When I was 14 or so, I discovered mailorder and all of it’s get rich quick schemes. I signed up for a program, bought some booklets to sell, got my own bulk mailing permit, created my own ad sheet, placed a few ads, and waited for the money to roll in.
The money did trickle in, but just a little more than I was spending. Considering the amount of time I spent folding and mailing my ad sheet, I was losing money. I was to learn later that the people really making money were the ones selling the booklets and fancy catalogs that were central to many programs. They made their money from selling you supplies, not from your sales success.
Twenty years later, I would discover similar “opportunites” selling things over the internet. I would discover that the internet had many of the same pitfalls. That is, those making big money were the originators of programs, products and services. Many resellers barely break even, and many more honestly never break even. Yet, in order to get new people to sign up for their program they have to yell at the top of their lungs about the opportunity.
After watching this for a while, I did discover how to make money in the internet marketing business. I make money both selling my own services and through affiliate programs. It took a while, but now I am doing quite well.
While this is true for me, I come across many people day after day who are losing their shirts. At the same time, I see all of the ads telling you how easy it is. It can be easy – but it isn’t THAT easy!
If you see someone doing well in this business and you copy what they are doing, you should do well too. Right? Not exactly! I see a factor that isn’t often pointed out to newbies – full of hope. BEFORE YOU CAN MAKE ANY REAL MONEY IN THIS BUSINESS YOU USUALLY HAVE TO BUILD UP A WEB PRESENCE. That is people have to see your name frequently enough to know and trust you. First of all, they are not going to part with their hard earned money unless you offer something they really need. Secondly, they have to feel certain that you are going to fill their order instead of taking their money and running. This web presence takes time to build. My observation has been that it may take a year or more before your name is familiar enough where you get a steady flow of orders.
There are many ways to build you web presence. The best perhaps being to have a mailing list from your website. Send this list site updates or an ezine. Offer them something of genuine value – FREE. Over time, many members of your mailing list will need certain products and services. It will only be natural for them to order from you if you have helped them.
Another way to build you web presence is to publish well written ezine articles in your ezine, on your website, and in others ezines. If these articles prove helpful, you will become known as an expert. People will naturally think of you when they need products or services you offer.
At the same time, you need to place ads in ezines. People often need to see your offer as many as seven time before they seriously consider it. Then they will investigate further. If your offer is credible and meets their need, they will order from you. It’s a long, drawn-out process. But that’s how I have seen it work.
Just wanted to share my experience with you and in the process dispel some common myths. You can earn a substantial income marketing over the internet, but it does take time. I haven’t come across any get rich quick “opportunities” yet. If you have, and you can show me proof, please email them to me. I’d be more than happy to pass them along to my readers. I have discovered many opportunities to build a good paying business S-L-O-W-L-Y.
Willie Crawford has been teaching Internet marketing for
over 9 years. Take advantage of his uncanny insights and
experiences by subscribing to his free, information packed
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