Totally, Utterly discouraged and frustrated...

[Andie]

I know the entire "earn a living online" biz is a process, and have been reading this forum for awhile now - and thanks to all the helpful posts on so many topics, btw -

BUT...I am suffering from major discouragement right now... with that feeling of 'somethings gotta give' or 'else' and with my situation as it is (I'm one of the unemployed statistics w/2 kids and limited support system).....
and I am determined (and desperate) not to return to life in a dang cubicle.

That is my 'emotion' for the day
Now some of the 'facts' -- I have no real 'funds' to invest; and I went through the 30 day challenge in August (kudos to them, I highly recommend it for newbies!!); and to date, I have made half a dozen (small) sales; one of which was refunded (on PDC) and others through Clickbank I am waiting to meet the distribution level on...all of which add up to about 150 bucks.
I started this all heavily in July/aug and some days I feel accomplished for achieving what I have; but this is one of those days.............I feel like I am way on the wrong track sometimes. Or too many tracks? Or just no good at this? (even though I completely Believe it is doable).
I know the long term is the goal. But in the MEANTIME, I am in crunch time-wise until the UI runs out and I feel the pressure. Of course, I see MEGA TONS of deals that want my money swearing to 'kickstart' or provide 'support' to get me going -most of which I ignore, because I do possess a few brain cells.... and while I try to utilize all the possible freebie tools available it feels like spitting into the wind most of the time.
All that being said (and thanks if you are reading this far!)........any suggestions on anything that might *really* get me going with any steady, even small, results???

Really sorry this is so long but I know you guys know what you are doing and I'm feeling like I don't right now......

Andie

[Lou Diamond]

Hello,
I was in your shoes many years back.
Here is what I did to get the ball rolling.
I was doing everything online,then one day I decided to meet in
person people that were doing the same thing as me.
The people that I met were from all levels to advanced.
They were more than happy to share secrets that they would never have told me
via email.
My key was to get my name out there and to use viral products.
I hope this will help you in some way.

[Aaron Moser]

Andie,

So what promotional methods are you using?

I find the quickest way to start making money as an affiliate is to target buyer keyword for hot selling products. Tell us a little more about what you're doing and we'll try to set you on the right track.

[klinvie]

Andy it sounds like you are at the point where many people throw in the towel and say the heck with it, I'll just do what the average joe does. (Although I sense you are not saying that YOU will). From what I hear from you, success is just around the bend if you keep at it.

I'm sure you've heard of the saying: I'm mad as hell and I'm not going to take it anymore! Well thank goodness for being mad because if we don't get mad about it, if we don't get frustrated about it, it's almost impossible to get to the top.

I've always believed that the more one burns with a desire to succeed, the more they will achieve. Napoleon Hill said it best when he said: "What The Mind Can Conceive It Can Achieve" Sounds to me that you are on your way to achieve great success which brings us to the warriors forum. When you take a look around here you can see nothing BUT success.

Just the last couple of days I've been in the forum I've seen many many people who is succeeding online. I'm sure many of them felt similar to what you are feeling right now. I guess what I'm trying to say is whatever your situation is right now don't allow ANYTHING stop you from achieving what you set out to do.

You'll find what you need here as far as how to do just about anything you want. All you need to do is have your plan and be persistent. Just don't give up. You may be so close to that first big success. You ARE in the right place. Just don't give up!

Hope that help some

klinvie

[Andie]

Hi Aaron,
I have a wordpress blog that gets some traffic and has ranked #1 on google, but has only gotten 2 sales for the PDC item it promotes (one of them refunded at the 30 days) sadly - i find I do not like writing articles although I have done a couple - ezine and used traffic bug to submit to lots of others w/decent backlinks

Honestly, the niche I found is workable, but not a passion so I find it difficult to be enthused w/the blog.

As I mentioned, nothing notable to invest in adverts although I have put some into adwords with decent CTR it doesn't equal out in sales and i can't afford to dish out 50/week for 25/mth in sales
I use various freebies (usfreeads, adsvert, craigslist posts, listjoe, listdotcom twitter) and am working on making that 'list' ....my hosting has the built in autoresponder; but I feel rather lost/stuck at how the 'opt in' is setup and what to DO with the small list I have. I am signed up with all sorts of free list-builders but that is still a work in progress - and always Learning of course
Maybe I am trying too many products (though I can't help but think the diversity is good?)...ie: my CB acct had 150 hops yesterday, but none went as far as the sales page/ordered. So there is response, but am I just being a 'small apple' on a big tree? Should I be aiming for 1500 hops a day?
Maybe not knowing what (exactly) I should be aiming for is keeping me off-mark?
I will say my WP blog is focused on one of the best-selling products on PDC, and if 2 sales in 2 mths with 50% refund is the best there is...........well...nuff said (vendor told me typical is 10% and mine was unusual -story of my life).

