The Smart Infopreneurs Resource Center

Written on March 8th, 2005 at 04:03 am

by Darren Rowse
Interview with Joel Comm

Pro Blogger Interviews 15 comments

Joel-CommA few weeks ago I stumbled across a thread on a discussion board discussing the success of a website owner who was claiming that he was earning $15,000 per month ($500 per day) using the Google Adsense program - not only that but he had released an E-book about it. The guy being discussed was Joel Comm, the owner of the successful Worldvillage.com, blogger at joelcomm.com, co founder of ClassicGames.com which was bought by Yahoo and is now Games.yahoo.com and author of What Google Never Told You About Making Money with Adsense and Chitika eMiniMalls Secrets“>Chitika eMiniMalls Secrets (aff. links). Joel is a net entrepreneur who has been making a living online for 10 years and who has a story that inspires me every time I read it.

The more I read about Joel the more I wanted to interview him for this blog. Whilst he’s not making a living from his blog - Joel has a decade of experience from making a living online and has a lot of great advice for bloggers trying to make money from their blogs.

ProBlogger - Joel thanks for giving us your time this way - can you briefly tell us a little about yourself? Who is Joel Comm?

Joel - I am a 40-year old computer enthusiast from Illinois, happily married since 1989 and father to two beautiful children. I got bitten with the computer bug at the age of 16. I remember my mother asking me, “What in the world are you going to DO with a computer?” Many years later, she finally understands! I remember dialing out on my 300-baud modem (the kind where you have to place the phone receiver on the the modem in order to use it) and thinking that I had “arrived”. Little did I know what the coming years would bring, as computers became more a part of my every-day life….

ProBlogger - Can you list the web projects that you are currently involved in? Which is your major focus and how did you start it? Did you start it with a commercial venture in mind or other motivations?

Joel - I have dozens of web sites, but a few that my main focus. In 1995, I launched Worldvillage.com as a family-friendly alternative to much of the “unfriendly” content that was beginning to sprout up on the world wide web. We primarily featured software reviews and downloads, but eventually expanded to clean chat rooms, regular articles, shopping, freebies and a whole lot more. I did have a business model in mind when I started the site. I saw opportunities for publishing free content and supporting the site entirely with advertising, a model that has persisted to this day.

ProBlogger - When did you start monetising the site? What are the main methods of generating an income from it that you use?

Joel - I have tried just about every kind of income method that isn’t immoral or illegal. You won’t find any gambling, tobacco or porn ads on my sites. But I have used a slew of banner networks over the past ten years. I have participated in hundreds of affiliate programs, becoming one of the early adopters to Amazon’s associate program (back when dirt was new!) >From CPM, CPA and CPC to banners, popups and popunders, I’ve done just about all of them. I rode the wave of the web from 1997-2000 and I survived the crash of 2001-2003. I am pleased to say I am riding the wave once again, and hope it stays this way!

ProBlogger - do you have a favorite banner network or affiliate program that you can tell us about that might be suitable for bloggers?

Joel - I am very pleased with TribalFusion.com, though they do have minimum requirements for traffic as well as an editorial grid. I like websponsors.com and lynxtrack.com for CPC and CPA offers. But Adsense is still the BEST deal of all for publishers, in my estimation.

ProBlogger - You run a blog at joelcomm.com - How and when did you first discover and enter into blogging? Why do you blog? What advantages do you see in blogging as opposed to other online mediums?

Joel - I started blogging in mid-2003. My sites certainly had my own personal flavor to them, but blogging allowed me an outlet to speak my mind and share thoughts on whatever I wanted. Whether discussing politics, presenting a movie review, or just sharing some cool links that I find, I love the ability to instant publish in the blog format.

ProBlogger - You were half of the team behind ClassicGames.com (which was bought by Yahoo and is now Games.yahoo.com) - how long did it take to build this site into an entity that you could sell? What was the process of selling? Ie did Yahoo approach you, how did you decide how much it was worth to sell for?

