I want to talk about the biggest reason I see that leads MOST affiliate marketers, and online entrepreneurs in general to fail…and the super simple, and singular thing you can do, right NOW to turn all of that around, and see real measurable improvements in your conversions immediately. And I mean…..like, right now if you have a few moments to re-write some of your stuff…..and re-calibrate a little bit of your content.
First, I’m going to share what I believe is the BIGGEST, and most common sin in selling stuff online. 95% + of people, especially in the online marketing style spaces, operate with one fundamentally flawed perspective when it comes to their list.
The assumption of ignorance.
What is it?
The presumption that we ( as consumers) are dumb. That we are all suckers. That we simply don’t know better. That we are naive ninkinpoops and easily manipulated by a sweet sounding marketing message.
And to some extent, as you don’t need me to tell you, this is somewhat true. But it’s FAR from the whole story. And quite frankly , you can do FAR better selling the very same stuff to "smart people" than you can by tailoring your marketing, and your message to people who you are trying to trick instead.
Let me explain……..
Crafting copy around manipulative, "me too" marketing methods is not efficient. And it tires quickly – it’s got a short shelf life – and can’t sustain you for the long term.
Want to know what will?
Respect. Intellectual integrity. Believing enough in the smarts of your own stuff to trust that the people who care to read what you’ve got to say are equally as intelligent as you are…and will be equally as motivated to take action once they do.
I’ve tested this – because you know, people in the internet marketing business like to talk about testing, right?
Here is what I’ve learned.
- 1) Treating people like they’re smart works.
- 2) Offering people good information, that is helpful and yet still advances your goals, works.
- 2) Respecting the intellectual capital and capabilities of your subscribers feels a lot better than looking at them all as suckers ready to picked, plucked and f*ck*d.
- 3)Outhinking your competition by saying similar things – but in unique and innovative, and imaginative ways, works.
- 4) Being different and Interesting – works ( and works in every market under the sun)
- 5) You CAN sell stuff to people while respecting their brains and valuing their time and interest. ( although this is a bad example for this list – because you people don’t buy anything I recommend)
Let me give you an example -
I’m a big fan of Jay Abraham’s work – and one of his “drivers” – when I heard it years ago, has had a very transformative effect on the way I look at my own marketing…mostly because it reinforced something I already believed, and on some level gave me the confidence to pursue this passion without a certain level of self consciousness I used to have about “pushing” myself…..or my stuff.
The strategy of preeminence and how it can revolutionize your business, relationships and the REWARD you get out of your business.
( and why so many people simply don’t get this – but once you do – it changes everything in a hurry)
It basically – stripped down, and in my words, means this:
You do whatever it takes, to protect, and to care for, and to offer the very highest, best and most ethically considerate suite of services that betters and benefits the people who place their trust firmly in your grasp.
For example…..
When you sign up for my list, or even simply read my blog – I have a responsibility to to you.
You are under my “care” so to speak….for either a few frozen moments in time if you stop by and just take a look through a search engine query– OR – better still, if you are on my list, for each and every message I send you.
I have a responsibility to protect you – to keep you “safe” and to go above and beyond to ONLY provide you with the sorts of tools, tips, and technologies that I TRULY believe are in your best interests.
And this is an AMAZINGLY freeing thing.
Why?
It allows me to be far more aggressive and self promoting………..very ETHICALLY, if I know what I’m telling you is the truth.
If I know I can help you build your business, grow your list, better your station in life, etc through the power and passion of my unique set of skills, I have an obligation to do it. And failing to follow through, on my end – is tantamount to failing you in the promise.
I have a coaching program, for example, that I’ll be launching in June – it’s not going to be cheap, and it’s not going to be for everyone – but if I truly believe that I can help you transform your business under my guidance, that I can help you achieve your goals, dreams and build a better, more valuable and viable long term business simply by bringing you into the fold…..I’m doing you a disservice if I don’t aggressively present this to you as an opportunity.
And if I truly believe that letting you sign up for an inferior program, from an inferior marketing mind than mine is more LIKELY than not going to leave you frustrated and FAILING in your goals to build a real viable business, I’ve got a MORAL obligation to do whatever I can within my power to prevent that from happening.
