The Biggest Lie In Internet Marketing

34 replies
The ultimate goal when running an online business is building a list right?

After all everyone says so!

Wrong, wrong and thrice WRONG!

The list should be the means to an end, and not the end itself.

Building your list is about getting together a gang of people with a similar interest...

...and then offering them products or services based on their interest that you know will help them.

The result is sales made and therefore income into your business.

This is the KEY to having a successful online business.

You could have 100's of thousands on your list, but if you don't contact them, you are better off without them.

However if you do this in the right way, it is like having a money tap that you can turn on at any time.

Anytime you required further income, send out a mail to your list highlighting a product or service that is going to help them.

So my tip today is; your list is as useful as a chocolate teapot if you are not actually communicating with it.

Basically it's not the size, but what you do with it that's important
#biggest #internet #lie #marketing
  • Profile picture of the author maniarora
    Indeed,

    Responsiveness is more important factor than size.
    A list of 2000 people who take action is better than a list of 50000 people who doesn't even read your email.
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    • Profile picture of the author Jeff Lenney
      Originally Posted by Jason Kanigan View Post

      Gee, I thought it would be, "It's EASY!"
      Had me fooled. Guess we were wrong!
      Signature

      Too lazy to write something clever here, so check out my marketing blog and learn from a REAL Super Affiliate at JeffLenney.com

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  • Profile picture of the author Sarevok
    A lot of slick haired gurus snatch and grab newbies around an entire gamut of lies, so this is difficult.

    I agree though, merely having a list isn't enough.

    You need to build a raving tribe of followers who actually give a damn about you in most cases.

    (There are exceptions, I know plenty of churn and burn mailers making a killing).



    But, they email their list either way, so your theory is sound.
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  • Profile picture of the author Jolly Serath
    [DELETED]
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    • Profile picture of the author JohnMcCabe
      In the MMO arena, I thought the biggest lie would be "I'll still respect you after you buy my bogus product and sit through a dozen OTOs, upsells and downsells and pay ten times what it's worth."

      [If you sell valuable products for fair prices, this ain't about you. So put the flamethrower away. ]
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  • Profile picture of the author jelenaostrovska
    This is so true. The money is not in the list, and not in the size of the list, the money is in the relationship that you have with the people in your list <<< that's what matters.

    If your subscribers know, like and trust you, they will buy what you're selling to them.

    You have to communicate with them on a consistent basis.

    A lot of people just send paid traffic to their offers, and then don't do anything with their subscribers - that's the real problem.
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  • Profile picture of the author Randall Magwood
    Originally Posted by The Beginner's Friend View Post

    Basically it’s not the size, but what you do with it that’s important
    Do you believe in emailing your prospect everyday?
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    • Originally Posted by Randall Magwood View Post

      Do you believe in emailing your prospect everyday?
      Hi Randall

      I personally have no problem with people mailing everyday as long as the mails are of interest and/or interesting. I think the problem is when it becomes a 'churn and burn approach' of just sending offer after offer to your list. As someone said earlier, there are people that do this, but I think in the long run it damages us all because it puts a lot of people off.

      Having said all of the above, I tend to write when I have something to write about; sometimes this will be every day (rarely), sometimes it will be just a couple of times, but mainly it tends to be 4 or 5 times on average.

      All the best
      Andy
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    • Profile picture of the author Ian Jackson
      Originally Posted by Randall Magwood View Post

      Do you believe in emailing your prospect everyday?
      "believe in"?

      Hi Randall, respectfully, it's nothing to do with "believing", or a "belief"; it's down to the bare facts shown by results through testing, and (as I'm sure you know) every niche, indeed every subscriber, responds differently .

      But you already knew that

      One "believes in" (or not) that which is intangible, or unseen.

      Perhaps you meant "agree with"?

      Cheers, Ian
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  • Profile picture of the author Popche
    Email list is a part of the online business and it is a must have because it is a key for your market, we can compare them as a body part. Each body part is a must have and that goes the same with business, set up everything so you have the whole body for maximum effect.
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  • I think the problem everyone has is they want something spelled out in details like you need a list or you need that and that is not it! It's not spelled out and never will be!
    Signature

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  • Profile picture of the author 64wegrow
    The biggest like in IM/MLM is that it's all "easy money" and that "anyone can do it"...

