One of the biggest and most frequently asked question online in the Internet Marketing industry is "How do I get started".
Most people, acquire a cheap "Make money online" E-book and then they read half way through it and think "well this helped me none.. I just don't understand".
I know some people will disagree, but breaking into Internet Marketing and being successful takes determination and is very hard to do.
FIRST OFF: I see too many people trying to just make money. They're only in it for the money and only want to make some sales.
This is a big problem. Why?
No one comes online looking to randomly buy things. Everyone is looking for an answer to a problem they're having or looking for a solution to something. Remember.. your job is not to make a sale but to solve someone's problem and in turn.. that is what will make you a sale.
So what do you need to make money online?
#1: You need a clue.
Anyone can search google for answers to making money online, but you've got to have an understanding of what you're doing or you'll always be running around searching for answers.
#2: You need a plan/idea.
Brainstorm! You need to have a mapped out vision in your head of your business. Do you plan on purchasing a domain and starting a product on dog health care, buying domains and selling them, selling home made materials on e-bay, writing articles, etc. There are so many options out there for what you want to do, but you've got to have an idea and a plan before you can start making money. Brainstorm in your head and think to yourself..
"What am I good at?"
"What am I knowledgeable about?"
"What is something I really enjoy doing/talking about?"
"How do I plan on providing information on this product?"
#3: You need a website.
Unless you plan on marketing to forums and groups (which isn't a very well played out business plan) you need to establish a website. Before you start thinking "I have no money for a website". You can always start a blogger.
www.blogger.com
If you're looking at starting a website, I would highly recommend Host Gator to beginners and novice marketers. The options of managing/running your website are great and at such a low cost, it's hard for me to refuse Host Gator when ever I plan on getting a website.
Hosting at Host Gator starts out at $4.95 so this is great for a beginner's website or just starting out.
Now comes the part I had trouble with when I began. Website Design/Website creation. I am not a HTML savvy guy.. believe me. While I am sure there are many sources you could hire for you to create your website, I believe everyone should learn to create their own material at one point or another.
You need a website with an easy design/layout because anything hard to read or something that doesn't look professional will have a much lower conversion rate than what you hope for.
Remember, when you're writing your sales copy/creating your product... you're speaking out to people that have a problem and are in need of a solution.
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Do you see what I am saying? You have to speak to people in the certain niche you're trying to sell in, because you're trying to fix a problem someone has or answer a question that someone has.
In my opinion, fear and hype are two of the biggest sellers there are.
Trying to sell a vehicle? Examine your audience.. a young man will be interested in something fast and loud and will want to impress the ladies in his hot new ride. You have to know who you're selling too and get them hyped, because a hungry crowd always comes back for more.
Don't get me wrong now.. I am not saying a website is the only way you will ever make money period, I am just saying that this is probably the best way to create an automated source of income.
#4: Patience/Consistence.
If making money online was as easy as snapping your fingers.. everyone would be e-millionaires.
So many people quit trying once they find out how much work is actually involved in creating an online business and being good at what you do. You have got to keep consistent.
You've got a killer website but no sales, why not?
Get inside your market's head and view your website not from your point of view but theirs. Do not think "how will this make me money" but "will this solve my problem"?
Be consistent and always add new fresh content and possibly new products to keep your customers/readers coming back for more. A hungry crowd can never get enough no matter how much they spend.
Now then, here are some suggestions as to when you do get a business up and running, but are not mandatory.
E-MAIL LISTS!
If someone opts in to your e-mail list.. chances are.. they're interested in what you've got or curious. A lot of websites don't offer a chance to opt in to an e-mail list and a lot of money is to be made off this. A lot of people who see a website once won't purchase something because they simply don't know the source. A couple of e-mails possibly sending out some free methods/tactics or newsletters might change Curious George into a buyer.
Remember.. Internet Marketing is not an overnight task.
You can either sell your own or someone else's product.
If you're new to the game.. I don't recommend purchasing any products, because I guarantee you that 75% of the information you just paid for can be found on a forum for free.
The more consistent you are, the more determined you are, the more it will show. Don't give up just because you don't hit the lottery over night because like I said.. if making money online was truly "That easy", everyone would be doing it.
Until next time.
Corey Geer
How To Make Money Online - Getting Started
