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Do I Need To Start Over Again?

by Tommyg123
14 replies
Hey everyone,

For those of you that don't know me I have been working at online marketing for about 8 months. I have produced a quality product (Ebook and video course). I know it is quality because I am an expert in the field and also the few I have sold have all got amazing reviews.

The marketing is where I am really being let down. I went the PPC route because I was prepared to put money in and liked the idea of how scalable it was and ultimately passive once you have optimised. But conversions are very bad.

I couldn't figure out why anyone would land on a sales page of a product they have never heard of before and buy... i know I wouldn't.. who is this guy? How do I know his stuff is any good.. can I get the info elsewhere etc etc.

I recently had a big reality check when an expert marketer looked over my site and gave me a cold hard dose of reality. Ripped apart my sales page (which I spent a ton of time working on). I can handle losing money, but its wasted time that really depresses me.

Anyway, I am thankful of the feedback I got because it did make sense and needed to be said.

I had started to write a blog but dropped it fairly quickly, I am quite good at writing and have a ton of knowledge on the topic, but ultimately don't enjoy writing and didn't fit in with my version of a PPC plan. But it has been advised I should develop my blog and bring it to the forefront of the site (at the moment it is just shoved towards the back and never updated).

But my theme is quite a cold and not very interactive one. It has a blog but doesn't make you want to engage with it.

you can see the blog here Blog | The Day Tradingmentor

Are you able to change the theme of a blog and still keep it within the same domain? When I look at leading blog sites the blog is on the front page and looks really warm and inviting. But I am no Wordpress expert,,, not by a long way.

I know I have the bare bones of something really good, I am an expert in my field and know this is the best product out there for people that want to learn to trade futures contracts but ultimately people arriving on a sales page that I paid to be advertised is break even at best, I need to figure out how to get my knowledge and expertise across so people know I am the real deal.

Thanks a lot for your time

Tom
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  • Profile picture of the author DieselFit
    Firstly I like your logo. While the theme isn't exciting, the logo is professional looking which was the first thing my eyes landed on. I think I would make it a little bigger, but that's probably not a big deal right now. I do feel a bit cold on your blog, I'm a little lost on where I should go next.

    There's no call to action anywhere, no email opt-ins, nothing except when I scroll down to the footer. but who's going to go that far on a cold page right?

    I know you're no marketing expert, but you are an expert in your own field which is fantastic. Perhaps you can look at other examples that have been successful at marketing like caradvice.com.au or nerdfitness.com

    If you look at those sites, you'll see it's quite simple to realize where to go next. I'm no expert, but as a websurfer and a learning marketer, this is what I know so far.

    Changing a theme is quite simple, there are a lot of quick videos you can watch (search how to change wordpress theme) but if you don't want to play around with that, then you can easily find someone to do it for you from Fiverr. I recently paid someone 5 bucks to help me move my site from one host to another, he spent quite a while doing it as the files were huge.

    So things to consider:

    Start collecting emails: get a feature box or at the very least, a side bar opt in that offers a free guide or something to prove your authority in your field (very simple to start doing so, again there are videos if you're unsure)

    Connect with authorities in your field: you can do this through guest posting, building relationships through forums/blogs/social media, and this way, you'll get their traffic/audience

    Consider making free reports so you can build trust, and spread your good advice where applicable like on forums and communities in your niche.

    Hope I helped

    Keep in mind this advice is coming from someone who doesn't make a cent from marketing, but is always learning and applying techniques.

    Observing other successful blogs/sites can go a long way in learning what works!
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  • Profile picture of the author Hooda M Kismet
    Hi Tom, I looked at your blog, and yes, you may wanna change your theme. Yes you can keep the same blog with Wordpress if you change the theme. You will keep all the content. If you don't know how to do it, you can get it done for really cheap at Fiverr. You can even have a custom theme created for cheap if you like.

    One thing that struck me is that you don't have an opt-in box on your blog. Are you trying to build a list? This should be your number one priority. If you want people to know who you are and that what you offer is the real deal, you should build rapport. That comes with building a list and sending follow up emails. People will buy from you if they know like and trust you.

