10 Things I’ve Learned About Internet Marketing
I made an open post to my friends at Wealthy Affiliate tonight. As I re-read it (and fixed all my typos…lol), I thought it was something I should share with ALL my friends. Since I’ve been busy trying to get all this OneWeekMarketing.com stuff together, I thought I do a re-print of that post here at PotPieGirl.com
10 Things I’ve Learned About Internet Marketing
1. Internet Marketing/Affiliate Marketing is mainly a process of “self-education”. While there are WONDERFUL resources online (ie, WA), it is still ultimately up to YOU to learn and apply your knowledge. There is no test – no real certification – that says “pass” or “fail”. We determine our own success…. and we determine our own failure. Fear of failure AND fear of success can be the biggest obstacles in this business.
2. One is never enough. When using free methods to make money online, one is never enough. If you find a keyword, don’t just write ONE article. Make a lens, make a Hub Page, make a blog post, write unique articles for various article directories. Don’t just stick your toe in the swimming pool of a market, do a great big ol belly flop and SOAK the market.
3. Learn how to find what you need online. Those that are successful in internet marketing are also REALLY good researchers. Learn how to make Google your friend. Learn how to find what you need. In school we could simply raise our hand and ask a question. Online, you are ultimately in charge of your own destiny. Embrace that.
4. People hate “hype” – but… it still causes an emotional response to buy. This one drives me crazy and I see MYSELF doing it too. We all claim we hate hype and flashy sales pages…but we are drawn to them, aren’t we? Emotional triggers cause sales the majority of the time. If you ARE that “trigger”, you make sales. The secret is not the keyword… the secret is the trigger.
5. PPC is NOT a Beginners Sport. My apologies to those that may disagree, but I do not think anyone new to this business should START with PPC. It is tricky… it can be expensive…it is more than simple math and deep pockets. I am SO thankful that I took the time to learn how to find, obtain, and convert organic (free) traffic before I even touched PPC. Once upon a time, the deepest pockets won when using AdWords advertising. This is no longer true. Learn the basics first.
6. Failure is a state of mind. In my opinion, the only way you can “fail” at all this is if you never put anything online. There is a phrase I love – “Ready! Fire! Aim!” – and it describes me to a tee. Pick something then DO IT…and you can tweak it later. But if you never DO anything, you will NEVER make sales online. Stop standing in your own way and take a chance.
7. Shiny Things Dull Your Senses. How many times a DAY are you distracted by something “shiny”? You know, a new released “must have” system…. a fancy and expensive keyword tool…. some ebook that is “guaranteed” to make you money fast and easy? Distractions and money pits are everywhere online. Learn to protect yourself from them. All these things do is dull your focus.
8. Stop being your own worst critic. I simply can NOT believe how hard folks are on themselves! You are learning something new. It is a whole new world in here AND this new world is constantly changing. The internet is no longer a big, fancy sales brochure… it is more like a living, breathing thing. Relax and allow yourself to first adjust to the climate…and then allow yourself to learn the language. In my life, I have YET to hear someone say, “I was going to college for a 4-year degree, but I quit because I didn’t get that degree in 6 months!”. Do yourself a favor – 1) Write your expectations of yourself and of internet marketing on paper 2) Be SURE those expectations are realistic. If those expectations are NOT realistic, change them. Then – be your own best friend… be your biggest fan. Stop condemning yourself for what you DON’T know and for what you HAVEN’T achieved, and start being proud of yourself for each thing you DO learn and you DO achieve.
9. There is only ONE way to stop the frustration of the learning curve. The only way to stop it is to STOP LEARNING. I’ve been doing this for some time now. For all sakes and purposes, I have been pretty successful with the things I’ve done so far. However, I want to continue to grow and try new things. With each new thing comes a new learning curve. It is the reality of being a business owner… it is the reality of being human. Even tho I put my fist thru my monitor three times in the past 24 hours, I still am proud that I finally LEARNED and ACCOMPLISHED the task at hand. At one time I only knew my abc’s and videos on MTV…now I know some about php, too. Bless my heart….lol
10. Changing your life IS scary. You are taking brave steps to change your life. You aren’t thinking about it, you aren’t complaining about it, you aren’t planning it…. you are DOING it. This is bold, and courageous, and admirable. You could be watching TV right now… or sleeping…or on the phone with a friend complaining about your life, but you’re not. You are a brave and courageous person to be right here, right now, reading this rambling from me. Take a moment to thank yourself for having the guts to even TRY and do this. You deserve that respect and appreciation from YOURSELF.
Be kind to yourself. Keep moving FORWARD. And appreciate each and every learning curve you encounter.
Ok, done rambling 
Hello Jennifer
WOW!!! If this post does not help me stay focused ,,,nothing will
Right on!!
Thanks
Leo Hanes
Wow! Thank you for writing all this out — and for sharing it! With all of the learning opportunities available and all of the advice you hear from other marketers, it’s so easy to lose your focus. Thanks for the help with remembering why we started this in the first place!