    I remember being in USANA many years ago and in one of their compensation plan booklets...in super small print at the very VERY bottom, had a disclaimer that said something along the lines of the majority of the earning were made by 2% of the reps with 98% of the reps earning a yearly average income of $5-$10 LOL.
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    • Profile picture of the author discrat
      I agree with the OP, but isn't a given that when people say the 'Money is in the List' that it implies that they are going to effectively communicate with that List on a regular and consistent basis ??

      I have always taken it that way since day 1

      Maybe Iam in the minority, I don't know.

      Kind of like when Bobby Knight says Championships are won with defense. Of course it means more than writing the defensive plays on the chalk board and being complacent. It is implied that a team will implement a certain amount of consistent practice and implement real defensive concepts during games that will effectively make them a better overall team.

      Its all a given at least to me !! No further explanation needed


      -Robert Andrew
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      • Profile picture of the author JohnMcCabe
        Slightly off-topic, but...

        I'd love to hear this exchange between a coach and sideline reporter:

        Reporter: Coach, what does your team have to do to win this game?

        Coach: Have more points when time runs out.

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      • Originally Posted by discrat View Post

        I agree with the OP, but isn't a given that when people say the 'Money is in the List' that it implies that they are going to effectively communicate with that List on a regular and consistent basis ??
        Robert

        I agree that many markers will and do read between the lines, but you only have to look at some of the training out there that focuses solely on getting subscribers to see why many other marketers will have this skewed focus.
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        • Profile picture of the author SiteNameSales
          I think the biggest lie is the implication that you can be successful with little or no money. With so many free memberships, ebooks, webinars, etc. it's easy to to think that by searching around for cheap opportunities you can get by. Free (though very limited) accounts can also lull you into thinking you can accomplish your goals by making the most frugal choices.

          Sure, you've got to work intelligently and manage a budget. But you do need a budget and you do need to spend your money, albeit wisely. But spending money is something you will definitely need to do if you want some success in marketing and there who are interested in this business who do not have it or are afraid to spend it.

          How much is something we all have to decide for ourselves, of course. And you can certainly start off as slowly as you need to begin the journey to achieve your goals. But at some point you will have to put down some serious cash and, if you are lucky or very smart, you will find a course, mentor or program that can help without you having to spend a small fortune on every bright, shiny object invite that appears in your inbox.

          Yes, there are some free opportunities that can help you along the way. But don't believe that relying on freebies or a $9 gimmick will make you rich.
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  • Profile picture of the author Janelauren876
    Still in the process of making a list but haven't gotten to a monumental amount yet. I'm excited to see what's in store for me in this new year as I try to build that list and make a new income for myself.
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  • Profile picture of the author writeaway
    Good point.

    Don't mistake the gateway for the end result.

    With that said, the biggest lie in MMO is "You can Get Rich Quick"

    Mailing lists are marketing TOOLS.

    Tools have to be USED to produce RESULTS.
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  • Profile picture of the author Steve B
    Originally Posted by The Beginner's Friend View Post

    Re: The Biggest Lie In Internet Marketing

    Do you know that very few small businesses actually even have a list of subscribers? You probably wouldn't guess that because of the amount of discussion there is about list building here on the WF. But get away from the MMO industry and you will find relatively few businesses go the effort of list building and subsequent marketing to the list. I have seen estimates that somewhere between 15%-25% of all businesses even attempt this practice. Of course, no one knows the real number - it would be difficult to track.

    I personally think there are bigger lies in IM. One of those, that affects most people who try to start an Internet business, it seems to me, is simply this: anyone can make money online.