    As for content, I know it can be time consuming as well and sometimes it gets boring. You can also get that outsourced.

    There is no shame is starting over, I did it and I'm sure many people did too. I hope this helps.
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  • Profile picture of the author Tommyg123
    Thanks for the responses so far guys, I appreciate you taking the time.

    Looking at other sites you like is a great idea.

    I am a little worried about changing the theme as I have code on the front end linked to PayPal etc (buttons etc) is there a chance all that will be broken by changing the theme.. I had to outsource all of that,

    A few more questions if you don't mind...

    1/ If i were to stop uploading blog posts would the site "die"? I mean there is only so much you can write about and still keep good content, what about a year or two down the line?

    2/ I have neglected the list building/optin route because it just seemed quite technical. But what would you give away if you were me. With the product I am selling which is very indepth and the blog which hopefully will become very indepth what other sorts of things is there to give away?

    Thanks
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    • Profile picture of the author Marx Vergel Melencio
      Tommyg123,

      Originally Posted by Tommyg123 View Post

      Looking at other sites you like is a great idea.
      Find heavily trafficked authority sites in your niche that are professionally designed and have attention-grabbing, enticing and compelling opt-in offers and onsite content. Then:

      Look closer at those with active social media pages with many Facebook fans, Twitter followers and Youtube channel subscribers. Next:

      Zone in on the best and most suitable ones for your niche, target audience and offers. Then:

      List down the things that could potentially improve the overall look and feel of your site. Next:

      Contact the owners / admins / Webmasters of the sites you chose, in order to ask for referrals regarding the design contractors / design companies that did their sites. Then:

      Ask the designer of your choice to create mock-up designs. Show these mock-up designs to a professional visual communications expert with experience in your niche, and to a usability tester with experience in your niche, in order to get comments, suggestions and recommendations. Ask your designer to finalize the design of your site based on these suggestions, recommendations and comments...

      Originally Posted by Tommyg123 View Post

      I am a little worried about changing the theme as I have code on the front end linked to PayPal etc (buttons etc) is there a chance all that will be broken by changing the theme.. I had to outsource all of that,
      No. A good designer will know what to do...

      Originally Posted by Tommyg123 View Post

      1/ If i were to stop uploading blog posts would the site "die"? I mean there is only so much you can write about and still keep good content, what about a year or two down the line?
      You mean completely stop? If you continue to get traffic and convert that traffic into subscribers through your opt-in offers and nurture mutually beneficial professional relationships with your subscribers, then no. Also, you don't need to completely stop -- Two to four mind-blowing posts per month would most likely be good...

      Originally Posted by Tommyg123 View Post

      2/ I have neglected the list building/optin route because it just seemed quite technical. But what would you give away if you were me. With the product I am selling which is very indepth and the blog which hopefully will become very indepth what other sorts of things is there to give away?
      Think of it this way:

      Pre-Screening Publicity Exposure =>> Movie Trailer =>> More In-Depth Pre-Screening Publicity Exposure =>> Full Movie =>> Relevant Merchandise =>> DVDs and TV Series =>> Movie Sequel =>> Repeat Process

      Pre-Screening Publicity Exposure = Your Ads, Opt-In Copy and Onsite Content
      Movie Trailer = Opt-In Offer
      More In-Depth Pre-Screening Publicity Exposure = Your Follow-Up Emails and Onsite Content
      Full Movie = Your Full Products
      Relevant Merchandise = Supplemental Affiliate Products
      DVDs and TV Series = More Follow-Up Emails and New Onsite Content
      Movie Sequel = New Full Products
      Repeat Process = Self-explanatory...

      That's it for now. Cheers!
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      • Deep Learning & Machine Vision Engineer: ARIA Research (Sydney, AU)
      • Founder: Grayscale (Manila, PH) & SEO Campaign Manager: Kiteworks, Inc. (SF, US)
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  • Profile picture of the author David Ogden
    Tom

    Your blog is your lifeline when you have enuogh retire and stop writing. the contents of your blog is what people are looking for not the blog. they want to pick your brains, you are the expert mentor. Show them why and how you are successful and they will subcribe to your books and videos.

