Frustrated and Stuck

My understanding of this is that you want something unique which nobody has before....
Not many people in the world will have so much luck to come up with very unique ideas etc

My advice is don't try to think that you will dominate niche / product etc.... but instead try to make your share in that niche / product...
thats what most of the marketers are doing...

Good luck

We have all felt that way sometime or another.

You don't need to come up with original ideas to make money. It's pretty difficult to come up with something original nowadays, although there's always the possibility.

Do not eliminate the ideas that you are passionate about. Your passion for them is what is going to get you through the hard times and long hours. Think about improving on other peoples models and overall improving the lives on your potential clients or visitors.

Forget about trying to reinvent the wheel, the chances are you'll fail. Instead take a market in which there is considerable interest, that is already supplied (aka there are already active BUYERS in that market), and give a fresh perspective on it - make it unique to yourself.

Gurus don't bother with trying to invent new things/niches all the time, they invent new perspectives on/in existing niches.

99/110 you show me a Guru who feeds a niche, and I'll show you another feeding the same niche.

To be honest with you. Just about all of the niches online that most people think of are taken. You have think outside of the box if you want to find something unique.

Also remember that competition is not a bad thing. It's just evidence that there is money being made their. The best way to compete in a competitive market is to create your own angle.

One thing I understood early on is that there will always be competition regardless of what market or niche I choose. There may be a few open ones from time to time. But in the end you just gotta get in the trenches and differentiate yourself from the competition.

Of course all the obvious ideas are taken. The internet started to gain popularity what, two decades ago? Now think of all the webmasters out there. It's inevitable that your idea will already be taken. What you must do instead is focus on a different angle for an existing niche.

You will find competition everywhere online - fierce competition, very discouraging. You have to be ready to face a big battle to get to the top.

You have to face this battle, and believe that you can give something to the world. Your personality and your work will help you find people who will agree with you and will like your style.

If you will believe that you have nothing special to offer to those who will believe in your solutions, you will never manage to beat the competition.

Even if your solutions are the solutions given by others, the way you will give the same solutions to your audience is very important.

How many stores sell exactly the same products? Why do some people prefer one or another store?

Because they believe that they have an advantage there. You have to give an advantage to your audience for preferring your work.

Even your kindness with your potential customers can be a factor that will help you sell your products, or the affiliate products you will recommend.

Thanks for the advice, you're right I need to stop trying to reinvent the wheel and come into a niche with a different angle, guess I gotta work on being a bit more creative

I know the feeling.

It depends on what your proposed traffic-sources are going to be, I think?

If you're going to depend on search engines for traffic, then probably it matters, yes. But if you're going to depend on search engines for traffic, then almost everything "matters" in the sense that it becomes difficult, poor-quality, competitive and replete with other inconveniences and drawbacks too, doesn't it? So that's more or less a "constant factor", really?

If you're going to generate your traffic without depending on those Bryn and Page guys and their motley crew, then it's a whole different ball-game, isn't it?

I write, and get my work published directly in front of people who are already known to be interested in my niche, so that "search engines don't enter into it, mate."

Advice, yes ... "value" is in the eye of the beholder.

I advise you not to depend on search-engine traffic. Non-SEO traffic is a good way to get more than just an "edge" over competitors. Its overall quality tends to be so superior to that of Google traffic that it can even be a way of forgetting "competitors" altogether. I don't like to put time and effort into trying to attract "organic SERP's" traffic, for two main reasons. First, it's very precarious and makes your business Google-dependent, and any business that's Google-dependent is no more than one algorithm-change away from a potential accident (or even a potential disaster), as so many Warriors have been finding out over the last year or two, some of them to their very great cost. Secondly, for me, search engine traffic has been uniformly the worst-converting traffic out of everything I've ever tried in 8 entirely different niches over the whole of the last 4 years - search engine visitors to all my websites typically stay the least time, view the fewest pages, opt in the least often and actually buy anything by far the least often. I admit I do get tons of search engine traffic to all my main sites (because high rankings for multiple keywords happen to be a minor side-benefit of the main targeted traffic-generation method I use to build my business) but I'd certainly hate to have to make a living just from that traffic, or to make specific plans to try to increase the flow of that sort of traffic. I prefer almost any other traffic-source.