Thanks for the response...I am SOO wanting to get over the learning hump I seem stuck on
A

[jollyjcb]

I am Having the same problem

[Andyhenry]

Hey Andie,

We've all been there. It does pass.

The thing that will probably help you most right now is putting together a solid plan.

Even if the plan is very simple, i.e

1 - split test your current product with an alternative and do everything you can to drive traffic to test which converts better.

You can use article marketing, blog commenting, directory submissions, free press releases etc. to get links and traffic.

I think if you focus right down to that level and you track your links, see where the traffic comes from, see which traffic converts best with which product - you can do more of what works, split test different products and keep growing that small system.

You probably already know this, but most of the revenue from a customer is NOT on that first sale anyway, so make sure you have a system/backend in place - otherwise you're leaving 90% of your potential revenue on the table anyway.

If you can be bothered to write some good articles, you could also offer them (slightly rewritten so that you don't give others the exact same thing) with PLR and make some sales that way for the same effort.

Right now though, I'd say get focused, test your product - you KNOW it can sell, so keep that in mind and get busy making the next sale.

If after all your testing and work you decide it's not worth it - you'll at least have a site with enough links and traffic to sell and pick a niche you can get excited about.

For now though, anything you can do to build your skills and experience in getting and converting traffic will only help in the short and long term.

Andy

[nettech]

Andie, have you tried AdSense instead of affiliates? Its much easier to get the ball rolling. I've been in the SEO game for a few years now and purchased many ebooks, dvds, pdf's etc all which promise the earth but dont deliver. If you are not afraid of hard work then no doubt you may have heard of John (Xfactor's) AdSense Masters course. There is an initial investment but compared to the rip-off stuff thats out there, this course is for newbies as well as advanced SEOs. The method is simple and straightforward. there is a thread here whic outlines everything but the eBook is just easier as it gives you a step by step process. I can relate to the situation you're in, I had to leave work to look after my kids and have to start all over again. Read the feedback and take action.

I wish you every success.
Zaheer

[nettech]

By the way, I'm in no way affiliated with the product I mention above, but just been around the block enough times to know whats genuine and whats total hype and fluff! Ive had success with the methods that are mentioned so can vouch that they work, just trying to work towards that kind of income level! lol

[M Thompson]

Don't let it get to you..

look you've made sales.. which is more than many people have done. So you know the process works, you just need to refine it and make it work the way you like to work.

If you don't like writing outsource some writing jobs, I outsource hundreds of articles a month because i hate writing. when you spend $5 on 5 good quality articles (don't believe the people who say you have to pay $10 an articles to get quality) and you find that are making you a healthy profit then you have a workable business model.

IM has never been a get rich quick business despite what some people would have you believe.. hard work and perseverance is what will earn you monry in the long run.

Although get rich quick once you master it, It can be an relativly easy way to generate a full time income. and it sure as hell beats working 9-5 in a cubicle

[Andie]

Thanks Klinvie -- and you are right on that I am NOT about to give up...I'm a single parent and in my 40s (ugh) and have no doubt in the long run this is the best way to make life good for my 50's and beyond. Part of my frustration stems from major comp. failure (hard drive bombed) twice in the last couple of weeks; which threw a wrench into things and i am STILL rebuilding my browser bookmarks<grrr> (at least I know how to re-build my own comp!!)
The encouragement from all is Very much appreciated...

btw - i tried to give you a link in your other post but I don't post as much as I read so hoping they don't kick me out for fudging it

Thanks!
Andie

[Blitzian]

If the 150 hops were from your blog - then you might want to test putting up adsense / cpa offers instead of the clickbank link.

Listjoe, Listdotcom will work for internet marketing related products and my guess is that both these listbuilders are not that effective as when it was launched.

Irrespective of all that, don't worry, all of us have those days for frustration - move away from your computer, relax a bit and start working again.

