Why can't anyone teach the technical stuff!

[avamarie]

I am relatively new at IM, and have spent most of my time just learning rather than doing. I have bought a ton of products that consistently say they will teach IM to newbies and over and over again, NONE of them go into the technical aspects. It's like everyone assumes that this stuff is understood. They say google it to figure it out. I would think someone out there that has any technical know how could make a great product if they could show videos of EXACTLY - STEP BY STEP - (think of speaking to a 5 yr old), how to do the technical aspect of IM, ie: how do you use ftp, what is it, exactly how do you do it, why do you do it, when is it needed, how do you upload templates from affiliates into your word press direct site, for that matter how do you upload any affiliate stuff to your website, how do you use cpanel, why, etc. Everyone says they cover it and then they say, for example, "ok, then after you have uploaded your template, it should look like this...." and then they go into traffic and lists and all the other stuff that everyone and their brother has covered. I am continually stuck at this same point: I find the niche, I do the keyword research, get the domain name, etc, etc and then how do you actually put it all together into a site and what parts of these files that the affiliates sites give you, do you upload? They give you like 10 files, ie: images, header, index, page, search....what are all of these and what do I do with them? Why does everyone assume beginners know this stuff??

Sorry for my rant but I think I will never get past step one when I continually come up against this block and am unable to move on. I buy another product and then the same thing.

Maybe someone could offer "spot coaching", so to speak, coaching for those of us that need to just get thru a technical point or two, maybe not need coaching for everything...an actually skype call, no more videos that skip over points...anyone out there want to sell this stuff? I would think you would do well if you could offer coaching like this to many people where you help them thru the rough spots.

Ok, I'll stop now.
Thank you for listening or offering any advice, good or bad.
Tiffani

[Marcus Paul]

Here is a website that provides some very beginners tips. I don't own the site, but I think it is helpful:

Web hosting information - tips and articles

[mpeters7]

I have a couple of tips that hopefully help some:

1. Your goal can be to outsource the technical parts as fast as possible. It's cheaper than you think, although I understand why it's still not ideal.

2. You can learn some of html, etc, here: Dave Raggett's Introduction to HTML

3. One person who I think explains the basics pretty well to beginners is Chris Farrell Chris Farrell - Create Your First Website By 3:45 This Afternoon (I'm not affiliated in any way.)

4. Definitely look into simpler options. Do you know anything about Wordpress? If you're paying for hosting, it's the simplest thing to install it and make it look beautiful.

Hope that helps some! It'll come eventually, or you'll just outsource it!

[Roger Smith]

You might take a look at Niche Blogger by Amy Bass, this may be a good fit for you. She leads you through everything step by step, lots of hand holding. I am using the program myself and love it. Check in the wso area.

[Kevin Riley]

Originally Posted by avamarie

(think of speaking to a 5 yr old)

LOL. I had a customer return my products, because in his opinion my writing was for 13-15 year olds.

[Angela V. Edwards]

Originally Posted by Roger Smith

You might take a look at Niche Blogger by Amy Bass, this may be a good fit for you. She leads you through everything step by step, lots of hand holding. I am using the program myself and love it. Check in the wso area.

Yeah, she does and it's an excellent program. Roger is right; this might work perfectly for you. Amy is available and answers questions quickly from anyone who has one.

[Jonathan Mizel]

Here's the deal...

Technical stuff changes very quickly, and in fact, if you did make a product about "How to FTP" or "How to Change Permissions For Wordpress" or "How to use AWeber" or whatever, you would have to keep it updated almost monthly since sites, interfaces, and software versions change.

Plus, you would have to make many different versions for different hosts and server configurations. And you still wouldn't get them all, so people would be pissed and blame you for their troubles. Not to mention you'd be competing against the free info on Google and You Tube and couldn't sell it for much.

And ultimately, even if you did crack the code and TEACH how to do it, understand that people's biggest issue isn't the technical stuff (regardless of what they think), it's figuring out how to create compelling offers that get people to take out their wallets.

The solution? Just HIRE someone to do the techie things for you. There are a ton of people who will set up a blog or install a script for $25, and a good custom mini-site shouldn't cost you more than a few hundred bucks.

That way, you can focus on the important stuff, like writing copy, generating traffic, and making money.

Take this advice and you'll earn far more in the long run.

Jonathan

PS: How many gurus do you think know how to install a WP template? Not many

[Sonni]

I too have serious issues with the tech parts of everything this slows me down to no end if I knew how to do these things I could cut my time in half or more when it comes to making money.

Many times I just had to give up because I couldn't figure it out no matter how many googles, youtubes and websites because they don't break it down either. There is always steps left out, but by the time I find that out it's hours later, sometimes days.

