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I can't get it to work...

by Alast
36 replies
Okay, firstly: this may be a long message. So please bare with me. And, just to clarify: "I" is the key word here.

Basically, I'm failing with article syndication, and I'm not sure why.

For a bit of background history: I've been trying this for roughly 12 months now. I've been in three different niches, and currently on my 4th. Just to add - I'm from Australia, and English is my native language. I've been writing all my life, so, really, it comes naturally to me.

So... where to start...

I'm currently in a health and fitness niche, and have been for the last 3-4 months. Right now, I have roughly 10 articles written. I've been published in over 50 places, and have made a grand total of two sales and 50~ subscribers..

But it gets worse..

I suspected that the reason I wasn't getting traffic was because I was sending to small, insignificant publications - and not carefully selecting where I wanted my articles to be displayed. Because of that, I started sending to solely publications with thousands/hundreds of thousands/millions of social media followings. And, after roughly 1-2 weeks of sending to those criteria-fitting publications, I not long had roughly 10 publications willing to use my article(s).

Yesterday, two finally got around to publishing one of my articles - and the results were more than depressing.

These publications had, combined, more than half a million Facebook followers alone. And, most were active.

Publication 1

This publication had roughly 200k followers. Once my article was published and shared on Facebook, it got, on Facebook, 100 likes, 12 comments, and one share. On the website itself, it got over 100 likes. It produced a grand total of three visitors - and I think two were from me, making sure it all functioned correctly.

Publication 2

This publication was far more prestigious than the previous one. With over 300k followers and a verified page (highly renowned fitness person) - with activity through the roof, I was absolutely positive this would produce a flood of traffic. But, I was far from impressed with a total of zero visitors, despite, once again, getting mostly positive feedback from the comments and whatnot.

-----

I currently have roughly 5 more publications lined up. Some with more, and some with less of an audience. But given previous results, I don't know what to expect.

Right now, I'm at the peak of frustration. Everyone I've spoken to has no problems with article syndication. I, technically, have no problems with it. I'm having no troubles getting published in some large places. I was even wondering if maybe there was a hosting issue, because the results just seemed to not add up. They're almost irrational: I've had more clicks from places with dismal followings, with just being placed on the website, and not shared in any way.

To use an analogy, without disclosing my niche. I'll pretend to be in the skydiving niche (consistency, of course).

Articles I write:

1. 5 Things to NEVER Take With You When Skydiving
2. 8 Things You NEED to Know Before Jumping Out of a Plane
3: Skydiving: The New Way To Get Fit?

And so forth...

I'd then send them to... Skydiving publications, adrenaline publications, health/fitness publications (refer to article 3), outdoor publications, regional publications, national publications, etc...

Publications include magazines, blogs, newsletters, ezines, newspapers; anywhere I can think of.

Am I seriously this unlucky? I'm almost tempted to disclose EVERYTHING, but for obvious reasons, I cannot do that.

From the 50 subscribers I have on my list, I get between 3-15 clicks per day on average across all three products - and I had one sub send me a personal message the other day, telling me how much they enjoyed my emails.

I don't know if anyone can help me with this or not, without more information. I've been in regular communication with numerous warriors who are renowned for article syndication. I even ended up rewriting ALL of my articles, which helped in terms of getting more hops, but I simply don't know what to do.

I'm writing this in hopes someone can shed some light on my predicament. I'm also writing it, because it feels pretty damn good to spill my frustrations, which have admittedly been somewhat bottled up.

My host, if it helps, is the dreaded hostgator; Shared, to be exact.

But, to conclude, if anyone has been in a similar situation, please let me know - or if you may know why I can't get anything out of all my efforts (spending 6-12 hours a day, 6-7 days a week, doing the same thing, and not getting anything from it, really takes its toll after 12 months).

"Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results." - Albert Einstein

Daniel
#work
  • Profile picture of the author brennonhawkins
    Originally Posted by Alast View Post

    (spending 6-12 hours a day, 6-7 days a week, doing the same thing, and not getting anything from it, really takes its toll after 12 months).
    Let's consider another famous quote "time is money"

    I'm guessing the article syndication gurus you were in contact with didn't consider telling you they used automated systems to create backlinks and used content generators to create content.

    If they did awesome.

    Let's consider even more here.

    That time you spent is insane, you need to see better results than that.

    You need to consider quitting article syndication or learn how to automate it. (which can add up fast from SER, content generators, captcha services, vps servers, etc.)

    In addition, there are much easier methods out there to get cheap traffic which would be facebook ppc and bing ppc, along with ppv networks.

    All you need to do is find a winning campaign and scale it up. Sure, you may lose money at first but atleast you won't spend countless hours wasting your time on what could very well end up being a lost cause.