And if that means I’ve got to come over to your house and pitch a tent in your backyard and embarrass you in front of your neighbors with a bullhorn until you sign up for mine, I’m willing to do it. ( and I’ve got the restraining orders to prove it)
Similarly, If you are a real estate agent and you KNOW you can get the best deals, the best clients, can sell the fastest, have the best turn around, inventory, whatever…..and you DONT’ sell that prospective home buyer ( or seller) that your service is the one they NEED to invest in to get the best deal in these troubled economic days– you are betraying their trust – and more importantly – the commitment you made to yourself.
I use tools in my business, right now, at this very moment – that – for those of you who are just getting started, can leverage the power of what you are doing right now in exponentially explosive ways.
Me having them…and you NOT having them gives me an unfair advantage. If I truly care about you – and care about your success, sharing these resources is a gift – and not a grift.
The bottom line?
In my view, it eliminates the NEED to have to create bullshit scarcity (only 4 left – they’re taking it down, etc) and removes the need to even really have to “sell” anything at all. The people who really "get this" are few and far between……but every industry has them, and the one TRUE path to getting there is actually very easy to emulate.
You can truly do this anywhere – with anything – and if you invest in the right resources, pick products you believe in, your ability to sell them goes UP exponentially, your conversion will go THROUGH the roof, and most importantly to me, business feels really good to do, too.
Here is the thing…..
Most of you are reading this because you’re on my list – and because you’ve witnessed the above for yourself. You signed up for it either a week ago – a month ago….or even a year ago, expecting to get bombarded with offers, and launches and other nefarious nonsense…and it just hasn’t happened, right?
Over time – you’ve probably come to realize that if I recommend something, it’s a TOOL, and not a technique – or whatever, and more often than not, it’s something that I’m using in my own business, and want to give you the opportunity to share in my success. ( even if I get compensated for making the recommendation which I often do)
But in some real tangible way, that you can measure simply by pushing back into your own mind in this very moment as you are reading these very words….that gives me a wee bit more credibility, gives my recommendations a wee bit more weight, and ultimately, adds just a slender shred of gravitas and urgency to the things I do recommend you look at, almost like magic.
Every time I send out an email – and I mean this with complete and utter humility and appreciation – a solid majority of you will read it, and come back to this blog to read more.
That’s truly not the norm….and while this list ain’t huge…..it’s big enough to be relevant.
Most "marketers" can’t make the same claim.
And there is no greater compliment – no greater sense of personal reward for me – than that.
And the central piece of that ethos is the easiest thing to “steal” -
Just care about your list the very same way.
Stop “selling” stuff using silly, sad, and shady techniques that don’t advance your business, further your REAL goals and don’t benefit your list boot.
Let’s take a quick look at a few examples, from my own in box – JUST over the last few days in either markets I’m in…..or even, sadly – “friends” of mine whose lists I’m on.
These affiliates – operate, and make their money, under the guise of ONE underlying principle.
The Assumption of Ignorance.
They’re entire enterprise – the model that they undertake to SELL stuff to you and me, is that we’re a bunch of dumb asses.
That we don’t know better…..and that MY (and your) ignorance serves to make them easy money.
And it may…for a little while – but it will NEVER make you rich…..or at least not rich in the sorts of things worth having.
A "live" example of this sort of silliness is here…….
How hard would it be – after signing up for this list – to provide a REAL, and genuine list of benefits that Resveratrol ( the supplement being “sold” here).
It’s not hard. It’s JUST as easy as this throwaway – worthless, and utterly insulting piece of dog doodie for an opening.
Do you know what that is?
A MADE up, throwaway question that NO ONE really asked….and has NO real answer that sheds even one simple sliver of insight into anything I might be wondering about the benefits of resveratrol.
Instead….they HAPPILY assume I’m an intellectual idiot – and move right on to how to ORDER the product instead. ( because of course, many people have been “ASKING” how to order it, and what OTHER products I should add to my cart to make sure I get all of the bodcacious benefits this bottle has to offer, right? Right..;-)
Why not TELL me some of the great studies that have been done on resveratrol, share with me a little bit of the amazing stuff that’s been tested and uncovered through preliminary tests…..
Why not SHARE with me some of the amazing and potentially revolutionary ways this little known anti-oxidant could potentially add years to my life, wonderful memories for my family, and change the entire fabric of my perspective on how many years I’ve got left to live if that’s what brought me to your list in the first place – even telling me that it MAY be ALL a bunch of bunk…..but, for 39.95 a month to be on the SAFE side of the street, it’s a pretty damn good investment just in case in turns out that you really CAN live to be 130 simply by popping a little purple pill every morning before starting your day.
