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How it all began...

by simplewriting
12 replies
Hi there...

Since I'm new around here I though't Id share a little bit about myself and what works for me when it comes to IM...

I have been involved in Internet marketing since I was 15 years old...(I'm 18 now) I had no success for the first two years, I simply bought course after course and wasted my time trying to find a system to work with.

I started providing writing services about a year and a half ago and it was the first "real" money I had ever made. My dad (RIP) was a businessman and always taught me one thing... "Don't work for money... make your money work for you"

I love writing... But it wasn't fulfilling and I didn't make much money from it either ($1 for 100 words was simply not enough) So I decided to quit writing for content mills and write for myself instead.

I knew quite a bit about affiliate marketing and started building authority niche sites (I still provide writing services to fund my project, But now I charge no less than $12 for 500 words or sometimes even more, I know my punctuation is not up to mark...and honestly, I don't care:p. Because at the end of the day I still provide readable, quality content that gets syndicated over and over again)

I am now making approximately $50 a week from 2 sites. I know it's not much, but its a start.

I get my traffic via SEO and article marketing and Plan on expanding once I can afford to outsource the whole process. I still have a LOT to learn and have recently started writing copy for a few of my clients.

I always wait for some random person to ask me what it is that I do for a living, because its fun to see that look of disbelief on their face... Heck, I've even picked up a few offline clients from the gym I go to.

I love doing what I do and Its a very surreal feeling

Well, that is all... I hope many of you that are just starting out can draw a little bit of inspiration from this and work hard towards fulfilling your dream. I know its very hard to do so sometimes...But remember that all you have to do is take that first step and slowly start working towards your goals.

When you finally get "there"... You'll discover that going through all that trouble was worth it.

To your success,

Simplewriting
#began
  • Profile picture of the author Jordi
    This was actually a really good read. I might need you for a new writing service I'm coming up with. I'm glad you are actually making money now. For me its just so hard to land clients. I guess I'll keep trying though. Thanks, enjoyed reading this
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    • Profile picture of the author simplewriting
      Originally Posted by Jordi View Post

      This was actually a really good read. I might need you for a new writing service I'm coming up with. I'm glad you are actually making money now. For me its just so hard to land clients. I guess I'll keep trying though. Thanks, enjoyed reading this
      I just saw your warrior for hire page.. here are a few suggestions that I think will land you more customers :

      Be VERY clear about what you're offering...

      "One stop shop for ALL your design needs | Unique designs GUARTEED!! "
      (You dont have to use the same headline...I'm just giving you an idea)

      Introduce yourself and talk about your 10 years of experience in the field and your projects and how you can help your fellow warriors.

      At this point, you can ask for a call to action like "Lets talk about your project --Contact me now"... and share your email or skype address

      email
      skype id

      Next..make a neat list of all the services you offer along with samples of your work:

      "Here is the list of services I am currently offering: "

      * logo design
      * Flash website creation etc

      Assure them that if for some reason...they're not satisfied with your work you'll work with them until they're satisfied. And then again end it with a clear call to action.

      "so what are you waiting for... Just shoot me an email"

      *Your email*

      "We can also discuss your projects on skype:"

      *your skype ID here*

      Then make a Faq section to clear any questions people may have

      *faq's

      1) What is your turnaround time?

      For logos its just 1-2 days but it all depends on the size of the project

      2) etc...
      answer

      And in the end again ask them to reach you via email or skype if they have any more questions... and then

      share your email ID and skype Id one last time (This time with BIG BOLD font so Its noticeable)

      (I know its a little vague...But You get the general idea right? )
      I couldnt PM you so I shared it here.. Hope this helps
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      You're only as good as your last sentence...

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      • Profile picture of the author cashp0wer
        Thanks for sharing your story. At least you did not give up! Goes to show you if you keep trying you can start making some money. Now imagine where you will be in a few years from now.
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        My Internet Marketing Blog - Warts And All!
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      • Profile picture of the author PassiveIncomeTeacher
        Originally Posted by simplewriting View Post

        I just saw your warrior for hire page.. here are a few suggestions that I think will land you more customers :

        Be VERY clear about what you're offering...