    I hope that helps.
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  • Profile picture of the author Brent Stangel
    Basically, I'm failing with article syndication, and I'm not sure why.
    Search the forum for "article syndication" + Alexa Smith.

    You should find everything you need to know.
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    • Profile picture of the author Alast
      Originally Posted by Brent Stangel View Post

      Search the forum for "article syndication" + Alexa Smith.

      You should find everything you need to know.
      I have, numerous times. I'm also in frequent contact with her.
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      • Profile picture of the author myob
        As I pointed in one of several PMs, it may helpful for you to really look at this "article marketing" business model as two distinct and separate yet interwoven functions - like threads that you would weave together into a tapestry. The article writing function and marketing functions are separate, but they must work together in an interweaving process that will take some time before you begin to see results.

        Realize that in "article marketing" (in its highest meaning) you must not only write articles that are marketable to publishers, but also readable (and engaging) to your targeted audience. Then comes the actual marketing function which is getting the articles published, followed by processing your reading audience through a marketing funnel system.

        Specifically regarding two of the articles you showed me, I was actually rather surprised they were even published. You are in a extremely competitive niche and as I pointed out, "I think you're going to have a tough time attracting readers to subscribe or buy your affiliate products."

        "You really need to thoroughly study the resources previously recommended to you as well as closely match the writing style and slant in publications to which you're sending articles.... Those articles are seriously missing the "voice" [of that niche] and ramble on lethargically like someone stumbling [around]."

        My apologies for this stern public critique, but your website, articles, funnel front end and offers are no match for the competition that you are up against. It seems you have done very little in following the advice and recommendations you've already been given both publicly and privately.

        http://www.warriorforum.com/main-int...ons-again.html
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        • Profile picture of the author Alast
          Originally Posted by myob View Post

          As I pointed in one of several PMs, it may helpful for you to really look at this "article marketing" business model as two distinct and separate yet interwoven functions - like threads that you would weave together into a tapestry. The article writing function and marketing functions are separate, but they must work together in an interweaving process that will take some time before you begin to see results.

          Realize that in "article marketing" (in its highest meaning) you must not only write articles that are marketable to publishers, but also readable (and engaging) to your targeted audience. Then comes the actual marketing function which is getting the articles published, followed by processing your reading audience through a marketing funnel system.
          In my niche, are the TOPICS I write about fine? Is the content itself fine? Or do I need to take a more "relaxed approach" and, going back to the skydiving example, write things like:

          Before Jumping Out of the Plane: 10 Things You MUST Say!

          And then approach the article in comedic ways... or should the articles be more... factual/answering a legitimate question, such as the ones suggested in my original post?

          Specifically regarding two of the articles you showed me, I was actually rather surprised they were even published. You are in a extremely competitive niche and as I pointed out, "I think you're going to have a tough time attracting readers to subscribe or buy your affiliate products."
          Do you find them too boring/not informational enough/not the right [niche] voice/...?? I've read through many articles online, and I'm just not sure what makes mine so bad... Do you think I should invest in someone to write an article for me just for perspective??

          "You really need to thoroughly study the resources previously recommended to you as well as closely match the writing style and slant in publications to which you're sending articles.... Those articles are seriously missing the "voice" [of that niche] and ramble on lethargically like someone stumbling [around]."
          I'm waiting for one of the books to arrive... but I've read through TWIT twice now, and don't think I can see any prominent flaws in my articles. I'm definitely not disagreeing with you though - I just want to understand more specifically than being told my articles aren't right for publication.

          My apologies for this stern public critique, but your website, articles, funnel front end and offers are no match for the competition that you are up against. It seems you have done very little in following the advice and recommendations you've already been given both publicly and privately.

          http://www.warriorforum.com/main-int...ons-again.html
          Do you think it would be worth investing in a coach... or just someone to tell me specifically where I've gone wrong and how I need to fix it up?? Maybe I need to try in a less competitive niche?
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          • Profile picture of the author myob
            Originally Posted by Alast View Post

            I've read through TWIT twice now, and don't think I can see any prominent flaws in my articles. I'm definitely not disagreeing with you though - I just want to understand more specifically than being told my articles aren't right for publication.
            Study TWIT as well as the resources and private messages I've sent you.Even when I'm training my own writers, I never give specifics about what is unacceptable in their articles. They are instructed to go back to their training materials, study them, and start over. If I corrected the specific flaws, it would no longer be their articles.

            I sent you a link by PM of an example for the type of article standard you should be writing up to within your niche. A good beginning within any niche would be to follow the conventions of top relevant publications. You need more experience which can best be obtained by practice, reading great articles and other literature, and perhaps taking some courses on writing.

