You’ve been there I’m sure, waking up every morning full of anticipation and excitement to check your latest Adsense stats only to find that you’ve clocked up a whooping $1.52. A two figure monthly income is a reality for lots of people new to making money on the web. If you’re in that boat, remember first that you’re not alone. That $1.52 is no random figure! So here are some insights that I’ve picked up that might help you figure out what you’re doing wrong.
Mistake #1 : Failing to invest sensibly
Many newbies will make one of two mistakes when it comes to investing in their online venture. They will either buy nothing at all or buy too much and become overwhelmed with the information. If you’re starting out, be sensible about your purchases. Even if money is tight, do your best to get the funds together for the critical resources you need for your venture. This may be a training course, mastermind group or just a detailed ebook. Before you make a purchase read reviews, evaluate, check out forums and then buy it and stick with it. This advice applies also to those who buy too much. Having too much information can be a bad thing. Focus down on one or two resources and work with them.
Mistake #2 : Failing to focus
If you’ve made the same mistakes I have, chances are you’ve had your finger in every pie from affiliate marketing to niche blogging and you’ve probably found, just like me, that it doesn’t work! Failing to choose a specific niche, or market and stick at it is one of the most common newbie mistakes. If you’re selling books, sell children’s popup books. If you’re blogging about dogs, blog about a particular breed of dog or common doggie disease. Be nichy. In fact, the niche-ier the better! You’ll find it far easier to establish youself being specific.
Mistake #3 : Neglecting the Value of YOU
In every profession, you’ve got to take time to establish yourself within a market. The Internet world is no different. If you have chosen a niche, put yourself and your expertise to use in that niche. As you gain the trust of people you are offering advice or services to you will find yourself gaining credibility within that market. Create a blog, join forum, twitter. Do everything you can to expose yourself to your target audience. But remember too that this takes time. Giving up on building your reputation or neglecting to consider it a worthwhile exercise is one of the reasons you will fail flunk online.
Mistake #4: Failing to Persist
Don’t give up if you don’t see success immediately. I’ve been trying to ‘make it’ online on and off for three years and I’m still battling to succeed because I refuse to believe “it doesn’t work”. Instead I recognise that I’ve made some of mistakes that I need to work on. The money is there, learning how to access it takes time and long term commitment. So before you decide it doesn’t work and give up, ask yourself did you commit 100% to it. Did you follow all the steps in this article. If not, make today the first day of your new found commitment and go for it. Chances are a year down the line you’ll have an online business that is operating beautifully.
Mistake #5: Failing to conquer the fear
Believe in yourself, in your idea, in your product. I know it can be overwhelming when you come into a niche and see it dominated by the heavy-weights who you think you could never compete with. I’m there myself right now with this blog. It can be a scary place. But remember, that as you network and build connections, people will begin to realise the value of what you offer. Find an need in your niche that is not being met. Offer a product or service that compliments what’s already there. And remember that everybody starts somewhere. One day you’ll be the heavy-weight!
