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2 Years for the equivalent of a part time job

by Littlelostlife
31 replies
Hi Warrior forum.

I'll keep this short as I can. Been in IM for 2 - maybe two and a half years. And living a frugal lifestyle I have actually been living from it for at least a year and a half.

Very recently I started hitting three figures a day largely from my SEO traffic. I've diversified between content locking, info products and Amazon. I started to look out outsourcing in the Philippines, planning to put money aside for my go at paid traffic. I'd even hoped I might finally get to travel.

Now I know a lot of people are worse of than I am, and in that respect I have nothing to complain about.

But after spending the last two years chained to my desk I thought I was finally getting somewhere. For a month now I was making a bunch of sales a day earning more than I would in a day job.

I've sacrificed a lot to get even this far. Maybe I didn't have to but I've given up any sense of a social life and while I long to see he world - most days I barely see past my front door.

But this was going to change. I was earning, I was outsourcing and I've already got half a dozen new websites with content and links building. I think I let myself believe I was actually getting somewhere.

But after a month of three figures the last few days have just been bad conversions after bad conversions, with a little traffic drop thrown in for good measure. Maybe it's just bad luck or the new years buying increase extends half way though the month. But I've been making less than I did a year ago, I've been making less than I would in a part time job.

Now I tried the normal day job I really did. Four years of university followed by a shirt and tie. And when I first found IM I fell in love. It was freeing, it was creative and I was accountable for my own success. I could travel, I could give money to my family, I could give to charity and I wouldn't have to wear a tie to do it.

I didn't dream of fancy cars or 5 star hotels. I dreamed of having a bit of a social life and being able to help people.

But after two years I think I've done the legwork. I've poured through case studies, split tested, done 12 hour content grinds and reinvested every cent I made but I don't feel like I've got anywhere.

I'm 24 and already feel like I'm wasting my life away.

So my (very long winded) question is - at what point is the dream becoming a nightmare and when is it time to give up?
#equivalent #job #part #time #years
  • Profile picture of the author Jon Patrick
    I can't tell you for sure what's right for your life...

    Having said that, if I had given up two years into my IM career, I never would have seen much success at all. I'm sure some find success more quickly than that, but most don't, including myself.

    The fact that you've already been living as an internet marketer and making money at this is huge. Now is the time to work harder, branch out, and start new businesses online. Find new traffic sources for your existing business. And don't give up on increasing your earnings at any point (even when you find yourself earning a lot).

    That's just my two cents. Hopefully it helps. I truly wish you the best.

    Jon
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  • Profile picture of the author Nightengale
    First of all, congratulations! The fact that you're making ANYTHING at all is huge. Even better, you've been able to live off of it. Awesome!

    It sounds to me like the problem is that your business model is seriously flawed.

    Forgive me, but what is "content locking"? Never heard of it.

    I know some people make big money with Amazon, but personally, I'd never make it a core part of my income strategy. The commissions are tiny on what are generally tiny purchases.

    Info products are a great business. What is your niche and who is your target market? This sounds the most viable. Are you building a list? Are you asking them what else they need? What are their problems? (You can offer info products that help them solve their problem.)

    Diversification is smart business strategy, but you still need to FOCUS. Diversify within a niche. Jumping all over the place with "content locking" :confused:, Amazon, info products and a bunch of websites probably isn't the best long-term strategy, although obviously it's made you some money.

    I'd pick a niche, build a list of targeted prospects and sell info products. Then you can offer Amazon products that would be of interest to your list. See how you're diversifying? But your focus is on your niche and target market and you're diversifying within that niche.

    Also, remember, you're building a business with a website, not a bunch of websites to build a business. Building websites, creating content for them, getting them ranked, getting traffic for them, etc. is all incredibly time-consuming. I'm always amazed at how Warriors talk about building multiple websites, then doing all of the work to rank, etc. It's completely counterproductive to building the freedom-based Internet lifestyle we all want.

    Personally, I'd have no more than two websites (if even that), unless your business model really did dictate more, which is rare. If you have 10 websites, that's 10 (TEN!) websites you have to babysit and continually keep up, which makes it incredibly hard to keep your eye on the big picture and start building freedom into your business (through outsourcing).