        "One stop shop for ALL your design needs | Unique designs GUARTEED!! "
        (You dont have to use the same headline...I'm just giving you an idea)

        Introduce yourself and talk about your 10 years of experience in the field and your projects and how you can help your fellow warriors.

        At this point, you can ask for a call to action like "Lets talk about your project --Contact me now"... and share your email or skype address

        email
        skype id

        Next..make a neat list of all the services you offer along with samples of your work:

        "Here is the list of services I am currently offering: "

        * logo design
        * Flash website creation etc

        Assure them that if for some reason...they're not satisfied with your work you'll work with them until they're satisfied. And then again end it with a clear call to action.

        "so what are you waiting for... Just shoot me an email"

        *Your email*

        "We can also discuss your projects on skype:"

        *your skype ID here*

        Then make a Faq section to clear any questions people may have

        *faq's

        1) What is your turnaround time?

        For logos its just 1-2 days but it all depends on the size of the project

        2) etc...
        answer

        And in the end again ask them to reach you via email or skype if they have any more questions... and then

        share your email ID and skype Id one last time (This time with BIG BOLD font so Its noticeable)

        (I know its a little vague...But You get the general idea right? )
        I couldnt PM you so I shared it here.. Hope this helps
        Instead of leading with your own story, you should call a major problem that your customer has and then show how you solve it. Then you should continue by listing features plus the benefit that results from each feature.

        You also should include some social proof and testimonials. Finally, use price anchoring to show how your service will save your clients money.
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        • Profile picture of the author simplewriting
          Originally Posted by PassiveIncomeTeacher View Post

          Instead of leading with your own story, you should call a major problem that your customer has and then show how you solve it. Then you should continue by listing features plus the benefit that results from each feature.

          You also should include some social proof and testimonials. Finally, use price anchoring to show how your service will save your clients money.
          *takes out pen and starts taking notes*
          Signature

          You're only as good as your last sentence...

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        • Profile picture of the author Jordi
          Originally Posted by simplewriting View Post

          *takes out pen and starts taking notes*
          Originally Posted by PassiveIncomeTeacher View Post

          Instead of leading with your own story, you should call a major problem that your customer has and then show how you solve it. Then you should continue by listing features plus the benefit that results from each feature.

          You also should include some social proof and testimonials. Finally, use price anchoring to show how your service will save your clients money.

          Thanks you guys! I will reshape my thread, and rebumping it to see.
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  • Profile picture of the author imfusa
    WOW, it took 3 years to start making 50$/week, and in those 3 years you did not make any money. I can say that you are a very patient guy, i usually give up after 2-3 months.
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    internet marketing | seo services | check pagerank | web directory
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    • Profile picture of the author simplewriting
      Originally Posted by imfusa View Post

      WOW, it took 3 years to start making 50$/week, and in those 3 years you did not make any money. I can say that you are a very patient guy, i usually give up after 2-3 months.
      Haha.. I make $700-$1000 a month as a freelance writer (Sometimes, I make a LOT more than that if my clients ask me to write a sales letter for them) . But yes, this is the first "hands-off" money that I've made
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      You're only as good as your last sentence...

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  • Profile picture of the author joefizz
    Hey Simple Writing!

    Thanks for the share and the 'Johari's Window' about yourself. Your Dad's investment in you in repaying it's rewards...well done! You are a beacon to others. He was right by the way...

    Any Newbie's reading this should take note...persistence pays eventually!

    Llwyddiant!

    Joe
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    I am an Internet Marketing coach. Accelerate your performance here:
    FREE RESOURCES to help you...

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  • Profile picture of the author mosthost
    This isn't exactly as inspirational a story as 'Rudy,' but congrats anyways
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  • Profile picture of the author Smart Wordsmith
    Thanks for the interesting read. I'd say you have successfully pushed yourself through the hurdles. Things will gradually keep getting better as you move forward, as it did for me.

    By the way, your patience is remarkable.
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  • Profile picture of the author hydroponicclassroom
    That sounds good... I'm just starting, and it requires a lot of patience!..
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