Ultimate WSO Failure - Lessons I learned

39 replies
The first WSO I ever launched made me about $400.00. Not bad huh?

I was hooked. Time to create another product.

So I launched a product about Blogging. It is a course I put together about the psychology and strategy of effective blogging. When 500 people viewed it and no one decided to check it out, it was apparent to me that something was seriously wrong.

Problem Number 1: First, there was no definitive benefit. I didn't say "you will get this," or "be able to create this" as a result of buying my product.

Problem Number 2: Sloppiness. Now that I look at it (remembering the image in my mind), I realize how ridiculous the formatting and text looked. In a room (forum) filled with trained eyes, my WSO looked like sh**.

Problem Number 3: Are people in an internet marketing forum really interested in something that can help them be a successful blogger? Yes and no.

There doesn't seem to be much presence of what's called a "long term perspective." Sure I could write a WSO on how I made $400.00 in a week with my first WSO. That would have sold better.

Problem Number 4: I didn't study other people's WSO's, how they were written and how they were designed. I just went in blind, thinking the the product would do the job for me. I had no idea there was an entirely different world of precision out there in terms of copy, organization of images and other things of that type.

Problem Number 5: I didn't put it out there first for other people to criticize and give me feedback and possibly, reviews.

And more. There were a couple of other things wrong with it that made it sink but these are the main components. But wait, I forgot, the thing that actually made my first WSO successful, and hopefully the one I'm launching soon, I'M PASSIONATE ABOUT THE TOPIC! I love blogging, but not as much as I love SEO and Personal Development!

Thanks for reading friends.
#failure #learned #lessons #ultimate #wso
  • Profile picture of the author PaulMark
    Great attitude about lessons learned and helpful to us as well. Thanks!
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    Just PM questions : Paul answers questions about rapid product creation, recurring revenue and creating online training programs. Mark answers questions about SEO, organic traffic, & local business marketing.

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    • Profile picture of the author rcritchett
      Originally Posted by PaulMark View Post

      Great attitude about lessons learned and helpful to us as well. Thanks!
      Thanks Paul! Glad this was useful for you.
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  • Profile picture of the author keep.livin
    "Problem Number 4: I didn't study other people's WSO's, how they were written and how they were designed. I just went in blind, thinking the the product would do the job for me. I had no idea there was an entirely different world of precision out there in terms of copy, organization of images and other things of that type."

    how you doin my friend? i seem to remember something like this in one of our previous discussions, no?
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  • Profile picture of the author Mark K Thomas
    Thank you for your post, I am interested in doing WSO's and I am never sure how they will turn out
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    • Profile picture of the author rcritchett
      Originally Posted by Mark K Thomas View Post

      Thank you for your post, I am interested in doing WSO's and I am never sure how they will turn out
      Sure thing Mark!

      You'll do great. Remember those key things, have something people want, have a brilliant design and launch.

      Ship, learn calibrate.
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      • Profile picture of the author lometogo
        Originally Posted by rcritchett View Post

        ........... have a brilliant design and launch.
        I agree about good design. However, I'm very frustrated with my first attempt to put together an ad here.

        Actually, I've prepared an ad for the "warriors for hire" section. I created it all in Word with all the layout options - font, color, bold, underline, etc -

        I mistakenly thought I could just cut and paste it into the submission box. NO WAY.

        I contacted tech support, was told to activate the wysiwig option. I did so, but it still appears I need to create the whole ad from scratch, rather than just cutting and pasting my Word document.

        I have become so frustrated, I have paid $5 to put an ad on the forum to get someone to do the job for me.

        A very user-unfriendly posting system for ads, it seems to me.
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  • Profile picture of the author Brian Kerr
    Youch! I just launched a WSO. I might of fallen for that trap!
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    • Profile picture of the author rcritchett
      Originally Posted by Brian Kerr View Post

      Youch! I just launched a WSO. I might of fallen for that trap!
      Oh no! I checked out your WSO, it looks a lot better than mine did Brian!
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  • Profile picture of the author scortillion
    I agree RC, I made the some of those mistakes when I launched my first WSO. I'm getting ready for another one in a month or two and you bring up a few key things to remember.