I suggest that when you find a new idea that has been implemented, research more about it and similar ideas, then the combine them into a product that will dominate their market.

You can start small, turning articles to pdfs, then make an ebook, or try to find a way to make a daily task easier. Once you start generating some ideas, maybe more will come to you. Try carrying a pen and paper with you, and write down little ideas as they pop into your head.

"Frustrated and Stuck"

Basically, someone told you it's easy to make money on line, or you read some scam stories about how people make "$637 a day" and you fell for it?

Let me give you some advice Chuck, making money online is just as difficult as any other job in the world. We just have fun doing it and we don't need to leave our armchair (although I have since learned that's a negative thing - I do have some regrets about not working in an industry where I get exercise instead of needing to pay for and go to the gym before (or after) work.

Anyway, how about you find a job where you're willing to put the effort in to get the rewards from?

It's really hard to come up with new ideas because almost everything has been taken. But it should not stop you from venturing into that niche you love. I think thinking of dominating a certain niche right after you started working is impossible. Just give it a try, it's all about your commitment and the time you gave into the project that will matter.It's hard work.

Hey Cipha.
ever heard the phrase "riding the coat tails of success" ?
If you find it already out there it usually means it works!
Just try to make yours better ! and take your 'chunk' of the market

All the best

Steve

No need to be unique. Google didn't invent the concept of search engines. When they came to the scene Yahoo and some others were dominating the scene. Look what they have done. They just did it better/different.

Plenty of examples like that. Businesses with similar concept can co-exist and be profitable. Coke and Pepsi, McDonald's and Burger King, Domino's and Pizza Hut, Walmart and Target etc.

One thing that is unique is your personality. Try to put a little bit of that in your business and find an angle, you will be good to go.

All the best

Tanvir

The existing guys could always do with some good and healthy competition dont you think? Even in the offline world new retail stores keep keep sprucing up. It doesnt matter if they exist, strategy is what is key. Look at their gaps and strategize on hitting them hard there.

Put things this way, Facebook wasn't the first social network site, if Mr Zuckerberg thought with the same process you have been then he would not be a billionaire.

If people are visiting them niche sites then there is interest, what you need to do is make yours the best, that is easier than trying to create something that is completely original.

You want Unique but that doesn't mean it ha to be original.

Competition is a good thing ... It just shows that there is money in that market or idea

- Shawn

It seems to me that you want to dominate a niche and since you saw others already doing what you want to do, you scrap the idea very fast. I would not do that.

What ever your idea is, I would go with it and then create your own website. Sure, I don't recommend that you copy what your competitors are doing but if you just sit there and brain storm on how you want your website to look, you will find a way.

You should take a look at their website and get some ideas for yourself but again, never copy someone else's ideas.

When you see that others are doing what you want to do, that is a good sign because you know right there and then that there is a market for what you want to sell.

My suggestion would be to continue moving forward until you find the right idea. Yes, you will probably have competition and that is a good thing. Just stay positive and continue researching for the right niche. Good Luck!

Facebook copied MySpace
Google copied Alta Vista

Both Facebook and Google are considered innovative company's. Its not always about having some totally new idea, much innovation is done when you improve and perfect something existing.

Nope, that does not matter neither should it stop you just look at how many grocery stores exist in one city and around the world they all for the most part sell the same things, apples, bananas etc but do they still make money heck to the ya. So don't let this stop you my friend I see so many websites focused around the same thing but people are making money with the same methods. Moreover, the very fact that you see so many websits on the same topic is proof positive that it's a good idea whatver Idea you have.

It will all come down to your marketing strategy. There are very few niches online where you wont find some sort of competition. Just because a niche is slightly competitive, it doesn't mean that it's not profitable.

Really good feedback from everybody. Everyone covered what I was thinking anyway. You can pick one of the in-demand niches and wear it out! Remember that you simply have to be faster than the other runners in the race. They are all competing for the same goal, but there is plenty to go around so don't get discouraged.

Good luck on your endeavors my friend.

With so many people trying to make money online, it can seem like the opportunities are all taken.

But 95% of these people are all trying to make money the same way - the "make money fast" niche/approach using affiliate programs and MLMs.

