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Author and Market diet book on Amazon to 300.00/month

by zenmn
46 replies
PATH:

Author and Market diet book on Amazon to 300.00/month


GOALS

-Tweak draft and submit book to Amazon

Build Sales funnel which includes:

-Dedicated website
-Landing Page
-Lead Magnet = Video learning module
-Email Subscriber List
-Beta Launch added 1-3-19
-Hard Launch added 1-3-19


Promotion:
A. You Tube
B. Facebook
C. Instagram


TIME FRAME

One Year
#amazon #author #book #diet #market #or month
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  • Profile picture of the author zenmn
    This is good timing.

    I've been following Shanks88 over the past year and listening to all the great feedback.

    Slowly but surely I am actually pulling something together.

    Got a plan at least -- thanks to several years of hanging out on the WF.

    It's not like I've been doing nothing.

    Over the years I have built a website. Started a blog. Learned to make my own graphics. Honed my writing skills.

    But as we have learned from the vets that-- DO MAKE MONEY--thats not enough.

    -You need to provide value.

    -You need a product of some kind

    -You need a funnel

    -You need to EXECUTE

    AND

    -You need to put the work in (it's more work and learning on the fly than I thought it would be)

    So ...

    This is my path. This is what I intend to do.

    Right now, I have my main website which is a kinda self help blog and now just finishing a dedicated website for the book.

    Next is the landing Page.

    Here is my todo list as of today:

    1. Submit last draft to Amazon (had a lot of back and forth here-some of it due to changes on KDP) Done
    2. Dedicated rough website for book (done)
    3. Landing Page (in progress)
    4. Lead Magnet (in progress)
    5. Email Subscription service (done)

    -zenmn
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    • Profile picture of the author savidge4
      because I can, I am going to ask a question... why are you bothering with a mailing list? Would seem to me you are creating friction IE a path other than conversion. IF they make it to your funnel page - SELL THE BOOK - OR if they goto your dedicated website, SELL THE BOOK. WHY place anything in the middle of that?

      Originally Posted by zenmn View Post

      This is good timing.

      I've been following Shanks88 over the past year and listening to all the great feedback.

      Slowly but surely I am actually pulling something together.

      Got a plan at least -- thanks to several years of hanging out on the WF.

      It's not like I've been doing nothing.

      Over the years I have built a website. Started a blog. Learned to make my own graphics. Honed my writing skills.

      But as we have learned from the vets that-- DO MAKE MONEY--thats not enough.

      -You need to provide value.

      -You need a product of some kind

      -You need a funnel

      -You need to EXECUTE

      AND

      -You need to put the work in (it's more work and learning on the fly than I thought it would be)

      So ...

      This is my path. This is what I intend to do.

      Right now, I have my main website which is a kinda self help blog and now just finishing a dedicated website for the book.

      Next is the landing Page.

      Here is my todo list as of today:

      1. Submit last draft to Amazon (had a lot of back and forth here-some of it due to changes on KDP) Done
      2. Dedicated rough website for book (done)
      3. Landing Page (in progress)
      4. Lead Magnet (in progress)
      5. Email Subscription service (done)

      -zenmn
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      Success is an ACT not an idea
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  • Profile picture of the author zenmn
    Good points Savidge.

    Some of the more successful models (starting up anyway) built momentum and relationships off their first book by providing over the top value.

    It's a formula I see often on the WF:

    1. Establish trust
    2. Provide value
    3. Build relationship
    4. Sell

    But ...

    I'll add three more:

    1. The list is a way of interacting with the very people (customers) that are actually in the arena you are selling in

    2. If I write another book I'll have some customers that I can bounce ideas off of, promote other offers to, do give aways etc;

    3. I've always wanted to set something like this up and need the experience.

    Gotta say though ...

    Your advice to drive leads to landing page and let it convert appeals to the minimalist in me.

    I've seen plenty of FB ads do exactly what you suggested ... but... they were established authors with books that had traction.

    Also have seen plenty of lead magnets/downloads given away from FB ads that get highly targeted customers into the funnel... first and foremost.

    So ....

    My intention was (long term)

    FB AD>Landing Page for sign up (direct purchase link will be there too)>Email Drip Series (valuable info from book to help people lose weight) >Sale> And because I now have a list I can interact with highly targeted audience. Possibly, promoting a second book; or highly relevant product I trust or created.

    Back to the grind!

