Pls Help a Newbie - How to Break into...?

32 replies
Hey everyone,

Part of my problem as a newbie - okay, a HUGE problem for me as a newbie - is focus. I've got so many ideas and plates spinning, that I feel like an ADHD caffeine junkie. Anyway....

While I've got some things I'm working on, such as my ChristianMarriageHelper e-course (building a list there) and my American Revolution & Founding Era blog (which I've gotten some great feedback on from WF), I need some QUICK cash. Not a lot. I don't need thousands of dollars right away. Just a $100 or so.

So...I'd like to write up and sell some fresh, never-before-seen, PLR article packs and/or do some ghostwriting.

The challenge is that I've not done any of that before, and have no testimonials or anything like that. I've never done a WF WSO or WF classified. Or anything like that. I'm totally new to this.

But...I do understand how to write. I've been published in magazines and newspapers. And I've blogged a lot. And I'm a Feature Columnist for Suite101.com Protestantism. So, I'm not a newbie to writing. I figure it's my best bet to quick cash.

I've looked into website and blog flipping, but I have a lot to learn on the technical side, before I'm comfortable with that.

I do have some domain names I could sell, but - again - I'm new to that, and am clueless about how to transfer them, once I sell them. I am, however, getting two of my domain names professionally appraised.

Sorry for the long post. I just wanted to give you an idea of where I'm at, instead of just posting a "Need quick $100 in 24 hours" without giving any idea of my experience, knowledge, etc.

Thanks for your time. Any advice is appreciated.

-Brian

p.s. I do make about $300 a month (give or take) writing for Suite101.com (though most of that is from off-topic articles I've written). So, I do understand keywords, etc.
#break #newbie #pls
  • Profile picture of the author I Love PLR
    I've never done a WSO myself but from what others are saying, it seems to be a very good way to earn money.
    So, just do what you said. Write 10 or 15 articles on a « hot » topic, for some ideas you can look what others are selling in the WSO and start your special offer.
    It costs $20. If you sell your set of articles for $8, you would need to sell 15 to earn your $100.


    You can also add a link in your signature saying you can write for $XX. It could help you to reach your goal or go over the $100.
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    • Profile picture of the author jglover
      i just sent you a PM that may help..
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  • Profile picture of the author bauger
    I suggest writing a bunch of articles and selling them as PLR package. It seems to go well on here for a few people. Many you could offer a few warriors a free article to get some testimonials and then go from there.

    I don't know why you just contract out writing service to other bloggers, site owners, etc. like you suggested. There are many places you can post your services on the net to do content writing.
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  • Profile picture of the author jhiggins
    Read $5 mini site formula by Josh Spaulding. It's free and it works. At least it does for me.

    Jonathan
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    • Profile picture of the author Keith Boisvert
      I guess my question to you would be what area do you want to earn money in? Is it writing? If so then I would think you have some good credentials and should have no problem running a WSO for articles or something along those lines.

      If you need some help setting it up (aside from the writing of the copy) let me know, I will be happy to help if I can.

      ~keith
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  • Profile picture of the author Ron Killian
    Sounds like a good plan to me. From what I've seen, plr articles do pretty well on a WSO. I could be interested as well.
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    • Profile picture of the author BrianTubbs
      Based on the above feedback, here's what I'm thinking...

      I write 10 articles on weight loss (a hot topic), and then offer the pack for, say, $5 (since it's my first WSO and I don't have any testimonials yet).

      I run the WSO for $20 (meaning I pay WF the $20 -- I charge only $5 for the article pack).

      I limit the sale to 50 Warriors.

      Do you all think that will work?

      I'm not a very good copywriter, so do you think a no-hype, straight-to-the-point, no-frills WSO offer would work? Or do I need to take the time to put together some strong sales copy - perhaps even outsource it?

      Thanks.

      -Brian

      p.s. Oh, and I've got tons of PLR stuff on my computer. I could throw some of that in as a bonus???

      p.p.s. And maybe offer to ghostwrite a 250-word article for the first 5 orders???

      What do you think?
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      • Profile picture of the author ic7
        I'm not a very good copywriter, so do you think a no-hype, straight-to-the-point, no-frills WSO offer would work? Or do I need to take the time to put together some strong sales copy - perhaps even outsource it?
        Brian, just be totally genuine in the WSO, like you are doing here. You will be fine.

        Paul
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      • Profile picture of the author Brad Spencer
        Originally Posted by BrianTubbs View Post

        Based on the above feedback, here's what I'm thinking...

