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Where I am, and where I hope to be....yesterday

by Flathead
15 replies
I recently discovered this forum('tis awesome) and before delving into the archives to pull out the IM essentials that all of you veterans so graciously share..lemme tell you all a little about me and where I am, what I am doing and where I hope to be.

24 years old, from Ohio. Full Time GIS Technician(happily) and I want to make some supplemental income while refining my skills and chasing a dream to someday live a lucrative life. Internet Marketing is way more appealing that working a second job.

I've purchased a .com and set up a wordpress blog. I'm targeting semi-competitive keywords. This blog is based on a hobby of mine, and I have a vast amount of passion on the subject. I plan to use this blog as my fun/SEO tester/refining skill set site that will build my skills at a low cost and honestly, blow off some steam.

I am also hosting/being the webmaster and contributor of a well developed blog for a friend. I see this as an avenue to get relevant back links while allowing me a different place to test more SEO strategies and really tear apart this niche to see if it can be profitable.

I do not plan to specialize in any certain type of IM, I wanna learn it all and build diversified strategies based on what is working! I know this takes time and am totally committed to making something work. I don't have much expendable income to purchase the correct tools and services required to make this happen fast. I know it will take time and I am willing to learn everything and anything that I need to. I have been spending equal time developing SEO and back linking strategies along with researching future niches that I can conquer.

My goal is to be earning a steady $1k per month within 2 years from Internet Marketing. Am I starting this the right way?
#beyesterday #hope
  • Profile picture of the author actionplanbiz
    "If the potential payoff is mediocre or average. so is your effort."

    I recommend aim a little higher in your goal or shortening the deadline to a month or two.

    you cant effectively learn everything all at once. you will be the "jack of all trades and master of none." but "master a few, and jack everyone"

    80% focus should be one 2-3 strategies. something basic, fundamental and obviously proven. and 20% learning studying other strategies.
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    • Profile picture of the author Flathead
      Originally Posted by actionplanbiz View Post

      "If the potential payoff is mediocre or average. so is your effort."

      I recommend aim a little higher in your goal or shortening the deadline to a month or two.

      you cant effectively learn everything all at once. you will be the "jack of all trades and master of none." but "master a few, and jack everyone"

      80% focus should be one 2-3 strategies. something basic, fundamental and obviously proven. and 20% learning studying other strategies.
      Okay, great! I see what you mean. Focus my efforts on a few, essential things while spending just a bit of time researching other avenues. My top 3 things I am focusing on right now are 1. Content creation for the blog posts. 2. SEO 3. getting relevant links. I feel like I need to jump in "head first" into social media and getting as much traffic as possible BEFORE my site ranks high on google. Thanks a million for the input!
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  • Profile picture of the author Moneymaker2012
    Hi,
    I like your potential bet i think your dream is too high and deadline is too short well earning $1k per its no impossible but you need to put more effort and having a huge knowledge about the stratagies you want to apply.after all its all about your luck so best of luck!
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    • Profile picture of the author Flathead
      Originally Posted by Moneymaker2012 View Post

      Hi,
      I like your potential bet i think your dream is too high and deadline is too short well earning $1k per its no impossible but you need to put more effort and having a huge knowledge about the stratagies you want to apply.after all its all about your luck so best of luck!
      Thanks moneymaker! I think my initial goal should be set at seeing the first penny! But if i set my goal high and i fall short, hopefully not too short, it will still have been productive and a step in the right direction. At this point, its not about earning an exact dollar amount per whatever. Its about learning, implementing, testing, failing, repeat...until something sticks and is sustainable. Am I wrong? Thanks for any input, I appreciate all of you!
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  • Profile picture of the author actionplanbiz
    for SEO find low competitive keywords with decent amount of searches so that basic onpage SEO and a few links is all it takes, then you can move on the next.

    Content Creation, SEO, & back links are all in 1.
    also consider building a list and since you can create content, create an ebook that you can sell to your niche.

    and copywriting is a skill that would make a big difference. you can always hire one but developing this skill for yourself trains you to understand your market and influence action
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    • Profile picture of the author Flathead
      Originally Posted by actionplanbiz View Post

      for SEO find low competitive keywords with decent amount of searches so that basic onpage SEO and a few links is all it takes, then you can move on the next.

      Content Creation, SEO, & back links are all in 1.
      also consider building a list and since you can create content, create an ebook that you can sell to your niche.

      and copywriting is a skill that would make a big difference. you can always hire one but developing this skill for yourself trains you to understand your market and influence action
      So your saying separate the blog entirely as one. I can do that. An email list is being built right now and an ebook is also in the works...for the blog

      I am just starting to research copywriting. It seems like a good skill to posses as I could use it for myself or sell it to someone wanting it. Confidence is building. Thanks again for your input and suggestions.
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  • Profile picture of the author JRJWrites
    Paid traffic (PPC, Facebook ads, and solo ads) will get you where you want to be a whole lot faster.