    Pick a niche and a target market. Then focus on building a list and providing the tools and resources that they need through info products (if that's the business model you want to pursue). Your customers will tell you what they need and what to do next. Focus on one thing (one info product for example) and then diversify from there, based on what your customers tell you they want.

    Hope that helps!

    Michelle
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  • Profile picture of the author dsouravs
    Michelle,
    Content locking is like membership sites or complete a survey before reading the content.
    Littlelostlife,
    Dont give up...U said u r in to amazon..amazon is good IMO...Now since u r making money, change ur plans for long time objectives..dont give up...
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  • Profile picture of the author SamuelUherek
    Find a mentor. I mean it. It seems like you have all the knowledge you need to make it happen, and start earning constantly, but you probably need some tweaks to it. If you like IM (you wouldn't spend that much time into it), I wouldn't give up. I would rather stop and start thinking about a business plan. Sometimes when you write down all your thoughts, it helps to see what you actually want to achieve.
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  • Profile picture of the author John Romaine
    Your story is almost identical to mine. Ive been at this since October 2008.

    I go days on end without leaving the house, except to train at the gym.

    Listen, for me things started changing towards the end of my 2nd year.

    YOU CANNOT GIVE UP NOW.

    Think about it like this. If you do give up - the two years you already put in, were for nothing.

    Do you really want to just throw the time already invested, away???

    KEEP GOING.
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    • Profile picture of the author MP80
      Originally Posted by ramone_johnny View Post

      ..I go days on end without leaving the house, except to train at the gym.
      Lol, that made me feel better anyway, and I can definitely relate.

      Ramone_Johnny, when did it turn around for you, and what did you do to turn it around? For example, did you scale up what you were doing, completely finish a certain project, try something different, get a mentor, etc ???

      What was it that made the biggest difference for you, and how does what you are doing now differ from what you were doing then?

      I believe you mainly focus on article syndication now, is that correct?

      Cheers,

      Max.
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      • Profile picture of the author John Romaine
        Originally Posted by MP80 View Post

        Lol, that made me feel better anyway, and I can definitely relate.

        Ramone_Johnnny, when did it turn around for you, and what did you do to turn it around? For example, did you scale up what you were doing, completely finish a certain project, or try something different, etc ???

        What was it that made the biggest difference for you, and how does what you are doing now differ from what you were doing then?

        I think you mainly do article syndication now, is that correct?

        Cheers,

        Max.
        There wasn't any one defining moment. Its been a long process of trial, error, tears, frustration, and a ridiculous amount of hours and money. Im pretty sure if I worked out my hourly rate over the last 3 or so years, I would probably have been working at about 10c an hour.

        I work EVERY DAY. There is no Monday. There is no Sunday. I get up, I know what i need to do, and I do it. This lifestyle isnt for everyone let me tell you. And it sure as hell isnt that lavish lifestyle that many sales pages make it out to be.

        BUT.

        It can be. And Im beginning to really experience that.

        I havent had a job since 2007. Ive been financially independant since I walked from my government job which was earning me around $80,000 a year.

        My first year I lost $6,000.
        My second year, I believe I made about $15,000 profit.
        The last financial year saw a dramatic increase in my income.
        This year, Im hoping to double my income again.

        Eventually I may consider coaching. Why? Because I know what its like to struggle in this game. I did for years. Its hard man, it really is, or was at least for me.

        Anyway....

        One thing that DEFINITELY changed everything for me, wasnt so much a particular "moment" but moreso a change in approach.

        Its funny, most people that want to make money online think ...

        1. Build a website.
        2. Make money.

        That makes about about 10% of the ENTIRE PROCESS of making money online. And it wasnt until I acknowledged this, that things became SO MUCH CLEARER.

        If you want to make money on the net, you MUST break EACH STEP OF THE PROCESS DOWN, AND DO NOTHING BUT LEARN AND MASTER EACH STEP.

        THEN PIECE IT ALL TOGETHER.

        I sat down and wrote myself a list....