Joel - I approached a young programmer in late 1996 when I discoverd that he had created the foundation for a great java-based game site. It was a functional site that allowed people to play hearts, spades, bridge, checkers, chess and a couple other games in a multiplayer format. It was a hobby for the programmer, so I asked him to join me in a partnership to expand the site, and develop it into a premier game room. He took me up on the offer and ClassicGames.com was launched. In mid-1997, we were experiencing fantastic growth. We had over 600 concurrent users logged in at our peak, so I began shopping the site around to the leading search engines. The majority of them were still stuck in the “we’re a search engine” mentality, not having the vision to see where the portal business was heading. However, Yahoo was the one site I did not contact. On the contrary, they contacted me and inquired as to a joint venture with ClassicGames.com. After a meeting in San Jose, we negotiated a deal and they bought the site, along with my partner who became their Chief Game Yahoo! for seven years.

ProBlogger - Is the building up of websites for eventual sale something that you are doing with Worldvillage.com? Would you recommend this as a way to earn an online income - what advice would you give to bloggers (and other website developers) wanting to develop sites for eventual sale?

Joel - Worldvillage.com is my baby. It would take a SIGNIFICANT offer to buy it from me, more because of its personal worth to me than to its actual worth to someone else. I have fielded offers for other sites and sold a few, but most people aren’t willing to pay my asking price. With the exception of ClassicGames, I have never really developed sites for the purpose of selling. I see them more as playthings that I can mold in my hands, creating something new and hoping people enjoy it. If they do, the site creates an annuity that allows me to live the kind of lifestyle I enjoy, as well as give back to others who are less fortunate.

ProBlogger - What is the best and worst thing about earning an income online?

Joel - The BEST thing about earning online is there is no limit to what you can make. If someone works hard, produces quality content and is willing to tough out the rough times, a person can make a LOT of money. The downside is the same as any entrpreneurial work. There is always the risk of failure. Let’s face it. There is NO job security. If Google or the other search engines drop you from their listings, there is big trouble. I try to diversify my properties significantly and am always building new sites. That way, if one revenue stream ceases to flow, there is always another to try to take its place.

ProBlogger - You’ve just recently brought out an Ebook titled What Google Never Told You About Making Money with Adsense – can you tell us a little about your experience with Adsense? How long have you been using it? Why do you like/use it? Apart from getting your E-book – what advice would you give to bloggers wanting to use Adsense?

Joel - I started dabbling with Adsense when they launched their program in June 2003. My earnings were pitiful, so I didn’t pay much attention to it for several months. When I heard what some of my associates were making with Adsense, I revisited my code and began testing and tweaking a variety of different code placements, ad colors and ad blocks. What I discovered blew my mind. I added Adsense to more and more of my pages, all the while watching my revenue increase. Over a period of three months, I went from making $30/day to over $500/day! I began sharing my newfound discoveries with some friends an associates. When they saw their Adsense income take off, they suggested that I compile my tips and tricks into an ebook, which is exactly what I did! “What Google Never Told You About Making Money with Adsense” has been on the market since January 2005, and is already helping HUNDREDS of site owners to increase their Adsense income. I get email every day thanking me for sharing my tips. It’s very rewarding on several levels.

For bloggers, I highly recommend using Adsense on all of your pages. Banner networks are looking to advertise in certain niches, but Google’s context-driven ad delivery system is no respecter of content. It is such a brilliant idea, I wish I’d have thought of it! It doesn’t matter what your topic is, Adsense will display ads relevant to your particular focus. If you aren’t using Adsense on your blogs, you are leaving money on the table. And if you are doing Adsense incorrectly, you are probably not maximizing your revenue. Again, this is why I wrote the ebook.

ProBlogger - Have you found writing an E-book to be a worthwhile and profitable experience? Do people buy them?