            And whatever niche you ultimately decide on, it is imperative for good conversion rates that you connect with your readers on an emotional level. Get them laughing, crying, angry, inspired, provoked, entertained, or informed enough to act upon your underlying promotion.
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            • Profile picture of the author Alast
              Originally Posted by myob View Post

              Study TWIT as well as the resources and private messages I've sent you.Even when I'm training my own writers, I never give specifics about what is unacceptable in their articles. They are instructed to go back to their training materials, study them, and start over. If I corrected the specific flaws, it would no longer be their articles.

              I sent you a link by PM of an example for the type of article standard you should be writing up to within your niche. A good beginning within any niche would be to follow the conventions of top relevant publications. You need more experience which can best be obtained by practice, reading great articles and other literature, and perhaps taking some courses on writing.

              And whatever niche you ultimately decide on, it is imperative for good conversion rates that you connect with your readers on an emotional level. Get them laughing, crying, angry, inspired, provoked, entertained, or informed enough to act upon your underlying promotion.
              Thanks for this! I responded to your message with a couple more questions.

              I'm actually really excited for this business. I'll take the last 12 months as learning curves, and the $200 or so I've made in that time (nothing to brag about - most is just from publications willing to pay for my article(s)) as a bit of motivation.

              Once I've learned enough about the niche, I'll carefully plan, research, and write my articles. And make sure they read exquisitely and fulfill at least one of those emotions mentioned above (I'm not sure if I can get anyone crying in the niche though!).

              And, of course, genuinely study each resource. I've been a bit slack lately with "On Writing" by Stephen King: I got to page 220~ and haven't picked it up in a few days, despite really wanting to finish it! Although I understand it's probably the least important of them all. I'll focus on my article writing when the time comes, with TWIT and The Elements of Style besides me. Also, I'll use Paul Myers's eBooks to sharpen my skills. I haven't given writing classes a thought - I'll see how I go with the resources before jumping into that.

              Just to add: I know I've been told exactly how to write an article, and what to do... I think I suffered with a bit of an inferior complex, thinking I'd never be as good a writer as most people. I guess I avoided the advice, hoping I'd get away with it.
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              • Profile picture of the author myob
                Originally Posted by Alast View Post

                I know I've been told exactly how to write an article, and what to do... I think I suffered with a bit of an inferior complex, thinking I'd never be as good a writer as most people. I guess I avoided the advice, hoping I'd get away with it.
                I think you just got kicked in the nuts by reality, but as I've said in a PM recently, you do have the potential for becoming an excellent writer. You already have come a long way in just these past few weeks. Words forged by the inner fire of burning determination have power.

                Immerse yourself not just in writing technique, but also in great literature, culture and the arts. I would also strongly urge you to continue your formal education. Dare to dream big, and accept the challenges along your journey to success as opportunities to learn and grow.
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    • Profile picture of the author Tom Addams
      Originally Posted by Brent Stangel View Post

      Search the forum for "article syndication" + Alexa Smith.

      You should find everything you need to know.
      I was just about to say the same thing. That's really all you need to do, OP. Alexa is the authority in this area.

      Tom
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      • Profile picture of the author Alexa Smith
        Banned
        For what it's worth (which isn't going to be a lot), I'm pretty unclear about the reasons for Daniel's comparative lack of success, here. I've seen everything in detail, too. I think his articles are good (and I know his website and free report are very good, though they're not really relevant to the "getting published" problem, of course). I'm as sure as I can be that his niche is good, too - it's one I'd encourage anyone to try, and I think I had it on my own short-list of "potential niches" at one point (when I didn't actually start a new niche at all, only through illness and personal limitations, not because of the niche!).

        I know that not all the article marketers who have seen his articles have agreed with my assessment of them, and am just hoping I haven't misjudged the situation.

        One or two further opinions are pending, which may be enlightening.
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  • Profile picture of the author jazzd1
    Sometimes IM make you feel like jumping out of a plane.. Hope everything start clicking for ya buddy..
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  • Profile picture of the author NeedBucksNow
    Article Marketing is a tough field to be in as well. It does work but it will take alot of time to see results from it. I recently saw an article from somebody that had written 1047 articles and I'm not sure if that is what it takes but the more you have the better. I've been making daily YouTube videos and just made my 42nd video last night. I understand you're frustration as I'm lucky to get 20 views at this point but I also saw somebody that had 452 and he is getting 10,000's of hits a day. I wouldn't start stressing till you get alot more of them though
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    • Profile picture of the author Kay King
      (spending 6-12 hours a day, 6-7 days a week, doing the same thing, and not getting anything from it, really takes its toll after 12 months).
      The numbers aren't matching up for me. You say after 3-4 months you had "10 articles".