        1. Search Engine Optimisation
        2. Copywriting
        3. Surveys/Customer Feedback
        4. Split testing
        5. Performance Monitoring and Conversion Tracking
        6. Email marketing
        7. List building
        8. Website development
        9. Marketplace research
        10. Product Viability
        11. Customer profiling

        ...etc etc etc

        Internet Marketing is a PROCESS OF STEPS, that combined bring sales. As a test, write down those steps above, and score yourself out of ten for each one. The ones you score poorly on, INVEST SOME MONEY TOWARDS COURSES and LEARN that step. DONT DO ANYTHING until you can completely grasp the concept of what needs to be done - AND WHY.

        The best thing ANY newbie can do is either...

        a) Get a mentor who can relate this knowledge to you.
        b) Stop DOING and start LEARNING

        I get so frustrated at newbies that refuse to invest money towards bettering their education, but continue to waste money on crappy $6 WSO's thinking theyre going to find some magical answer.

        BTW - I made 2 sales whilst writing this response
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        • Profile picture of the author thebitbotdotcom
          Originally Posted by ramone_johnny View Post

          There wasn't any one defining moment. Its been a long process of trial, error, tears, frustration, and a ridiculous amount of hours and money. Im pretty sure if I worked out my hourly rate over the last 3 or so years, I would probably have been working at about 10c an hour.

          I work EVERY DAY. There is no Monday. There is no Sunday. I get up, I know what i need to do, and I do it. This lifestyle isnt for everyone let me tell you. And it sure as hell isnt that lavish lifestyle that many sales pages make it out to be.

          BUT.

          It can be. And Im beginning to really experience that.

          I havent had a job since 2007. Ive been financially independant since I walked from my government job which was earning me around $80,000 a year.

          My first year I lost $6,000.
          My second year, I believe I made about $15,000 profit.
          The last financial year saw a dramatic increase in my income.
          This year, Im hoping to double my income again.

          Eventually I may consider coaching. Why? Because I know what its like to struggle in this game. I did for years. Its hard man, it really is, or was at least for me.

          Anyway....

          One thing that DEFINITELY changed everything for me, wasnt so much a particular "moment" but moreso a change in approach.

          Its funny, most people that want to make money online think ...

          1. Build a website.
          2. Make money.

          That makes about about 10% of the ENTIRE PROCESS of making money online. And it wasnt until I acknowledged this, that things became SO MUCH CLEARER.

          If you want to make money on the net, you MUST break EACH STEP OF THE PROCESS DOWN, AND DO NOTHING BUT LEARN AND MASTER EACH STEP.

          THEN PIECE IT ALL TOGETHER.

          I sat down and wrote myself a list....

          1. Search Engine Optimisation
          2. Copywriting
          3. Surveys/Customer Feedback
          4. Split testing
          5. Performance Monitoring and Conversion Tracking
          6. Email marketing
          7. List building
          8. Website development
          9. Marketplace research
          10. Product Viability
          11. Customer profiling

          ...etc etc etc

          Internet Marketing is a PROCESS OF STEPS, that combined bring sales. As a test, write down those steps above, and score yourself out of ten for each one. The ones you score poorly on, INVEST SOME MONEY TOWARDS COURSES and LEARN that step. DONT DO ANYTHING until you can completely grasp the concept of what needs to be done - AND WHY.

          The best thing ANY newbie can do is either...

          a) Get a mentor who can relate this knowledge to you.
          b) Stop DOING and start LEARNING

          I get so frustrated at newbies that refuse to invest money towards bettering their education, but continue to waste money on crappy $6 WSO's thinking theyre going to find some magical answer.

          BTW - I made 2 sales whilst writing this response
          Just curious Johnny...

          After your lost $6K your first year, what do you think kept you from just "throwing in the towel"?

          That's pretty phenomenal that you put yourself out on the line with these types of stats.

          If you ever decide to mentor, I think that your transparency will reward you.

          Kudos to you friend...

          Mark
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          • Profile picture of the author John Romaine
            Originally Posted by thebitbotdotcom View Post

            Just curious Johnny...

            After your lost $6K your first year, what do you think kept you from just "throwing in the towel"?
            Failure was never an option. It wasnt then, and it still isnt now. Im not a quitter. Altough, unlike a lot of others here (Alexa comes to mind) Im not the fastest learner either. Im a slow learner, but Im extremely persistant.