They assume you know the steps that were left out, it's a problem, however, I just keep on trying. It will take me longer than someone who is computer literate that's all. I refuse to give up now if I do then all my time is wasted and how stupid is that.
Sonni

[Tom Dean]

Hi Tiffani,

HostGator has a ton of step by step tutorials that cover everything from using filezilla ftp and several other ftp clients to installing and configuring a wordpress blog. Check them out, be sure to scroll down for what you are looking for, there are a lot of vids on the page.

Example:

On FTP they cover all the major clients.

* FileZilla FTP
Configuring your account
Managing your files and directories
Transferring files

* Core FTP
Configuring your account
Transferring files
Managing your files and directories

* Cute FTP
Configuring your account
Transferring files
o Managing your files and directories

* WS_FTP
Configuring your site
Transferring files
Managing your files and directories

* Smart FTP
Configuring your account
Transferring files
Managing your files and directories

* Dreamweaver MX
o Configuring Dreamweaver MX for FTP

Tutorials

If you still have a sticking point after checking these out pm me and I will give you a hand.

Hope that helps.

Tom

[Kay King]

Right about HG - they have tons of explanations for basic technical stuff.

But also - google it. You can find info and instructions on FTP, uploading, downloading, site building, blogging - just by using google search.

kay

[Black Hat Cat]

Originally Posted by avamarie

Sorry for my rant but I think I will never get past step one when I continually come up against this block and am unable to move on. I buy another product and then the same thing.


Tiffani

It might help if you actually followed step one. Seriously, if you can't find instruction on how to FTP etc by Googling it, you've got a long row to hoe ahead of you.

Here's a good place to start: YouTube - how to ftp.

They have just under 1,000 videos explaining how to ftp. You can probably find video on most any other technical question you have too.

Google is your friend. Learn to use it.

[IMChick]

I agree with the OP about the hidden but essential tech stuff not being taught. I found this out the hard way by buying an expensive guru-launch and having them blather on and on about theory and what to do but not how to do it.

I now think that it's doing a disservice to people, especially newbies if that is who your course is geared to, to sell them a course without these disclaimers in the first 2 minutes:

1. this product requires a minimum technical knowledge of

a, b, c, ... where you list script installation, minisite banners, etc.


Knowing up front that I was going to have to figure it out or hire it would have helped me focus on the 'what to do' of the course, rather than the 'how' tech aspects.

[IMChick]

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[IMChick]

Ummm, Houston? We have a problem...

[Debbie Songster]

It's for people just like the OP that I have The Marketing Educator
It started being just a place for me to store all my useful tutorials and information for myself. Then I opened it up to others.
Go signup for a "green" account. It doesn't cost anything.
I'm constantly adding to it as I find more useful guides and tutorials.

[Christie Love]

I'd suggest you outsource all the technical stuff. Go to the work for hire forum here or one of the freelance sites to get help. Then... focus on making money!

If you want to be a web designer, there are schools for that. If you want to make money in IM, then spend the majority of the time studying and putting to action how to make money online.

Once you are over the learning curve of IM, then and only then should you focus on the technical stuff. Best of luck to you.

[Jeremy Kelsall]

Tiffani,

Send me a PM with exactly what you are having trouble with and I will either make a video for you or find a really good resource to help you get through it.

Jeremy

[avamarie]

Ok, I just posted a thank you but I don't know where it went so I hope this isn't a double post but thank you all for your amazing help and assistance. There are so many great people on this forum willing to help out. I really appreciate it.

I will look into all the sites for help that everyone offered so I won't be asking for any more help here but just wanted to clarify in case someone does make a video someday:

I don't understand what the difference between going to the actual site of WPD.com and then logging in -
OR -
www.yourwebsite.com/wp-admin -
OR -
www.yourwebsite.com/cpanel?

Uploading, FTP stuff, etc is also confusing. Any uploading of files to your website. Especially when an affiliate gives you a bunch of files, images, banners, whatever, how do you actually put them onto your website? Which folder do I use? Where does it go? What is public_html (and all those other folders), what is it used for, when do you go to the cpanel, or your wp admin page, what are subdomains, etc., etc. What are the concepts behind these? What is the overall picture of what I am trying to do in these steps? Why do you FTP?

It's these steps that always seem to be overlooked. Again, not looking for answers here because everyone has offered so much but just wanted to clarify. This stuff can be confusing.

Thank you all so much again!
Tiffani

[esr]

The thing is, when you search for an purchase a "marketing" course, that's what you're gonna get, info on marketing.

There are surely many books/videos for sale on the web that teach about the techy stuff. You just need to, ahem, Google for them.