      I don't know where you are spending 6-12 hrs a day but I think you need to re-balance.

      Look at it this way:

      You can spend a year creating a perfect ebook. You can work on it every day and launch it at the end of the year with high hopes. Your "buy now" button appears and you wait for results.

      or

      You can spend a year writing 12 reasonably good ebooks - one per month. Then you have 12 BUY buttons.

      Unless you are such an expert in your field that people are waiting with baited breath for your book to hit the market...which will work best? One "buy now" button or 12 "buy now" buttons?

      If article syndication is what you want to do - you need to flood the market with your writing. Articles, reports, white papers, guides, ebooks.

      When I used to use an article syndication tool (UAW)l that was very popular a few years ago I entered 50-60 new articles into my account there every two weeks. I had 5-10 articles minimum being sent to 400-500 publications/sites 5 days a week.

      In my opinion, these days you will get more bang for your buck with 20 "good, interesting" articles syndicated each week than with 10 "perfect, fascinating" articles posted each quarter.
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      • Profile picture of the author Alast
        Originally Posted by Kay King View Post

        The numbers aren't matching up for me. You say after 3-4 months you had "10 articles".

        I don't know where you are spending 6-12 hrs a day but I think you need to re-balance.
        I spend most of my time sending emails and finding places to syndicate to.

        Look at it this way:

        You can spend a year creating a perfect ebook. You can work on it every day and launch it at the end of the year with high hopes. Your "buy now" button appears and you wait for results.

        or

        You can spend a year writing 12 reasonably good ebooks - one per month. Then you have 12 BUY buttons.

        Unless you are such an expert in your field that people are waiting with baited breath for your book to hit the market...which will work best? One "buy now" button or 12 "buy now" buttons?

        If article syndication is what you want to do - you need to flood the market with your writing. Articles, reports, white papers, guides, ebooks.

        When I used to use an article syndication tool (UAW)l that was very popular a few years ago I entered 50-60 new articles into my account there every two weeks. I had 5-10 articles minimum being sent to 400-500 publications/sites 5 days a week.

        In my opinion, these days you will get more bang for your buck with 20 "good, interesting" articles syndicated each week than with 10 "perfect, fascinating" articles posted each quarter.
        I'm writing an article every two~ weeks. I'm also getting small amounts of visitors from places I've been published in, and the occasional new subscriber(s)... but nothing "worth talking about."

        I've gone ahead and written an article on the topic "5 Things to NEVER Take With You When Skydiving" (it's actually 7 now) - this is how I would normally write my articles, so maybe it'll help for perspective:

        skydiving - Pastebin.com

        If you could read it, that would be great. I will admit, this probably is a little better and (maybe?) more funny than some articles I've written... but you should get the gist of how I write with this...

        I'm seriously interested in hearing from ANYONE about that article.

        (yes: I understand (I think) I'm giving anyone in the Skydiving niche a free article. If you take it... good. It means it's good).

        Daniel
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        • Profile picture of the author travlinguy
          Originally Posted by Alast View Post

          I spend most of my time sending emails and finding places to syndicate to.



          I'm writing an article every two~ weeks. I'm also getting small amounts of visitors from places I've been published in, and the occasional new subscriber(s)... but nothing "worth talking about."

          I've gone ahead and written an article on the topic "5 Things to NEVER Take With You When Skydiving" (it's actually 7 now) - this is how I would normally write my articles, so maybe it'll help for perspective:

          skydiving - Pastebin.com

          If you could read it, that would be great. I will admit, this probably is a little better and (maybe?) more funny than some articles I've written... but you should get the gist of how I write with this...

          I'm seriously interested in hearing from ANYONE about that article.

          (yes: I understand (I think) I'm giving anyone in the Skydiving niche a free article. If you take it... good. It means it's good).

          Daniel
          I read about 1/4 of the way through the skydiving piece and stopped. Why? You are in love with the comma. It's annoying. It's excessive. It forces me to pause when I don't want to pause. You were also in comma overdrive with the OP. It was a chore for me to get through the entire opening post.

          I wanted to keep reading. The actual content in the sample was engaging but those damned commas put me off.

          Again, I think you're a decent writer. Your stuff is engaging. But I sense you're trying too hard to be clever, maybe. I don't know.
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        • Profile picture of the author Alex Sol
          Hey, Daniel.

          I really liked that article, although I find it rather short. I also enjoy the playful tone of the article. I am not a very good writer but I noticed that longer articles (1500+ words) tend to do a lot better than short articles (500 words).

