32 {{ upvoteCount | shortNum }}
32 {{ upvoteCount | shortNum }}

Are You Making IM TOO Complicated?

by Kim Roach
26 replies
Hey guys, just wanted to share something that I've been thinking about lately.

One of the biggest things that I've noticed online, especially among newbies, is the amount of information overload.

And with new products coming out ever week, I can certainly see why people are getting confused/overwhelmed.

But at some point in your IM journey, you've got to stop consuming content and actually start DOING. It's easy to get caught up in the learning process. In fact, we could all probably spend hours just browsing
all the great information here at the Warrior Forum.

But if you actually want to build a real business online, you have to transistion yourself from learning to doing. From reading to implementing.

At the end of the day, speed of implementation is the key.

And when you think about it, building a successful business really comes down to just three core principles...


Traffic --> Offer --> Conversions

Every business online is built upon these 3 key components.

Regardless of whether you're an affiliate marketer, selling your own products, or doing CPA offers. It all comes down to the same formula.

Traffic --> Offer --> Conversions

Traffic --> Affiliate Product --> Conversions
Traffic --> CPA Offer --> Conversions (in the form of an email submit, zip submit, etc...)
Traffic --> Your Own Product --> Conversions
Traffic --> Service Provider --> Conversions
Traffic --> Membership Site --> Conversions


So regardless of what 'type' of business you're running online, the success of your business will always be dependent upon these 3 core principles.

In the beginning of you're business, most of you're time is focused on the traffic component. However, once you've developed a highly optimized sales process and consistent lead flow, you're time is then better spent on the conversion side of things - which is the highest leverage point in your business.

But at the end of the day, it all comes down to traffic, your offer, and conversion. That's it.

All the rest is just in how you apply it.
#complicated #making
  • Profile picture of the author BlazingSwitch
    Agreed.

    There is simply no way to do it all, nor to try and absorb it all. There are only so many hours in the day.

    People need to do some due diligence in their research, making notes along the way, and pick something they like or understand. Then work out a business plan, or strategy and take it from there. Starting with ONE product. Master it, then add in more.

    Most newbies wanna conquer the world in the first week. However, no matter how much money you throw at something. It will take some time.
    Signature


    SEO VPS & DEDICATED WEB HOSTING | 5000+ SUBNETS | DOZEN+ COUNTRIES
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2303339].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Almanack
    nicely put!
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2303340].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author MJ Schaefer
      This is solid advice.

      I remember first hearing it from James Brausch (I think the tagline on his blog was: "Product + Traffic + Copywriting = Successful Internet Business).

      I also know that it is a formula that Eric Louviere bangs on about a lot ("create an offer, drive traffic to it, tweak till it converts well).

      Never hurts to be reminded of it!
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2303433].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Mohammad Afaq
    Here is how I like to put it,

    Find an Offer
    Direct a buyer to that offer
    Make money

    It just cannot get any simpler than that

    EDIT: Also, I want to think Jimmy D Brown for teaching me that and
    if I hadn't found this out I would probably still be roaming around the
    internet looking for the "magic pill"

    So, to all the newbies out there:

    Understanding the real meaning of this statement changed my life, let this do the same for you.

    EDIT: Oops, I forgot. Thanks to Kim Roach for this amazing post. Good is all you can expect from Kim
    Signature

    “The first draft of anything is shit.” ~Ernest Hemingway

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2303460].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Kim Roach
    Thanks for all the great feedback guys!

    You guys are right. There are lots of people that have been teaching the same core formula. Which, for me, just helps validate that it is indeed correct.

    - Kim
    Signature
    (Blog Traffic Checklist) - How to Generate 1,000+ Visitors to EVERY New Blog Post You Create...

    12-Step Traffic Checklist

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2303591].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Anonymous Affiliate
    Originally Posted by Kim Roach View Post

    building a successful business really comes down to just three core principles...


    Traffic --> Offer --> Conversions
    You're missing one element to the puzzle: back end monetization.

    In my opinion, as I have established many times on this forum, the formula to IM success is:

    Targeted traffic -> front-end conversion -> back-end monetization
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2303607].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author mlord10
      Originally Posted by Anonymous Affiliate View Post

      You're missing one element to the puzzle: back end monetization.

      In my opinion, as I have established many times on this forum, the formula to IM success is:

      Targeted traffic -> front-end conversion -> back-end monetization
      I understand what your saying, but I think the "conversion" Kim talks about not only covers the front end conversion, but also covers the back end monetization, which in itself consists of conversions.

      Guess it really is just how you look at things.
      Signature
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2303618].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author Kim Roach
        Originally Posted by mlord10 View Post

        I understand what your saying, but I think the "conversion" Kim talks about not only covers the front end conversion, but also covers the back end monetization, which in itself consists of conversions.

        Guess it really is just how you look at things.

