Just get started, or get started right?

19 replies
Greetings

I have little to no programming knowledge when it comes to html or php, or any other language.

Now I'm a perfectionist, and I'd prefer spending 1 month of intense self learning in php, so I could make something really cool, and feel I had the freedom to do whatever I wanted.

However, as affiliate marketing takes time to get rankings and so on, I was thinking it might be smart to just go with something that simplifies the whole thing a lot, like XSitePro 2 (which I convinently have access to), just to get my site out there. Of course with some basics on there, so its not a complete dry husk of a site, but you should get the point. Then learn what I need to learn to make the site more appealing.

However there is one thing that makes me doubt this approach, and that is; Will I lose my rankings, if I for example, make a site in XSitePro2, then take that down, and put up a site with wordpress, or whatever, with the same information, same file names, and same addresses, will I lose my ranking?
#started
  • Profile picture of the author Joel_Cowen
    Sometimes the cool flashy stuff doesn't perform as well as a basic html page, it's something you'll want to test. If you aren't a programmer than XSitePro 2 will be one option while creating a basic page in Word (yes word) is another. You have to weigh the costs vs. time involved.
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  • Profile picture of the author Ty Wagner
    XSitepro sites seem to get pretty good rankings in the serps when you go by there guidelines. If all the links are the same when you make the switch you may not lose your ranking. But more than likely Google will detect the change and ultimately decide if your website is worthy of staying in the same position.
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  • Profile picture of the author Mikedb
    When you are just starting and want to have time to learn PHP but in the mean time you want to setup a website, start with WordPress.
    Easy to setup and Google loves it.

    regards,

    Mike
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    • Profile picture of the author Richard Van
      Regarding the title of the thread I'm not sure there is a right way to start and even with a solid blueprint of a plan whose to say it will definately work?

      I know I and many others had to just get started, learn from mistakes and get going that way. There's plenty of people out there who have made money from a standing start but in my humble opinion, I'd say it's better to just get out there and see what works for you. If it doesn't work for you, no problem. Move on until you find out what does.
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    • Profile picture of the author Sokar408
      Originally Posted by Mikedb View Post

      When you are just starting and want to have time to learn PHP but in the mean time you want to setup a website, start with WordPress.
      Easy to setup and Google loves it.

      regards,

      Mike
      I seem to have tried to make Wordpress work, with wamp so i could set things up before investing in a server. However it seems that no matter what changes I make in to the theme, like background color and so further, it doesn't change the actual page.

      I'm sure its me doing something wrong, probably in the MySQL database, but still, it is a issue thats holding me back.
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      • Profile picture of the author Joe Mobley
        Originally Posted by Sokar408 View Post

        I seem to have tried to make Wordpress work, with wamp so i could set things up before investing in a server...

        I'm sure its me doing something wrong, probably in the MySQL database, but still, it is a issue thats holding me back.
        No. What's holding you back is spending time on nonproductive activities like building a blog on your PC.

        Stop!

        It may make you feel good at some level but you are not making progress with Internet marketing.

        How about a $20.00 / 30 minute plan.

        Buy a domain name. - Less that $10.00 per year.
        Buy hosting. - Less than $10.00 per month.
        Set up Wordpress blog. - Less than 5 minutes.

        If you can't think of a domain name, start with Sokar408.com or .info. You just want to get started.

        Hostgator's baby plan allows you to add domains at no additional charge.

        Decide whether you want to be a PHP programmer or make money online. Time-wise the two are mutually incompatible.


        Joe Mobley
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        • Profile picture of the author Sokar408
          Originally Posted by Joe Mobley View Post

          No. What's holding you back is spending time on nonproductive activities like building a blog on your PC.

          Stop!

          It may make you feel good at some level but you are not making progress with Internet marketing.

          How about a $20.00 / 30 minute plan.

          Buy a domain name. - Less that $10.00 per year.
          Buy hosting. - Less than $10.00 per month.
          Set up Wordpress blog. - Less than 5 minutes.

