put time into it, and this is the problem, no one wants to work….and we all know that nothing is for free in this world. (usually)
Actually, I’m wrong, there’s tons of stuff for free on the internet, and you can also get a ton of traffic to your site for free, if you know how to play the game, work hard, and know how to market yourself.
There’s tons of tricks and tips and I try to learn one everyday.
petes2cents.com
July 12th, 2008 at 9:28 pm
I wanted to thank you so much for this information, for I have started my business on line and find out that everything that you have written here is so right to the point, so true. I wanted to thank you for your tips and realistic information, I am working on many things now, but I started as you said, planted a seed and after a while see no results, try something else, and over and over again…
Thanks for the inspiration, I will start watering my previous seeds again.
Ludier
http://www.bestguidesonline.com
July 13th, 2008 at 4:44 am
WOW! In a very short blog entry you brought everything into focus. Thanks for the great information and reality check!
July 13th, 2008 at 4:17 pm
Thanks man.. i must say am well blessed this first time of visiting the blog is very informative and straight to the point
July 14th, 2008 at 4:51 pm
Great article, well said. Unwavering consistency needed to follow through with the small tasks is what it’s all about.
July 14th, 2008 at 9:45 pm
Very interesting information. I really liked this blog and the blueprint that it showed.
July 14th, 2008 at 10:08 pm
great content
July 15th, 2008 at 10:20 am
Craig, thank you so much for sharing these simple steps. Like many other comments written, this has been very helpful! Simple and directly to the point.
There are so many “experts” who want to share their “secrets”, it can be very confusing to know who to believe.
I always felt stuck when it came to writing articles due to lack of time and wondered if what I had to say would be interesting enough for visitors.
I really enjoyed your post and will be checking into
the Article Wizard Pro later today!
Thanks again,
Nancy
July 15th, 2008 at 1:12 pm
Really useful - after bobbing about from one instant offer to another I’ve decided to settle down too.
In response to your offer of answers I have 3 questions:-
1) for a site that’s trying to earn an adsense income, is it better to use a blog or traditional HTML. (I find HTML coding easier than setting up a blog).
2) I have a site of several hundred pages about France. I want to add a page to sell French Language courses. Will the mass of information about France contribute to the search engine rankings of the individual Selling French Langauge Course page.
3) Do reciprocal links work ? I use linkmarket.com and it seems to make no discernible difference to my websits’ rankings. If not, would “full context” links work well ? (The link would run into 2-3 hundred words per link).
—————————————————————
Craig’s Reply:
1.) Well, to me HTML requires more work…you’ve gotta design one page and loan up for every new page….
Blog allows you to post content easily…as easy as using Microsoft Word and Pressing the Button Save….
2.) I don’t know for sure what you’re asking but yes, whatever content you to put will potentially be ranked..however for what keywords? It’s very subjective….the more content the more traffic..that’s the rule Craig goes by..KISS (Keep it simple stupid)
3.) Yes reciprocal linking still works, but to a lesser extent than before e.g. if the link back to you is buried in the hundreds of links pages, then the benefit is almost zero.. contextual link or links within paragraphs of the similar topic is definitely better. Having a link back to you would seem as if someone pointing to Google that you’re highly recommended…so the more backlinks you have, it’s like having more people saying that you’re high recommended by Google. Again, your ranking really depends on the keyword….there is no surefire way to guarantee that you’ll get listed No.1 for the keyword you want…it’s always a trial and error..
Hope this helps..
CJ
July 15th, 2008 at 1:50 pm
This was a very interesting and thoughtful post.
However, I must disagree on one point.
I have been posting articles on ezine articles for two and a half years -heaps of them. Some of them have had over 2000 readers and have been put on other websites.
Unfortunately they have not produced ONE SINGLE CLICK of traffic and the idea of a a sale initiated by an article is hilarious in the extreme.
I’ve not made an affiliate sale in 4 years although I have links by the thousand all over the net.
I agree with all the rest.
—————————————————————
Craig’s Reply
Hi Clive,
That is so strange…cos I’ve had results on the extreme end..
Could you kindly let me know which article did you write?
Oh By the way, I’ve checked ezinearticles.com and you’ve got Only 5 articles..
How is that the same as what I’ve just shared?
Plus, if you checked your articles, you could really improved on a few things..
Improvise Article Quality
- Have you actually read your own article….most of it does not make much sense…and adds no value
to the visit…if there is no value in your article, how else would the reader trust you and wants to read
more information from you?