        I write 10 articles on weight loss (a hot topic), and then offer the pack for, say, $5 (since it's my first WSO and I don't have any testimonials yet).

        I run the WSO for $20 (meaning I pay WF the $20 -- I charge only $5 for the article pack).

        I limit the sale to 50 Warriors.

        Do you all think that will work?

        I'm not a very good copywriter, so do you think a no-hype, straight-to-the-point, no-frills WSO offer would work? Or do I need to take the time to put together some strong sales copy - perhaps even outsource it?

        Thanks.

        -Brian

        p.s. Oh, and I've got tons of PLR stuff on my computer. I could throw some of that in as a bonus???

        p.p.s. And maybe offer to ghostwrite a 250-word article for the first 5 orders???

        What do you think?
        Brian,

        Why not package your articles into a small report and build a niche list?

        I could teach you how to do this. Feel free to PM me. All the stuff you talk about are obstacles but easily surmountable (even if it doesn't seem like it right now).

        Hope to talk to you soon!

        Brad Spencer
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  • Profile picture of the author Ron Killian
    Being fresh content with plr rights should enough to sell well. long as it's quality content of course.

    Be sure to determine the rights as well.
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  • Profile picture of the author Matt Bard
    Brian,
    I don't think you need to worry about testimonials if you have samples of your work.

    When it comes to written material I would much rather see some of your work over a bunch of people telling me how great it is.
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  • Profile picture of the author Mike McBride
    Brian,

    You're getting some good advice from good people in this thread.

    You write well, judging by your posts. Go for it. It's only 20 bucks, and you may well create a nice new business for yourself.

    P.S. Personally, I'd avoid the addition of PLR you already own as a bonus, but that's just me. It's kind of a gray area, as WSO's are supposed to be something that you created or had created for you, though bonuses such as that can be added. But why not just showcase YOU and YOUR skills to start? (JMO)
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    • Profile picture of the author BrianTubbs
      Originally Posted by Mike McBride View Post

      Brian,

      You're getting some good advice from good people in this thread.

      You write well, judging by your posts. Go for it. It's only 20 bucks, and you may well create a nice new business for yourself.

      P.S. Personally, I'd avoid the addition of PLR you already own as a bonus, but that's just me. It's kind of a gray area, as WSO's are supposed to be something that you created or had created for you, though bonuses such as that can be added. But why not just showcase YOU and YOUR skills to start? (JMO)
      That makes sense, Mike. I had been "on the fence" about adding generic PLR bonus material, and you've just helped me make my decision. You're right in what you say. I need to build my own reputation as opposed to just throwing a bunch of PLR excess at people.
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      • Profile picture of the author BrianTubbs
        Okay, everyone, just an update...

        Yesterday, I cranked out 10 fresh PLR articles. These are not rehashed PLR. They are brand new, never-before-published articles.

        They are not outsourced. I wrote them personally. In the future, I may outsource, because I can see it's time-consuming.

        Right now...I've got 5 marriage articles and 5 stress/anxiety articles. Today, I'm planning to write some more on a different topic. When all is said and done, I'll have 3 or 4 article packs (5 articles per niche pack).

        Here are my questions...

        1. The articles range in length from 250 to 600 words. Some are short. Is that acceptable? Or do they all need to be the same general length?

        2. Is it acceptable to quote from published articles or published books in the PLR articles (provided, of course, attribution is given)? Or am I safer to stay away from quotes, unless they are from dead people and/or books in the public domain?

        3. I'm thinking of limiting the sale to 50 Warriors only. Is that a good number? Or should it be 25?

        4. If I limit the sale, is there a way to automate that? Best case scenario...I put up the WSO and get, say, 55 orders. Will I have to manually track that and then refund the money to the last 5 orders? If so, that's fine. I don't mind. But if there's an easier, automated way to do it, well, then I'm all for that too. (Of course, my pessimistic, insecure side is kicking in here, and just hoping I make back the $20 cost for the WSO).

        5. In determining "rights," I'm guessing the term is "unrestricted PLR," right? Basically, I want to give full and complete rights -- people can do whatever they want with them.

        6. What's a reasonable price? I've looked through PLR-related WS0s, and I'm seeing various ranges. Do you think I can get $7 for 15 fresh, brand new PLR articles? or $10 for 20 PLR articles?

        Sorry to ask so many questions. I appreciate your time very much.

        And I want to assure you that I'm moving forward with this. I'm taking action. And I'm looking forward to getting some success and building a track record, so I can then help others coming along.