    -z
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  • Profile picture of the author zenmn
    I learned the hard way that continuous improvement beats delayed perfection.

    Yep ...

    Unless I get a rough draft or framework up (live) I tend to stall. I see things more clearly and am more creative adjusting on the fly. But that's just me.

    The downfall (or upside?) of this approach is all the comments (well meaning) you get from friends and family. So, you may have turn down your sensitivity level a few notches.


    Completed yesterday:

    1. I realized that I should list the book on my self help site first and foremost (done) Amazon has a link generator so it was a piece of cake
    2. Posted a short promo video on dedicated book website. Background: I played around with an explainer video using Pagemaker several months ago. I wanted to: A. learn to create videos from basic PPT type software B. learn the you tube basics of posting video C. Set myself up for building out a you tube channel D. Cut my chops on creating forth coming video tutorial series
    3. Researched a good funnel system and have chosen something a WF member posted awhile back (once more I will stand on the shoulders of giants) It's from a guy named Declan O' Flaherty. It's called the "5 Page System". It's simple. Direct. Actionable. Essentially an outline- with visual examples- for a video series. I am mostly using copy and images right from the book so I do not have to agonize too much. I have few of the pages roughed out already

    PS; I know its been said time and again that spending the money on a pro to build these things would be prudent. But the way I see it? If I at least don't have a basic understanding of how to do it myself, I'll get taken to the cleaners.

    -z
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  • Profile picture of the author jbsmith
    If you haven't already done so, I would strongly advise getting your book/system into the hands of some of your market as early "beta" so that you can get some early testimonials and case studies - this will not only help build credibility considerably, but give you a leg up on much of the competition by "proving" results...

    Great work so far!

    Jeff
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    • Profile picture of the author zenmn
      Yes, that would be a good idea.

      I've added it to my goal list in the very first post.

      I think Amazon has an offer where you can give away your book free (download only)
      this feature would be perfect for a beta launch.

      -z
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  • Profile picture of the author savidge4
    Let me be a little more direct with this... are you Starting a brand that will make $300.00 a month.. or are you selling a book to make $300.00 a month? These are 2 TOTALLY different and separate things.

    Things like e-mail list and I might write another book or I need the experience or whatever else is a detraction from making $300 a month selling a book. You need to sit down and figure this point out. - because the general path you are on now is indicative of a train wreck.

    You need to think:

    A) you want to build brand around what ever it is your name your Company name what ever.. NOT YOUR BOOK. You need to develop the authority with this brand to create LEVERAGE.. you can then in turn use said leverage to sell the BOOK that would be a product of the brand.

    OR

    B) Strait up funnel sell the book... use the book as point of leverage in creating brand. HOWEVER - in doing this your BRAND will be one of an author - so its not about Maybe Ill write another book.. in order to progress this BRAND, you would HAVE TO write another book.


    Originally Posted by zenmn View Post

    Your advice to drive leads to landing page and let it convert appeals to the minimalist in me.

    I've seen plenty of FB ads do exactly what you suggested ... but... they were established authors with books that had traction.

    Also have seen plenty of lead magnets/downloads given away from FB ads that get highly targeted customers into the funnel... first and foremost.
    Do you understand the difference between the 2 approaches now? one is A REAL Author selling his / her book, and the other is probably an affiliate ( brand ) selling someone elses stuff

    Its not my dream, and its not my book.. I am just pointing out from experience where you are headed and the choices you have and the ramifications of said choices.

    Best of luck to you man
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    • Profile picture of the author zenmn
      Thanks for keeping it real Savidge!

      Need a little time time to process this.

      Don't want a train wreck--need this to be as parsimonious as I can make it
      -z
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      • Profile picture of the author zenmn
        Savidge ...

        I've carefully reviewed my plan and I think I have most of what you are suggesting covered.

        1. My main self help site will be the publisher/"brought to you by" (in the background) logo small print etc to build brand, trust and authority

        2. My first book is what I want to hit the 300/month with-- if I can't-- I will roll out another book--maybe try an affiliate product (book will be the focus or rather YOU losing weight quickly and easily)

        Of course the metrics have to be there.

        If I spend X on FB ads for Y number of hits to landing page ... and ... hits do not convert or there is not enough margin to cover X on said sales ... then ...I'll have to re-think my strategy.

        It's why I like the 5 page funnel system as it's set up to be evergreen or automated once people are in the funnel.