Improvise Your Title….
“You Really Are What You Eat” what does this really mean?
You need to use headlines that are solutions oriented…
Such as how-to-lose weight..or how eating fish can cause you to
Age by up to 10%…etc..etc…
No.2 if you have read my article on write articles at
http://www.websitetrafficbuildingtool.com/19/article-traffic-vs-social-web-20-traffic-hype/
Your ending needs to improve as well…
——————————————————-
Apart from his obvious interest in creating delicious dishes he also has had a growing interest in the “wellness” properties of different foods.
His website http://www.superfoodssecretsrevealed.com is a wealth of information and valuable resources.
You can also check out his NEW e-Book “2008 - Healthy Eating Guide” by clicking on this link http://www.clivepraed.com/HEALTHY-EATING-GUIDE.html
———————————————————-
Seriously, this ending/bio is not going to get anyone interested to click to visit your website….
But headline like this….
Breakthrough Article Marketing - 5 High Impact Secrets to Grow Your Article Marketing
or ending like this…
“For A Limited Time, Clive is giving away a free report on how to get rid of your man boobs in just
under one week. Get your free report worth $27 at http://www.getridmanboobs.com nowâ€
Please read my blog post on
http://www.websitetrafficbuildingtool.com/19/article-traffic-vs-social-web-20-traffic-hype/
Hope this will give you some insights…
CJ
July 15th, 2008 at 2:38 pm
Hey Craig,
very simple and concise post.
I do think ahead and wonder what next when ezinearticles.com becomes obsolete.
What do you think the future of article marketing is?
Perry
———————————————-
Craig’s Reply…
YES, YEs, YEs….Ezine has been around for quite a number of years as do you know what
makes a website last? Contents…and Ezine has lots of it….
Google holds all the contents together..so Google, Yahoo has the most contents…
Article marketing will always be there as long as there are people searching for information…
CJ
July 15th, 2008 at 3:19 pm
I have commented on another post that all I know is article writing for me. It is quite draining at the moment as I have to juggle time with family life. I will stick this post of yours on my desktop as it inspires me.
Nothing good comes easy. Yeah, I love gardening too and I can relate it to the story you told in this post. I think I can now relate artcile marketing with gardening; it should make my task easier.
You are very wise on this one.
July 15th, 2008 at 6:07 pm
My hat off for you Craig. This is a simple but very power post for every webmaster looking to be successful in online business. Articlewriting has been my nightmare not anymore because you’ve eliminated that cripping fear in me.
Thanks for making this post available to us. I will check out the Article Wizard Pro
July 15th, 2008 at 9:20 pm
I think the danger lurks in the lists that we belong to. All the gurus promote others’ products as well as their own through the lists. “The money is in the list”, remember? :p
Couple that with irresistable, well written sales letter, and we find ourselves caught in the spider’s web.
All my mentors have told me to unsubscribe from ALL lists for this very reason. I find it not very easy to do though, since certain gurus have and still give value in their newsletters and emails. I always wonder if I would miss out on some valuable info by unsubscribing.
Also, a question I have is how long are we supposed to wait? Even in gardening or farming I bet there are some bad seeds that just won’t grow no matter how long you water them and tend to them. So how long do you wait?
Someone above said 6 months. Does that sound reasonable?
Thanks Craig, for your posts and the opportunity to post our comments.
Aiden
———————————————————————-
Craig’s Reply
Yes, 6 months is a good gauge only if you consistently build it for 6 months….
not only work 1 day a week for 6 months and expect results…when u say 6 months,
it means you write articles consistently everyday for 6 months…
July 16th, 2008 at 4:12 am
I can’t help but come back. I got the mail alert and read Mr Johnson or CJ’s comment on Mr Clive. I have just checked my own ezine articles ranking. I am very happy with the results so far. (702 out of 2054 on motivation). I have not quite understand linking in order for readers to click on my url more. And I only have 5 live articles.
Yes, it all depends on how we phrase our titles. Blogging is becoming a craft not art; and ezine is one of the best sites that keep blogging to its traditions. Readers are smarter than we think.
By the way, ezine will be launching affiliate programme. If you already have lots of articles submitted, this is a great opportunity to become one. Improve on the past articles and resubmit. Having second chances like this are better than losing traffic. The opportunity cost is so much lower.