        -Brian
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  • Profile picture of the author MichaelPaul
    WSO's do seem to work well on here when your selling plr content. You could make a quick 100 dollars quite easily I would say.

    Long term you want to think list building in everything you do, because what you do today to make money online could change by next week you never know...

    One thing you can always count on is YOUR LIST if you got a list and you need some quick cash that would be the best and fastest way to get it...

    I wasted years on the internet until I figured out that the most important thing is generating leads on a daily basis and building your list.

    I hope this helps you.

    Michael Paul
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  • Profile picture of the author BrianTubbs
    Yeah, Michael, I'm actually thinking of selling 15 articles for $7 and then offering an extra 5 free of charge for subscribing to my list. Think that will get the ball rolling?
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    • Profile picture of the author MichaelPaul
      Originally Posted by BrianTubbs View Post

      Yeah, Michael, I'm actually thinking of selling 15 articles for $7 and then offering an extra 5 free of charge for subscribing to my list. Think that will get the ball rolling?
      That might do alright for ya. Myself I always go for the opt-in on the front end of the process... That way I can market to them later using my auto-responder (aweber)...

      For instance I would give away one of your articles for free and then offer them a "oto" for the rest at $7 bucks or what ever after they have done the opt-in.

      This way you capture a interested lead up front and can send them other offers later. See, there is no guarantee that they will buy from you on there first visit...

      You have a better chance that they will join your list before they purchase.

      To Your Success,
      Michael Paul
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    • Profile picture of the author lstoops
      Originally Posted by BrianTubbs View Post

      Yeah, Michael, I'm actually thinking of selling 15 articles for $7 and then offering an extra 5 free of charge for subscribing to my list. Think that will get the ball rolling?
      I would buy! You can definitely make the money you are looking for doing a WSO. You got a good plan now just go for it.
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      • Profile picture of the author BrianTubbs
        Thanks to EVERYONE here for their suggestions and encouragement. I really appreciate it.
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  • Profile picture of the author Mike McBride
    I've got 5 marriage articles and 5 stress/anxiety articles.
    A perfect pairing, as those two subjects often go hand-in-hand.

    Short articles are ok, but 250 would definitely be the low as I'd go. 300+ is preferable, but that's me.

    Under "fair use" you can use an attributed quote, just don't use big chunks in short articles. Keep 'em short, tight, and attributed.

    50? 25? 100? Tough call. Same with the price. Don't over-analyze this - it's your first time out.

    My suggestion: Determine your goals for this project. I assume you want to earn a bit of profit AND start to build your reputation/business.

    Try figuring your targets like this (example only.)
    If you have a modest goal of earning a profit of $50, you'd have to sell 10 sets at $7 each ($70 sales - $20 posting fee = $50 profit.)

    Seems a little low to me, but you may feel differently, especially if you're looking to build relationships and repeat (higher-priced) business.

    Just plug in numbers that work for you - and go for it.

    Good luck.
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  • Profile picture of the author BrianTubbs
    Update....I have now written 15 PLR articles:

    5-article pack on marriage
    5-article pack on making money
    5-article pack on stress, fear, anxiety

    I'm thinking I'm going to go ahead and "pull the trigger" on this. I would appreciate you all taking a look at the WSO - not so much to buy, but to critique it.
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  • Profile picture of the author Ron Killian
    Sounds like you are well on your way. Good to see people taking action.

    You really should have a web site and linked in your signature. About you, your services, form of contact, ect. I wouldn't rely on board PM's. Plus a nice web site can add some credibility.

    Of course don't forget to link your WSO in you signature.
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  • Profile picture of the author tomcam
    Brian, I think another WSO is staring you right in the face: "How I make $300/month on Suite101, and How You Can Too". Plenty of people here would like to make that leap.
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    • Profile picture of the author BrianTubbs
      Originally Posted by tomcam View Post

      Brian, I think another WSO is staring you right in the face: "How I make $300/month on Suite101, and How You Can Too". Plenty of people here would like to make that leap.
      I actually thought about doing that, Tom, but the Suite101 contract specifies that I can't disclose what I actually make. There's a gray area when it comes to ranges, but I'd probably need Suite101's permission to put such a report together.
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      • Profile picture of the author BrianTubbs
        Hey everyone!

        Well....I've written the 15 PLR articles and now I have to set up an order page and get the PayPal link and all that hooked up.

        I've been working on that for the last 6 hours....and it's been a dismal failure. I can't get a simple web page designed! I can't begin to tell you how frustrating this has been.