        I'll post the outline for system soon. I asked DeClan and he said the system has been used successfully for years and I was welcome to tweak it to my needs and share.

        -z
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  • Profile picture of the author Kay King
    I would think the thread below might be helpful to you - she stayed on track - outlines what she has done to REACH her goal. It's an excellent read.


    https://www.warriorforum.com/warrior...le-income.html
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    I thought growing old would take longer.
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    • Profile picture of the author zenmn
      I'll give it a read thank-you!
      -z
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  • Profile picture of the author zenmn
    Progress:

    1. The website I created for the book was to convert to sale. What I am creating with video series is in direct conflict. Trying to figure out a way to lay it out nicely. Gotta choose one or the other. (see savidge comment)

    2. Decided on: Headline/Ad: "Free Video Series (insert benefit) >WWW landing page with description and link to subscribe to video series (first and foremost) >followed by other benefits and features with link to buy the book now

    3. First video is done or sequenced rather --next I have to do the narration
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  • Profile picture of the author zenmn
    Who knew the hard part of writing and selling a book is not the writing part --Its the SELLING part!

    Here is basic layout of funnel system:

    (Note: I wanted something that was automated to certain degree so wether they landed there by accident/SEO/or Paid FB the process would take over.)


    In a nutshell it's Value-Value-Value-Offer

    In long form it's:

    1. FB Ad or other

    2. Squeeze/Landing Page/Sign-up

    3. Video 1>Video 2>Video 3>Sales Video

    Each of the videos will have it's own page

    The videos will be spread a day or two apart.

    There will be about 7 emails in all in the drip series recapping and/or introducing videos

    Prolly look something like this:

    Email 1 Welcome email that includes a link back to the first video in case they missed it in sign up process

    Email 2 Outline main points from video one and promote video two

    Email 3 Link to second video with some bullet points on what they will learn

    Email 4 Cover main points in video 2 promote video 3

    You get the drift.

    Email 7 will be pitch and link to a sales video for the book (note: I could place a related affiliate product here too)

    -z
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    • Profile picture of the author savidge4
      Lets look at this from the prospective of a "conversion" - a conversion by my definition is any action that is taken that has been asked to take. IE clicking on a link, or clicking to get on a mailing list, or ultimately a sale.

      Think about how many conversions need to take place before you actually get to the one that counts.. the sale.

      You are asking them to click an ad.
      You are asking them to give up their e-mail.
      You are asking them to open an email.
      You are asking them to watch a video
      You are asking them to open another e-mail
      You are asking them to watch another video.

      So on and so on and then at the point of completing 16 micro conversions you go in for the kill.

      Statistics suggest that for each point of conversion you loose about 3% - so lets say you get 100 people a day to click your ad. You will get 3 people to actually give you their email. you then are asking those 3 people to click click and click and at the end of the day you have reduced the 3 ( 3% of the original 100 ) well lets just say its a small number - as close to a zero as you are going to get.

      ok so the shear number of conversions is working against you.

      Now lets talk FB ads.. you are specifically targeting weight loss... but WHO are you targeting? Your SINGLE ad on FB will be lost.. Aside from someone that wants to loose weight.. there is no target. If I am going to target weight loss.. I am going after losing the holiday pounds.. New Years resolution related.. summer Bod, Bride bod.. a new healthy you. I would be TARGETTING.. my message is in no way wanting to speak to everyone.. I want my ad to be seen by a very specific group that will click the ad.

      My efforts would not consist of 1 video.. somewhere in the neighborhood of 10 at least, and depending on demo / psychographics maybe somewhere in the range of 40 different ads.. that would be as many different landers .

      Because you think you have too.. you need to create a single parallel creative as an offer a worksheet or a 3 day diet plan what ever it is.. you then send a thank you e-mail that would have a soft offer to the book, then the actual free creative and aan amount of text that explains how this piece works with the book - click here link to amazon.

      You flat out are over thinking this.

      You wrote a book on weight loss.. may I ask why weight loss? is there a personal story behind this.. or are you just thinking weight loss is a good topic to make money? Im not understanding the WHY in all of this..If I have a better idea of the WHY.. I could help you a lot more.

      Originally Posted by zenmn View Post

      Who knew the hard part of writing and selling a book is not the writing part --Its the SELLING part!

      Here is basic layout of funnel system:

      (Note: I wanted something that was automated to certain degree so wether they landed there by accident/SEO/or Paid FB the process would take over.)


