3 BIGGEST things that made me FAIL at internet marketing

33 replies
My first 7 months of internet marketing sucked ass.

I failed, majorly, over and over.

Here are 3 biggest things that made me fail over and over in internet marketing and how you can avoid these in order to succeed in making money online.

1) Chasing shiny objects

This is also in conjunction with thinking the grass is greener on the other side - always thinking there is a better method out there. As an internet marketer, your job is to do everything you can to grab people's attention. Unfortunately, for novices who are just starting out, this creates the perfect playground for "shiny object syndrome." Too many offers promising too many good things.

People who succeed, focus. To be honest, most internet marketing offers say (more or less) the same thing. And a lot of it you can learn for free!

2) Learning paralysis

Fear of failing is was causes learning paralysis. We are so afraid of risk and losing money, time or effort, that we focus all our energy on over analyzing and end up getting stuck in a learning loop.

"What logo should I use?"
"What is the best theme to use?"
"Will this offer convert?"

Too many questions, not enough ACTION. Testing is the only sure fire way.

3) Not attacking a buyers market.

I spent a lot of time targeting "How to bake a cake" type of keywords. When I instantly started making more money for my effort was when I targeting buyers. People who were looking for reviews or comparing products or people looking for the "best xyz."

Best way to go about this: Examine products that you actually use in your life. If its a established brand, there is a high chance you can make an online commission off it somehow. Either they have an affiliate program, or amazon sales it

Lesson

Internet marketing is pretty simple to understand guys. Just remember, it will ALWAYS come down to these fundamentals...

-Target a hungry/buying market
-Create/find a good offer that targets that market
-Suck that market into your offer

Test and tweak those processes and you will be make money in no time!
#biggest #fail #internet #made #marketing #things
  • Profile picture of the author WarGasm
    I know the first two have been plaguing me for quite some time now. I imagine its something all newbies go thru.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6578070].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Elizabeth Fee
    Hey but it's great that you recognized your failures and learned from them. I can't imagine that anyone just getting started doesn't fall into one of those pit falls at some point in time. I also think that unless you live through these lessons, you may never get anywhere as well. Failure is part of it, and if you live it you will have something to gauge your wisdom against.
    Signature

    Elizabeth Fee
    The Niche Mom - My personal blog to inspire and guide you towards earning an income online.

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6578099].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author lovboa
    Banned
    Nice list.

    I've been suffering from #3 for the first year online.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6578137].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author rmolina88
    I still tend to suffer from #1 if it can help my business grow faster.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6578146].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author smodha
    Focus and action are the 2 biggest qualities for success. I know guys who aren't that smart and yet they crush it on IM. Their secret is very simple. Focus and find a method that works and keep repeating.

    Nobody has to reinvent the wheel to make money on-line...
    Signature
    I Sell What People Want. The Money Is A Bonus..
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6578164].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author webpeon
    omg not only did I do number (1) 6 years ago with my first attempt at breaking into the Web market. I did it again when I came back this time around.. What a rat race that was. I'm happy to say no more shiny objects for me, although that dream car is looking better everyday.

    number (2) was a killer for me, coming from a coding background where everything has to be 'exactly' right. dots and dashes in the exact correct position I found it hard not to try get everything IM related perfect as well. This is the biggest learning curve I am facing at the moment.

    Find that niche and work it, and keep working it, things only improve over time
    Signature
    Web 2 Mobile
    The Future of The Web
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6578528].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author marcuslim
    So very true. The shiny object syndrome is very very deadly. It promises instant gratification without the pain. But if something is too good to be true, it probably is. There are no magic bullets, but there are shortcuts, and these shortcuts are about finding someone successful and modeling after them.
    Signature
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6578603].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author himanuzo
    Failure is a stepping to success. Don't give up!
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6579277].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author deesonjame
    Chasing shiny objects is definitely one of the largest blockades to success. I have personally experienced it many times and probably still do so, even though I'm not keen to admit it .

    Choosing a market is also pretty tough as you will always doubt if it will make you money in that particular niche. My advice is to go all in
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6579618].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author satish4321
    Banned
    [DELETED]
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6579771].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author mmg1865
    Great Post, it is ALL about the Niche !!
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6580804].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author kayfrank
    I like your second one - learning paralysis. This is one I am most likely to get stuff on! I have so many things buzzing around my head!