It takes NO more time to offer something of real value, to answer a REAL question or two instead of making one up that’s transparently self serving.…..and the simple truth is that your conversions, will go UP simply on that basis alone….because if you offer PROTECTION, and answer real questions that REAL people have…..you can often achieve things that will blow away every expectation you had going in.
Here is an example – in the VERY same market – of my approach to selling a similar supplement…. and armed with just a WEE bit of information, I’m telling the folks on MY list – “hey – I don’t even know if this works or not…..but it may…and if it does – it’s pretty exciting stuff and quite a bargain to boot.”
It’s converting at 5% plus after only a few short emails……one of these offers pushing 10%, on very limited traffic….true, but NOT hard to take with just a super small list, and some genuinely helpful " public domain "information that I just GUESSED that people may really want to know about a supplement that may ( or may not) help them live a longer life. Anyone can do that……..and it takes no more time than just making stuff up to fill space before you throw in your "buy now" link to boot.
And of course it’s FAR worse in the internet marketing space as we all know………
This was an email that I got from a "friend" whose product I purchased a few days ago ( product works great by the way..:-) but who has sent me an email a day every day since promoting some other product launch….promotional piece or other annoying interlude into my otherwise very cheery, spam free afternoon.
And as Tony Montana Said so Well many moons back…..
"what do I look like to you….a baggage handler?"
I mean……if the MOST creative thing you can pull at off your affiliate marketing aresenal is the tired, tepid and terrible mental midgetry of "check out this video cause lots of people have been watching it and he’s thinking about taking it down pretty soon…." I don’t want anything to do with you. Ever. Again.
And – to be perfectly honest with you…..I not only IMMEDIATELY unsubscribed from this list – I actually left a pretty explanatory note as to why.
Because there are LOTS of interesting, inventive and imaginative ways to convey and create REAL scarcity…….real urgency and REAL compulsion to buy products if you ONLY take a few moments to invest in considering ME worthy of a little respect…..and not insulting my intelligence with more bullsh*t.
He could have said -" P.S, YOUSEXYBEAST ( my typical opt in name, and how I like to referred to by friends elsewhere alike) – this is a really great tool – I use it in my own business everyday - and if you aren’t using it right now, I truly believe it’s going to add a whole new dimension of elegant ease to your online marketing machine…….I’m so confident you’ll love it – because I do – and because I am always looking to mastermind with likeminded super smart geniuses like you – if you’re one of the next 25 people to order through my link – - I’d like to share "X" with you for free……"
The chances are, THIS sexy beast might not have bought……but I wouldn’t have unsubscribed, and I would have probably felt a bit of a kinship with the guy even though we all know this stuff is all boilterplate anyway.
The key takeway is this……..
Challenge yourself to give more – offer more – and simply care more.
It does shine through…..and it’s so g*d damn EASY to do…that’s it’s almost criminally stupid to do it any other way.
One past parting thought – I was watching a video presentation given by Gary Varnechuck ( the wine guy) at one of the social media confrences…and I got to be honest with you, the first few times I watched this dude speak, I really was pretty unimpressed – but – in some sort of serendipious way, I came across more and more of his stuff – he’s built a 50 + million dollar a year business selling wine from what was ONCE a small family store.
The guy knows a TON about wine, clearly.
But that ain’t what makes his wine sell to the tasty tune of millions……It’s his passion for one, and as I’ve pointed out in previous posts, that’s a huge thing.
But he simply CARES more.
About wine – but equally as important – about the people who buy his products, and those that simply stop by and take a look. The guy gets something like several THOUSAND pieces of email a day. And responds to ALL of them.
Think about that.
I get 20 or 30 comments on a post – and it feels overwhelming to reply to everyone. Think about the "guru" blogs you go to where there are 100 comments….and the "guru" ain’t anywhere to be found.
Because the the "guru" doesn’t get it. He ( or she) cares…..but only infofar as getting the gold that those comments you leave will bring.
He might be rich – but will never be great.
I wouldn’t know Gary Varneshuck if I saw him on the street……..but he get’s it. He’s great. And make no mistake…..in the end, when the dust settles, that does matter.
The beauty is – anyone can do it.