      In a nutshell it's Value-Value-Value-Offer

      In long form it's:

      1. FB Ad or other

      2. Squeeze/Landing Page/Sign-up

      3. Video 1>Video 2>Video 3>Sales Video

      Each of the videos will have it's own page

      The videos will be spread a day or two apart.

      There will be about 7 emails in all in the drip series recapping and/or introducing videos

      Prolly look something like this:

      Email 1 Welcome email that includes a link back to the first video in case they missed it in sign up process

      Email 2 Outline main points from video one and promote video two

      Email 3 Link to second video with some bullet points on what they will learn

      Email 4 Cover main points in video 2 promote video 3

      You get the drift.

      Email 7 will be pitch and link to a sales video for the book (note: I could place a related affiliate product here too)

      -z
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      Success is an ACT not an idea
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      • Profile picture of the author zenmn
        Okay ...

        Back from my trip and getting settled in again.

        My efforts would not consist of 1 video.. somewhere in the neighborhood of 10 at least, and depending on demo / psychographics maybe somewhere in the range of 40 different ads.. that would be as many different landers .
        I'm getting it now!

        Slow out of the gate but once I catch on look out

        I think I will do just what you are suggesting:

        Instead several videos in a series I'll break them up into different customer groups/demographics and offers.

        I am warming up to it more and more.

        Just need to do my homework on who my customer is/is not.

        lets talk FB ads.. you are specifically targeting weight loss... but WHO are you targeting? Your SINGLE ad on FB will be lost.. Aside from someone that wants to loose weight.. there is no target. If I am going to target weight loss.. I am going after losing the holiday pounds.. New Years resolution related.. summer Bod, Bride bod.. a new healthy you. I would be TARGETTING.. my message is in no way wanting to speak to everyone.. I want my ad to be seen by a very specific group that will click the ad.
        Yes .... get LASER FOCUSED and Market Accordingly. I don't mind doing the work at all.

        Because you think you have too.. you need to create a single parallel creative as an offer a worksheet or a 3 day diet plan what ever it is.. you then send a thank you e-mail that would have a soft offer to the book, then the actual free creative and aan amount of text that explains how this piece works with the book - click here link to amazon.
        I have just the thing! I'll get started on the creative.

        You flat out are over thinking this.
        Yep. Feeling a silly right about now. But If I and others can learn from it... I'll take the lumps.

        You wrote a book on weight loss.. may I ask why weight loss? is there a personal story behind this.. or are you just thinking weight loss is a good topic to make money? Im not understanding the WHY in all of this..If I have a better idea of the WHY.. I could help you a lot more.
        Yes and Yes.

        Tried many diets, bought many books but it was a method I designed myself which melted body fat like butter off 4th of July BBQ Corn. (lame copy--just warming up--for the upcoming 40 landers)

        Over the years I've shared this simple method which included a simple tool to quickly design your own fat loss program that is customized to your unique needs and body type.

        (Talking minutes here)

        I'll need a little time to think it thru but I believe packaging up this tool in a PDF or video as a "creative" and then segue/invite them to buy the book ... is the direction I need to go (even though I went kicking and scratching)

        a conversion by my definition is any action that is taken that has been asked to take. IE clicking on a link, or clicking to get on a mailing list, or ultimately a sale.
        Yes, thanks for clearing that up.
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        • Profile picture of the author savidge4
          Originally Posted by zenmn View Post

          Instead several videos in a series I'll break them up into different customer groups/demographics and offers.

          I am warming up to it more and more.

          Just need to do my homework on who my customer is/is not.
          So before you get way ahead of yourself... You obviously want to create a list of targets and from there you want to select ONE as in ONE keyword term. Build the Ad creative and the landing page. Use this ONE setup to work out some of the bugs IE Maximizing click thru rate on the Ad, and conversion on the lander. ONCE you are happy with the results you can the set in motion SCALE and multiply your efforts with a WORKING base model.

          Originally Posted by zenmn View Post

          I have just the thing! I'll get started on the creative.
          I figured you might



          Originally Posted by zenmn View Post

          Yep. Feeling a silly right about now. But If I and others can learn from it... I'll take the lumps.
          Don't feel silly bro.. these are all things experience gets you.. Im just saving steps.. ive been there done that way to many times

          Originally Posted by zenmn View Post

          Yes and Yes.