    I now use a mindmap - free software (Xmind) to just pop my thoughts down in a relevant category then I can keep my thoughts organised!
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6580882].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Maurene
    Your post just reminded me of my own shortcomings. Thankfully, I just climbed out of #1. On the other hand, now I'm floundering even more in #2 and #3 and am clueless as how to escape.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6580900].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author brookman12
    I'd definitely agree with those. I wasted so much money on useless shiny objects i nearly gave up before I invested in a mentor and have never looked back since. This way you can follow someone you can trust who has been there and done it.
    Signature
    If you're are a complete newbie and want to learn how to make a six figure income from someone who has spent $1000's on mentoring from the some of the best people around like Alex Jeffreys check out my blog at www.paul-brookman.com
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6580905].message }}
  • I'm not sure I understand how you "failed" if, according to your signature, you make $1,000 per day... :rolleyes:
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6580942].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Google AdWords
    Banned
    [DELETED]
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6581504].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author cashp0wer
      Great post - now that you know why you failed you can succeed. The shiny object syndrome was one that I had big problems with when I first started so I can relate to that one.
      Signature
      My Internet Marketing Blog - Warts And All!
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6581617].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Exel
    Lesson

    Internet marketing is pretty simple to understand guys. Just remember, it will ALWAYS come down to these fundamentals...

    -Target a hungry/buying market
    -Create/find a good offer that targets that market
    -Suck that market into your offer

    Test and tweak those processes and you will be make money in no time!
    You've summed up Internet Marketing nicely.

    If You Have Customers You Have Business - doesn't get any simpler than that.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6582132].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author HostWind
    I think these are stages we all go through, and important ones at that. Anyone who thinks theyve never failed has a lot to learn.. It is where your foundation is built
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6582147].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Dan Allard
    Hi asiancasanova, I suffered from those as well. Another thing that held me back was wanting everything to be perfect. I'd create a product but wouldn't launch it because everything wasn't right or the timing was off. Then I learned you have to stick to deadlines no matter if the product is 'perfect' or not (most often it will never be).
    Signature

    Facebook page for inspiration & JV opportunities-

    facebook.com/WantrepreneurToEntrepreneur

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6582953].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Tarismo818
    Chasing shiny objects has been my failure as well always dreaming too big, never living in the moment.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6582987].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Nicole7575
      Wonderfully summarized ! A very successful entrepreneur once told me the rule to succeed online: "work from 10 AM to 10 PM for 10 years..and you might succeed"
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6583293].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author Mena Jo
        It's the over analyzing that gets me. I over think way too much, but being aware of that trait helps me recognize when I need to just get on and do.

        My latest sticking point is choosing a blog theme - I'm just going to flip a coin on this one and be done with.
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6583390].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author greenowl123
    It is like the guy who has a hamburger or hot dog stand across the street from a busy construction site. There are lots of eager customers every day who want to buy what he is selling.

    Think of internet marketing in the same way.
    Signature
    Free 40-page eBook "How To Earn With CPA Offers"
    + 14 Free Traffic Training Videos -
    Click here now. (no opt-in required)

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6583354].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author seedebtrun
    Great post...

    Your #3 really has my mind spinning... As I hadn't considered this before. It sounds so absolutely right on.. Targeting customers who are posed and ready to spend, makes so much more sense than targeting general queries. Brilliant..
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6583600].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Jasonsc
    Great list. I think you're spot on with all 3 of your points but mostly the first one! It can be so easy to get distracted from what you're currently focused on - "this is so difficult ... perhaps I should buy this WSO which claims to lead me on a step by step program to making $500 a day!"

    "Shiny object syndrome" as you so eloquently put it really is a form of cancer for people who are new to internet marketing. It's far to easy to come to the conclusion that "nothing works, and everyone's claims are false".
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6583706].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author michaeljcheney
    Signature
    Get Free Email Marketing Tips, Tactics and Strategies[URL=https://www.emailmarketingsecrets.org]
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6583770].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author asiancasanova
      Originally Posted by michaeljcheney View Post

      Ha, nice list! Good one on "learning for the sake of learning." Sometimes people just learn for entertainment.

      Yeah that's another interesting thing that I see with WSOs especially, its like buying a WSO is like going to the movies.

      Anyways, I'm reading through all the comments, and really loving that I struck a chord with people. I hope you use this an inspiration to do something productive.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6586391].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author myladeybugg
    Great post! Just went through #2 recently. Decided not to worry so much about it being perfect and start taking action, and I have made huge progress! Thanks for the tips!
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6586533].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author flamewave
    I think that 3 is a big truth. Targeting buyers is the best advice I was ever given.
    Signature

    Messenger Chatbot Marketing Systems - https://m.me/jaygriggschatbotbuilder

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6586565].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Anoopchawla
    Actually if a person can get rid of first 2 weaknesses he will eventually able to get rid of the third weakness.
    Signature

    Free Training: How To Turn What You Already Know Into A Profitable Digital Product:
    https://teachandberich.com/

    [Done For You] Web Design Business In A Box (Zero Technical Skills Required)

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6586772].message }}

Trending Topics