          Why you aren't getting traffic? No idea. Is the link to your site obvious? Is it near the top or bottom? Is there a call to action? Is there a reason for people who read it to click on your link? Are you posting in the right places?

          Another thing. To me skydiving is something "cool". I would probably not read articles about but rather look through an infographic of some sort or better yet a video.

          I would really love to see you on video demonstratively emptying\ out your pockets, getting rid of the items you listed plus some other ridiculous items ( a banana per example). All that followed by a GoPro video of you actually jumping. What I am trying to say is that some niches do better with other mediums than text.

          Now please take my advice with a grain of salt. I am not an expert in skydiving, in fact my first jump is coming up in mid-2015. However, that's what I feel about the niche and the kind of content I would enjoy in that niche.

          Best of success
          - Alex
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          • Profile picture of the author @tjr
            Originally Posted by Alex Sol View Post

            would really love to see you on video demonstratively emptying out your pockets, getting rid of the items you listed plus some other ridiculous items ( a banana per example).
            Going to agree with this. You have less an article premise here and more of a good outline for a good YouTube skit. I understand this isn't your specific niche but if your articles are in the same vein then video might be a better way to take things. I mean, not everything is meant to be delivered in the written word. It obviously isn't working well for you so far. Would you really rather keep banging your head on the door or would you like to step back and pull it open?

            Just a thought.
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  • Profile picture of the author ACandi
    Hi Daniel,

    Simple answer Click Here for iWriter

    LB.
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    Turn $50 into $500!
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    • Profile picture of the author Kay King
      I agree with travlinguy (but not with the iwriter suggestion).

      The commas are a result of the way you structure sentences. It might help to use a voice to text program like Dragon Naturally Speaking and TALK your articles. I doubt very much if you talk the way you write.

      Are you writing for the right audience? If you are a skydiving enthusiast there's a good chance your knowledge is far more advanced than what you wrote in that article.

      Why not write on specifics and technical issues? You could review or discuss pieces of equipment. new developments in the sport, costs and time involved in pursuing the sport, etc. Another possibility is to write articles about your own skydiving trips.

      (notice how many commas I used above)
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      • Profile picture of the author Alast
        Originally Posted by Alex Sol View Post

        Hey, Daniel.

        I really liked that article, although I find it rather short. I also enjoy the playful tone of the article. I am not a very good writer but I noticed that longer articles (1500+ words) tend to do a lot better than short articles (500 words).

        Why you aren't getting traffic? No idea. Is the link to your site obvious? Is it near the top or bottom? Is there a call to action? Is there a reason for people who read it to click on your link? Are you posting in the right places?

        Another thing. To me skydiving is something "cool". I would probably not read articles about but rather look through an infographic of some sort or better yet a video.

        I would really love to see you on video demonstratively emptying out your pockets, getting rid of the items you listed plus some other ridiculous items ( a banana per example). All that followed by a GoPro video of you actually jumping. What I am trying to say is that some niches do better with other mediums than text.

        Now please take my advice with a grain of salt. I am not an expert in skydiving, in fact my first jump is coming up in mid-2015. However, that's what I feel about the niche and the kind of content I would enjoy in that niche.

        Best of success
        - Alex
        Thanks! This is purely an example of what I write. I am not an enthusiast myself in this niche, nor do I write in it beyond this thread.

        And I made that website up. I'm surprised it's even a thing.

        Originally Posted by Kay King View Post

        I agree with travlinguy (but not with the iwriter suggestion).

        The commas are a result of the way you structure sentences. It might help to use a voice to text program like Dragon Naturally Speaking and TALK your articles. I doubt very much if you talk the way you write.

        Are you writing for the right audience? If you are a skydiving enthusiast there's a good chance your knowledge is far more advanced than what you wrote in that article.

        Why not write on specifics and technical issues? You could review or discuss pieces of equipment. new developments in the sport, costs and time involved in pursuing the sport, etc. Another possibility is to write articles about your own skydiving trips.

        (notice how many commas I used above)
        This response in for you and travlinguy:

        I agree. I've never really taken it into consideration. The way I talk and the way I write are different and always have been.

        I'm not a skydiving enthusiast... nor am I really an enthusiast in my current niche which may be why I'm having trouble (maybe people can see right through it). I don't even know what I'm truly enthusiastic about, but maybe I just need to research my niches before I write articles... These are the types of articles I've always written - never too technical.

        Maybe I should focus on beginners?

        Here's the modified version: skydiving2 - Pastebin.com
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  • Profile picture of the author Bob Reynolds
    It is great to see how much help there is on this forum. Incredible!

    You need to take this advice and systematically pick the best of the fruits keep going with tweaking and testing.