There is NO cap on how much you can care – and selfishly – no limit on how high the reward once you believe that – and work it into your marketing mix.
P.S – If you have NOT yet started building your own list……you are comitting the first cardinal sin of building a REAL online business for sure. I use Aweber, and in my view, it is the very BEST 20 bucks I invest a month in ANY area of my life across the board. (other than the Spice Channel, but that doesn’t really count because I got the lifetime subscription in 2005)
If you are serious about applying these strategies, you MUST build a list. Feel free to use my link….or just go to Aweber directly, but either way, list building is the foundation for everything else that’s coming…and you want to be prepared!
Ian…
You have hit the nail right on the head!!! I agree with all that you have said and I think it is about high time that someone has taken a stand on these issues. I thought it was just me who thought these things but, as I can see I am not alone… Keep up the great work that you do since it has helped me a lot in my online business…
Oh, and never stop giving them Hell when they are not doing things the best way possible… I love that about you.. You always give it to us like it is…keep it up…
Bud Audas
Just a simple farm boy from Iowa…
Thanks, Bud – much appreciated!
Ian: Thanks so much for this post. I have been trying to think of ways to promote my wife’s business (see Website) and I really appreciate your honesty. Alternatively, I have been thinking about starting my own online marketing business. I have more education (two doctorates) and knowledge than many folks but can’t work due to health problems and feel like I’m going to waste just sitting here. Your honest approach to things is highly desirable to me and encourages me as I try to make decisions. Please keep me on your list! Bob
Thanks, Bob – I appreciate it and I’m glad to provide the encouragement!
“So Shines a Good Deed in a Weary World” – Willy Wonka
It’s a BIG mistake to treat a customer as ignorant – I mean they could well have two doctorates!
(@Dr Dr Bob, I was going to have a look at your wife’s website, but there’s no link
Anyways, I wish you every success in whichever path you choose & seeing as you’ve found the big cuddly dolphin in the sea of sharks, I know you’ll be just fine.)
Dear YOUSEXYBEAST…
Thank you for another fabulous & inspiring post. The false scarcity thing is definitely one of my pet peeves. I’ll often stay on a list to see what not to do, or how outrageous they can actually get (helps keep the B.S. detector muscle toned too). But once I’ve lost trust there’s not a snowball in hell’s chance I’m going to buy through their affiliate link, however good the product. Now so far, I haven’t needed anything you’ve recommended, but when I do I’ll click right on through – promise!
I do believe that the majority of people are good (although even the good ones can be seduced by the lure of the promise of a quick buck) & wonder whether part of the reason many people fail is that what they are being taught to do goes against their fundamental values. If there’s any truth at all to that, then a lot more people will succeed because they found this blog. (I’ll stop gushing now – I’m making myself feel a bit queasy.)
Keep leading the way & many others will follow…Thanks again…
Nelly xx
P.S. Thanks for recommending that we all get Stripped – I like it a lot
Thank You Nelly..:-)
I appreciate it – nice of you to say! And I loved that theme (Stripped) way back when – actually – for magazine style sites BEFORE they became all the rage…… the “futurosity” magazine theme is still my favorite WordPress theme of all time for cool, unique “news” style sites….and was/is totally free. ( Robert Ellis created it – and then sold the domain and his themes to the guy who runs it now, and who created Stripped – which has the same sort of “feel”)
But more importantly – why am I awake at 4 am?
(that was more for me – than for you)
Very true, but hey coming back from where we were, article marketing, what article directories do you recommend besides EZA( I saw that you are doing pretty well on Amazines)? I have a hard time with EZA lately…
Hi Ian – Thanks for another great blog. 3000 words!! Is that an all time record???
I have been considering joining aweber for some time – but recently have been told that the upper monthly payment is $149 and you get charged according to the size of your list. I am not sure that I aspire to such dizzy heights – but would be interested in your response as to whether aweber is worth the extra money over other good autoresponders such as Get Response, which seems to have a very reasonable one level payment structure. I don’t want to make the wrong decision at this time as it could be both expensive and time consuming in the long run.
Thanks again – and I totally agree with your sentiments re being open and honest and marketing with integrity. Its good to know that there are people like yourself who are prepared to stick to their principles.
Your coaching membership site sounds very exciting but I have a horrible feeling I am not going to be able to afford it.