[Andie]

Thanks NetTech,
I do have adsense going on my blog site and another domain. have made a whopping $6 on it to date. That is something else I guess I don't quite 'get' the trick for making it work....unless you're the one selling the 2.97 googlecash and 89/mth pymt to the poor saps who fall for that one...
I'll certainly look into the product you mentioned. Makes a world of difference for someone to say it is NOT just fluff n stuff and can actually work. I have tons of time and will put my all into something -- I just need to not be spinning my wheels for the next 6 mths..
Thanks!
Andie

[klinvie]

You're welcome Andy, I can see why you feel the way you do. (hard drive bombed 2 times in the last couple of weeks? That would surely shake me up. I think that's real cool that you have those comp skills. I would not know where to begin to rebuild a computer. That's an Incredible skill!

I wish you Great Success,

klinvie

[zapseo]

"Starting an online business" is, unfortunately, not an answer to being unemployed.

Yes, it can be quite inexpensive -- once you know how.

But it takes time and opportunity to learn how. You need to have the freedom to fail, because that is where you will learn.

And this is why starting an online business is not an answer to unemployment. Because people who are unemployed need something that isn't going to fail.

Shifting from an employee mindset to an entrepreneurial mindset generally take a bit of time for most people. (One of the mindsets is this understanding of the requirement of having the luxury to fail.)

Steady income (from ANY job) can provide you with that freedom, that luxury, of being able to fail. Because it tends to be more steady and more reliable than self-employment income. At least at first.

You'd truly be amazed, I think, to know how many of the "successful" online business folks you see here also have some sort of regular job. (It's also, usually, a far better place to get medical insurance from...)

You say you are determined to not return to life in a cubicle. But are you willing to do it for a short period of time in order to get your online biz on a solid footing, first?

Just my few cents'

Live JoyFully!

Judy

[mattlaclear]

Hi Andie...congrats on the few sales you have made so far. Most people never even get that.

Seriously.

It's my experience that when you can make a $100 you can make a $1000. And when you can make a $1000...well you get the point.

Now obviously you have a viable product to offer otherwise no one would of purchased it from you. So you're in the black there.

Now you just have to focus on two things.

#1) You need to get it into your noggin that everyone who makes a living online has gone through the very same emotional roller coaster you're going through right now. Do you know how many times I sat up late at night gnawing my fingers to the bone worrying about making more sales to feed my 6 kids? I spent plenty of sleepless nights just pouring through this forum and others looking for the solution that would bring in enough sales for me to be able to feed my family with. But understand what you are going through right now is a right of passage. You're at the precise point where most people quit their Internet aspirations and go back to the cubicle life. So just stay persistent to your dream and you'll get through this passage one way or the other. You might earn some battle scars along the way though. Wear them with pride when you do get them.

#2) You just need to get more eyeballs over to your offer. You already know a percentage of people will purchase it when they see it. So now your main job is to get more people to see it. I personally suggest you take some time and build a network up via the social networks. I get close to 125,000 unique visitors a year from my interactions on Twitter and StartUp. Sharpen your marketing and interaction skills there and you will go a long way towards getting the traffic you need to be able to support your family with. Plus the traffic will be free and you can use 100% of the proceeds from the sales you make to pay your bills with. Which I am guessing is pretty important to you at this time tight?

Again Andie...congrats on the sales! Now go out and get some more!!

[ramone_johnny]

Sorry to come across gruff, but Im growing tiresome of seeing so many members complain of not making a fortune in their first month and then whinging about it.

Online business is no different to traditional business. It takes a lot of time and hard work.

You dont just press a magic button and money comes out your cd drive.

[nettech]

You're welcome Andie, just don't be disheartened, the majority of IMers have started like this. Very few people make money from the outset, its pure trial and error. You've done well to make some sales from Affilaites, I've never managed to do this, so you're alreay a step ahead.

With regards to AdSense, it could eb a variety of things that aremtn making you money. PM or email me your URL and I'll try and take a look for you.

Good luck

[Geode]

Hi Andie,
As said you've made sales which is more than some achieve, ever. Many of us have struggled with low income. you've got marketable skills! If you can build and repair computers you're way ahead of most of us. See if you can get work locally fixing stuff for dummies like me. Might raise some cash while you keep on with the IM stuff.

[Andie]

Originally Posted by zapseo

"Starting an online business" is, unfortunately, not an answer to being unemployed.

Yes, it can be quite inexpensive -- once you know how.

But it takes time and opportunity to learn how. You need to have the freedom to fail, because that is where you will learn.

And this is why starting an online business is not an answer to unemployment. Because people who are unemployed need something that isn't going to fail.