    Meanwhile look at maybe investing a little time into one or two other methods to drive traffic, such as those suggested above. My I feel your frustrations, relax and keep growing and learning, applying and testing.
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  • Profile picture of the author travlinguy
    I was going to ask how you felt about your market. I'm on record here for endorsing the need for enthusiasm or having passion for your topic/market. It shows. I can do justice to stuff I'm not very excited over but I shine when I'm writing about something I like a lot. And readers can sense it too.

    Maybe you could do a bit of soul searching and figure out what would excite you.
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    • Profile picture of the author Alast
      Originally Posted by travlinguy View Post

      I was going to ask how you felt about your market. I'm on record here for endorsing the need for enthusiasm or having passion for your topic/market. It shows. I can do justice to stuff I'm not very excited over but I shine when I'm writing about something I like a lot. And readers can sense it too.

      Maybe you could do a bit of soul searching and figure out what would excite you.
      I really don't know what I'm interested in. I recently graduated high school (last year) and am now left in a terrible predicament. It's even worse if this doesn't work for me.

      I haven't got a job because I had presumed I wouldn't need one.
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      • Profile picture of the author travlinguy
        Originally Posted by Alast View Post

        I really don't know what I'm interested in. I recently graduated high school (last year) and am now left in a terrible predicament. It's even worse if this doesn't work for me.

        I haven't got a job because I had presumed I wouldn't need one.
        High school? Last year?

        You're in great shape.

        I didn't learn to stop drooling all over myself until I was 30.
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        • Profile picture of the author Alast
          Originally Posted by travlinguy View Post

          High school? Last year?

          You're in great shape.

          I didn't learn to stop drooling all over myself until I was 30.
          I thought I was in great shape, but it turns out I know far less than I actually thought. It's far worse knowing I've wasted 12 months on this (well - I have learned a lot...but will it be useful?).

          I think I may freelance write. But I'm really not sure if I should stick with running a business.

          I think right now I'm experiencing an existential crisis - I'm 3-4 months out of school (currently on a gap year) and have absolutely no clue what to do... or how to do it...or what to do next year. I know what I WANT to do (run an online business) but I never anticipated it to be this hard. I made more money in one month on Fiverr than I have through my business selling products over 12 months.

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          • Profile picture of the author Kay King
            The most important lesson you've learned is that nothing is guaranteed - that we often fail more than once before we succeed....and that is doesn't matter how good or smart WE think we are when we work online. What counts is whether other people find us interesting or convincing.

            If you are writing about a specific activity - I don't think you can do it on an ongoing basis WITHOUT interest and experience in the subject.

            This is nowhere more true than in sports. Enthusiasts can spot a faker a mile away. If you are not a skydiver - you may have one or two articles about it "in" you...no more. If you have no experience and only "what I read" knowledge your articles will seem "forced" quickly. That's what I feel on this one.

            "Work online" is not a career. It's like "own a business". You have to know WHAT you want to do or sell and have a plan to build a business from nothing to something.

            Building a full business on Fiverr puts your future in the hands of another site - great for startup funds but not for a long term business plan.

            You can earn a good income freelancing - but it's not for everyone. It's not the mythical 'internet lifestyle' people dream of - when you quit doing work the income stops. It's a good way to generate income part time while you build a business that will grow.

            I think you need to take stock from where you are. You need to work on your writing skills but I think you could improve quickly. There are many free tutorials on this forum and online that can help you improve in both speed and quality.

            If you need money now or soon you have to decide to proceed with Fiverr or get a job (part or full time) to provide funds to start an online business.

            I'm experiencing an existential crisis - I'm 3-4 months out of school (currently on a gap year)
            I don't know what a "gap year" is - but I think you need to dump the existential angst for now and focus on real life plans for your future.
            That's true whether you work offline or online.
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            • Profile picture of the author Alast
              Originally Posted by Kay King View Post

              The most important lesson you've learned is that nothing is guaranteed - that we often fail more than once before we succeed....and that is doesn't matter how good or smart WE think we are when we work online. What counts is whether other people find us interesting or convincing.

              If you are writing about a specific activity - I don't think you can do it on an ongoing basis WITHOUT interest and experience in the subject.

              This is nowhere more true than in sports. Enthusiasts can spot a faker a mile away. If you are not a skydiver - you may have one or two articles about it "in" you...no more. If you have no experience and only "what I read" knowledge your articles will seem "forced" quickly. That's what I feel on this one.

              "Work online" is not a career. It's like "own a business". You have to know WHAT you want to do or sell and have a plan to build a business from nothing to something.

              Building a full business on Fiverr puts your future in the hands of another site - great for startup funds but not for a long term business plan.