Hi Jennifer
Great information here and so true! I can’t
thank you enough for sharing these important
facts. I’m going to remember this one till I
make my first million!!
Thanks,
susan
Wow! I think its a great experience for you.I find a best information regarding internet marketing like how to do?,PPC is not for beginners and many more.
What a great post. Each of the 10 things learned is a real part of total success. Loved your writing style in outlining these important issues.
I particularly loved “Failure is a state of mind.” It brought to mind an early IM experience of the now very successful John Reese. He got the idea to purchase 10 domain names that he thought would have good resale value way back when. While he was reveling in selling his first domain name for $1,000, in no time his excitement turned to a feeling of humiliation when he learned that the purchaser of the domain turned around and sold it for $1,000,000.
He did not allow himself to stay negative for very long. It became an example, a motivator, for him to learn how to do the very same thing.
We can learn more from our “failures” than we ever learn from our successes. So, in reality, “failure” is simply a stepping stone to success.
The only real failure is never getting started.
Thanks again for a great summation of powerful tips from what you have learned.
Sunny
Sunny –
Yes! I TOTALLY agree!!!
You said –
“We can learn more from our “failures” than we ever learn from our successes. So, in reality, “failure” is simply a stepping stone to success.
The only real failure is never getting started.”
Jennifer
~PotPieGirl
Beautiful post – great encouragement value. You’re very generous and I trust you completely. Thanks, Jennifer!
Everyone needs encouragement to refocus now and then. Thank you!
Sallys last blog post..Do You Have Your Workout Clothes On?
Thanks for clearing up some of the cobwebs from my brain. Although I have not yet committed myself to buying , you strike me as one the honest ones I have come across. I have been scammed before and have to be very cautious.
Thanks also for the encouragement. Hope to hit the road soon.
Glessies last blog post..The Most Sensitive Finger
Very good. Each point is something every newbie and seasoned marketer needs to know or revisit.
Yes I agree with all of your points. For me, sitting in front of my computer is like sitting on the couch. I need to get up and off my seat and do something constructive.
Since I have used up all my credit cards, I need to start repaying them. I will sign up for your daily (do this list,) and stop chasing all the sparkling email offers that are eating up my credit cards.
Once again, you’ve written another useful and meaningful post.
Thanks for the work you do. I’m following your instructions and have been seeing solid, positive results.
Your fan,
Brian (a,k.a. “Professor Homunculus” at http://mathmojo.com
Now this is what I needed! Thank you so much.
Hi, I am really interested in your One Week Marketing but I have seen so many offers that it has left me scarred. If I was to purchase your product and I really did not understand something is there anyway of getting any help? To be honest with you I do not even have a clue when you send me e-mails and you mention “Lens” what you mean by that. How much experience will I need to be able to implement your ideas? Oh yeah, are you making money based on what you teach in One Week Marketing or are you making money from selling an information product. I am actually in the process of bringing an e-book I wrote to the marketplace but I am being taught step by step how to do it from this course I signed up for.
Howards last blog post..Dec 18, Start Thinking Positive and grab hold of the Happiness that resides.
I was really hoping you would respond to my comment. I am disabled, I have had some very serious medical conditions and I am stuck at home. I really want to learn how to make a living online and you seem to be really successful. Could I seriously buy your program and be able to see some real success? You can read my personal story here if you are interested, I tried to build a website I could make some money from but I chose too big of a topic. http://www.positive-thinking-for-you.com/power-of-positive-thinking.html I know you probably get a thousand e-mails but I am really serious about trying to earn an income online and I really would like to be successful, I am tired of all the offers I get, it really makes you unsure of every thing.
Howards last blog post..Dec 22, Daily Motivation is something that we all can use to help us in our …..
Hi Howard =)
If you read my latest blog post where I reviewed my 2008 stats, you will see that learning to make money online is a process. My personal process started with the info I share in One Week Marketing, so yes, it IS possible to make real money following the Action Plan in OWM. The “secret” to it is actually DOING it. While that doesn’t sound like a very big “secret”, it seems to be the part that so many have a problem with… haha!
It all starts with picking a system or a plan…. and starting. As you continue to work, things will start to come together and money will start to come in. It just takes time, patience, determination, and a whole lot of effort on your part.
Happy New Year to you – and THANK YOU for reading!
Jennifer
Thanks for this great post,
Really love Nr. 6 !!!
“Ready, Fire, Aim” 🙂
All the Best,
To your Happy – Writing – Inspiration,
HP
HP van Duurens last blog post..Writers’ and Artists’ Yearbook.
Your advice rings true. Ever since I started online, I have bounced from one thing to the other, hoping for magic to happen. If success were that easy and instantaneous, everyone would be selling and nobody would be buying. I had to back off for a couple days and regroup. In the morning, I start fresh at WA like a boy at the first day of school. Many Thanks!
Just had a question about article marketing. If I submit an article to a article directory like ezinearticles.com, can I also post it on my blog? Or does Google consider that ‘duplicate content’? Thanks for all your great information.