    It does not matter where you put your blog as part of your site or stand alone. Ensure every post is hyperlinked to your sales page.

    Maybe some of your early posts should not be in the blog as they will quickly be buried. A few years ago I ran a blog on future currency trading and I updated daily, somtimes the news was good and sometimes bad but that what trading is about. get your customers envolded as well.

    If you are wanting to add a free gift why not a free call to you 30 Mins
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    David Ogden an Entrepreneur at Markethive which uses a suite of free marketing tools to promote his opportunity. Contact:- Telegram @davidogden

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    • Profile picture of the author DieselFit
      The site wouldn't die no, the frequency of which you post blog posts is up to you. Depending on how much you can write on your topic, i tihnk there's always something to be written about. Maybe there's popular content out there, you can find it and make it better than theirs. You can find what's popular with Buzzsumo. Try to be the one who's different, better, or a combination of both.

      For the free report thing... I would examine Entrepreneurs-Journey.com - The Blog Of Yaro Starak . He's a great example of a successful blogger with a full out course. He gives away a blueprint with superb information on how to get started, but you'll notice on every page or two, he'll throw in a testimonial on his course and a call to action to join his course.

      It's not technical at all, if you know how to use your wordpress, you'll know how to do it. But again you can outsource things you don't know so you don't waste time.

      If you really want to do it yourself, I would google "how to start collecting emails" or "how to do an opt in". It's easy to learn if you follow the guides.
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    • Profile picture of the author glennshep
      Hi Tom,

      I think that utilising your blog is a good strategy. This is what I have at the core of everything I'm doing and, although it can take time to build up and gain some traction, it's a worthwhile endeavour.

      The biggest thing to bear in mind regarding a blog, I feel, is to remember that it is a social platform. If your blog isn't very sociable then it should be. You can have all the great info in the world, but if it's presented in a sterile, unappealing way, then it can be a turn off and people won't feel motivated to stick around or return. Additionally, I would recommend enabling commenting so that people can interact with you and you with them.

      So first and foremost I would say: be yourself. Don't think about writing in a way that you think you're 'supposed' to write. This is YOUR blog and it need to reflect YOU. Yes, you may have good products, services and information to provide, but what is there to convince a potential lead or subscriber to choose what you have to offer over someone else? Without the 'you' element you'll struggle to stand out. People often talk about having a USP, well the best USP you have is yourself - no-one else has this. Again, having the ability to interact with your readership will help towards cementing your authority and credibility with them.

      Having a taken a quick look at your blog, the main thing that stands out to me straight away is that you don't have an opt-in form, which is something you mentioned yourself. I'd definitely recommend getting one installed at the top right of your page above the fold. I'm not too knowledgeable about your niche, but perhaps you could create a short report or e-book along the lines of: "The Top 5 Mistakes of Newbie Traders and How to Avoid Them" to use as your free giveaway. Of course you'd have more of an idea than I as to what you could come up with, but that's just a quick example off the top of my head. Then once you get people on your list you can connect with them, give them plenty of value and offer them products and services when appropriate.

      With regards to running out of ideas, if you blog from your heart then I think you'll always find something to write about. And if you do find yourself struggling at any point, just go to somewhere like YouTube and find a video that you can embed that you think will be of interest or of benefit to your readers. You can also use different approaches to your posts. Instead of always writing, why not record an audio or video? Maybe interview someone in your niche. Post infographics. Invite guest bloggers. There are all kinds of ways to keep things going, you just need to brainstorm a bit. Personally, I'm always on the lookout for things to include in my blog posts, so when an idea pops in my mind I write it down. I'm probably always at least two months ahead when it comes to ideas.

      There's a whole lot more I could say on the subject of blogging but I don't want to overface you. Hopefully this has given you a few helpful pointers.