Joel - The ebook has been extremely popular. I think its success is due to several factors. First of all, the Adsense topic is hot. Thousands of site owners see the opportunity to enjoy an income stream just from putting a snippet of HTML code on their sites. With Adsense on the rise, my ebook is a perfect example of entering the right market at the right time. Secondly, my story is true. People want to know that the ebook can provide them with useful information that they can apply immediately. My Adsense report is on my web page for all to see, lest there be any skeptics. My success can become anyone’s success, if they apply what I teach. There are way too many “get rich quick” ebooks on the market, and they certainly sour people’s attitude on the ebook. But I believe delivering a quality product at the right time is a sure key to success. Finally, I have partnered with many other site owners who have introduced my ebook to their audience. A good affiliate program is a MUST for ebook sales to prosper.

ProBlogger - Where do you see your online activities as being in 5 years time?

Joel - Well, I have made it ten years, so five more doesn’t look that far off. The face of the Internet does change rather quickly, so there is no telling for sure. Ideally, I will have built a growing empire of sites that continue to provide quality content and attract a large audience.

ProBlogger - As someone who has been in the business for 10 years - what advice or encouragement would you give to bloggers with a dream of earning an income online?

Joel - “Follow your passion. Discover what topic or cause excites you and write about it. Soak up as much information as you can on your topic and devote yourself to becoming an expertin that arena. Whether your gift is humor or insightful commentary, hone your writing skills and blog DAILY. Involve your readers in the discussion by soliciting their input and comments. Many years ago I read a book that was titled “Do What You Love, The Money Will Follow”. While not universally true (there are many underpaid teachers who love their jobs), I have found this principle to be true for myself and many others.”

Article Resource Box - 5 Keys to Prospect Pulling Resource Box
By Hendry Lee

Resource box is a vital virtual real estate that is part of an article. If in the article you give away good information, the resource box is your turn to take away something. In article directories, and other sites as well, your article is competing with other things such ads. It is important that you write powerful resource box so the readers click on your link instead.

Here are 5 keys to write prospect pulling resource box:

1. Offer benefits.
The readers always tune in the WIIFM (What’s In It For Me) frequency. You have to broadcast within the same frequency if you want to readers to hear you. Give them solution to their problems is one powerful way to grab their attention.

2. Give, give, give.
Just because you already give away good information in the article doesn’t mean that you can now sell your product or service.

The article is there to build your credibility, but that’s not enough. You want to over deliver and give them even more information.

3. Concise and to the point
People are busy and only have little time to read articles, let alone your resource box. Summarize your resource box only for the most essential message.

4. Call to action
People expect to be told what to do after reading your article. If they don’t know what to do, they keep looking for something interesting to click on.

Giving the readers a place to go that can benefit them is a surefire way to get those clicks.

5. Make it a live link
Allow the readers to click on your link easily by making it live. If you can use anchor text around your keywords in the resource box, use it. They are great for search engine rankings.

Do you want to learn the secrets about article marketing? I drive 5,238 unique visitors to my site each month, and I’ll teach you how to do it.

Download your free article marketing strategy guide plus 2 free article templates and other goodies in the “Net Marketing Start-Up Kit” from http://successloop.com/templates.html

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Hendry_Lee

A Beginners Guide to Making Money On-line
by Bruce Galle

To begin making money on-line you need to start at the beginning.
I do not mean to sound negative right off the top, however to many sites out there make it appear easy to make instant money on-line. The very first piece of useful information I will give you is that most all of us do not succeed overnight. If you truly wish to make money you will need to spend at least a few hours a week on-line part-time to start. If you are currently unemployed, I would suggest 40 — 60 hours a week.

DO NOT quit your day job to start an Internet business unless you are financially set. In time with perseverance you may succeed and work full-time on-line! There are thousands of folks just like you and myself doing just this!

Think about how you want to make money on-line. Usually I suggest either something you are familiar with and have a passion about or you can try affiliate marketing.

The first would be perhaps a hobby. Why I suggest this is simple. You already have a passion for it and are knowledgeable on the subject. Your passion will shine through when writing on the subject or answering questions others might have on the subject.