[Peggy Baron]

YouTube is an invaluable tool. I just searched YouTube for "how to FTP" and found some easy to understand videos.

But sometimes you don't know what you don't know and the only way you're going to find out is to start doing. Then when you hit the wall, reach out to a mentor (everyone should find one or two of those!), google it, ask here on the WF, or ask an IM friend or associate. Networking can be key!

Peggy

[jficarro]

Excellent thread. Now I know what my next product creation will be!

Seriously, outside of fellow IMers, people think I'm guru. It's just a matter of messing around with the different tech aspects that are important to you until you figure it out. Take notes, so you can go back and remember what you did right or wrong. I am also starting to discover how intelligent it is to outsource things. But... I still think it's important to at least know the basics for yourself. Keep at it.

[adorton]

Wordpress.xxx is a site that will host your blog for you just like blogger and a million others out there.

wp-admin is the address that you would enter in to your browsers address bar to access the administration panel of a blog you are hosting.

cpanel would be the address to enter if you were logging in to the control panel or adminsitration panel of your hosted website. It's similar to the wordpress admin login but with a whole lot more bells and whistles.

Email me any time you run in to an issue and when I get the time I will answer you as best I can.

Sorry I haven't reached 15 posts so I can't post web addresses yet.

[Jesus Perez]

I learned nearly everything I know at Lynda.com. It's the best money I've ever spent.

[Robert Puddy]

not only do you not need to know all that techy stuff, searching for it and trying to learn it will hold you back for ever. scroll back up and read Jonothon Mizels post.

My tech guy forbids me to ftp into anywhere,

Dropping the urge to learn the techie stuff is step one

[bgmacaw]

Originally Posted by Jonathan Mizel

The solution? Just HIRE someone to do the techie things for you. There are a ton of people who will set up a blog or install a script for $25, and a good custom mini-site shouldn't cost you more than a few hundred bucks.

The only hitch is that you need to at least know what to ask for and if the work was done correctly or not. I'd recommend doing the simple stuff like installing and configuring WordPress or FTP'ing files at least once to gain a basic understanding the process.

[ptmueller]

Tiffani,

I don't know if I am able to do this or not, but I am going to post a link to one person's site that does actually give you EVERYTHING you need to be successful with their product. Here is the link, read the page and see if it helps. I am glad he does this because I wouldn't have been able to do some of the things he shows me how to do if I didn't get this product.

Actually I decided not to post it - it would have been a blatant affiliate link - just go Google Guru Assassin and see if something like that would be helpful for you.

Paul

[Kurt]

Originally Posted by avamarie

I am relatively new at IM, and have spent most of my time just learning rather than doing. I have bought a ton of products that consistently say they will teach IM to newbies and over and over again, NONE of them go into the technical aspects. It's like everyone assumes that this stuff is understood. They say google it to figure it out. I would think someone out there that has any technical know how could make a great product if they could show videos of EXACTLY - STEP BY STEP - (think of speaking to a 5 yr old), how to do the technical aspect of IM, ie: how do you use ftp, what is it, exactly how do you do it, why do you do it, when is it needed, how do you upload templates from affiliates into your word press direct site, for that matter how do you upload any affiliate stuff to your website, how do you use cpanel, why, etc. Everyone says they cover it and then they say, for example, "ok, then after you have uploaded your template, it should look like this...." and then they go into traffic and lists and all the other stuff that everyone and their brother has covered. I am continually stuck at this same point: I find the niche, I do the keyword research, get the domain name, etc, etc and then how do you actually put it all together into a site and what parts of these files that the affiliates sites give you, do you upload? They give you like 10 files, ie: images, header, index, page, search....what are all of these and what do I do with them? Why does everyone assume beginners know this stuff??

Sorry for my rant but I think I will never get past step one when I continually come up against this block and am unable to move on. I buy another product and then the same thing.

Maybe someone could offer "spot coaching", so to speak, coaching for those of us that need to just get thru a technical point or two, maybe not need coaching for everything...an actually skype call, no more videos that skip over points...anyone out there want to sell this stuff? I would think you would do well if you could offer coaching like this to many people where you help them thru the rough spots.

Ok, I'll stop now.
Thank you for listening or offering any advice, good or bad.
Tiffani

Why? Because it has been done so many times already.

I searched YouTube for "how to FTP" and got 981 results. Do we need 982?

I searched Youtube for "upload wordpress templates" and got 49 results.

Also, I went to my local community college and took some classes. I'm sure you can find classes in your area, if you are truly motivated.

To be honest, other than actually programming, basic web skills are pretty easy. You just need to learn a bunch of easy things. If you really want to learn, you can find plenty of "how to's" and videos for anything you want to learn for free, online.