              You can earn a good income freelancing - but it's not for everyone. It's not the mythical 'internet lifestyle' people dream of - when you quit doing work the income stops. It's a good way to generate income part time while you build a business that will grow.

              I think you need to take stock from where you are. You need to work on your writing skills but I think you could improve quickly. There are many free tutorials on this forum and online that can help you improve in both speed and quality.

              If you need money now or soon you have to decide to proceed with Fiverr or get a job (part or full time) to provide funds to start an online business.
              The niche I'm thinking about entering is something I think I'd like to learn about. It's one of the most interesting areas for me to learn about, given my interests and skills. I think it'd also just be good to know and have an understanding. I also have a cousin who's experienced in it, so I'll get them to read over my articles and discuss the niche with them.

              I actually feel I now have direction with this. I never really researched my previous niches, thinking my articles "would do" and made the mistake of thinking "if they can do it, surely I can" without understanding experiences and whatnot.

              I'm also going to get my parents involved. My dad is a salesman so maybe he could give me some tips.

              I'm also gonna change my lifestyle, essentially. Instead of sitting behind my computer 12 hours a day, only use my computer when working.

              Not that anyone cares.

              I don't know what a "gap year" is - but I think you need to dump the existential angst for now and focus on real life plans for your future.
              That's true whether you work offline or online.
              A gap year is a year away from studying to supposedly earn money. I want to make the most of the year, so I'm glad I'm realising these things now and not halfway through the year.

              I think I'll spend 2-4 weeks researching through books, watching TV which includes some really good advice from the niche (I voluntarily watch it, so that must be a sign), reading magazines, and making sure I maximize my potential to earn income.

              I'm looking forward to this niche.
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  • Profile picture of the author Alast
    I just thought I'd update this, for the added pressure, and to push myself.

    I'm going to have another crack at it in a new niche. The niche I'm thinking of is one I realise I do in fact have interest in (I'd never really considered it before). I'll discuss it with Alexa (of course).

    The way I'll approach it is actually study the magazines and read some books in the niche - something I wasn't doing before. Maybe I'll try different sorts of articles, such as interviews and whatnot. I'll actually learn all the theory this time before jumping into the writing.

    I'm also going to give myself a schedule and if after 2~ months of syndicating my articles I'm not having luck, I'll possibly get a job just for money. And I'll only work sensible hours, for health reasons. Even get outside more.

    I'm going to do EVERYTHING by the book this time, and not "wing it" which I may have been doing in my current niche without thinking about it too much.

    Wish me luck.
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  • Profile picture of the author ryanbiddulph
    Alast, judging from the positive feedback here you may have a mental block. Like, everything you're doing is spot on, yet you're giving your attention to your failures, instead of your successes online, and successes in life.

    You can change this by really raising your vibe; sit down and build a list of all online successes, from connecting with these pubs, and so on. Keep up with it; there's no reason you shouldn't be rocking it out.

    Also....do you genuinely love article writing? If so, awesome. If not, your frustration and wheel-spinning could be indicative that it's time to move on. Happened with me, with my old blog. I tried to make something work, that was broke, and that I'd outgrown, so I trashed the old blog, and my old niches, and moved forward with clarity, and things took off for me quickly.

    Onward and upward A!

    Ryan
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    • Profile picture of the author Alast
      Originally Posted by myob View Post

      I think you just got kicked in the nuts by reality, but as I've said in a PM recently, you do have the potential for becoming an excellent writer. You already have come a long way in just these past few weeks. Words forged by the inner fire of burning determination have power.
      It almost feels exhilarating - a huge sign of relief now I'm coming to terms with where I've gone wrong. And it just makes so much more sense now, than it ever did before. I was subconsciously hoping to make good money quickly, without really knowing my stuff. It only took 12 months to realise that's been my sole problem (mostly, anyway). I'm going to really educate myself in my next niche (I sent you a PM explaining what it was!) and make sure I know lots about it; enough to genuinely feel comfortable talking about it.

      Immerse yourself not just in writing technique, but also in great literature, culture and the arts. I would also strongly urge you to continue your formal education. Dare to dream big, and accept the challenges along your journey to success as opportunities to learn and grow.
      Yes, definitely. The last week specifically I've stood back and really analysed not only my business, but "what the hell am I doing with my life." Turns out my parents were right: I need to do things besides be on my computer, even if it's swimming in the pool every morning to genuinely clear my mind (again - not that anyone cares).

      Also - as I've been thinking about the niche, the more I want to learn about it. And the more I realise that it's something that I SHOULD be able to turn a profit.