If you are not into any hobbies, you can try affiliate marketing. There are numerous ones available today, whereby you market products and or services of other companies and get paid a percentage of the sale. To have a look at few good affiliate programs, go to MakeMoneyOn.com and click on the affiliate programs link on the left menu.

Once you figure out what it is you want to do to make money you will need a domain name. To understand this better, all web sites are actually tied together by a distinct set of numbers known as an IP address.

EXAMPLE: 192.52.63.2

A domain name is tied to the said IP to make it simpler to identify with and to go back to at a future date.

Which would you rather remember, the above IP address or MakeMoneyOn.com?

Your domain should be short and reflect your business entity. In other words, you would not want MyPet.com if you were building a web site pertaining to making money. You would also not want to have to advertise something like HowYouCanMakeMoneyOn-lineToo.com as it is confusing to remember.

Take some time in trying to find the right domain for your business. You can search and even get your domain from Order Your Domain, http://OrderYourDomain.com. Notice the short but yet very descriptive name for this site!

Next you will need a web host for your domain. This is a company that will set you up on an IP address, linking your domain to the said address. Most web host offer a variety of packages to choose from. If you are new to the web site concept and have no knowledge of HTML, what web sites are written in, do not worry. There are numerous hosting companies, which offer point and click type solutions today, offering a variety of templates.

One such place to get setup at is Order Your Domain as it offers not only the point and click type setup but also other hosting solutions for the more advanced. In fact, right now, once you choose a domain name, you can register it here and on the check out process, you will be given a chance to select a hosting package if you are in need of one.

You can try a 3 month FREE trial of the Sitebuilder (WsB) Simple! You can cancel anytime within the three month FREE trial.

Don’t procrastinate getting your on-line business setup. Follow your dreams starting today.

If you have any questions, please use the Make Money Discussion Forum as I will be checking regularly to assist you and others.

Bruce Galle A successful on-line entrepreneur since 1996 showing others how to make money online, http://MakeMoneyOn.com. Sign up for his free news letter and get your FREE AdSense Cash Generator report!

Five Tips For Amazing Website Copywriting
By Peter Bletchen

Want to improve your website copywriting without hiring the professionals? Follow these 5 simple rules and transform your copy.

1 - Keep your language and your writing style simple. The web is a very informal medium, so keep sentences short, avoid jargon and make sure you avoid ambiguous statements or overblown language. It’s harder to read from the web than on a page, so write in short chunks. Use headings and sub-headings, bullets and tables to help break up any long paragraphs. It’s also useful to highlighting key words and sentences by making them hyperlinks to other information. Cut your words down by 50% for the web by cutting out any redundant words, waffle and repetition.

2 - Turn features into benefits. “Sell the sizzle, not the sausage”
Always ask yourself what is a benefit to your reader. Concentrating on features themselves is boring and dry - So what if you’re selling a wallpaper stripper, so are thousands of other people, but if you show people the benefits of using your products or services, they’ll be interested. What about the time and effort it’ll save, or the nice new wallpaper you have when you’ve finished stripping

3 - Don’t keyword spam. Too many keywords in a document will make it unreadable, and the search engines don’t like it either. All too often, people make the mistake of writing for search engines and forget that real people are actually going to be reading the copy.

4 - Always write for your audience. Research who the audience is and what they want to hear. You’re not writing for yourself or your boss but for your customer. Keep your audience at the forefront of your mind. Also think about why are you writing what you’re writing? You want your audience to do something specific when they read your copy, so what message do you need to get across to them? If you’re trying to sell something, remember that you want people to buy it while you’re writing. Keep it clear, direct and simple. Don’t let anything detract from the message.

5 - Choose your font carefully - On a website, underline means a hyperlink. It always does, so make sure you only underline hyperlinks. Also try not to use italics too as they are difficult to read on screen. Remember accessibility issues too. Keep headings and links logical and clear. A link should not just say “click here” but should tell you where you’re going when you click on it. Also keep links short but make sure they still make sense - So if your text said “Visit a copywriting agency and see what they can do”, you’d make “copywriting agency” the link.