      Regards,
      Glenn
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  • Profile picture of the author tuneup
    As an expert in your field have you thought of running some lessons about your speciality using a video conferencing session as a part of your business speciality?

    Like - I suspect you have a subscriber list and almost everyone is familiar with video conferencing today, and for good reason. Video conferencing is convenient. Video conferencing saves money.

    Video conferencing makes money. And it is so much easier than it used to be. As a sales delivery method it has many positives.

    At first it may not be easy to convince people to sit in front of a computer screen for a 30-minute video conference instead of traveling and giving up those nice travel reimbursements, but soon they realized the many benefits. Content and preparation is the key. 30 min of content may take 4 hours to prepare but the sales value might be a revelation to you.

    Today, of course, video conferencing has become part of doing business. There is no longer a need to waste time and money traveling, and the technology has advanced to a point where there is a solution for every conferencing need.

    Brian

    Hope this helps
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    Internet tools made simple I always begin at the beginning but I didn't invent the universe first
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  • Profile picture of the author DR0832
    In your video you mentioned entering the market with zero risk. This is a straight up lie. You should take this out as you could be sued for misrepresenting. The stock market is inherently risky. The futures market is even more risky. There is no such thing as no risk in the trading. Also I wouldn't say you are a retired. If you were successful then you you would retire and not have to teach. Not knocking you but it's hard to sell something if your sales page has big red flags.
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    • Profile picture of the author Tommyg123
      Thanks everyone for your suggestions all very helpful.

      Just a quick response to DR0832




      Originally Posted by DR0832 View Post

      In your video you mentioned entering the market with zero risk. This is a straight up lie. You should take this out as you could be sued for misrepresenting. The stock market is inherently risky. The futures market is even more risky. There is no such thing as no risk in the trading. Also I wouldn't say you are a retired. If you were successful then you you would retire and not have to teach. Not knocking you but it's hard to sell something if your sales page has big red flags.
      I completely take your point about the zero risk comment, I am trying to get through to my audience that there are certain situations where you can safely exit the trade at the same price you bought it (scratching the trade) with certain setups on algo trading I teach. So your worst case scenario is to break even on the setup. But I agree "zero risk" was pushing the boundaries a bit on marketing licence.

      Also, I have retired from trading with enough money to not have to work that lifestyle any more. But I still want extra income. Its just the way I am, I will never stop building. There are very few people that truly retire. But i need to figure out how to explain to people I am successful yet still setting up businesses. I am planning on showing my trading statements in further blog posts.
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  • Profile picture of the author Slade556
    You can safely change your theme, it will not affect your domain name in any way! Or, you can keep this one and pay someone to tweak it a little bit, make it a bit warmer and inviting. A good web designer will know what to do, if you don't have any ideas yourself!
    Regarding your question about not writing on the website anymore, it depends on what Marx said. I'd also like to add that it might be a good idea to continue posting updates (as in, don't stop writing), even if not as often, it's a way to make your visitors see you haven't 'abandoned' your blog altogether.
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  • Profile picture of the author FreedomBlogger
    hey I think your site looks good. Very clean and easy to look at and scroll through.

    The design and the colors are soothing so it does invite you to stay there longer. I wouldn't change a thing. Your blog is ready to go. I would worry a lot more on the traffic to it, more than anything.

    If you change themes, you are good. You can do it with no problems. The only thing that gets affected by changing themes sometimes are the widgets.

    I hope this helps!

    Keep up the great work!

    Cheers!
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    At the beginning, I thought making money online with a blog was super super hard. Not anymore. Learn the art of making money online blogging - step by step - HERE.
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  • Profile picture of the author Olavski
    I really like to logo and the colors you used, except for the blue buttons etc. To give a warm feeling to your blog/website, try to use those colors you use in your logo more often.

    Cheers,
    Olavski
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  • Profile picture of the author QueenMelanie
    You do need a new theme, or at least edit your existing theme on your blog for sure! at least just put a featured image thumbnail beside the posts for some color or visual stimulus
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