July 16th, 2008 at 6:34 am
Hi Totally agree with you. Dropped an article with ezine articles myself about a year ago on the importance of nurturing your projects. Funny it was the same gardening analogy
Anyway been in affiliate marketing for about two years now. For me it hasn’t been boring work because I am seeing results. I suppose that is the motivation, seeing the results you want be it better search engine position, more opt ins or money in the bank
Article marketing is important and is something I use to promote my sites. I find however that there are certain things one must pay attention to when writing articles
Article marketing is actually a very effective method of generating traffic. I find I write about 2 to 3 articles a week as I have other aspects of my business to attend to as well But this number of articles still has a good return in traffic
July 16th, 2008 at 12:42 pm
I’ve been marketing online since 1998. The biggest reason I see people fail online is a combination of the instant wealth syndrome and not learning enough basics to be able to build a successful system.
If you are a beginner and don’t learn your craft from the bottom up, you are building on a shaky foundation and will never achieve the results you are looking for. If you expect to make a doctor’s salary you need to learn how to do it. Doctor’s didn’t do it overnight nor does any other job with a larger than average paycheck require anything less than hard work and knowledge. Why do people think making money online is any different?
People want a system - If I just follow guru X step by step I’ll have that Ferrari in the driveway in a month. It doesn’t work that way. I can make one iron clad guarantee - my results from anything on the net will be different than yours no matter what program we both follow. And your results will be different than the next guys.
Online marketing is work, hard work. And a matter of building over time. No one can jump in and make tons of cash overnight in any business. Skip the steps in the knowledge and you won’t reach the goal. Give it less than 100% effort and you won’t succeed. Fail to learn your craft and you’ll never grow.
Buy into every system without actually learning why it works or without starting with the basics and you’ll have an empty wallet and no sales. Overlook the details and you will be just another one of millions with little traffic, little income and nothing to show for your efforts.
Instant gratification and online business do not mix.
Great post - wish there were more people telling it like it really is.
July 16th, 2008 at 2:39 pm
Hi Craig
An awesome resource and great advice to all at all levels! I have been in iM for some time now and I’ve made some decent consistent money, I have found that the cycle that you have described above is perhaps one of the most fruitiuous ways of driving traffic to your niche sites. I also think that, coupled with Social Bookmarking, Squidoo and general authority site link building this method goes a long way to securing the longevity of your online business. A focussed approach is the only approach!
July 16th, 2008 at 3:33 pm
Consistency and focus is key. I only started making money and getting traffic once I started focusing and being consistent.
July 16th, 2008 at 4:19 pm
John Reese Traffic Secrets is super overrated
Michelle Macpherson already discussed most of his “secrets”
about 4 months ago
There are shortcuts to everything including traffic
But you have to put the work in. Period!
I’m tired of people trying to get the “easy” way out
This is just another Hyped up product that the heavy hitters are going to make a killing from
Thanks for Keeping it Real
Staten Sobers
July 16th, 2008 at 7:44 pm
I just want to leave here my deep appreciation for your always to the point emails and your unbiased opinions. You are really making a difference for many of us aspiring internet marketers by shedding light while others prefer to see us living in permanent darkness. I’ll definitely try my hand following this advise. It makes sense to me from all angles.
Thanks a Lot.
July 16th, 2008 at 8:20 pm
Hi Craig ,
Yeah , good hearding ‘honest-facts’
delivered to online-marketing community.
I agreed :
Focus , Focus ; Focus is :
Touch-Stone for online business-building.
Good info ;
Thanks,
Larry
July 17th, 2008 at 1:01 am
Continuous efforts on an effective method not dispersion is one of the keys to success on internet marketing.
July 17th, 2008 at 5:29 am
I have been struggling for several months (not technically adept!) and have had the sickening feeling that I was being taken advantage of by the “millionaire gurus”, that they are getting their wealth from people like me who trusted them, sent them $$ after $$, received no help or thanks.
Your blog confirmed my fears. Though I feel much more sickened over this, reality is reality!! They can steal from someone else now!! Thanks.
July 17th, 2008 at 6:49 am
Hi Craig,
Your email and blog post came at a wonderful time! I was trying to decide whether to buy TrafficSecrets2.0 even though the price was a little steep for me.
After reading through your honest and thoughtful post above, it squashed my desire to get it. What’s even better is that you put out so much great advice in your article and it’s free! Instead of jumping for a “faster method”, my focus is now redirected back to consistent efforts on simple “boring” tasks that bring results.
Thanks so much for inspiring us with your very helpful article!
