Lessons Learned today...

Some days you're the windshield - some days you're the bug. It happens.

Hey - you learned something....you read the rules! It's a start.

Warning Everyone -- Shop Talk Below!

Rob, we don't like talking shop down here in the OT because we come here to get away from business. Not that you crossed the line, but I'm going to make a quick exception to give you a few tips.

1. Look at your ad. Why would anyone want to respond to it? Would you? You didn't even say how much of a commission you're paying. You don't give people a single reason to sign on.

2. You don't say enough about your product. You have to SELL the product to affiliates just like you would customers if you expect to get them on board with you. From what little you said, it sounds like a hundred other run-of-the-mill SEO products. What is your USP?

3. You didn't offer anyone a review copy. You appear to be fairly new to the marketing world. Why would someone risk their reputation with their own list to promote a product they have never seen created by someone they don't know? Only an amateur would do that, or a spammer. HINT: Recognition is made out in the open, but names are first made behind the scenes.

4. You gave no indication of the conversion rate, I can only assume you haven't sold the product anywhere yet or you simply don't know the conversion rate. Converting at 9 percent would spark a lot more interest than converting at 1 percent. If you're not bragging about it, people assume the worst. If you haven't sold it yet, you can say so but at least show folks the sales copy so they can make their own determination if they think it will sell. You could also find the conversion rate by buying some traffic before launching, or offer some list owners you know 100% commissions to get an idea of how well the copy converts.

5. Here's the best tip of all, and don't be insulted by this, but you need put more thought into what you're doing. You can't half-heartedly dump a few words into an ad and expect people to jump on your bandwagon. They need reasons to join forces with you. Affiliate products are everywhere and everyone offers a commission. It's all about positioning.

You seem like a decent guy. Someone who can admit to his mistakes without throwing blame around. That's one of the character traits that contribute to success in this industry, and it's a trait many are lacking. My point in saying that is I want to encourage you to forge on, don't be discouraged by a misstep. We all make them. Failures are just feedback. Learn from it.

I hope that helps.

Wow!

And once in a while if you're really paying attention you can even see the little nuggets of gold glisten in the low light of the basement...

Well done Dennis!

First off, Apologies to the OT for posting "Shop Talk", had a rough day and was venting...

Wow, Dennis. Thank You so very much. Help? more like an education.
I am humbled and honored.

Yes. Minor league player here. Shows too. I know it.

Took your advice and made adjustments to the best of my ability.
Copywriter I am not. Nor can I afford one at the moment.

In response:

1. Nope, I wouldn't sign up. Not enough info.
2. I did not take this into account
3. Crap. I KNEW this.doh!
4. Not sold it yet, said so in the edit and posted link to sales copy.
5. I know, epic fail, desperation move, it shows lack of planning (sigh)

I have trouble with retention. I have to learn through repetition.

And , Yes, I am desperate. Wont go into all the sordid details.

Anywho, Thank you, Dennis. Very kind of you

Best Regards,
Rob

Rob seeing how we're in the 'off topic' I've got an off topic question for you.
Why does your avatar look so much like Lowell George?
If that's you, you're a dead ringer for him.