          Tried many diets, bought many books but it was a method I designed myself which melted body fat like butter off 4th of July BBQ Corn. (lame copy--just warming up--for the upcoming 40 landers)

          Over the years I've shared this simple method which included a simple tool to quickly design your own fat loss program that is customized to your unique needs and body type.
          Go read this real quick: https://www.warriorforum.com/copywri...ast-night.html So its not just me saying this but others within this community I personally look upto in terms of selling / copywriting.

          YOU have a story - TELL THAT STORY and then pitch your little "tool" It helped me, it helped everyone I have shared it with over the years.. it will help YOU! Share your e-mail address with me in the box below and I will have this tool in your inbox shortly.

          on the THANK YOU page have a video presentation on how the tool works and THEN offer the book and make it more than clear the book is for purchase on Amazon. At this point in the funnel you will have built an amount of trust. they will see the value in what it is you are giving them in the e-mail, and stack its for sale on amazon and the book buy should be a no brainer.

          Originally Posted by zenmn View Post

          (even though I went kicking and scratching)
          I get it.. you have this process in your head.. you see what other people are doing.. and your rationalize your process based on thiers.. but its the little nuances that make all the difference in the world. And more often than not the fewer moving parts the better.

          Best of luck man!
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  • Profile picture of the author zenmn
    Right now I am working to create a FB/Instagram Ad.

    Spent a lot of time sorting through old pages of copy I wrote to promote the book in its original form.

    Some of this stuff goes back two years.

    I had copy parked all over the place!

    Word, Word Pad, Notes, One Note and I even had several sales letters and posts in Wordpress.

    (note to self-need workflow for writing copy)

    Also found some older -not so good -social media posts I recklessly/hastily constructed just to learn the social media ropes/game


    One thing was very clear -- I was NOT focused.

    So ...

    I took all the copy in its various forms and categorized them:

    1. Sales Letters
    2. Headlines
    3. By lines
    4. Content
    5. Keywords

    From those categories I put together themes.

    The first one I am working on is (inspired from an old post on instagram) is a "Take the Challenge"

    The second one is a "New Year" New Body approach

    The third is a focus on the method itself; example "Lose 20 pounds using simple method designed by frustrated serial dieter." May even feature/name the method itself which is in the title of the book.

    The Next steps are:

    1. research Key words

    2. build my customer profile/s (demographic)

    3. write copy/headline/hook > which includes Call to action link "Get it Here/Take the Challenge/free down load etc"

    4. Create graphic or use graphic form book

    5. determine delivery method >They will get the info immediately with either a video or written how to.

    6. A soft sell or invite to buy the book will be included
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    • Profile picture of the author savidge4
      Originally Posted by zenmn View Post

      5. determine delivery method >They will get the info immediately with either a video or written how to.

      I would do both... offer viewing the video instantly... supply the same material written as a reference with a link back to the video ( not on your sales page ) for even further reference. Keeps you in contact with a consistant message the first couple of contacts.
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      • Profile picture of the author zenmn
        Agreed!

        The grind continues
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  • Profile picture of the author zenmn
    Designed three different FB ads also started working on Instagram ads ... but thought I'd better tackle one social media delivery at a time.

    Now I am working on a 1-2 minute video/s ... while also wading thru setting setting up pixel, retargeting, ad delivery, dimensions etc; BIG learning curve here

    -z

    PS; i did google adwords many years ago to help a friend - that was easy compared to this
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  • Profile picture of the author ryanbiddulph
    Cool! Dive right in and enjoy. Build sales offsite too. I sell through my blog, guest posts and promoting OTHER bloggers, who do the same, gobble up my reads. Simple process for generous, persistent self-published authors. See it through.
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  • Profile picture of the author Odahh
    i have a question.. how much are you selling each book for ..and how much profit do you make from each book at least after printing costs and amazon fees ..

    and are you setting the 300$ goal from sales at retail price .. or profits ..

    so is you are selling the book for 25$ ..do you need to sell 12 copies a month to hit the 300$ .. or are you making 10$ profit on each sale so you need to sell 30 copies

    or do you know these Numbers at this point ..
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    "I just wanted a good job ,but i could not find a good job, So i do it myself"-Jack Ma

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    • Profile picture of the author zenmn
      Good question:

      Book price is set at 9.99.