    I looked over Ryan's eBook and he's being a little hard on himself. The eBook was actually pretty good and brought up some key points if you want to succeed. But I think people want to know what is this going to do for me RIGHT NOW! and not next month or next year.

    We live in a world of instant gratification and far too many people cannot see down the road beyond today. Ryan brings up some key point about success and blogging, but not the one that the instant gratification crowd wants to know about.

    Great post as usual RC!
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    • Profile picture of the author rcritchett
      Originally Posted by scortillion View Post

      I agree RC, I made the some of those mistakes when I launched my first WSO. I'm getting ready for another one in a month or two and you bring up a few key things to remember.

      I looked over Ryan's eBook and he's being a little hard on himself. The eBook was actually pretty good and brought up some key points if you want to succeed. But I think people want to know what is this going to do for me RIGHT NOW! and not next month or next year.

      We live in a world of instant gratification and far too many people cannot see down the road beyond today. Ryan brings up some key point about success and blogging, but not the one that the instant gratification crowd wants to know about.

      Great post as usual RC!
      Thanks man! I appreciate that. Thanks for commenting. I'm launching an audio program about online entrepreneurs and crushing it within the week! It's going to seriously dominate!
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      • Profile picture of the author Tim Wright
        Thanks for the post, Ryan. I hope to be doing a WSO eventually and the lessons you learned are very helpful.

        Great insights and great advice to others who follow.

        All the best on your next launch.

        With Kind Regards,

        Tim
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        • Profile picture of the author rcritchett
          Originally Posted by timowri View Post

          Thanks for the post, Ryan. I hope to be doing a WSO eventually and the lessons you learned are very helpful.

          Great insights and great advice to others who follow.

          All the best on your next launch.

          With Kind Regards,

          Tim
          Hey Tim,

          Thanks for commenting man! Glad these things are useful to you, you'll do great!

          Thanks for your kind words,

          Ryan
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  • Profile picture of the author Michael Newman
    Hello,

    Thanks a lot for this. There's a lot to learn from our ''failures'' (are they failures, if we can gain from them?). I was drawn to your thread because I tend to learn more on a deeper level from '' failures''. I become more reflective and analytical. I made a mistake in my first WFH thread and it's going to bring more moolah for me. Remember, Uncle Napoleon said something about ''every adversity containing the seeds of...''

    Michael
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    • Profile picture of the author rcritchett
      Originally Posted by Michael Newman View Post

      Hello,

      Thanks a lot for this. There's a lot to learn from our ''failures'' (are they failures, if we can gain from them?). I was drawn to your thread because I tend to learn more on a deeper level from '' failures''. I become more reflective and analytical. I made a mistake in my first WFH thread and it's going to bring more moolah for me. Remember, Uncle Napoleon said something about ''every adversity containing the seeds of...''

      Michael
      Uncle Napoleon! Yes sir, thanks for commenting Michael.

      Sure man, it's my pleasure. You're totally right, failure is it! It's what we need.

      I like how you said you get reflective and analytical, super powerful man.

      Thanks again for commenting.
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  • Profile picture of the author IMoptimizer
    Mistakes are part of the process. Congrats on getting over it. Once we learn from them, it's actually quite easy to work upon it.
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    • Profile picture of the author rcritchett
      Originally Posted by IMoptimizer View Post

      Mistakes are part of the process. Congrats on getting over it. Once we learn from them, it's actually quite easy to work upon it.
      You got it man! You're totally right.. it's a part of it.

      Thanks for commenting!
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  • Profile picture of the author socalkev
    PULL THE TRIGGER, that's the way to go
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  • Profile picture of the author andrea_vk
    Thanks Ryan for sharing your lessons learned. We can all learn from others mistake.
    Great attitude.