          If you can't think of a domain name, start with Sokar408.com or .info. You just want to get started.

          Hostgator's baby plan allows you to add domains at no additional charge.

          Decide whether you want to be a PHP programmer or make money online. Time-wise the two are mutually incompatible.


          Joe Mobley
          Makes sense

          However with the limited funds I have availiable I won't be able to outsource everything, and having some basic understand should help me as not to be open to hackers, or scammers right?

          Furthermore, the Wordpress blog thing is actually what I'm having difficulty with.

          I totally agree with what you are saying, I have done a lot of research, and I know what to do. But when it comes to make a blog/site thats actually appealing, I'm lost.
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          • Profile picture of the author Joe Mobley
            Originally Posted by Sokar408 View Post


            However with the limited funds I have availiable I won't be able to outsource everything...
            Don't worry about outsourcing yet. You're not ready. I've been there.

            Originally Posted by Sokar408 View Post

            ...having some basic understand should help me as not to be open to hackers, or scammers right?
            Nope. There are free plugins for Wordpress that are very good at preventing hacking.

            Originally Posted by Sokar408 View Post


            Furthermore, the Wordpress blog thing is actually what I'm having difficulty with.
            What kind of trouble?

            Originally Posted by Sokar408 View Post


            I have done a lot of research, and I know what to do. But when it comes to make a blog/site thats actually appealing, I'm lost.
            Give us an idea of what you would like to do. We can give you more direction from there.


            Joe Mobley
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            • Profile picture of the author Sokar408
              Originally Posted by Joe Mobley View Post

              Don't worry about outsourcing yet. You're not ready. I've been there.



              Nope. There are free plugins for Wordpress that are very good at preventing hacking.



              What kind of trouble?



              Give us an idea of what you would like to do. We can give you more direction from there.


              Joe Mobley
              EDIT: You seem to put a lot of weight on using an actual server, instead of building the setting on my PC. Is there any reasoning behind this, other then taking the acting of paying for hosting and domain name, will motivate me to keep going?

              Well basically, I want to promote a promote or 2. It seems like the place to start when it comes to making money online. I have already gotten an understand of what I'll need, from keyword research, to content, to the website.

              For the content, I'm probably gonna get someone to write some content for me, on the subject. I'll be very specific of what i want, to make sure that its somewhat SEO friendly (I'll of course go through it, and optimize it further later), valid to the prodcut, and appealing.

              This will take a while to get done, so in the mean time I'll be trying to get some first base knowledge about, preferably wordpress, so that I can setup the site, to not only have appealing content but also an appealing look.

              My problem is, I don't know how to configurate wordpress to look even remotely like something, other then just a dull blog. I don't know how to add a side bar to add product banners, or other banners. I don't know how to change things in the theme, so it doesn't say "Blabla theme, just another wordpress blog".

              I'm sure these are minor problems, that'll be easy to fix, I just need "time" to figure it out.

              I have other concerns aswell, such as my complete ignorance of MySQL, which seems VERY important.
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              • Profile picture of the author Joe Mobley
                You don't need to concern yourself with MySQL, PHP or stuff like that.

                Are you in a position to go online yet? If so, go buy a domain and your first months hosting.

                Sokar408.com is available.

                Sokar408.info is available for $1.99 at Domainsinseconds.com.

                I would buy hosting that allows for unlimited domains, like Hostgator.com's baby plan.

                Let us know.



                Joe Mobley
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                • Profile picture of the author Kay King
                  I'm sure these are minor problems, that'll be easy to fix, I just need "time" to figure it out.
                  No - you are making excuses becuase you see building a site or blog as a major technical undertaking. It isn't that at all. You are over thinking and making things harder than they are.

                  Don't worry about outsourcing to begin with. You can get hosting and register a domain for $20 the first month and $10 per month after that.

                  Find a WP template you like and use it instead of trying to rebuild it or change the features. Instead of trying to learn perfection in site building - spend that time writing content and get a site online. A mediocre site online will make more money than the perfect site sitting on your computer.

                  kay
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                  • Profile picture of the author NeilC
                    It's really best to go with what you intend to stay with from the start.