      Profit 6.74

      Goal 300/month profit

      That means I'll have sell 1.5 books/day which is 10.5 books per week

      I will of course subtract what ever FB charged for the CPC from that number .... meaning ... the number of units I sell will have to go up and/or I find another way to get me to 300/month profit


      Note: All overhead will be subtracted (including my time)in the end.

      In short: 300.00 in sales (to get a feel for the metric)
      End Goal: 300.00 profit (adjusting/tweaking/scaling to pocket 300.00 monthly)

      PS; been dealing with a mother in the hospital --more complications (sigh) that's part of business though
      --having to push forward after a gut punch
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  • Profile picture of the author Odahh
    here is my advice then ..put the effort in to write a book you can sell or much more ..if you are planning a one book thing.. and no back end like workshops or seminars or speaking gigs .. which is why many people who write diett books write diet books.. as a loss leader for a back end ..

    sell your diet book at the 20-30 $ these books sell for ..

    you can do the hard work of putting out a book priced at the higher price point .. or you can do the hard work after you release the book at a much lower price to sell 5 to 10 or 20 times as many copies to make the same amount of money

    and i remember the stress of a parent in the hospital.. from taking care of my parents the last few years of their lives..what really important is what is really important
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    "I just wanted a good job ,but i could not find a good job, So i do it myself"-Jack Ma

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  • Profile picture of the author zenmn
    That was my origin plan --charge a much higher price and do all my own marketing.

    Quite suddenly I decided on Amazon... thinking that I would get more exposure/eyeballs.

    That's not how it works!

    I must admit ... having a third party [amazon] handle all the transactions was appealing.

    Good idea to look at some higher price points and consider what kind of monetization I can do. Thank-you. I see a third party-- on amazon --has the book listed for 31.00 ?! I hear there are bot programs that grab certain books and push the price point up snag random unaware buyers.

    -z

    PS; thanks for sharing that you went thru the parent crisis too ... very sad, very stressful, very real
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  • Profile picture of the author Odahh
    now i'm going to throw out a silly idea ..sense you have different thing to do for each body type ..write one book for the higher price with all the body types .. but have a shorter kindle type eBooks for the 9.99 for each body type ..and a website set up for people to figure out their body type before they buy the e book .. version

    there are models available now in 2019 .. say as an author ..where you don't need to go through publishing companies or book stores .. so you can sell books in parts on amazon ..and char 7 bucks for 50 pages
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    "I just wanted a good job ,but i could not find a good job, So i do it myself"-Jack Ma

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  • Profile picture of the author zenmn
    That could actually work

    I have different advice for where ever someone is in their weight loss journey.

    That advice/tips/strategy could definitely be broken out to different books -or at the very least--as savidge pointed out --used for targeting.

    -z
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  • Profile picture of the author zenmn
    UPDATE:

    Made several FB ad templates and chose the one I am going with.

    (decided on the "tell the story approach" as FB prefers something that looks/sounds more like a post)

    Since I changed my strategy midway I will need to go back and tweak website, video, thank-you page and build new lander so there is some uniformity.

    -z
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    • Profile picture of the author savidge4
      Originally Posted by zenmn View Post

      UPDATE:

      Made several FB ad templates and chose the one I am going with.

      (decided on the "tell the story approach" as FB prefers something that looks/sounds more like a post)

      Since I changed my strategy midway I will need to go back and tweak website, video, thank-you page and build new lander so there is some uniformity.

      -z
      Uniformity is good! LOL

      Keep up the work man.. your getting there
      Signature
      Success is an ACT not an idea
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  • Profile picture of the author zenmn
    I think I have everything tweaked to my liking.

    All the pieces are complete and I have them side by side so I can see the flow.

    FB AD
    Landing/Page
    Download Page
    Thank-you
    Product
    All copy for above
    Still fussing with the video (I may plunk down the money and get camtasia)

    It's not going as fast as I'd like but its moving!

    On another note ... I picked up a side gig.

    Website/Pitchdeck/logo/branding for a bio tech company.

    Of course they need it all .... "NOW!"

    Been a fun project so far.

    Oddly enough...

    I am using all the skills I've been learning on the fly publishing and marketing this book!

    -z
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  • Profile picture of the author GiorgioGD
    Well, this looks like a solid goal. Just make sure your FB ad copy is compliant with Facebook's regulations (weight loss is a tricky one).
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    • Profile picture of the author zenmn
      Good call GG ...

      I did not even look at their requirements.

      Two of my images must be redone.

      -z
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  • Profile picture of the author zenmn
    Okay .... I'm back ...