Peter bletchen from the copywriting agency - http://www.thewritingagency.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Peter_Bletchen

Copywriting rules CAN and occasionally SHOULD be broken. I think far too many copywriters take advertising rules (for example, those of David Ogilvy, John Caples and Claude Hopkins) as commandments written in stone. They’re not. They are merely guidelines designed to help writers produce more effective copy. I believe, if breaking the rules improves the copy, then the rules should definitely be broken.

Why? Breaking the rules allows us to discover new copywriting breakthroughs and techniques.

Having said that, I believe there are some copywriting rules that over the years have proven to be so vital to the overall effectiveness of an ad or sales letter, they should NEVER be broken. They are as follows:

1. Always Use A Compelling Headline: Readership studies show the first thing readers see when they’re scanning ads or sales letters is your headline. The purpose of a headline is to get the reader to stop and read your copy. In essence, your headline acts like a traffic cop or stop sign at a busy intersection. If there’s no traffic cop or stop sign, people simply won’t stop and chaos ensues! Always use a stop sign!

2. Always Use A Subhead: Especially for long ads and sales letters. A subhead is an additional headline that is not quite as large as the actual headline.

The subhead provides additional information and can be wordier than the headline itself. For example, here’s a classic headline and subhead:

The Lazy Man’s Way To Riches.

“Most People Are Too Busy Earning A Living To Make Any Money!”

3. Always Connect Your Opening To Your Headline: After your headline gets the readers attention, next you want to get them interested in your product or service. You do that by immediately delivering what your headline promises. Don’t try to be cute, and don’t string your readers along. For example, did you notice how I got right into telling you about the “13 Copywriting Rules That Should Never Be Broken?”

4. Use Compelling Subheads Throughout Your Copy: This serves two purposes: 1. It breaks up your copy, so that it’s easier to read. 2. Subheads are also attention grabbers. Remember many readers are scanners. They’ll scan your copy first, before deciding whether or not to actually read it. That’s why it’s important to make sure your subheads are compelling and interesting. You can also use bullets, or a combination of bullets and subheads.

5. Always Write The Way You Talk: It’s called “Conversational copy.” What’s conversational copy? Conversational copy simply means talking to the reader in a conversational manner - like you’re talking to your best friend.

6. Always Make Your Copy Transparent: Don’t try to be cute and don’t try to be clever with your writing. The purpose of copy is not to get the reader thinking how clever you are - it’s to get the reader thinking “I want to buy that!” Make your intentions as transparent as a brand new window.

7. Always Write About “ME”: Don’t write about “YOU.” Write about “ME” “What’s in it for ME?” That’s all your readers really care about. “What’s in it for them?” Tell them!

8. Always Sell Benefits: Many beginning copywriters, and even some veterans, mistake features for benefits. There’s a huge difference. Features are characteristics that physically describe your product or service. Benefits describe how your product or service will help the customer solve his or her problem. In other words, what the customer will gain by using the product or service.

For example, A feature is the room service that your hotel provides, when you’re on vacation. A benefit is, room service allows you to relax and eat in the comfort and privacy of your own room at your convenience.

Here’s a good analogy: People don’t buy drills. They buy the holes the drill makes. Remember, people don’t buy products. They buy the benefits they get from the products.

9. Always Be Specific: Give examples…name names…attribute quotes, give facts and figures. Remember, the credibility of your sales message is in direct proportion to the number of specifics you provide. Don’t just say “lose weight.” Instead say, “lose 7 pounds in 7 days!” Be specific.

10. Always Use Testimonials: Testimonials are an unbeatable guarantee of assurance. Whenever possible always use your customers full name as opposed to initials only. Also, specific comments regarding your product or service are always better than general praise. Remember, specific results are always more powerful than vague opinions.