                    While it is possible to change your website like you mentioned it can be a tricky and involved process that requires some skill and knowledge to get right, get it wrong and you'll basically be starting again.

                    Try to remember what you need to do, if you want to make money with affiliate marketing then it's the marketing part that's important first, and you can always make your site look better as your traffic increases.
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              • Profile picture of the author Joe Mobley
                Originally Posted by Sokar408 View Post

                EDIT:

                You seem to put a lot of weight on using an actual server, instead of building the setting on my PC. Is there any reasoning behind this, other then taking the acting of paying for hosting and domain name, will motivate me to keep going?
                Yep.

                One is the huge waste of time mentioned above.

                Two is the self-deception that you are allowing yourself to participate in. That habit has to be broken.

                Three is the fact that when you have a problem with Wordpress on your PC, you will not know if it's a Wordpress problem, or PC problem. You are going to wind up fighting wars that do not need to be fought.

                More to come.

                Joe Mobley
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  • Profile picture of the author Tyrus Antas
    What are you going to do with PHP that is going to
    help you bring in links? If you're just reinventing the
    wheel(wordpress) you're better jumping to keyword
    research and content development.

    Advice from a guy who built his own forum, blog and
    membership software(massive waste of time).

    Tyrus
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    • Profile picture of the author Gail_Curran
      Trying to build a blog on your PC is not a good use of your time. Configuring a WP blog is easy, but you won't learn how to do it until you get a WP blog live on the Internet.

      Perfectionism is going to be your biggest enemy. Make a decision that your first site is going to be the ugliest, dumbest site ever. Just look at it as an experiment, as your personal training ground.

      The answer to all your questions is "just get started."
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  • Profile picture of the author cassie_camay
    wordpress will be a good idea to start. Since its basic approach while you are still learning PHP.

    If you have trauma againts hackers that might hack your account if you use wordpress change your username from "Admin" into something else.
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  • Profile picture of the author John Romaine
    Originally Posted by Sokar408 View Post

    Greetings

    I have little to no programming knowledge when it comes to html or php, or any other language.
    GOOD! Keep it this way. Ive met middle aged tuckshop ladies at Internet Marketing seminars who laughed in my face when I told them I was a programmer of 10 years. I was broke. They were making $10,000 a month, and they didn't even know what HTML stood for.

    Originally Posted by Sokar408 View Post

    Now I'm a perfectionist.
    You better change this habit and FAST. While you're fiddling around changing background colours and fade gradient effects on your website, to make it look "nice" Im making $1,000 a day.

    Originally Posted by Sokar408 View Post

    ...and I'd prefer spending 1 month of intense self learning in php, so I could make something really cool, and feel I had the freedom to do whatever I wanted.
    While your heads buried in text books and code, Im developing 3 websites a day that have the potential to generate $500 a month.

    Dude, seriously, FORGET ABOUT BEING A DEVELOPER!

    Originally Posted by Sokar408 View Post

    However, as affiliate marketing takes time to get rankings and so on, I was thinking it might be smart to just go with something that simplifies the whole thing a lot
    YES!!!! Please, repeat after me.....keep it simple! There's no point in spending 6 months designing a website that makes $3 a month. You have so many more important things to learn. SEO, backlinking, writing basic copy, etc etc

    Originally Posted by Sokar408 View Post

    Then learn what I need to learn to make the site more appealing.
    James Schramko said it best - IT'S NOT ABOUT THE WEBSITE!!!! Until you change your mindset, you're missing the whole point!