    My side gig took a little longer than anticipated.

    But ...

    They got a website and pitch deck and are now doing their roadshow.

    (Deep breath)

    When I left off I was looking to post an ad on FB with a link to a landing page for a free download (video and or PDF)

    PDF download is done. Roughed out a few ads. Changed some images (some images had before after illustrations-FB does not like that)

    Two things I am working on now:

    1. The video (my last draft of many drafts) was too long.

    2. I am using Keynote and converting it to video. However, I think Camtasia would make better product. It would mean more time learning a new software; but in the long run I'll be ahead

    If I am tracking right-- I create a post on FB --essentially my ad--it looks like a post--and then click promote/boost?

    There are several selections and terms I am not familiar with but I'll figure it out.

    -z
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  • Profile picture of the author zenmn
    Had a thought while editing video.

    I have everything I need for a PDF download giveaway, why not start with that?

    Then ...

    Try the video download giveaway and maybe both together.

    I used a WP plugin to manage the downloads.

    Now that I know ads start as posts I went ahead posted my ad drafts on FB and IG.

    I'll make a few more tweaks before "Boosting".

    But ...

    Everything seems to work: Ad>link to landing page>download link (PDF)

    Woot!

    -z
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  • Profile picture of the author agmccall
    While I am not a Kindle author I have read quite a bit on the subject and one thing I notice is you are not taking advantage of the many free and paid promotion sites for books.

    https://kindlepreneur.com/list-sites...-amazon-books/

    Kindlepreneur is a pretty good resource for everything Kindle

    al
    Signature

    Broken promises don't upset me. I just think, why did they believe me?
    ~Jack Handey~

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    • Profile picture of the author zenmn
      Originally Posted by agmccall View Post

      While I am not a Kindle author I have read quite a bit on the subject and one thing I notice is you are not taking advantage of the many free and paid promotion sites for books.

      https://kindlepreneur.com/list-sites...-amazon-books/

      Kindlepreneur is a pretty good resource for everything Kindle

      al
      Thank-you!

      I will give that a go once I get this FB/IG dialed in.

      -z
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  • Profile picture of the author Oziboomer
    I didn't notice whether you were adding FB pixel to your links and website so you could build an audience and then market to them and a lookalike audience at the same time.

    Using those two audiences coupled with conversion as the tracking metric tends to get the best results from Facebook for anything I do.

    Best regards,

    Ozi
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    • Profile picture of the author zenmn
      Originally Posted by Oziboomer View Post

      I didn't notice whether you were adding FB pixel to your links and website so you could build an audience and then market to them and a lookalike audience at the same time.

      Using those two audiences coupled with conversion as the tracking metric tends to get the best results from Facebook for anything I do.

      Best regards,

      Ozi
      To tell you the truth I was a bit overwhelmed just getting a basic funnel going and totally forgot about the pixel thing.

      It was on my radar at one point.

      The way you just explained is a great strategy and I'll add it to my plan.

      Thanks!

      -z
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  • Profile picture of the author zenmn
    Update:

    I happened to look at my Pinterest Boards and I have almost 5,000 views and 2-300 engage monthly.

    So ...

    I threw together a Pin with the Download link.

    Paid for 10.00/day for 5 days.

    We'll see.

    Five downloads so far and I am only a few hours into it.

    I suppose I could of just pinned it with no campaign and see what happens.

    Don't think that's enough eyeballs for anything significant to happen.

    Note to self: Maybe I will create some cool pins that link back to the website and see what I get.

    -z

    PS; preparing for the big snowstorm in MN! Only rain so far.
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  • Profile picture of the author zenmn
    Pinterest results
    50 bucks/12.7k impressions /9 saves /178 clicks /52 downloads/ no sales

    I had a friend look it over and he said I am giving to much info away.

    I will tweak the next campaign to NOT give it all away.

    Happy I am getting downloads and saves--gives me some confidence I have some value to share.

    Next I am going to set up a campaign with Amazon directly. They will place the book with other like books. I get 150 characters additional copy.

    Stay tuned.

    -z
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  • Profile picture of the author zenmn
    Okay ...

    Considering many changes for my next run at this to sell my book.

    I just did the KDP promotion/ad buy; but was stingy with keyword bids.

    It was more just an exercise to learn the system.