    Since you're starting a blog, I recommend reading and learning from a few of these blogs:
    1. Viral Marketing : ViperChill
    2. Quick Sprout
    3. The Smart Passive Income Blog — Smart Ways to Live a Passive Income Lifestyle On the Internet with SmartPassiveIncome.com

    All great blogs from fantastic IMs.
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  • Profile picture of the author noodle2005
    I agree with JRJWrites when it comes to traffic

    You are at the mercy of google when it comes to SEO....they could change their algorithm anytime which could effect your rankings

    At least with paid traffic you get targeted traffic straight away although it can get expensive if you aren't careful....especially if using PPC
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    • Profile picture of the author Flathead
      I can defiantly see how paid advertising is a way around being completely reliant on SEO and social media for traffic. Roughly how much money should I initially invest in paid ads? Ballpark estimate. At the moment I don't have much expendable income that I can put into these projects (unfortunately). I'm thinking of using my writing and technical skills to freelance some work to completely fund these projects for now. It's a huge trade off of time but I can't risk my family suffering if a niche fails! Love viper chill and Smart Passive Income blogs BTW!
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  • Profile picture of the author JJPerkins
    I'd agree that paid traffic is a quick easy route, but as you've already begun concentrating on SEO why not stick with that for a while?
    Your goal is very achievable, within a shorter time frame even, but you will need FOCUS FOCUS and then some more FOCUS!

    It's fine to want to learn everything and diversify your income, but first get great at one thing.
    You have the advantage of your passion to create something special with your blog.
    Social media will grow out of it naturally once you start getting visitors.
    Once it's making a steady level of income then you can decide which direction to re-invest that profit in.

    You have to balance investing as much as you can into growing your business, with not spending more than you are comfortable with at the beginning.
    Only you know where that line is for you.
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    • Profile picture of the author Kay King
      [quoteMy goal is to be earning a steady $1k per month within 2 years from Internet Marketing. Am I starting this the right way? ][/quote]

      You've given yourself a very reasonable time frame and you are just starting out.

      Don't worry too much about the "right way" - you've done the hardest part by getting started with the blogs. Adjust and learn as you go and you'll be fine.

      One thing caught my attention:

      build my skills at a low cost and honestly, blow off some steam.
      Don't know what "blow off steam" means but if you are referring to rants or negative comments/opinions....I'd rethink that. That may not be what you meant - just remember your goal is to build blogs that interest and engage visitors.
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      Live life like someone left the gate open
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      • Profile picture of the author Flathead
        Yeah, I'm not sure blow off steam was the best way to exoress what I meant in my introduction. I am not the type of person to create negative, hateful or controversial content. My blog posts are meant to be informative and really not opinion based...some opinion is always involved but overall I will always have a welcoming environment on any of the websites I create.
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  • Profile picture of the author eklipz316
    It sounds like you're off to a good start Getting your feet wet is the first step. It's good that you're being patient because a lot of people will give up when they miss their first deadline and get demotivated. I do agree with others above, however, that you should increase your deadline a bit. Keep in mind, if you miss it, it's not the end of the world. But it will help motivate you further if you're deadline is right around the corner. My advice is keep doing what you're doing and continue you learning the ropes.

    Also jump on things like Twitter and they're a complement to blogging.

    Good luck.
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  • Profile picture of the author absolutelee
    Originally Posted by Flathead View Post

    I recently discovered this forum('tis awesome) and before delving into the archives to pull out the IM essentials that all of you veterans so graciously share..lemme tell you all a little about me and where I am, what I am doing and where I hope to be.

    24 years old, from Ohio. Full Time GIS Technician(happily) and I want to make some supplemental income while refining my skills and chasing a dream to someday live a lucrative life. Internet Marketing is way more appealing that working a second job.

    I've purchased a .com and set up a wordpress blog. I'm targeting semi-competitive keywords. This blog is based on a hobby of mine, and I have a vast amount of passion on the subject. I plan to use this blog as my fun/SEO tester/refining skill set site that will build my skills at a low cost and honestly, blow off some steam.

    I am also hosting/being the webmaster and contributor of a well developed blog for a friend. I see this as an avenue to get relevant back links while allowing me a different place to test more SEO strategies and really tear apart this niche to see if it can be profitable.

    I do not plan to specialize in any certain type of IM, I wanna learn it all and build diversified strategies based on what is working! I know this takes time and am totally committed to making something work. I don't have much expendable income to purchase the correct tools and services required to make this happen fast. I know it will take time and I am willing to learn everything and anything that I need to. I have been spending equal time developing SEO and back linking strategies along with researching future niches that I can conquer.

    My goal is to be earning a steady $1k per month within 2 years from Internet Marketing. Am I starting this the right way?
    I would up my goal a little bit. Also, I would focus on just one method. Master that to the point you're making some real money. Where people screw up is getting distracted.
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  • Profile picture of the author Flathead
    The one thing most of you have all said is to only focus on one thing. So blogging it is! From what I get from seeing all of your advise, my goal can be as high as I want it to be(realistically) and it's achievable all based on how much I do and how quickly I learn. Excellent info!
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