            At the end of the day, I couldnt care less if I was down to my last $5 and had to eat dry bread to get by. If you want it bad enough, you do whatever it takes.

            There are people out there with far bigger problems than us that "arent making money online"
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            • Profile picture of the author thebitbotdotcom
              Originally Posted by ramone_johnny View Post

              Failure was never an option. It wasnt then, and it still isnt now. Im not a quitter. Altough, unlike a lot of others here (Alexa comes to mind) Im not the fastest learner either. Im a slow learner, but Im extremely persistant.

              At the end of the day, I couldnt care less if I was down to my last $5 and had to eat dry bread to get by. If you want it bad enough, you do whatever it takes.

              There are people out there with far bigger problems than us that "arent making money online"
              Interesting. I always like to read through these types of scenarios. I feel that something can be learned from each one.

              Personally, I would never quit my day job. I like what I do. It's "interesting" to say the least.

              IM for me is just a hobby, albeit one I take seriously...as I do all things.

              Thanks for your response

              Mark
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            • Profile picture of the author JeremiahSay
              Originally Posted by ramone_johnny View Post

              Failure was never an option. It wasnt then, and it still isnt now. Im not a quitter. Altough, unlike a lot of others here (Alexa comes to mind) Im not the fastest learner either. Im a slow learner, but Im extremely persistant.

              At the end of the day, I couldnt care less if I was down to my last $5 and had to eat dry bread to get by. If you want it bad enough, you do whatever it takes.

              There are people out there with far bigger problems than us that "arent making money online"
              Yes amen to that! I think this post sums it all up.. IF you want it that badly, you do whatever it takes, even if it meant eating dry bread..!! You'll get what you want sooner or later (SO much more than you can ever imagine).. Most importantly is you have to take action learn from your mistakes..

              Don't ever give-up, that's the stupidest thing you can ever do in your IM Journey

              There's an old saying "WISE men knows when to quit" - yeah, that's only for conventional bricks and mortar business; it doesn't apply to Online business..

              Hope this help, may God bless you always,
              Jeremiah
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              • Profile picture of the author Nightengale
                To each his own. Personally, CPA has never appealed to me. I dabbled in it when I was trying to learn PPC, but that's it. Way too many variables and too little control. Plus, I'm not building any equity at all. Blech! No thanks.

                I wish you the best. I think it's AWESOME that you've made money online and have been able to live off of it, however frugally. But I still say that you need a better business model if you want more money and more time off.

                So here's something I posted in another thread. It wsa hugely helpful to me when I learned it and I hope it helps you:

                Clarity is a HUGE part of IM success.

                IM is actually pretty simple: you can sell only one of two things:

                1. Products
                2. Services

                That's it!

                And selling products or services online happens in the same basic way for everyone, no matter what they're selling:

                Traffic > Opt-in page > Autoresponder series (or e-zine) > Sales page

                That's it! It's just that simple. (We IMers tend to overcomplicate things.)

                But no matter what your niche is, or whether you're selling a product or a service, do you know what your business model is?

                A business model is the framework or skeleton of your business. Essentially there are three types of online business models:

                1. Membership-based model

                A membership-based business model allows you to build a community of people (your members) who are as passionate about your subject as you are. Your membership fees can be monthly or annual, but either way, you're building recurring, passive income.

                There are a lot of resources and information out there to help you build a membership-based business if you're interested in doing this.

                2. Product-based model

                Selling products allows you to maximize your time and effort by selling items over and over again. This can be hard goods or it can be information products. Information marketing is it's own business model under the product-based model. Information marketing allows you to take your brain to the bank by creating a product ONCE based on what you know and selling it over and over again.

                I see someone has already recommended affiliate marketing. You can choose to market either products or services as an affiliate.

                3. Service-based model

                Selling services can be great for 1) generating quick cash (as in the case of article writing or video producing) and 2) establishing your expertise and getting testimonials.

                However, in the long run, your goal should be to offer services at a PREMIUM. The biggest advantage of IM is LEVERAGE. You're able to leverage your time, money and expertise exponentially online. We all have just 24 hours each day. Time to get ruthless about what you expect for those hours you spend in IM each day. Expect more of yourself and more from your business friends, clients, partners, etc.

