What was your first IM mistake?

36 replies
I think this could be a funny thread that people could learn from haha.

Il go first.

I set up a blog using a "viral blogging network" (you can guess which one) and I was told to just blog without doing any SEO or keyword research.

I was told that I should blog about anything and everything just to sign people up! HA!

This was about 4 years ago!

What was yours?
#mistake
  • Profile picture of the author TimothyTorrents
    Hmmm... I think it would be not focusing on one niche and not building a list. You should be building a list from the beginning no matter what.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10045921].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author eKing
    Jumping about from one idea to the next. I'd have a blog set up then come across another way of making money such as listbuilding then jump right on that then back again. I ended up going nowhere and making nothing.

    Pick something and stick with it.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10045977].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author discrat
      Iam sure it sounds cliche but it is the truth and that is NOT start building a List of prospects and subscribers in my Niches.

      Huge mistake


      - Robert Andrew
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10045981].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author Steve B
        Not starting sooner.

        Thinking that I have to study and perfect my methods before putting myself out there.

        Steve
        Signature

        Steve Browne, online business strategies, tips, guidance, and resources
        SteveBrowneDirect

        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10045985].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author marketermatt
          Originally Posted by Steve B View Post

          Not starting sooner.

          Thinking that I have to study and perfect my methods before putting myself out there.

          Steve
          That's a common one Steve, I used to be like that too.

          Thanks!
          Signature

          *****
          BRB BUSY MAKING WORDPRESS THEMES

          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10046339].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author foreverstray
    I haven't been in the game for long but my first mistake was trying to do too much. I created a site that was trying to cover too many topics and create viral content but it didn't last long, since I wasn't actually making any money. I needed amazing amounts of traffic to make money from a site that doesn't sell or promote anything and barely gets any ad clicks.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10046347].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Robbie B
    Publishing content on Squidoo. Why people create hubs are beyond me. Third party sites are a huge no go!
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10046363].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author marketermatt
      Originally Posted by Robbie B View Post

      Publishing content on Squidoo. Why people create hubs are beyond me. Third party sites are a huge no go!
      Haha!

      I have also tried that, I started a blogger.com site as well, that didn't go to well xD
      Signature

      *****
      BRB BUSY MAKING WORDPRESS THEMES

      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10046381].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author KevinDahlberg
    Quitting.

    I took a couple years off, and it's hard to imagine how much farther along I would be if I hadn't quit. I was starting to make a few bucks here and there on fiver, and then I just quit.

    The other thing I would change if I could rewind the clock, would be to focus on something I know.

    I got into one of those typical "market IM to IM people" things, and I didn't (and still don't) know much about the topic. It's always felt weird to me to try to be an expert in something that I'm barely a novice in.

    I may not have an empire right now, but I'm building something that I can be proud of, and that's what is important to me.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10046394].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author fisomt
      Thinking if it will work, which kept me from driving Traffic!
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10050600].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author marketermatt
        Originally Posted by fisomt View Post

        Thinking if it will work, which kept me from driving Traffic!
        ahh rookies mistake! Always just go for it and tweak later, that's what I always say!
        Signature

        *****
        BRB BUSY MAKING WORDPRESS THEMES

        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10051003].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author DWolfe
          I knew nothing about IM at all at the time. Clicked on a video someone referred me two. Was instantly suck into the ad copy.Out came the Credit Card, Purchase a domain than a few more after buying into all of godaddys upsells. Don't recall what I paid for next. (maybe Aweber auto responder)



          Than I was led to Join an affiliate site while doing all this. Than I was stuck a few hours later wondering ... okay what next ?The thing about the affiliate site at the time was. It pointed me directly here and told me to drop my affiliate links on the site !!Good think I stop and read all the Forum rules and never did it at the time ;>)
          At the end of the day a costly mistake has actually turned out to be a big benefit.
          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10051053].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Brandon Bell
    Buying domain names and starting websites without doing proper keyword research. This can lead to building websites in unprofitable niches.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10046420].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author redfrick
      Originally Posted by Brandon Bell View Post

      Buying domain names and starting websites without doing proper keyword research. This can lead to building websites in unprofitable niches.
      This, so much this.

      I also never provided great content. I foolishly thought that I could just slap together a site with flimsy content and start making money. It actually did work for about a week then Google found out and took care of that. I've hopefully found the error in my ways and am taking my time with both research as well as creating something with some value.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10046450].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author Enfusia
        Trusting Google.

        I had over 300 sites above the fold page one then Penguin hit and boom, gone before noon.

        If I had used all that traffic to build a list I'd have lost my traffic but not my income.

        Patrick
        Signature
        Free eBook =>
        The Secret To Success In Any Business
        Yes, Any Business!
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10046479].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Rose Anderson
    Not starting a blog much sooner.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10046437].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author jamescanz
    Not getting a coach fast enough...

    Wasted too much time, effort, and money
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10046495].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author marketermatt
      Originally Posted by jamescanz View Post

      Not getting a coach fast enough...

      Wasted too much time, effort, and money
      Hell yea man, one way to fast track your success is to find a decent coach!
      Signature

      *****
      BRB BUSY MAKING WORDPRESS THEMES

      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10046549].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author GelidMind
    Thinking everything had to be perfect and never completing certain projects because I felt like they weren't good enough.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10046729].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author nicolasmd2112
    My first mistake was trying to send untargeted adf.ly traffic directly to Clickbank offers.