    Steve
    Signature

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

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    • Profile picture of the author discrat
      Originally Posted by Steve B View Post

      Do you know that very few small businesses actually even have a list of subscribers? You probably wouldn't guess that because of the amount of discussion there is about list building here on the WF. But get away from the MMO industry and you will find relatively few businesses go the effort of list building and subsequent marketing to the list. I have seen estimates that somewhere between 15%-25% of all businesses even attempt this practice. [/B].

      Steve
      Hint...Hint ...For those wanting to fill a very much needed demand here
      Folks, the opportunities are out there you just have to be driven to pursue them !!

      - Robert Andrew
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      • Profile picture of the author JohnMcCabe
        Originally Posted by writeaway View Post

        Tools have to be USED PROPERLY to produce RESULTS.
        Fixed that for you...

        Give someone with no skill a carving knife and a block of wood, and you likely get a pile of shavings with a possible trip to the ER.

        Give the same knife and wood to a craftsman, and you'll get a useful object, maybe even a work of art.
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        • Profile picture of the author writeaway
          Originally Posted by JohnMcCabe View Post

          Fixed that for you...

          Give someone with no skill a carving knife and a block of wood, and you likely get a pile of shavings with a possible trip to the ER.

          Give the same knife and wood to a craftsman, and you'll get a useful object, maybe even a work of art.
          I was addressing the very common scenario where people just buy all sorts of tools use them a couple of times, stop, fail, and complain that list building is a scam.

          Even a person who isn't very skilled who keeps using and LISTENING TO HIS LIST'S FEEDBACK will eventually get to the level you mentioned.

          Sadly, there's a TALISMANIC mindset people have with IM in general.

          Success by OSMOSIS.

          Much like people joining a gym and paying expensive recurring gym fees. It's not the gym's fault that most of these members stop going to the gym after a few weeks. Sure, getting on a treadmill won't instantly melt all the fat but starting with 10 minutes now, then scaling up as one gets used to it will eventually lead to.... RESULTS.

          To get good, you have to GO AT IT... CONTINUOUSLY.

          So, yes, USE the tools. Not just once, twice, three times, but AS MUCH AS YOU CAN for however long it takes to get traction.
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          • Profile picture of the author JohnMcCabe
            Originally Posted by writeaway View Post

            I was addressing the very common scenario where people just buy all sorts of tools use them a couple of times, stop, fail, and complain that list building is a scam.

            Even a person who isn't very skilled who keeps using and LISTENING TO HIS LIST'S FEEDBACK will eventually get to the level you mentioned.

            Sadly, there's a TALISMANIC mindset people have with IM in general.

            Success by OSMOSIS.

            Much like people joining a gym and paying expensive recurring gym fees. It's not the gym's fault that most of these members stop going to the gym after a few weeks. Sure, getting on a treadmill won't instantly melt all the fat but starting with 10 minutes now, then scaling up as one gets used to it will eventually lead to.... RESULTS.

            To get good, you have to GO AT IT... CONTINUOUSLY.

            So, yes, USE the tools. Not just once, twice, three times, but AS MUCH AS YOU CAN for however long it takes to get traction.
            Which is how you get good at using your tools properly. You can get coaching/instruction, but until you put it into practice, it really doesn't help.

            And results starting out are generally disappointing. The positive results tend to come after the learning phase, when you know how to use tools properly.
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  • Profile picture of the author Joe Mobley
    Originally Posted by The Beginner's Friend View Post

    The ultimate goal when running an online business is building a list right?
    ------------------------------
    From a thread started in 2013...

    Remember that the goal of business is profit.

    It's not being liked, or having a huge social media presence, or having amazing products that nobody buys.

    It's not having a beautiful website, or perfectly crafted email newsletters, or an incredibly popular blog.

    In larger businesses, this is called accountability to shareholders.

    Business is not a popularity contest. The CEO doesn't get away with saying "But look at all these people that like us on Facebook!" Shareholders will not accept that.

    You are the majority shareholder in your business, and you have to protect your investment.

    You have to make sure that your recurring activities are as directly tied to making money as possible.

    There's nothing wrong with having a hobby, but if you want to call it a business, you have to make money.

    Naomi is right: On any given day, there are all kinds of things you can do that have nothing to do with making money...
    Page 165 of The $100 Startup by Chris Guillebeau.