Even if your advice doesn’t increase someones business one penny it’s great to know there is someone out there who cares about those that rely on honesty and character in the markeplace.A quick story. A long time ago I was in a retail store waiting to pay and this older couple were really being ugly to the poor sales guy and using really not nice language to the point I had to open my big mouth and get involved. I simply asked them did they teach there children to act and talk like they were? Expecting to get slapped upside the head I was surprised to see a complete change and embarrasment cover their faces. “No ” the man replied weakly. He apologized to the clerk and left. We need to not only teach character but practice as well. Thanks and keep driving it home, someone has to!
Hi Janet – I really like Aweber for a whole number of reasons – BUT – you may want to look at AutoRepsonsePlus for some of what you addressed above – ( I have no experience with GetResponse – but know they are popular) as ARP is a one time fee – and you have a bit more lattitude with some of the “list” rules – it’s also installed on your own server ( they’ll do it for you) and there are a few nice touches that I think are worth looking at for sure. ( I don’ t use them – BUT – I know lots of people who do with lists much, much bigger than this!)
RR – I have never submitted an article to Amazines – I have someone who helps with content distribution/repurposing – and she submits to all sorts of secondary directories, including Amazines et al – We also use Article Marketer – which will auto-magically distribute to tons of smaller directories, newsletters, etc –
I can tell you this for sure: I use a tracking link in those articles – and they generate almost NO traffic. The secondary directorires, especially in the Internet Marketing space ( which is less than 5% of my content for sure) are a complete and utter waste of time. If I’ve gotten 5 visits from Goarticles in the last year, I’d do a handstand.
Article Marketer and other “blast” services potentially serve a more important function though – and that is – “potentially” building good link value to your network of stuff – or even simply the one or two sites you may have now. I’m yet to be convinced – but in many of the “nichier” markets – where we blast these articles out – I do see a subsequent rise in rankings – do to having all of the content out there in the wild. That’s very valuable – although to be honest, there are probably more efficient ways to do it than that particular approach – because it’s discounted a bit due to the high level of redundancy.
If I had to recommend ONE directory outside of EZA – it would be Articlebase – in smaller markets – they do show up often in analytics – and – there is also a WP plugin that will pull articles from article base – with the resource box and links intact – (no follow links – but I don’t care) and allow bloggers to use YOUR content in their stuff “legally” – and I have found this has also been a benefit to Article Base – especially in weight loss/skin care/ popular niche markets.
That is so F’en True. There was this one guy, not going to mention his name but right after I bought his product and I asked him a question about it since he’s suppose to be a pro on that particular subject simply said, “oh I don’t know but I’ll look into it and let you know” and then I never heard from him again. So what this tells me is that he only cares about the flash of the cash and since that day I never opened any of his emails again. I also stop opening mails that are always self promotional and always trying to sell me something with little or no value.
I mean I know how to spend money already and I’m very good at it, but it’s making money that I need help with..
I can tell when someone is truely passionate about helping others and you are one of the few.
Very glad to be on your list!
Thanks for everything
Thanks..:-) And I just have a guilty concience by nature ( mostly because I used to steal candy and stuff everywhere as a kid..:-) so I feel terrible not responding to people who DON’T buy my stuff…….let alone those who.
I guess I’m worried that someone is going to come by and say – not only do you NOT respond to our emails – we know you stole all of the 3 Muskateer Bars from the Cherry Hill Kmart in 1980 – and now we are going to tell everyone and you are going to pay.
In a sense – being attentive to the needs of others is just my way of avoiding the humiliation that I feel would come from that.
(By the way – if I ever buy something and some one doesn’t respond to my emails – my latent mental instability becomes much more pronounced – and they usually respond pretty quickly – I have found that being a bit borderline is a great way of getting great customer service)
Great blog.. Although sometimes I have to read it a couple of time to really get what you are saying.. Is it me? Anyways, I am looking forward to your launch in June… I only hope I can afford it.
Gary
Ian
Thanks for another great, honest post !!! Today especially, I am implementing an autoresponder and submitting more articles for my current niche. Thanks for the thoughts on what DOESN’T work so I can go to the ones that work.
Right now, my plant is on a 3 week shut down, and on June 7th when I return to work, another 90 people will permanently lose their job. We are suffering the same problem as the auto companies and other companies throughout America as the workforce is being cut to the bone while the V.P’s JUST got million dollar bonuses. I survived the first cut of 82 people but not sure I will survive this one. So, therefore, I need my niche to convert to sales so these ideas will help.