        Yes, I think of the offer as part of the back-end sales process. In fact, the complete sales process itself is part of the offer. (Initial offer --> Upsells --> Cross-sells --> Order Page Bumps, etc...)
        Signature
        (Blog Traffic Checklist) - How to Generate 1,000+ Visitors to EVERY New Blog Post You Create...

        12-Step Traffic Checklist

        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2304210].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author tht222
    Some valid points right there!

    The biggest mistake that I have ever made (and actually keep making) is the fact that I don't diversify enough - as soon as I find something that works really well, I keep scaling up and building and as soon as that method/offer/niche collapses, I find myself with one very low income stream.

    As for the noobs starting with IM right now, for some reason they think that getting the “right tools” will make them rich overnight – I keep seeing guys and girls frantically searching for more and better plug-ins, software tools, and scripts, while completely ignoring the fact that this is business just like every other and you still need good common sense, hard work, and persistence in order to succeed.
    Signature

    Keyword Snooper - fast and super-affordable keyword tool

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2303622].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Rockmanfl
      great advice and I know what you mean about the learning bug. One of the most imporatant things I've learned is when you're first starting out you're not going to do everything perfect, but at least you are trying and doing something - you'll learn along the way.
      Signature
      Make some quick cash with Ebay
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2303641].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Matt Bard
    Hey Kim, love your stuff

    I tell newbies to come up with one link that they get paid from and think of that link as their "Golden Link".

    Then spend a week trying to get people to see the Golden Link.

    Don't think about any new techniques, products, systems...just focus on getting people to look at that Golden Link.

    Jump in and get your feet wet. This is how you start to see the things you need to learn and work on.

    After just one week of trying to send people to a Golden Link will start to open your eyes.

    Usually, a few light bulbs start coming on.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2303663].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author lizreeves202
    Of course it is actually simple, but it needs to appear complicated enough so the educators have enough content to sell - don't let the word get out for their sake...
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2303683].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author eaglechick
    @Kim

    Just last night I read something similar from Gauher Chaudry

    The nr 1 aspect of IM you should learn first is:

    How to generate traffic to your site/offers!

    The rest is easy!

    I'm not a traffic ninja yet, but I'm getting there slowly but surely and I know you have some killer traffic techniques - but I concentrate on one at a time and then plan to do a combination of tactics.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2303748].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author MJ Schaefer
      Originally Posted by eaglechick View Post

      @Kim

      Just last night I read something similar from Gauher Chaudry

      The nr 1 aspect of IM you should learn first is:

      How to generate traffic to your site/offers!

      The rest is easy!
      IMHO it really depends on what your objective is.

      I think Chaudry made his name with PPV. Of course, with PPV you have to learn the basics of buying ("driving") traffic before you get down to working on your conversions.

      However, I would prioritise product creation and copywriting if, say, I was looking to sell an an ebook.

      Having a product/sales letter/website that you are proud of will, I believe, give you that burning desire to drive traffic. That is the point at which one can read all the latest, hot WSOs about getting more visitors.

      I just think a lot of people put the cart before the horse, believing that knowing how to get traffic is more important than actually having an offer; a prime way to procrastinate if ever there was one, given that there will never be a shortage of new traffic methods to try.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2304090].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author paul wolfe
    Great post.

    I think i first read it from Jimmy Brown somewhere too.

    If you are new to IM you could do a lot worse than read Kim's post. And print it out somewhere and pin it in your work space, or on your monitor.

    TRAFFIC
    OFFER
    CONVERSIONS
    Signature
    One Spoon At A Time
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2303932].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author ryanbiddulph
    A simple yet powerful formula Kim, thanks for sharing.

    Focusing on a clear cut equation allows one to expand from it. If someone is complicating IM they've likely strayed from the basics.

    Ryan
    Signature
    Ryan Biddulph helps you to be a successful blogger with his courses, manuals and blog at Blogging From Paradise
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2304003].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author alniches
    Thanks Kim. Nice advice you have there.... I tend to 'overthink' my campaigns too much at times that it tends to take up too much of my time and only until recently I thought that it ought to be simpler than that...looking at your pointers gave me some great direction as not to return into being the 'Over Compulsive Perfectionist' that I am.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2304063].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Nick Brighton
    I agree with your principle Kim. But it's like saying "why don't studying actors get paid like De niro? After all, all you gotta do is stand on the floor marker, say your lines and pretend to be in character"

    In other words, it's not just that people don't take action or get analysis paralysis... it's because they don't have the skills, confidence, experience, mistakes, reference points, ethics, vision... (insert quality here).

    I agree, self sabotage is the #1 killer... but that's only one skin of the onion.

    Don't forget time constraints, money constraints, stress, distractions and everything else that also comes between good peeps and their money.

    And my favourite pet hate - working your tail off doing all the right things... then getting left with an empty wallet and a whole bunch of lost time.

    Sure, it's a lesson learned, but it's also another wound when you're trying to survive on the minefield of hope.