                What results are you getting for those hours you spend online each day? Ultimately, your services should be at the bottom of your funnel and cost the most since they involve your time and personal attention. (We all have a limited amount of time each day.)

                The fun (and confusion) comes in with all of the endless mix-and-match possibilities of the above models. If you're just starting or still struggling to make money, keep it simple:

                Pick just ONE!

                1. Pick ONE niche. (Something you're interested in and know something about.)

                2. Pick ONE target market for your product or service. (Who will buy what you're offering? The more specific you are, the more you narrow it down, the more successful you'll be.)

                3. Pick ONE business model.

                Now that you're clear about what business you're in, FOCUS! (And stop buying any info not related to your niche and target market, period!)

                F -- Follow
                O -- One
                C -- Course
                U -- Until
                S -- Successful

                And remember: build a list, Build a List, BUILD A LIST!

                In IM, it's easy to put the cart before the horse. Take a deep breath, step back and consider what type of business you're REALLY want. Don't worry about getting traffic or buying that expensive traffic product until you know 1) what your business model is, 2) what niche you're in and 3) WHO your target market is!

                Successful business people will tell you that MARKETING is more than half the effort that's needed for success anyway. So pick a niche, target market and business model. Then spend most of your time and effort marketing it.

                If you DON'T have a solid plan or system, THAT'S when it's hard. A good system will shave YEARS (and save you big $$$) off of your learning curve

                That's why I recommend investing in at least one good, comprehensive IM course (or mentor who will give you such a system) instead of jumping from one $37 e-book to the next. A lot of people here complain about not being able to make any money. But neither are they willing to invest in their business. (Buying a random bunch of $37 e-books doesn't count.)

                The best thing I ever did was invest in a comprehensive IM course aimed at REAL business owners, not just other IM wannabes. Yes it was $1500. (Now it's only $997. :p) But it was truly some of the best A-Z IM info I ever bought. Everything else I've learned (from the $37 e-books) since has simply been plugged into this system.

                Get a solid plan or system and then work the plan!

                Hope this helps!

                Michelle
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        • Profile picture of the author Mary Wilhite
          If there is any newbie in this forum, he or she should print this post read it everyday.


          Originally Posted by ramone_johnny View Post

          There wasn't any one defining moment. Its been a long process of trial, error, tears, frustration, and a ridiculous amount of hours and money. Im pretty sure if I worked out my hourly rate over the last 3 or so years, I would probably have been working at about 10c an hour.

          I work EVERY DAY. There is no Monday. There is no Sunday. I get up, I know what i need to do, and I do it. This lifestyle isnt for everyone let me tell you. And it sure as hell isnt that lavish lifestyle that many sales pages make it out to be.

          BUT.

          It can be. And Im beginning to really experience that.

          I havent had a job since 2007. Ive been financially independant since I walked from my government job which was earning me around $80,000 a year.

          My first year I lost $6,000.
          My second year, I believe I made about $15,000 profit.
          The last financial year saw a dramatic increase in my income.
          This year, Im hoping to double my income again.

          Eventually I may consider coaching. Why? Because I know what its like to struggle in this game. I did for years. Its hard man, it really is, or was at least for me.

          Anyway....

          One thing that DEFINITELY changed everything for me, wasnt so much a particular "moment" but moreso a change in approach.

          Its funny, most people that want to make money online think ...

          1. Build a website.
          2. Make money.

          That makes about about 10% of the ENTIRE PROCESS of making money online. And it wasnt until I acknowledged this, that things became SO MUCH CLEARER.

          If you want to make money on the net, you MUST break EACH STEP OF THE PROCESS DOWN, AND DO NOTHING BUT LEARN AND MASTER EACH STEP.

          THEN PIECE IT ALL TOGETHER.

          I sat down and wrote myself a list....