    This is something I have to keep reminding myself of all the time.

    ----------

    That thread is here, Remember that the goal of business is profit. It's not being liked, or social media....

    Joe Mobley
    Signature

    .

    Follow Me on Twitter: @daVinciJoe
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  • Profile picture of the author jackiedesign
    Cool! And take it easy. You can enjoy your business if you love it. Do a better planning and go with it.
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  • Profile picture of the author chyan007
    Banned
    Originally Posted by The Beginner's Friend View Post

    The ultimate goal when running an online business is building a list right?

    After all everyone says so!

    Wrong, wrong and thrice WRONG!

    The list should be the means to an end, and not the end itself.

    Building your list is about getting together a gang of people with a similar interest...

    ...and then offering them products or services based on their interest that you know will help them.

    The result is sales made and therefore income into your business.

    This is the KEY to having a successful online business.

    You could have 100's of thousands on your list, but if you don't contact them, you are better off without them.

    However if you do this in the right way, it is like having a money tap that you can turn on at any time.

    Anytime you required further income, send out a mail to your list highlighting a product or service that is going to help them.

    So my tip today is; your list is as useful as a chocolate teapot if you are not actually communicating with it.

    Basically it's not the size, but what you do with it that's important

    Very well said Mate,

    Thanks
    Chyanit
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  • Profile picture of the author Roy Carter
    I've had many a big name marketer promote for me and seen (more than once or twice) a 50K + list being outperformed massively by a list of just 5k or less....because the smaller list owners had a relationship with their subscribers.
    Signature
    "How To Hang Out On Various Exotic Islands Whilst Still Making Shed Loads Of Money...and stuff!" - Get your FREE ISSUE entitled...'A Quick, Easy $2,000 In Your Pocket By This Weekend!'
    >> ---> http://LettersFromASmallIsland.com/sq1.html <--- < <
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  • Profile picture of the author TheGMa
    Originally Posted by The Beginner's Friend View Post

    The ultimate goal when running an online business is building a list right?

    After all everyone says so!

    Wrong, wrong and thrice WRONG!

    The list should be the means to an end, and not the end itself.

    Building your list is about getting together a gang of people with a similar interest...

    ...and then offering them products or services based on their interest that you know will help them.

    The result is sales made and therefore income into your business.

    This is the KEY to having a successful online business.

    You could have 100's of thousands on your list, but if you don't contact them, you are better off without them.

    However if you do this in the right way, it is like having a money tap that you can turn on at any time.

    Anytime you required further income, send out a mail to your list highlighting a product or service that is going to help them.

    So my tip today is; your list is as useful as a chocolate teapot if you are not actually communicating with it.

    Basically it's not the size, but what you do with it that's important
    YES, YES, YES! We are on the same page, Friend, and it's what I have been doing so that when I publish my blog, peeps already trust me. I can't knuckle down until next month, so in the meantime I have been building fb followers in one niche.

    Yeah, sure, not all my fb friends are in the niche, but the vast majority are and that's what counts.

    - Annie
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  • Profile picture of the author cashdoe
    Well that's one of the biggest lies, there are plenty more lies as well, such as make 10,000 in 30 days. Or learn how to rank on google in 7 days
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  • Profile picture of the author Rory Singh
    Building a 'responsive' list is definitely important. Your list will be more responsive if they 'perceive' you as a valuable resource (for them).

    I know some 'churn and burn' marketers who slam their lists every single day who make a lot of money.

    I also know some marketers who give a lot of value to their list and have built up quite a successful following.

    Both of these types of marketers are in 'contrary' to the other.

    But one thing they BOTH have in common is a 'steady' supply of 'targeted' traffic.

    For me personally, I focus on the traffic first and everything else second.
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  • Profile picture of the author trip3980
    Soo... This list are you checking it twice?
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  • Profile picture of the author TLearyjr
    well said!
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  • Profile picture of the author Asadullah72
    getting 10 sell from a list with 15 email is better than 15 sell from a list with 100 email.
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