      Although I don't regret the last 12 months. This thread alone has been a HUGE eye-opener for me (thanks Kay King and travlinguy!). I also think I needed the public criticism to let me know that to make an income online, you need more than to simply select a niche and write a few articles you think your audience might enjoy. You need to find out what they enjoy reading about and give them more (again - I know I've read it a million times, but I never really appreciated it).

      Originally Posted by ryanbiddulph View Post

      Alast, judging from the positive feedback here you may have a mental block. Like, everything you're doing is spot on, yet you're giving your attention to your failures, instead of your successes online, and successes in life.
      I think my success on Fiverr was luck. I managed to get my gig on first page, where I was bombarded with good sales (sometimes over $100) and even made over $500 in one week. Although it was A LOT of work.

      Also....do you genuinely love article writing? If so, awesome. If not, your frustration and wheel-spinning could be indicative that it's time to move on. Happened with me, with my old blog. I tried to make something work, that was broke, and that I'd outgrown, so I trashed the old blog, and my old niches, and moved forward with clarity, and things took off for me quickly.

      Onward and upward A!

      Ryan
      I hated writing when I first started. But now that I'm doing it more, and becoming a more avid reader, the more I enjoy it. My niche won't be "article writing" anytime soon, but I wouldn't want to learn another traffic method - not with the potential of article syndication, and how far I've come to do it.
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      • Profile picture of the author Kay King
        Yes, definitely. The last week specifically I've stood back and really analysed not only my business, but "what the hell am I doing with my life." Turns out my parents were right: I need to do things besides be on my computer, even if it's swimming in the pool every morning to genuinely clear my mind (again - not that anyone cares).
        It's great to offer advice and have someone take it to heart and think about it. I think you've turned a BIG corner here.

        Standing back and looking at yourself and your work is often a great idea - as is taking a few laps to clear the brain.

        Keep asking good questions, taking advice and thinking your way through this IM stuff and you will be just fine!
        Signature
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        • Profile picture of the author Alast
          Originally Posted by Kay King View Post

          It's great to offer advice and have someone take it to heart and think about it. I think you've turned a BIG corner here.

          Standing back and looking at yourself and your work is often a great idea - as is taking a few laps to clear the brain.

          Keep asking good questions, taking advice and thinking your way through this IM stuff and you will be just fine!
          Thank you!

          I suspect I won't begin my website and all that fun stuff for a little while now (only once I'm comfortable with the niche) but I definitely intend to make sure everything works out this time - and I'll start by educating myself in the niche. Maybe go to the library and search Amazon for resources (of which there are plenty). I'll no doubt buy a series of magazines to get a feel of how I'll write. And this time, I'll carefully craft my articles instead of spending just 30-60 minutes to write one up.

          Let's hope in a few months, I'll have some success to share.

          (I really credit Alexa for figuring this stuff mainly through trial and error. I'd be hopeless without Warriors such as herself, myob, JohnMcCabe, and many more.)
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        • Profile picture of the author JEasy
          The people reading your stuff just aren't buyers. You've got hops so just create your own blog and send paid traffic. Isolate the main problem the people reading your stuff want to solve and build a list.

          People will soak up info for free all day online, so no doubt your writing is probably very good.
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  • Profile picture of the author Taniwha
    Alast, assuming some of your research will come from forums, I'd suggest creating a simple squeeze page and advertising it in your sig. Since it may be a while before you start building your site, you may get a decent list of people who are interested in what you have to offer in your future site.

    It would take 30 mins to set up, but it could give you a nice start to your site when it's up.

    Just some ideas.

    Oh, and the library is your friend!
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    • Profile picture of the author Alast
      Originally Posted by Taniwha View Post

      Alast, assuming some of your research will come from forums, I'd suggest creating a simple squeeze page and advertising it in your sig. Since it may be a while before you start building your site, you may get a decent list of people who are interested in what you have to offer in your future site.

      It would take 30 mins to set up, but it could give you a nice start to your site when it's up.

      Just some ideas.

      Oh, and the library is your friend!
      Nobody here will be interested in my niche.

      EDIT: Sorry - misunderstood. My traffic generation method is article syndication, and I'd prefer to master it before trying anything else.
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      • Profile picture of the author Taniwha
        Originally Posted by Alast View Post

        Nobody here will be interested in my niche.

        EDIT: Sorry - misunderstood. My traffic generation method is article syndication, and I'd prefer to master it before trying anything else.
        I mean a forum in your niche - not this forum. :p

        The idea was that if you happen to join up to a forum in your niche (assuming there is one) you may as well get a few subscribers while you do your research. Even if the only email you send out is "My website is live. Get in here, peepz".

        But if forums are not part of your research phase, then ignore everything I said.
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