          1. Search Engine Optimisation
          2. Copywriting
          3. Surveys/Customer Feedback
          4. Split testing
          5. Performance Monitoring and Conversion Tracking
          6. Email marketing
          7. List building
          8. Website development
          9. Marketplace research
          10. Product Viability
          11. Customer profiling

          ...etc etc etc

          Internet Marketing is a PROCESS OF STEPS, that combined bring sales. As a test, write down those steps above, and score yourself out of ten for each one. The ones you score poorly on, INVEST SOME MONEY TOWARDS COURSES and LEARN that step. DONT DO ANYTHING until you can completely grasp the concept of what needs to be done - AND WHY.

          The best thing ANY newbie can do is either...

          a) Get a mentor who can relate this knowledge to you.
          b) Stop DOING and start LEARNING

          I get so frustrated at newbies that refuse to invest money towards bettering their education, but continue to waste money on crappy $6 WSO's thinking theyre going to find some magical answer.

          BTW - I made 2 sales whilst writing this response
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      • Profile picture of the author John Romaine
        Originally Posted by MP80 View Post

        I believe you mainly focus on article syndication now, is that correct?
        Sorry I missed this.

        No. SEO.

        I create and sell my own products.
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        • Profile picture of the author MP80
          @Ramone_Johnny,

          Whoa!

          Awesome reply & appreciate you taking the time with such an in-depth answer A lot of gold nuggets there, and when you put it that way, it's no wonder that's not in the brochure!

          Cheers,

          Max.
          Signature
          Before you do ANYTHING else in your day - do at least ONE thing that brings money into your business.
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  • Profile picture of the author YasirYar
    The good thing is that you have a history of being successful at internet marketing - you might not know why you were doing much better then than you are right now, but keep in mind that internet marketing is fairly unpredictable. A lot of people think they are doing everything right but they don't find even the slightest bit of success in two years

    You have to have a business plan to have a successful business. It's quite natural to often feel like you've thrown away your life, but trust me, with dedication and hard work, there is the possibility to thrive in this field. Learn new techniques and soon you'll find yourself in a much better place.
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  • Profile picture of the author Littlelostlife
    First of all thank you all for your replies. I know you took time out of your lives to give advice to someone you don't even know. I'd hit the thanks button but I guess I can't under a certain amount of posts or something. Yes, I do actually have another account. I'm perhaps a little embarased to be asking for advice like this which is why I'm not using it.

    @Jon Patrick

    The branching out part of your advice was in the forefront of my plans this year. But it would have been so much easier if that money had kept coming in.

    It's good to know that it's taken others time to build an income. I think perhaps I'm comparing myself too much to friends around me in normal jobs - they can start tomorrow and already match or beat my income in a month.

    @Nightengale

    Sorry I should have been clearer - I meant CPA content locking. You'll have seen it before somewhere, think CPAlead or sharecash. No I don't honestly think it's a great long term model but I made one of my first sites with it which has pulled in well over five figures in the last two years.

    I've tested the traffic with all sorts but sometimes there's just no buying traffic there. No intent and a lot of the traffic are below 18 - but I've good content and it's enough for people to want to fill out a few surveys for.

    List building and I have never really seen eye to eye. I know in theory I could do a lot better and I do rank for a bunch of 'how to' sites and I'm still trying all sorts of things to get them to convert but it's mainly my Amazon cheques which have kept me going. It's another one of those things I was looking to invest more time into with outsourcers taking care of the physical sites. I even put together a new sales funnel this week and started shopping for decent quality cameras to make an informative video series...

    But I've been trying info sites since the start and the two of us have never really seen eye to eye. Maybe that will change, I don't know.

    @Nightengale and DesignYourOwnGift

    My business model is/was build sites and make affiliate sales. Honestly most of my older sites do rank pretty highly and solidly without much upkeep but it's only been the last 6 months or so that I've improved my conversions and found my own site model kind of thing. I think it would work ok for me if I had enough sites but there's just not enough time in the day to get enough made and ranking.

    Honestly I've never really worked on larger authority sites. I can't say the appeal of all my eggs being in one basket sounds good but I'm not sure how much less work one authority site would be over several smaller ones. I mean I don't build thin 300 posts or anything, but I don't spend months per site.

    I appreciate the advice - if I do keep going with this I'll certainly have to decide what it is I'm doing. I mean I had plans for the future - the multiple review sites were just a way of getting me seed money to invest into bigger products.