So how do you be different and be successful? Here are a three ways:

1. Create A PHYSICAL Product: With everyone trying to sell ebooks online, you can stand out with a physical product even if it is digital at the heart by creating printed DVD packages or packaging for SD cards or USB drives that hold your product.

2. Create Tools: Instead of being one more "guru" with the inevitable "secret forumla" ebook, look around and see what tools are needed online. Then hire a talented programmer to create the tool. Most people online won't want to incur these kinds of costs so you stand out and have less competition.

3. BE The Product: Some people make it based on personality. They are people that other people love to follow. Michelle Phan did this by posting makeup "how-to" videos on Youtube that gained a massive following. Think about how you can make your uniqueness come alive.

I can do a brainstorming session with you to help you identify YOUR special opportunity.

If you have competition it means people are buying, and buying is good .. so the more competition the better (in most cases)

All you have to do is research your main competition and find out how they make themselves profitable while still giving more value than the other guys.

Find out who's doing really well (by researching) and there are some really good tools for researching properly, some free, most paid.

Then create an offer that's better, or offer a better user experience, or, or , or... you really have to do research ... or you could just make your offer better than the rest of the competition and not the #1 .. take second place until you figure things out, it's not about being #1 right away if you're new, .. just get in there and make some money, and if there's competition then there is definitely money.

As far as advertising goes, it depends on your budget... and if you want to save money don't use google right away, there are a lot of other advertising companies that give you great traffic for literally a fraction of the price of adwords where a $1 click @ google would only cost .05 to maybe .15 on another advertising site. The trick is knowing which advertising companies to use and which ones not to depending on your preferences.
Some companies want a deposit of $100 or more... some of them are more moderate at $25, but it all depends on what you're driving the traffic at and how well it converts.

It's Fine if you're great idea is similar to some one else's as long as you have a different angle in pursuing it.

For example in almost any city you will see a burger or barbecue restaurant then a couple blocks down you will see another selling the same thing -- yet both of them stay in business?!?!

Do you know why...

Because each restaurant has its own unique angle in making and selling their food. One might use hickory wood, while the other uses a special home made sauce.

So as you keep thinking of ideas on how to create your website -- try to think outside the box and find a new way of looking at something that no one else had.

I guess there's no point in going out to meet people, is there? Since that's what lots of people do.

I think you're suffering from a condition called SEO. You don't have to start at the top - competing with the world for random search traffic.

Start with your own sustainable interest. Learn and create, refine, and keep making connections. It's so confusing - but when you're honest with yourself, the rest will come naturally.

Be honest with yourself and others. The rest is a big hairy mess. Good luck.

Yes, you should be bold to try, to succeed.

Yeah,you should proceed with your plans regardless of competition.
Never fear competition. Focus on doing things a better way then the other websites. Sit down and go through the three first pages of google step by step. Is there a red line in all the websites that can be done better? Can you offer a better service then these websites?

You got to know your "enemy". Figure out there weak spots. Become a real competition to them. Are they selling a plr product for $19.90? Well..Go ahead and sell the same product for $19.90 WITH a bonus product.

The key is to DO SOMETHING!

To many people trying to get online, or even in some offline endeavors, what to plan and research and come up with reasons why it won't work.

They are right, it will NEVER work by just thinking about it. Take ACTION and do SOMETHING!

Actually its not about doing something new but rather doing something proven and add your own flavor to it.

My best advice is to get a mentor or find a mastermind group. This way you don't have to keep guessing what to do next.

It really is the most frustrating when you are doing this whole thing alone...

Try taking an idea that is already out there along the same lines of what you were thinking and just put your own spin on it. You can take these ideas that have already been used and use them as a front end or back end product/offer. You don't have to completely recreate the wheel, just try to brand your name on it

It does not matter how many sites or ideas you similar to yours but the are operating within your niche market?

Just because they have their sites up does not mean that they are experiencing success. It all depends how well you are marketing to your product niche.

Be the first to think outside the box, try things that nobody else have thought of, and see what kind of results you get.