    EDIT: I just read that back and it sounds very doomy gloomy, sorry! Not meant to be. But sometimes we all need a reality check around here. It's not as simple as people make out a lot of the time, and the more newbies understand that, the less disillusion will take place and the more stable they will be when a project fails.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2304225].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Jacqueline Smith
    Thanks for the reminder to keep it simple!!!!! It can be so overwhelming to us newbies. Sometimes the most basic messages get lost in the rubble. It's great just to have it pointed out in the middle of a chaotic day....it helps decrease my anxiety level greatly!!!!!
    Signature
    Momdipity.com
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2304506].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author KatyaSenina
    Kim you're right, but I think the most overwhelming part is getting started.

    IM can be tedious, setting up websites, driving traffic, writing articles, the whole process of trying to convince people to click on your affiliatelink... I think that's the 'complicated' part.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2304535].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Kim Roach
      Originally Posted by KatyaSenina View Post

      Kim you're right, but I think the most overwhelming part is getting started.

      IM can be tedious, setting up websites, driving traffic, writing articles, the whole process of trying to convince people to click on your affiliatelink... I think that's the 'complicated' part.
      It's definitely a complex process. There's a lot to it.

      But it's just that... a process.

      Too many people get blinded by the idea of quick riches and instant results.

      You have to remember that you're building a real business here.

      And building a business takes time.

      It's not like going to a job where someone tells you exactly what to do.

      As the business owner, you call all the shots. But at the same time, you also take all the responsibility for the results that you produce.
      Signature
      (Blog Traffic Checklist) - How to Generate 1,000+ Visitors to EVERY New Blog Post You Create...

      12-Step Traffic Checklist

      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2304772].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author MJ Schaefer
      Originally Posted by KatyaSenina View Post

      Kim you're right, but I think the most overwhelming part is getting started.

      IM can be tedious, setting up websites, driving traffic, writing articles, the whole process of trying to convince people to click on your affiliatelink... I think that's the 'complicated' part.
      Just to add to what Kim said...

      I think your problem may be located in your statement.

      If you think of setting up sites, writing articles, conversion, design, PPC, product creation, administration and all that, it can quite easily overwhelm you. It's enough to make anybody run for the closest "Make $XXX overnight!" ebook, which is considerably lighter on the mind.

      If you can set out a marketing strategy, give yourself a full year to develop it, and then break it down into micro-tasks, you'll be amazed at how much you accomplish, and how quickly the time flies by...
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2304821].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author sdentrepreneur
    Great Point Kim, Traffic is the most important part of equation. Nothing else matters if you can't get quality traffic. Once I hit 20,000 Twitter Followers, 5,000 Facebook friends, had over 50 videos and 50 articles, things changed and traffic increased and leads turned to sales.
    Signature

    Learn Digital, Internet and Social Media Marketing For Your Business
    Click here to learn more - Digital and Social Media Marketing Training Course

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2304818].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author sitefurnace
    IM is not simple. Its as difficult as finding the correct sequence of numbers on a combination lock. You could say it's just a simple case of putting in the three right numbers and then open the lock. That is easy if you know the numbers but a nightmare if you don't.

    It's about finding the right combination of affordable trageted traffic, an offer that is in demand and a sales funnel that can turn a profit. All three are an artform in themselves.

    Every part is essential and each must be in tune with the other and there are so many combinations it's unreal.

    I think that success only comes after a long, painfully, expensive apprenticeship that everyone has to go through. There's no shortcut in my eyes you just need to be strong and persevere
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2304976].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Kim Roach
      Originally Posted by sitefurnace View Post

      IM is not simple. Its as difficult as finding the correct sequence of numbers on a combination lock. You could say it's just a simple case of putting in the three right numbers and then open the lock. That is easy if you know the numbers but a nightmare if you don't.

      It's about finding the right combination of affordable trageted traffic, an offer that is in demand and a sales funnel that can turn a profit. All three are an artform in themselves.

      Every part is essential and each must be in tune with the other and there are so many combinations it's unreal.

      I think that success only comes after a long, painfully, expensive apprenticeship that everyone has to go through. There's no shortcut in my eyes you just need to be strong and persevere

      Absolutely!

      Building a highly successful business online generally takes a couple years.

      But the thing is that most people still over complicate things. They run from one thing to the next. Chase shiny objects. Etc...

      When they could make things a lot simpler by focusing on the basic formula of Traffic ==> Offer ==> Conversions

      Actually putting it into practice and building a successful business will take AT LEAST one year. But if you break things down to their core principles, stay focused on ONE plan of action, zone in on ONE market, and stop jumping from one thing to the next.... You'll arrive at your destination much faster than anticipated.
      Signature
      (Blog Traffic Checklist) - How to Generate 1,000+ Visitors to EVERY New Blog Post You Create...

      12-Step Traffic Checklist

      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2305303].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author John Atkins
    Well said, Kim.

    Newbies often overcomplicate things. If you master traffic generation
    you can make plenty of money online.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2305004].message }}

Trending Topics