    Thanks for sharing.
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  • Profile picture of the author Evolve91
    I like your attitude of perseverance and being you are passionate about your topic there is little doubt you'll pull it off especially since you were able to see where you can improve. And the improvement never ends for anyone, ever. It's just part of the norm.
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  • Profile picture of the author Raja Kamil
    Great attitude Ryan.
    May I know, what your strategy to get back the WSO ?
    Perhaps, you've learned some lesson, and maybe you can get up strong ha?
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    • Profile picture of the author rcritchett
      Originally Posted by Raja Kamil View Post

      Great attitude Ryan.
      May I know, what your strategy to get back the WSO ?
      Perhaps, you've learned some lesson, and maybe you can get up strong ha?

      Thanks Raja!

      My strategy has a lot to do with what's called Modelling, in NLP.

      It's basically studying the micro components of what appear to be successful WSO's.

      The criteria for a successful WSO is the amount of replies indicating a sale, the positive reviews and among other things, the amount of time between replies, sales and the launch (dates).

      I also studied (and continue to study) what it seems people are interested in here in the forum. Obviously, we all want to earn money from our efforts but I'm looking specifically for what kinds of benefits people are looking for, among other things.

      Thanks for commenting man!
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  • Profile picture of the author Paulie Ciara
    magic bullets always sell like hotcakes. a shame really, because magic bullets are the death of productivity.
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    • Profile picture of the author MissLizzie
      Hey Paul - Thanks for sharing. Like everyone's says, your past mistakes will only make you a stronger, better person in the long run!

      Here's to your next WSO and I hope that you manage to make even more money this time
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      • Profile picture of the author ToniaLysan
        Hi Ryan

        Very interesting thread - thanks for being so honest!

        Just one thing....can you please explain again how your 1st WSO was successful (I didn't quite get what you said...) and also why you didn't do your 2nd one similar to your 1st one?

        Thanks alot and good luck with your next one

        Tonia
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  • Profile picture of the author martin_boyd
    It's always great to see that people are learning from their mistakes. It's even better knowing that you are willing to put yourself out there to benefit other people. There are so many mistakes people could avoid if they just listened to others who have already been there! Thank you for your post!
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    • Profile picture of the author rcritchett
      Originally Posted by martin_boyd View Post

      It's always great to see that people are learning from their mistakes. It's even better knowing that you are willing to put yourself out there to benefit other people. There are so many mistakes people could avoid if they just listened to others who have already been there! Thank you for your post!
      Great reply Martin! You're definitely spot on. Failures can be lessened, to a degree, by listening to other people who've made similar mistakes.

      Thanks for your comment.
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  • Profile picture of the author ryanbiddulph
    Super breakdown RC.

    I've made similar errors with some of my online ventures. I didn't take the time to study successes and bowled my way forward. Lesson learned.

    Thanks for sharing.

    RB
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  • Profile picture of the author paulie888
    Ryan, thanks for the insight. It does take some practice to get WSOs right, but I think that one of the major issues with your blogging WSO was probably the sales copy. If it didn't clearly communicate what you had to offer and what the major benefits were to the purchaser, then chances are it'd have gotten lost in the sea of WSOs out there.

    It's important to stand out and have a strong WIIFM (What's In It For Me) factor, as this is crucial in making your prospects want to buy your product. I find from experience that products touching on psychology tend not to sell very well as WSOs (with only a few rare exceptions), and without clearly defined and tangible benefits on offer, they tend to get passed over for something else more attractive.

    Paul
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    • Profile picture of the author rcritchett
      Originally Posted by paulie888 View Post

      Ryan, thanks for the insight. It does take some practice to get WSOs right, but I think that one of the major issues with your blogging WSO was probably the sales copy. If it didn't clearly communicate what you had to offer and what the major benefits were to the purchaser, then chances are it'd have gotten lost in the sea of WSOs out there.