    Never again
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10046746].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author dhiraj192
    Built a list with adf.ly traffic. So much time wasted trying to get opens/clicks.
    Signature
    Moderator's Notes: Please be reminded that affiliate links in signatures is not allowed.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10046754].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author marketermatt
      Originally Posted by dhiraj192 View Post

      Built a list with adf.ly traffic. So much time wasted trying to get opens/clicks.
      Ouch, that traffic is the worst. I have no idea who is profiting from that traffic lol
      Signature

      *****
      BRB BUSY MAKING WORDPRESS THEMES

      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10046801].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author joaquinaleman
    Banned
    Originally Posted by marketermatt View Post

    I think this could be a funny thread that people could learn from haha.

    Il go first.

    I set up a blog using a "viral blogging network" (you can guess which one) and I was told to just blog without doing any SEO or keyword research.

    I was told that I should blog about anything and everything just to sign people up! HA!

    This was about 4 years ago!

    What was yours?
    I waste 2 years not building my list!

    Once I start everything changed!

    I have people who have bought my products and services for over 6 years now!

    having a list is a must, no matter what niche you are!
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10046826].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Randall Magwood
    Mine was buying a $397 course with resell rights, then going to Overture and drive traffic straight to the sales page... thinking i was gonna be rich by the end of the money.

    All kinds of money lost.

    I only listen to myself now.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10046867].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author ContentPro22
    LOL I still laugh out loud thinking about this...

    I created an information product that I *thought* was going to make me thousands of dollars. I ended up making NOTHING. Looking back now, I realized my approach was so farfetched. These days, I NEVER create an information product without an email list FIRST.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10047037].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author wesleywinter
    Jumping from Product to Product is something that I really regret doing.

    I was so gullible and really thought "maybe this product will do better than the one I am currently working on"

    It is something that most of us have to learn the hard way though. It was a learning experience, and ever since I started working on ONE method without switching things have been going great!
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10047069].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author TestimonialTrade
    Originally Posted by marketermatt View Post

    I think this could be a funny thread that people could learn from haha.

    Il go first.

    I set up a blog using a "viral blogging network" (you can guess which one) and I was told to just blog without doing any SEO or keyword research.

    I was told that I should blog about anything and everything just to sign people up! HA!

    This was about 4 years ago!

    What was yours?
    My biggest internet marketing mistake was getting into internet marketing in the first place. Now I can't stop. It's way too addicting because you never know when that million dollar idea is going to come out of nowhere. Even though 99.9% of my ideas are total failures, I know I'm getting closer to my ultimate goal which is to strike it big.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10047072].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Slade556
    Jumping head first before doing proper research. I guess it's a common mistake and it happens to everyone. Good thing I didn't give up though... phew!
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10047443].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author marketermatt
      Originally Posted by Slade556 View Post

      Jumping head first before doing proper research. I guess it's a common mistake and it happens to everyone. Good thing I didn't give up though... phew!
      Well done man!
      Signature

      *****
      BRB BUSY MAKING WORDPRESS THEMES

      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10047445].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Isaiah Jackson
    Originally Posted by marketermatt View Post

    I think this could be a funny thread that people could learn from haha.

    Il go first.

    I set up a blog using a "viral blogging network" (you can guess which one) and I was told to just blog without doing any SEO or keyword research.

    I was told that I should blog about anything and everything just to sign people up! HA!

    This was about 4 years ago!

    What was yours?
    Lol I'm not even going to guess which "viral blogging network" you speak of..

    But my first and biggest mistake was not building my email list from day #1

    I'm pretty sure its going to be the number one mistake most of us have made lol

    Isaiah Jackson.
    Signature
    Send Emails, Get Paid - My business summarized in four words. For the how-to go here
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10051065].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author marketermatt
      Originally Posted by Isaiah Jackson View Post

      Lol I'm not even going to guess which "viral blogging network" you speak of..

      But my first and biggest mistake was not building my email list from day #1

      I'm pretty sure its going to be the number one mistake most of us have made lol

      Isaiah Jackson.
      Ha! I know I wish I started building my email list as soon as I started online, would have made my life so much easier!
      Signature

      *****
      BRB BUSY MAKING WORDPRESS THEMES

      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10051158].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author billalbdtest
    Originally Posted by marketermatt View Post

    I think this could be a funny thread that people could learn from haha.
    Il go first.
    I set up a blog using a "viral blogging network" (you can guess which one) and I was told to just blog without doing any SEO or keyword research.
    I was told that I should blog about anything and everything just to sign people up! HA!
    This was about 4 years ago!
    What was yours?
    Wow! good. According to me, you should try to increase your site rank & Traffic by doing the SEO. You can do the Forum posting, rss, article submission or, blog commenting. I think it is your main mistake. You should address the SEO.
    Signature

    Working

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10051178].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author johngreenishere
    Give away supplier phone to my customer. Guess what?
    She never seen again!
    Haha!
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10051228].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author NilbogKing
    I would say my first mistake was thinking once I got into a money making niche that the money will be steady forever. You have to be fluid and always changing.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10051285].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author marketermatt
      Originally Posted by NilbogKing View Post

      I would say my first mistake was thinking once I got into a money making niche that the money will be steady forever. You have to be fluid and always changing.
      That is true man, always updating and working on new projects! It is fun though haha I'd much prefer doing what I do over a 9-5 anyday
      Signature

      *****
      BRB BUSY MAKING WORDPRESS THEMES

      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10051576].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author melissadiazpr
    I did a couple but I would say not doing videos sooner and the worst one...posting in facebook groups
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10051753].message }}

Trending Topics