Shifting from an employee mindset to an entrepreneurial mindset generally take a bit of time for most people. (One of the mindsets is this understanding of the requirement of having the luxury to fail.)

Steady income (from ANY job) can provide you with that freedom, that luxury, of being able to fail. Because it tends to be more steady and more reliable than self-employment income. At least at first.

You'd truly be amazed, I think, to know how many of the "successful" online business folks you see here also have some sort of regular job. (It's also, usually, a far better place to get medical insurance from...)

You say you are determined to not return to life in a cubicle. But are you willing to do it for a short period of time in order to get your online biz on a solid footing, first?

Just my few cents'

Live JoyFully!

Judy

Thanks for the response, Judy and you are absolutely right.
What spot I am in right now is that I lost my job in March and in the months since...well..I am in an area that tends to lag the rest of the country and the lack of decent jobs is still biting around here pretty bad.
I delved into all of this a couple of years ago because there is a big interest in it for me; but that was half-heartedly testing and didn't keep with it.
Guess I am trying to explain, while I do have the opportunity to really 'focus' on getting the online stuff some 'footing' I have been trying to take advantage of that while I have benefits coming in. I know it is doable, I feel I am capable and while I know there are not short-cuts to it, I'd love to be able to establish something to prevent the cubicle from becoming a neccessity again.
just wanted to clarify my mindset a bit
Andie

[Andie]

Originally Posted by ramone_johnny

Sorry to come across gruff, but Im growing tiresome of seeing so many members complain of not making a fortune in their first month and then whinging about it.

Online business is no different to traditional business. It takes a lot of time and hard work.

You dont just press a magic button and money comes out your cd drive.

Yes, I was venting a bit, but please don't put more weight on the venting than you do my first statement in my post.
I DO realize it is a business and have been/and am investing tons of time and most certainly do not expect to press a button and have cash dispersed. Pity to anyone that does and I'm sorry if you got the impression from my post that I believe that.
I was not seeking some 'get rich quick' answers and I am sorry you are having a 'gruff' kind of morning, but I was looking for any guidance on what 'mis-steps' I am making or feedback on what dots I am not connecting. As the OP says, I know the 'warriors' know what works and doesn't and asked for advice from any who cared to share.

That said, I truly hope your day gets better and recommend you avoid posts with titles like mine.
Best,
Andie

[ramone_johnny]

Originally Posted by Andie

Yes, I was venting a bit, but please don't put more weight on the venting than you do my first statement in my post.
I DO realize it is a business and have been/and am investing tons of time and most certainly do not expect to press a button and have cash dispersed. Pity to anyone that does and I'm sorry if you got the impression from my post that I believe that.
I was not seeking some 'get rich quick' answers and I am sorry you are having a 'gruff' kind of morning, but I was looking for any guidance on what 'mis-steps' I am making or feedback on what dots I am not connecting. As the OP says, I know the 'warriors' know what works and doesn't and asked for advice from any who cared to share.

That said, I truly hope your day gets better and recommend you avoid posts with titles like mine.
Best,
Andie

Dude, its all good. No offence intended, sorry if it came across that way.

The best peice of advice I EVER got was to seek a mentor. Find someone who can work with you ONE on ONE, with direct help. This will get you heading in the right direction a LOT QUICKER, with less time and money wasted.

[Andie]

Originally Posted by ramone_johnny

Dude, its all good. No offence intended, sorry if it came across that way.

The best peice of advice I EVER got was to seek a mentor. Find someone who can work with you ONE on ONE, with direct help. This will get you heading in the right direction a LOT QUICKER, with less time and money wasted.

None taken........and thanks for the mentor suggestion it may be exactly what I need at this point.

Andie (whose not a dude,just fyi)

[romesaranto]

I by no means at want to discourage you, but if the UE is running out then that kind kind of stress is going to kill you, go find something to pull in "some kind" of an income in the mean time and dedicate a certain part of your day to building your business.

I second the motion on affiliate marketing as well as finding a group of people you can plug into to help you out.

[ramone_johnny]

Originally Posted by Andie

None taken........and thanks for the mentor suggestion it may be exactly what I need at this point.

Andie (whose not a dude,just fyi)

Oops! Sorry Andie!

Seriously, find someone who is making a killing online and do what they do! Keep it simple, and when they speak you shut up and listen.

Thats what worked for me.

[klinvie]

Hi Andie,

sorry for the misspell on your name.(Andie, not Andy. Must pay better attention

To your Great success!

klinvie