    @SamuelUherek

    I actually had a mentor for a while. Someone who originally got me into building sites for Amazon ranking for product names (which I no longer do). I'll maybe look around and see what I can do to find someone who can work with authority sites or info product conversions.

    I guess until the last few days I thought I'd had it all figured out.

    @Ramone_Johnny

    I can't say I want to have wasted the time. The thought of admitting to friends and family that I failed is even more daunting. But I know the saying about cutting your losses and I just have the feeling I'm wasting away my life at this desk.
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    • Profile picture of the author John Romaine
      Originally Posted by Littlelostlife View Post

      @Ramone_Johnny

      I can't say I want to have wasted the time. The thought of admitting to friends and family that I failed is even more daunting. But I know the saying about cutting your losses and I just have the feeling I'm wasting away my life at this desk.
      I understand what you're saying 100%

      But what's the alternative?

      Boring staff meetings?
      Being stuck in traffic?
      Being told what to do?
      Picking up a lousy paycheque each week?
      Being surrounded by numbskulls gossiping about reality tv shows?

      No thanks.

      BTW - Who are you really?

      Signature

      BS free SEO services, training and advice - SEO Point

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      • Profile picture of the author Littlelostlife
        Originally Posted by ramone_johnny View Post

        I understand what you're saying 100%

        But what's the alternative?

        Boring staff meetings?
        Being stuck in traffic?
        Being told what to do?
        Picking up a lousy paycheque each week?
        Being surrounded by numbskulls gossiping about reality tv shows?

        No thanks.

        BTW - Who are you really?
        Not really sure why I didn't think of this. So wrapped up in how badly things have been going I never actually stopped to think how much worse they could be going back to the rat race. I can't even remember the last time I set an alarm clock.

        And I'm nobody, not even a war room member (yet anyway).

        Thank's for all the advice - who knows maybe in another year I'll look back at this thread and consider it a close call.

        I'm certainly going to try and rethink my whole plan however, try harder to do better with info products and move away from Amazon sites.

        And next time I have a good month I'll try to keep my head out of the clouds so the fall won't be quite so hard.

        Thanks again.
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        • Profile picture of the author Jon Patrick
          I completely agree with ramone_johnny. If you feel like you're wasting your life at a desk, just wait until you're back working at a regular job that doesn't have all of the upside potential of an online business.
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        • Profile picture of the author Tsnyder
          Originally Posted by Littlelostlife View Post

          Not really sure why I didn't think of this. So wrapped up in how badly things have been going I never actually stopped to think how much worse they could be going back to the rat race. I can't even remember the last time I set an alarm clock.

          And I'm nobody, not even a war room member (yet anyway).
          Never say that again. Everyone is someone and everyone is
          important in some way and to someone.

          Mindset is 90% of winning.

          Good advice has already been given in this thread so let me
          just add a reading recommendation that is especially appropriate
          for you're situation.

          I highly recommend you read Acres of Diamonds by Russell Conwell ASAP.

          It can be downloaded free at this site:

          Free Success Ebook: Acres of Diamonds by Russell H. Conwell | The Success Manual

          That is not my site nor am I an affiliate... get the book... read it now.
          Signature
          If you knew what I know you'd be doing what I do...
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  • Profile picture of the author Danny McConnell
    Originally Posted by Littlelostlife View Post


    But after a month of three figures the last few days have just been bad conversions after bad conversions, with a little traffic drop thrown in for good measure. Maybe it's just bad luck or the new years buying increase extends half way though the month. But I've been making less than I did a year ago, I've been making less than I would in a part time job.
    I think all the advice you've been given is great, and kudos on your success.

    Without knowing exactly what you mean when you say "the last few days", what I see when I read your post is statistical fluctuation.

    If your business has been on a steady incline for a couple of years and has a few really bad days, it seems like a bit of a jump to figure that the whole thing has tanked.

    Sit back, take a breath and keep on keeping on.

    Dan
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  • Profile picture of the author Vibes
    Hey It's great u had seen some progress!!!

    I really suggest you do some physical exercise..We Imers' tend to spend too much time in front
    of the monitors..some physical activity will actually help your business!!!...Keeps you in the flow of positiveness....I kid you not ....You need this !!!!
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    • Profile picture of the author Alan Petersen
      Hawaiian shirt day might do the trick.