I feel the same way. I have spent almost 1,000 dollars on products that just aren't working. I have been marketing for only 2 months and have successfully had 2 of my sites rank #1 on Google but no money has been made. I figured since i have a strong sales background i should be able to generate SOMETHING! I mean being the top sales associate for 5 major companies wasn't easy. All i really need is a mentor to who has had the success I want to give me advice NOT products.

I want to have success with 1 site before i open up anymore sites or buy products. Affiliate marketing seems to be the best method. Where can i go here to find a good mentor?

You probably won't come up with a new idea by just thinking of it. It is like looking at a car and trying to invent something better. It does not work this way.
You have to choose a niche and work in it for a while to understand all the problems and then try to solve some small stuff. It seems like everything has been invented already, but in reality, the more we know, the more open problems remain - ask any scientist

Good luck!

Firstly, let me congratulate you for being human. Everything single one of us has felt these emotions at one point in our IM careers so you are definitely not alone.

Secondly, don't over-estimate the competition. Remember the majority of websites and webmasters don't have a clue about IM/SEO so they won't have optimized pages.

Keep learning from your mistakes and don't stand still. It took me 2 years to make it and I had many failures along the way.

Hi there,
What I'm going to say right now has already been said before, but the truth is there's nothing new under the sun. Don't just wait for that amazing, unique idea to come up, instead you can do a little research into what's been done before, and try to get a fresh perspective on them. As each of one is unique, I'm sure you can see at least one thing like no one has ever seen it before, and that also includes a certain niche or a product. You can simply take a piece of paper and something to write, and put down the ideas that come to your mind while you are doing the research. I'm sure you'll come up with something great and unexpected!

Don't worry about finding something new. You don't need to re-invent the wheel. Look at what people are making a success of online, and do your own spin on it.

Waiting for the perfect idea - is not a good idea! That does not mean that something amazing and world changing may not occur to you, just that the chances are very low.

What would you do in the meantime - starting and working on something you love to do could be a good idea.

There are very few original ideas in business. Most stuff is recycled - differing only in packaging. Yet lots of companies are doing that and making profits. What that means is - one can do the same thing others are doing and still do well.

Just take any subject that you are interested and try and be the best at it. Learn all you can and find new ways to solve problems. In every field there are problems. The guy that solves them, takes the money...

If your frustrated and stuck then stop what you are doing. The best way to make money online is to create a product based on your knowledge. Then position yourself as an expert in that field. Then get affiliates to drive traffic to your website.

AND.... Quit looking for easy solutions. They do not exist. As long as you believe they do you will just keep wasting your time pursuing them. I have seen this far to often. People wasting time when they could be following a proven plan, but instead keep looking for same easy way out.

Don't try to come up with an original idea or something new or innovative. There's something about the act of trying to come up with something new that inevitably leads down the same paths, the same trains of thought. Try to make something new and you'll always be behind the curve.

Scrap new. Revisit your own life and pay careful attention to it. What annoys you, what pisses you off? What are the problems you've had that have troubled and annoyed you? What do you dislike or hate about the world? Make a list of all of these problems. Then make a list of all the ways these problems might be solved. Make them outrageously bad, don't worry about it. You want to get generative.

Once you've got a list of all sorts of ideas for solving all sorts of REAL problems that piss you off, start trying to connect these "solutions" with real-world circumstances. Look for potentially sustainable business models. Specifically, what would YOU pay for? If YOU would pay for something, chances are that there are thousands of people around the world who would pay for it too.

Identify a REAL problem that YOU have that YOU would PAY to SOLVE. I was frustrated with the choices of t-shirts I had, and so I printed t-shirts that I wanted to wear, and it turned out that all sorts of other people were into it too. I didn't do it because I wanted to be new or interesting, I did it because it was a problem that needed to be solved.

This is the sort of mindset that Elon Musk has that built Tesla and Paypal and Solar City and SpaceX. What are the problems? What needs to happen for these problems to be solved? How do we solve these problems? How do we build a business model around it?

Good luck. Don't ever, ever give up. Failures are stepping stones to success. Your ideas will get better and better, and you will create real value in the world.

Or maybe you should quit while your ahead...

The fact that someone has (or a lot of people have) done something before shouldn't dissuade you. All that means is that the market for whatever it is has been proven to exist. Go ahead with what you want to do and grab your piece of the pie.