    In the meantime I am taking advantage of the KDP free download feature so you can finally
    get a look at my funnel (such that it is)

    Would appreciate it if you would have a look and tell me what you think and make suggestions.

    https://www.facebook.com/TurnMaker/

    The funnel starts with a post on FB (this is a post only-you can turn this into an ad once you pay the $$$)

    Anyway ...

    You can see my landing page from here /see the download magnet/ link to amazon for free book (next 5 days)

    -z

    PS; Yes I know ... the amazon link in magnet/giveaway does not work. Not sure what happened. Its on the fix it list.
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  • Profile picture of the author zenmn
    Okay ...

    25.00 dollars spent on FB promoting free download. 7k impressions. 17 Free downloads were completed from free KDP book offer.

    My magnet download has 73 downloads so far.

    No book sales yet on this run (sigh)

    I admit the funnel needs some tweaking and I could be more laser focused with FB combined with pixel ...

    ...But ...

    I am feeling the need to load up a youtube channel with how too's to make these offers more personal while working the challenge angle (challenge ad had the most downloads--most were woman).

    Need to think on it a little.

    -z

    PS; for the money Pinterest had the best return/eyeballs/downloads/saves
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  • Profile picture of the author IGotMine
    In my opinion, you are way overcomplicating things.

    Do the "Five-page" site. Use it to motivate people to buy the book. Tell them what to do for free in your videos. Tell them how to do it with the book.

    The "Five-page" method is designed to demonstrate pain-points and then demonstrate your ability to make the pain go away. Every video presents a problem, then solves it and presents a new problem that will be solved in your next video which people can only access through your email series.

    Drive traffic to your site! Get people on your list and train them to click through your follow-ups. Segment your list to people who have watched all four videos and those who did not. Send different offers to each segment. If people watch all four videos, they are highly qualified to buy from you.

    You can always expand after you are getting some traction. Good luck.
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    Gone Fishin'...
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    • Profile picture of the author zenmn
      Originally Posted by IGotMine View Post

      In my opinion, you are way overcomplicating things.

      Do the "Five-page" site. Use it to motivate people to buy the book. Tell them what to do for free in your videos. Tell them how to do it with the book.

      The "Five-page" method is designed to demonstrate pain-points and then demonstrate your ability to make the pain go away. Every video presents a problem, then solves it and presents a new problem that will be solved in your next video which people can only access through your email series.

      Drive traffic to your site! Get people on your list and train them to click through your follow-ups. Segment your list to people who have watched all four videos and those who did not. Send different offers to each segment. If people watch all four videos, they are highly qualified to buy from you.

      You can always expand after you are getting some traction. Good luck.
      Working on it now!

      Just gotta get thru tax hell.

      Thanks IG
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  • Profile picture of the author agmccall
    you might want to get rid of the fake review on Amazon. Anybody that has ever tried or did lose weight knows that 20lbs in a month is BS. Reviews for a book are a very important part of your marketing strategy. they need to be legit

    al
    Signature

    Broken promises don't upset me. I just think, why did they believe me?
    ~Jack Handey~

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    • Profile picture of the author zenmn
      Thanks for the feedback

      actual book buyer and review ...

      ...but yes ...

      Sounds too good to be true.

      I will consider removing it (I am assuming I can?)

      I've had others say 10-15 but never a 20.

      Many people get excited for the first results but don't understand that 10 lbs of it was water weight they
      lost by simple cutting down all the sodium (clearly spelled out in book)

      Funnel Feedback from others:

      1. Change the title and sub-line

      2. "Kicking Fats Ass Forever" that slang may hurt placement

      3. Re-arrange title and content and sell direct thru dedicated website

      4. You tube youtube you tube

      5. go back to original plan -- and be patient -Dedicated website with a more direct "Present problem, solve problem approach" was, rinse, repeat,"

      6. Use traditional book selling methods like Author presentations (book selling in the back) , podcasts etc

      Came out okay on the tax front. I used a free software "Wave" and connected to my bank account. It automatically place monthly expenditures to correct line in the ledger.

      Biggest expenditures 2018:

      A weber
      Hosting
      send owl
      Domains
      Mktg (FB/Pinterest/Amazon)
      New printer
      iPAD

      Surgery on my foot end of May.

      I am setting up a small office space in the house to accommodate several weeks of recovery while still being productive.

      -z

      PS; not going as fast as I thought it would ... that's mostly on me. Have to get better at allocating/managing time between job, family, life ... and BUSINESS!
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