My question to you is — I have never used an auto-responder before and I can see my niche just started getting daily Google clicks. I don’t have any extra money to use but I am wondering when you first started using an autoresponder, how quickly you started making more sales. Does it all depend on how your emails to your clickers is worded or does it just make people more likely to buy from you if they hear from you again.
I was planning on sending emails that answer the questions for the search terms people are using to get to my site, hoping they will find my info useful.
Thanks for any tips you may have,
Deb
P.S. I love the you sexy beast comment !!! Made me laugh even though I have pissed off tears right now.
Hi Deb – Sorry to hear about your plant – I hope it works out!
I would be a bit careful though with crafting an autoresponder sequence just around what people are “searching” to find your site alone – what you may want to do is put something very specific in terms of what they are actually getting, or having answered – rather than intuiting that based on the analytics alone.
I.e. – the MORE specific your opt in form benefit – and the more congruent your sequence – the better ( and more predictable) your conversions will be. ( and the higher the % of people will be that sign up, too!)
A BAD example? My own ebook on the side of this blog is the “opt in” enticement – but – it doesn’t really say anything very specific – nor does it really even “ask” anybody to do anything ( i.e. – click here for X) hence…..most people don’t click it – nor sign up for my list from the blog – simply because it’s not a compelling “offer”. ( and I’m unfortunately too lazy to do anything about it, even though it’s perpetually on the “list” – no pun intended..;-)
So – if I were you – I’d make a hyper specific offer for the opt in – keep the sequence very strategic in how you build it with each successive piece – use little special/one time offers, etc – make sure your “sell” is a strong one and hyper relevant to the problem you are solving for your readers, and you’ll definetly make sales – predicting how fast is tough because it depends on how well you write your copy, etc – which is really what ultimately separates out so/so – from sensational – when it comes to results. ( and where I’d spend most of my time in the beginning!)
Thanks, Gary! ( and no it’s not you……honestly, half the time I re-read this stuff a few times and have no idea what I’m saying – but usually I’ll ask someone later, and it eventually makes sense)
Another golden nugget ! Thanks Ian
Thanks, Peter!
Came across your blog and have to say the information is refreshing. I’m signing up for more now! Thanks for your honest insights!
Ian,
I must say I enjoy reading your blog, you have some very good information here. However I’m new to the site, and haven’t seen anything you have done besides the “make money online” info – have you made money in other niches? I believe that is the true test. I’m just asking, not accusing or anything.
Thanks
Hi Doug – I’m not sure I understand your question?
Have I tried to sell you something in the "make money online" niche? I make NO money in the online money niche as I’ve articulated on here over – and over – and OVER again.
This blog has made me VERY little money..:-) Most of the info is shared here for free – and the vast majority of the stuff I do is in small niches that have nothing to do with internet marketing at all – as has been sort of continuously recommended to folks like you who are reading this stuff – for going on 2 years.
(dating back to the craiglist stuff that I shared on here close to 2 years ago for free – and in lots of private work with people who have paid for that sort of niche specific insight – and even with those who have recently taken advantage of the "free" coaching offer of the last few weeks)
If I was relying on this blog to make money – I’d go hungry. Want to know why? Because contrary to other folks who have these style blogs – I don’t push stuff at you – EVER – and probably – to my own detriment. (i.e. – if you are on my list, Doug – and I have no idea if you are or not – if you can find ONE email that I recommend an affiliate product – or a clickbank product – or a guru home study course – or a norweigan juicer for full body cleansing starting at the cellular level which is really a wonderful experience if you’ve never tried it – I’d love for someone to point it out)
The simple truth is that I hate those questions, Doug.
Why? It’s sort of silly – small minded – and if I’m going to be an asshole about it – there is no test that you have that I care to pass.
I only use my own internal compass when it comes to questions or comments that get under my skin – and speaking for myself – I have enough trust in my own inherent instincts to know that if I’m reading something that "speaks" to me in a way that stimulates my brain to take action and advance my own interests – I don’t muddle around in the mediocre minded mental midgetry of needing to see screenshots of someone elses bank account to apply what I’ve learned in a productive way – or expect them to share the specific niches that they publish in publically – in exchange for nothing other than a big metaphorical pat on the back – and ego boost.