        I even installed WP -- thinking THAT would be an easy solution. Well, check it out...

        Niche Article Packs

        About the only good thing to come out of this is that I was able to register a decent domain name!

        I can't even get the WP set up right. And, frankly, I'm not even sure WP is the best solution for this.

        I've tried sales page wizards, squeeze page wizards....and I can't get anything to work right.

        This is all very discouraging.

        And, frankly, given all the time I've put into this WSO, I'm not even sure it's going to be worth it! I mean, how much am I going to get for 15 articles???

        Sorry to vent, but I'm really frustrated and discouraged. I'm actually TRYING - I really am. And I'm working hard at this, and I keep knocking into brick walls!

        Anyway...can anyone give me some advice or help in setting up a sales page??? Or perhaps somehow walk me through rescuing my WP setup?
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  • Profile picture of the author SeanSupplee
    There really is no Quick $100 if there was everyone would be doing it. Pick one of the ideas you have going for you now and build a list and sell a product around it. Or in best cases create a ebook product of your own and sell it to your list. Would you rather earn 30% commission or do the same amount of work and earn 100% commission on a product you created that could include affiliate links.
    Fasted $100 mmmmmm I would say hahaha thats a hard one exp in your nich market in what I have seen. I really think your better off forgetting about the quick $100 and just spend your time creating a product and starting to push that. Your going to have far more results even though your going to take a bit of a money hit in the begining.

    I saw you are having issues with getting a web site designed. Just send me a PM on any ideas or things you are working on I will be happy to help
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    • Profile picture of the author BrianTubbs
      If I were to take that advice and develop a product, I assume I would then need....

      *probably a 20-30 page ebook
      *bonuses

      Okay on the above two. It's work, but I don't mind that. Now, HERE's where my problems come in...

      *attractive sales page with solid copy
      *graphics (incl the ebook/product cover and the sales page)

      Even with the PLR articles that I'm doing, what I'm finding is that without a cover graphic for the article packs and a halfway-decent sales page, I'm probably not going to make many sales.

      It's all very frustrating for someone who can write, but is quite challenged when it comes to the technical side of things.
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    • Profile picture of the author KevinDasilva
      If I were you I would continue with what your doing on WF and I would join...

      Guru.com
      Elance.com

      and there are a ton more (but those are the big sites)

      Create a profile as a "Freelancer" and then start bidding on "Article Writing Jobs". There is a fee to place bids BUT the 1st 10 are FREE.

      SO go on there and put a "bid" on a project you could do fast (OR that you already have done) and you got your $100 and then some...

      Hope this helps

      Kevin D
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      • Profile picture of the author dukeoferl
        Hi Brian,

        I had the same frustrations about building a simple squeeze page and putting a PayPal button on it. I made it through it by downloading a free HTML editor, the 2 that are mentioned the most are NVU and Trillian, then go to Youtube and search for "tutorials" dozens of them are available to learn just about anything including build a landing page. Hope this helps.

        Frank

        ps: PM me and include a sample article, I'm looking for articles written in several micro niches. Maybe you could
        help me with.
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        • Profile picture of the author maximus242
          Okay heres what you do.

          Take your PLR articles, put em up for sale for $7.

          Tell your story, give your experience and talk about how your trying to make $100 quick bucks.

          Tell them about your credentials, what magazines youve written for, columns your works has been published in, etc.

          Then in addition to offering them the $7 PLR article package -- on the download page (where they download the PLR articles) have a second salesletter for your personal article writing services.

          Charge $10 a piece per article. Your nuts if you try to compete on price in a place like the warrior forum. Theres too many people from third world countries who -- ten bucks is like a hundred to. So instead offer a lot of value.

          Also start messaging a bunch of people who own article writing companies and talk to them about doing work for them on a piece basis. You might get paid less but you will have lots o work.
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          • Profile picture of the author BrianTubbs
            Okay...I am ready to rock and roll with this...finally.

            I would describe my offer, but I'm afraid the WF authorities might think I'm cheating, so I'll avoid details, but basically it's...

            10 PLR articles, 3 MRR videos, and then 5 PLR articles a month

            --All written (and, in the case of the videos, produced) by me.

            --All original content.

            I'm now pricing the WSO and need help testing what I've set up. If you're willing to help me test my order page and download page -- to make sure everything works - will you please PM me?

            Thank you!

            p.s. I really only need 1 person to test it, so the first PM I get, I'll go with that - so long as the person knows how to order via PayPal (which I assume is everybody these days).
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