Warmly,
Fion
July 18th, 2008 at 4:33 am
Hi Craig.. Just wanted to say great blog! I got your email with the free gifts as well, thanks so much for this great info! I have been playing half heartedly with article marketing, and now i am inspired to get serious about it. Again, thanks so much!
Regards,
Cori
July 19th, 2008 at 9:41 am
Fantastic entry. I have been using articles for a while now but was not sure if it was just wasted. But to my own surprise, articles I had posted one year ago are still pulling in traffic.
Thanks
Terry
July 19th, 2008 at 4:19 pm
Hi Craig
What you wrote is truely useful. I was advised to cash in on web2.0 stuff to take advantage of the movement.
From your blog, I now know what really matters is the proven techniques like via articles instead of hype.
thank you so much for the advice and make it so available.
catherine
July 20th, 2008 at 10:03 pm
Craig, Hi
Some time ago, when I first found about you, I honestly told
you what I felt when I read your email. Just to remind you, I
stated that very seldom, if ever, you could sense the dignity emanating from the depth of your heart when you give
advise or counsel anyone who so asks in order to at least
beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel in this cold and heartless business of the Internet. I said that you belong to a disappearing breed. There is only a handful of you left.
The motivating factor for most of us is to become financially
independent, however you do it in such a selfless way as to
shame the rest who are greed driven. I have been victimized once, the rest I just volunteered.
Thanks for being so honest. Blessings
Ramon
July 26th, 2008 at 1:42 pm
Craig….I definetly fit the description of “jumping from one thing to another”, however, I am very ready to focus on something and build it up. My question is, since I have a blog on blogger (which I need to update a little more consistently!), how do I edit it so it’s not so boring looking?
I’ve seen a lot of blogs done on blogger, and they look and navigate much easier than mine. Is there somewhere that I can get some instructions on tayloring my blog so that it is more appealing?
Also, I don’t know how to create a download page, if I did have a free report or tool to give away? Can you direct me to some instructions?
Thanks for the great advice.
——————————————————
How many times do I have to say this…all the step by step instructions to start your internet business are on the seo toolbar which I gave for free
and can be found when you register on this blog at the left hand side..
CJ
July 28th, 2008 at 11:43 pm
Thank you for this much-needed and valuable advice.
I just need a little more, please.
How do I drill down on my website, follow up to a specific end, if I have more than one item that I’m selling when I also do custom work? You see, I sell Rustic Bars (2 types), Thatch Umbrellas, Tiki Huts, Bar Stools and Imitation Bamboo (Bamfaux). Are you saying that I should make a web page for each? With maybe a “click here to email me with your questions” at the bottom? or is there some other way I can follow your advice?
I would appreciate ANY advice you could give me.
In advance I just want to say… you’ve a wonder blog here, full of advice I need and a wonderful way of getting your advice across that everyone can understand.
Thank you,
Judeline
August 1st, 2008 at 8:08 pm
I am trying to drive traffic to Plantation Caribbean Restaurant site. Having read your article, I feel that I can make progress in getting traffic to my site.
Thanks a lot
August 4th, 2008 at 8:46 pm
Craig ….
Here’s a question for you.
What is your opinion concerning using Pen Name’s on
your articles instead of your real name?
Assorted pen names allows me to brand certain
names to certain web sites … but never to my own
real name.
Mistake or not?
Thanks …
Art
August 8th, 2008 at 6:18 pm
Craig,
I am an affiliate newbie who is having a very difficult time trying to reenter the job force. I have lost jobs with two Fortune 500 companies over the last 23 years. All I have personally to show for it is a willingness to work hard at anything that I do. However, I continue to get stuck at the same point when I try to set up an affiliate marketing business. My wife is skeptical and I don’t have a whole heck-of-a-lot of support because my family is very old fashion and set in their ways. I am trying to become a successful affiliate market. However, I do not have anyone who has been willing to assist me in any capacity. I have published my first article on go articles.com and e-zine articles.com. I do not have a lot of money to invest at this time. I have been unemployed since October 2006 when I was displaced from my job with Ford Motor Company. I have tremendous desire to succeed and the willingness to work hard for anything that I earn. I would greatly appreciate your assistance and will encourage many others to take a look at your websites and articles.
Sincerely,
Billy Gaines
August 25th, 2008 at 8:48 pm
Great blueprint Craig!! And some very useful links!
Thanks.
james
October 9th, 2008 at 6:01 pm
I must say I am surprised at the success of article marketing. I use a pen name and works for me.
Not sure I go for the PLR article thing
Just self written articles