Read the blog if it resonates with you – and if you find that something is missing – or a certain credibility gap exists to satiate your sense of satisfaction that you are comfortable appyling my free advice to your business without my asking (or getting) anything from you in return – please simply satisfy your marketing maturation process by reading someone else’s stuff instead. There are plenty of people who would love to have your eyeballs – and your pocketbook – resting firmly in their comfortable grasp.
Sorry if that sounds meanspirited – but I just posted an tutorial on here that had a screenshot of 1 MILLION article views – and something like 230,000 url clicks to two different programs – both in SMALL niches not related to internet marketing – ( one was 84,000 hits to ONE affiliate program – the other 150,000 to ONE listbuilding campaign – ) and that’s an infentismile fraction of the screennames – and strategies we use to drive traffic.
Want to know what a small, but yet still shockingly significant amount of emails I got after that post?
"Uh……..this all sounds good and all….but I’d like additional documentation that this shit works before I write my next articles"
Anyway, Doug – I ended up asking my shrink about all of this – and she told me three things:
All pretty good advice, don’t you think? I totally forgot what you asked, Doug – but I’m hoping this helped.
EDIT: The post you are actually commenting on is actually ABOUT a niche not related to internet marketing – with a specific example of a topic (resveratrol) and even a few simple screenshots for good measure (that are still performing at this level 2 months later) on how you can make some super easy money using some super simple creative conversion tips!
Hey Ian – I loved the article, it reminded me how passionate I am about intuitive coaching and how easy it is to get sucked into stupid marketing bollocks that everybody does just because everybody does it. Hooray for integrity and passion.
But hey, chill out my friend!!! (re the above comment by Doug), you’ll bust a blood vessel getting all defensive like that and then we’d miss your great writing.
xx
You’re right, Pollyanna! (Doug didn’t deserve that response either – it was a innocuous question – but strangely my apparent bad day got the better of me) I actually forgot about that comment and I appreciate you pointing it out – as I couldn’t think of anything to talk about with my therapist tonight and I hate sitting there in silence. Now I can bring up blog rage issues. (cause I’ve got lots of them..:-)
Don’t know how or why this blog post ended up in my bookmarks, but I am glad i finally read it!
You are in possession of obviously superior intellect and a shining gem in a field of manure!
Consider me subscribed, Mister!
Thanks, Rob – I appreciate it – nice of you to say!
I always look forward to your posts. I like the way you think.
I’m of a similar mindset and I’m just getting into “making money online”. Hopefully after reading your posts and experiences I can do it right the first time and not make the same mistakes a lot of people do.
I’ve spent my fair share of money on scams to get rich quick, I think I wised up pretty quick though. Now I can spot a scam from two pages away! LOL
Thanks for all of the great info!
Thanks Gary, I appreciate it!
Oh, did this post ever resonate! Mostly because, in trying to figure out my way through this minefield of info overload we refer to as “internet marketing”, I did get sucked into buying one “information product” which seemed to have some good information in it (which I later found to be, to a great degree, bull manure.)
Normally I’d just put it into the “shame on me for buying this sh** ” pile of dubious information and chalk it up as having paid another piece of my tuition in the school of hard knocks, until, during the course of the followup videos the guy sent out as part of his “course”, while he was interviewing another marketer, he referred to us viewers as “kiddies”. As in something like, “Give us a marketing secret you use so we have something to give the kiddies.” This was said with that kind of condescending arrogance that made you wanna slap the guy upside the head. At that point he not only lost me forever, he also pissed me off. And since it was within the refund period, I got the full refund. I know what it feels like to have someone treat me like a dummy, I’ll be double dog damned if I’m going to treat anyone else like that!
Thank you for being the shining light of reason in an otherwise murky underworld!
I agree, BJ – and unfortunately "talk to the kiddies" sort of exemplifies what happens when someone makes a little bit of money – gets a bunch of misplaced adulation – and suddenly thinks his (or her) thoughts are deep enough to warrant a "we’re not worthy" sort of serendade. They rarely are as most people find out pretty damn fast.
What would people do if a priest, rabbi, doctor or lawyer did that when we turned to them for advice or guidance?
If the new FTC rules didn’t explicity ban it – I’d recommend both of those guys be waterboarded by Dick Cheney and Jack Bauer 24 from until they coughed up those "secrets" for free.
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