      It's important to stand out and have a strong WIIFM (What's In It For Me) factor, as this is crucial in making your prospects want to buy your product. I find from experience that products touching on psychology tend not to sell very well as WSOs (with only a few rare exceptions), and without clearly defined and tangible benefits on offer, they tend to get passed over for something else more attractive.

      Paul
      Hey Paul,

      You're totally right. It didn't clearly communicate the benefits.

      Great insights, super valuable for me. Interestingly enough, but not puzzling, you're right, products touching on psychology really don't have much of an impact. I think it has a lot to do with the fact that most people believe psychology is way out of their realm of understanding.

      Ultimately, copy played a huge role. Thanks for commenting, great reply as usual Paul.
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  • Profile picture of the author Chris Dolan
    Thanks Ryan,

    Maybe having PLR with that WSO it would have worked. You have to think about the Warriors and what they are looking for - I have noticed that there is a limited appeal for products without PLR in here, because applying the techniques brings benefit to the user only, whereas PLR gives him both a benefit of applying the techniques and an additional profit stream.

    Best regards

    Chris
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  • Profile picture of the author kianhowe
    Wonderful post. You will become a great marketer because only people smart enough to acknowledge their mistakes will become successful!
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    • Profile picture of the author rcritchett
      Originally Posted by kianhowe View Post

      Wonderful post. You will become a great marketer because only people smart enough to acknowledge their mistakes will become successful!
      Thanks Kianhowe, great reply.
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  • Profile picture of the author Tony Edwards
    Great post Ryan.

    From your experience it seems as if a successful WSO has to be a balance between what the warriors want to buy and what you are passionate about. If your forget about delivering what the customer really wants you won't sell much. You might have a great product but the customer is only thinking "what's in it for me?"
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    • Profile picture of the author rcritchett
      Originally Posted by Tony Edwards View Post

      Great post Ryan.

      From your experience it seems as if a successful WSO has to be a balance between what the warriors want to buy and what you are passionate about. If your forget about delivering what the customer really wants you won't sell much. You might have a great product but the customer is only thinking "what's in it for me?"

      Man, you're totally right on with this.

      Good interpretation of my post! Thanks for commenting friend.
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  • Profile picture of the author rashamba
    My first ever foray over to the Mind Warriors section. This post caught my attention. Just wanted to say you are way ahead of 97% of the people on this forum by just launching a single WSO. Keep it up. Even if you bump couple of times, I would rather spend $120 to learn what to fix than spending twice that to read about some new techniques!
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    • Profile picture of the author NathanZad
      [DELETED]
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      • Profile picture of the author rcritchett
        Originally Posted by NathanZad View Post

        Hey Ryan,

        I hear you. My first WSO was pretty successful too, and my second is a bit slower than the first. What I always appreciate about your posts and responses is your candor and honesty. Just reading your story reminded me that setbacks are OK and not to take them personally.... just evaluate, adjust and move forward!

        Thanks again, man.

        Nate
        Nate! Awesome response bro. Thanks for saying that man, I need to hear that every once and a while. You got it, setbacks are ok ( I have to remind myself of that constantly ) and definitely, we shouldn't take them personally. Just an opportunity to refine.

        Great reply, thanks for commenting Nate.

        Ryan
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  • Profile picture of the author saralim
    Thanks for sharing your insight.I am planning to launch a WSO and found your post helpful.I would also be interested to see how you go with your next launch.
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    • Profile picture of the author rcritchett
      Originally Posted by saralim View Post

      Thanks for sharing your insight.I am planning to launch a WSO and found your post helpful.I would also be interested to see how you go with your next launch.
      Sure Saralim, thanks for commenting.

      I've since launched a WSO that went relatively well. Certainly not as well as it could, but one that pulled in sales and still does on a small scale!
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  • Profile picture of the author Mike McAleer
    Very good and it makes sense. Sometimes there are products that some people just don't want to buy because they are not interested in the subject. Don't worry about it.
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