    Originally Posted by Sokar408 View Post

    However there is one thing that makes me doubt this approach, and that is; Will I lose my rankings, if I for example, make a site in XSitePro2, then take that down, and put up a site with wordpress, or whatever, with the same information, same file names, and same addresses, will I lose my ranking?
    Oh dude, seriously, this pains me to read. Please, PLEASE DONT make the same mistakes I made. Like you, I was a perfectionist, and I would spend a YEAR AND A HALF developing a site, hoping that it would "take off one day". I learnt more code than I care to remember, asp, .net, vbscript, php, javascript, dhtml, xml, oh god - it hurts just to think about how many THOUSANDS OF HOURS I wasted with my head buried in stupid code!!!!

    Theres a BIG DIFFERENCE between web developers, and Internet Marketers. Be sure you UNDERSTAND THIS!

    I need a lay down....
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    • Profile picture of the author Sokar408
      Originally Posted by ramone_johnny View Post

      GOOD! Keep it this way. Ive met middle aged tuckshop ladies at Internet Marketing seminars who laughed in my face when I told them I was a programmer of 10 years. I was broke. They were making $10,000 a month, and they didn't even know what HTML stood for.



      You better change this habit and FAST. While you're fiddling around changing background colours and fade gradient effects on your website, to make it look "nice" Im making $1,000 a day.



      While your heads buried in text books and code, Im developing 3 websites a day that have the potential to generate $500 a month.

      Dude, seriously, FORGET ABOUT BEING A DEVELOPER!



      YES!!!! Please, repeat after me.....keep it simple! There's no point in spending 6 months designing a website that makes $3 a month. You have so many more important things to learn. SEO, backlinking, writing basic copy, etc etc



      James Schramko said it best - IT'S NOT ABOUT THE WEBSITE!!!! Until you change your mindset, you're missing the whole point!



      Oh dude, seriously, this pains me to read. Please, PLEASE DONT make the same mistakes I made. Like you, I was a perfectionist, and I would spend a YEAR AND A HALF developing a site, hoping that it would "take off one day". I learnt more code than I care to remember, asp, .net, vbscript, php, javascript, dhtml, xml, oh god - it hurts just to think about how many THOUSANDS OF HOURS I wasted with my head buried in stupid code!!!!

      Theres a BIG DIFFERENCE between web developers, and Internet Marketers. Be sure you UNDERSTAND THIS!

      I need a lay down....
      First off, know about SEO, backlinks, and so further. Ofc I'm green, and I'm sure I have much to learn about this, however I do know how get things rolling with this.

      Alright I got yea, with this in mind this is what i'm gonna do.

      1. Keyword Research - DONE (but I'll revise it)
      2. Outsource content creation (Elance) -
      Making it very detailed what I want.
      3. Spend the time while the content is being doing, finding sites that I can use for off-page SEO (backlinks and so on), and possibly start looking for new products
      4. When content is recieved, launch a wordpress site, put the content on it, and make sure inter-linking, affiliate links, and whatever, is setup correctly.
      5. Spend a max of 4 hours fiddeling with the sites look, like putting up a relevant banner and so on (eye catchers)
      6. ???

      Now I suppose I should go indepth about Off-page SEO. I have some ideas with facebook, forums, and what not, but spending 5 hours with a webinar about the topic should probably be squeezed it.

      7. Repeat

      Making a couple of more sites, and try to get a lot of experience in keyword research (assuming its more complicated then I think it is right now), SEO, and backlinks, and all other sorts of ranking improvement topics.


      How am I looking so far?


      BTW, out of curiousity, how often do you experienced guys out there, see a site flop for you? By flop I mean make ZERO money, no matter what you tweak?

      Also, if someone would like to mentor me a bit while I get started, please contact me. I'm sure in the long run, it will end up benefiting you

      EDIT:

      Originally Posted by Kay King View Post

      ... Instead of trying to learn perfection in site building - spend that time writing content and get a site online.
      kay
      I'll be writing some myself, but wouldn't it be okay, if I can spend the money, to outsource the main content to professionals?

      Originally Posted by NeilC View Post

      Try to remember what you need to do, if you want to make money with affiliate marketing then it's the marketing part that's important first, and you can always make your site look better as your traffic increases.
      Yea I do see I got sorta off-track, thanks for setting me straight
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