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    • Profile picture of the author Kay King
      We all need a gripe session once in a while. Now get over it.

      There is no entitlement when you work either online or offline. Would you quit an offline job that provided funds to support you (food, rent, etc) because after two years you hadn't been promoted to vice president? Truth is you could work that job for years and then get fired or downsized.

      There are market fluctuations in this shaky economy. I've seen a decrease in income this month but I expected it. Many consumers spent more in November/December than they should have. Some are feeling the pinch now and cutting back. Depending on your niches, you might feel that pinch for a month or two. That may be a signal to move into niches that are necessities and not as prone to fluctuation.

      Look at what you do each day and each week. Identify the work that is resulting in income - and focus on doing more of that.

      There are no guarantees in life, in work or in IM. At last with IM YOU determine your success. If you don't have a social life - that's your failure. You decide your work hours and whether you stay in touch with friends or live like a hermit. It doesn't have to take a lot of money to have fun here and there.

      No one likes to mention this - but not everyone gets rich working online no matter how hard or how long they work. If you like the lifestyle and the work and you earn enough for your basic needs - that's saying quite a bit.

      kay
      Signature
      Saving one dog will not change the world - but the world changes forever for that one dog
      ***
      Dear April: I don't want any trouble from you.
      January was long, February was iffy, March was a freaking dumpster fire.
      So sit down, be quiet, and don't touch anything.
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  • Profile picture of the author rooze
    OP, you're in a FANTASTIC position and you should be proud of what you've accomplished - you are actually making some money.

    Your next move should be to decide whether it's time to scale up or clone. Here's what I mean: once you have a website which is capable of creating revenue, which you have, you're either going to scale up the effort and drive that same website to create more money, or you're going to basically replicate the model you've used on a new website.

    The place where many people fall down is knowing when to stop trying to scale and when to clone their efforts and build something new. To be successful at 'niche' marketing you need to make sure you never loose sight of what a niche actually is. It's something that's easy to get into but it has a limited scope. This is what makes it easy, it isn't hugely competitive. But you need to know when the well is dry and stop throwing time into it. Create an exact step by step process of what you did to make money, then start a new niche with the same process. You have the formula, the code, it's staring at you from your computer screen. Take a week off, recharge then get back at it.
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  • Profile picture of the author asteria
    Look on the bright side of things, at least you know what you're doing works. All you have to do is multiply it out and hopefully your income would increase as well.

    To your success man.
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  • Profile picture of the author centerforkaziboralimited
    There are times when things can just turn against you unexpectantly but such an occurrence should not make you give up. You've been doing internet marketing successfully for two years which is more than enough to give you confidence that you are in the right field. Just get new traffic sources and start a new business. Work hard and be creative and you will not regret.
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  • Profile picture of the author hustlinsmoke
    Maybe at a burn out phase. Maybe a different schedule would help.
    You know I always say the grass is greener on the other side but the brown spots move so watch your step.

    Think of it this way, your working a 9 to 5 in hopes of getting that promotion and it keeps passing you by. After two years you quit. The next day a friend calls and says quess what. Then they say, the person quit. The person who was in the spot you wanted the promotion for. That would suck wouldn't it.

    Im not one to say stay in something you hate. But I am one to say step back from it for a while and then see if it something you really really miss.
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  • Profile picture of the author gvsridhar171
    Hi .... I don't think you can get better suggestions than those who have already given you. Just think for a moment. Can you get people flocking around you like this to give you ideas how you can do better in your corporate world ? Don't you think they will be more happy if you are not successful. Whereas, in the internet ocean, especially in warrior forum you are getting people who are ready to help you. This is true victory for you. What has happened to you now is "you have just slipped". You have not fallen down from the victory pyramid. Get up, Gear Up and move forward. Select from this warrior forum group one mentor and take his advice, pay him his fees and nothing can stop you from climbing up the ladder. At the age of 24, if you are seeing 3 figure sales every day, you are a genius. It takes years for people to achieve this. I request you not to give up. I see you as a person who can become Internet genius in the next 2-3 years time. Wish you all the very best.
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