Heidi
I am trying to build my first web site and find it very daunting. But, I will never give up. Thank you so much for all the wonderful information. You really hit the nail on the head. This granny thanks you. Anna
These are some great tips, which I will be putting into practice, thanks for the useful info
Chrissys last blog post..Online Income Legitimate Business Opportunity
PPG,
Are you actually inside my head(?) because you’re describing a lot of what’s going on up there. Your post definitely helps quell some of my tension.
Thank you so much for your kind words of encouragement.
Paul R
Jennifer,
Thank you so much for your kindly and thoughtful ways. Your quite a role model and your generousity of spirit, is quite comforting. You Rock! Miss Georgia Peach
Sincerely, Mary Castner-Comer
I agree completely and would like to expand on the “Shiny Things”.
I know a little html and have built blogs with wordpress. I can’t believe how much time I can waste fine tuning all the bells and whistles. Move this bit of code here and that bit of code there. Before you know it, the day is shot.
Pretty is nice, but content is better.
Steves last blog post..Christian Garden – A Sacred Sanctuary
Hi Missy Pot Pie Girl,
YOU are so CHARMING…….I think about what Oprah said about Rachel Ray……
Keep that Southern Charm My Dear…YOu Have It…….
You are an Inspiration to me…and as I read others as well……
THANK YOU for being Transparent…..the internet NEEDS more like you…..HOnest, Straight Forward….No BS…Tell It Like It is……People respect …the TRUTH…..
I would rather you tell me ….it’s going to take me a year…to learn…or whatever…than tell me….buy this, buy that,….in 7 days…..you’ll be making…%&^%*&……
Just an FYI……I LOVE….your program…..I LOVE the coaching I’m getting from Andrea and Jackie…..GREAT….GAL’S…..
In a year………I hope to be …ON TOP…..
To Your Success….GOD BLESS….
Golden Girl Ms A
I am interested too in one week marketing I weill give it a trial.
If I may deviate from the subject for a minute, that bar that pops up at the bottom of this blog is extremely annoying. I have to close it and then refresh the page to get the content to show up.
Hi Jennifer,
Thanks for that post. So simple, the 10 things, yet so true of all of us building this internet marketing business.
It can be a lonely business since most of us do it at home on our own so it is nice to read a post like this basically boosting us up to forge ahead.
Nice pat on the back you know?!
Keep up the great work and thanks again.
Chris
Thanks for the inspiring post. Your words of wisdom and inspiration and will hopefully help a lot of people to realize that one needs to give this beast some time to work it’s magic.
Most people expect to sit back and watch everything happen for them. It takes work and time to make this happen – it does not happen on it’s own. Beating yourself up is counter-productive.
I agree with what you have written. well done !!!
Kind regards,
Barry
Sydney, Australia
You are so right about “How many times a day are you distracted by something shiny?”
The internet is the ultimate distraction, so if we work online a lot we will have a lot of distractions to filter out.
I mentioned on twitter that for every 2400 tweets you send, if each one takes you 1 minute to read, think, type, reply – you’ve “spent” a 40-hour workweek being distracted by twitter. Email can be even more time consuming. I used to open it first thing in the morning but now I wait until much later in the day, after I have accomplished some important stuff.
Thanks for all of the good info on your blog.
Mark Nolan
7. Shiny Things Dull Your Senses. How many times a DAY are you distracted by something “shiny”? You know, a new released “must have” system….
Does that exclude everything to the right?
First, I joined WA. GobelDeGook DeLux. Then, I see OWM. I’m struggling to keep WA each month but now I see a Road Map called OWM. “Then” I start getting E-Adds for LearnItStepByStep.com. More Money I don’t have. Yeash!
You can’t go wrong with Jennifer. Due to OWM and all the other content she provides, I had my first AHA moment.
Yes, the shiny things have distracted me on this journey. I have switched boats in mid-ocean numerous times. The goal is the only thing that remains the same. That being said, now that I have committed to a marketing model, I can apply all that I have learned (the hard way) to ramp it up.
I don’t advocate taking the long way, but if you do, remember that you are gaining experience every time you DO something!
Keep creating content and DOING stuff and eventually it will all come together.
Participate in marketing forums-many are those who would be happy to answer your most pressing questions…And when all this mumbo-jumbo seems too much, it’s nice to know you are not alone. I know you can do this.
Dear madam, l find that you `re really honest in helping people. Thank you for the golden tips that you had given. Thanks.
From: S.Karunagaran (Malaysia)
Hi Jennifer,
Another great post from a real person in this crazy internet marketing world. Every day I’m trying to write more posts, update my blogs and post links to various affiliate products. I know when I finally hit that first sale I’ll hopefully have that moment that make everything clear. I will buy one week marketing when I can but for the moment I’ll have to stick with what I’m doing and just keep plugging along!
I have tried everything to create a squidoo lens. But on the signup page it will not accept my URL. I wrote to that squidoo forum and they will not respond at all. I want to get started but I can’t seem to get the help I need.