11. Always Offer “FREE” Bonuses: When used correctly, a FREE bonus increases your readers desire to purchase your product or service. But don’t offer the same reconstituted garbage that everyone else is offering. Offer your reader something unique - something of “real” value. It may take some brainstorming on your part to come up with something worthwhile, but I can assure you, the extra sales you’ll achieve are worth the effort.

12. Always ASK For The Order: This may seem like common sense to you, but you’d be amazed at how many sales letters or ads I’ve seen that don’t ask for the order. This is called “closing the deal,” or in copywriting terms, “call to action.” Always ASK for the order!

13. Always Use A P.S.: Readership studies show, after the headline, the P.S. is the second most read part of an ad or sales letter. It’s very effective to include a post- script (P.S.) at the end of your ad or sales letter. Your post-script should include an enticement of some sort, to get the reader to order NOW. You should also use the post-script as a final call to “ACTION”!

Here’s an example of an effective post-script:

P.S. Order NOW, and receive a FREE MP3 player. Order NOW”!

You can also use a post-script to tie everything together, by summarizing your most important points and benefits - plus offer an enticement of some sort.

Another thing, only use one P.S. Using multiple post-scripts dilutes the effectiveness and urgency of your P.S. altogether. When it comes to using post scripts, less is more.

Dale King is the owner of GuruKnowledge.org - The Ultimate Internet Marketing Resource!

If you’re tired of all the money-making hype, lies and scams…read this! http://guruknowledge.org/pages/The-Super-Affiliate-Handbok

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dale_King
 

Dear Nigerian Internet User,

In a matter of minutes you could be learning the following FREE…

- How to easily connect to the Internet in your living room for just N17 per hour!

- How to instantly send and reply more than 100,000 messages online while you’re fast asleep or busy!

-How to search and get exactly what you want online quickly and easily.

-How to open a FREE email account and use it to send mails, photos, audio and videos.

- How to jealously and securely shop online while you eat popcorn!

- 25 direct-action and easy-to-apply strategies to powerfully protect yourself and PC from dangerous attacks online.

- How to conveniently buy, pay, and receive cash in any online transaction securely and stress-free.

- How to legitimately download, listen, and watch unlimited FREE music, videos and movies.

- How to get world-class online education in the comfort of your living room… FREE!

- How to painlessly search for jobs online and quickly get hired locally or internationally fast!

- How to make and receive FREE calls on the Internet.

- How to start and run your own profitable online business empire starting with little or no cash!

- And so much more!!!

Yep, you can get all these and so much more in my bestselling Internet manual: “The ABC’s of INTERNET for NIGERIAN BEGINNERS.”

The first two chapters is all yours, absolutely FREE. Just click on the download link to download immediately. If you have any problem downloading, just text me 08082664760 or email me at cyberpro2025@yahoo.com

All the best!

Sincerely,

Edwin Akpan Joel

If you think I’m going to hold you by the hand and take you straight into the kitchen to show you how to make a finger-licking chicken stew, then you’re wrong.

Rather, I’m going to give you a simple step-by-step guide to using the Internet easily as if you were making a chicken stew.

If you are beginner and wonder why the computer or Internet seems to have minds of their own, then you can jump for joy because today, you’ll learn how to master the Internet as if you invented it!

Step one: Develop a keen desire to learn.

I hope you know that nobody’s going to help you up the ladder unless you’re willing to climb. Everything begins with a desire. So, develop a very keen desire to learn how the Internet works.

Step two: Find a guide.

This is the shortcut. I wasted so much time, energy, and money trying to learn how to use the Internet on my own. I used trial and error method, got stuck, and felt stupid most of the time until I hire someone to guide me.

In this technology age, you don’t necessarily have to hire someone to come and teach you one-to-one. You can learn it via video, or a well-packaged manual. I have a powerful manual: “The ABC’s of INTERNET for NIGERIAN BEGINNERS” (Your Ultimate Guide To Using The Internet Masterfully As If You Invented It! It is specially packaged for Nigerian beginners. If you’re not a Nigerian, you can still learn a lot from it. To get two chapters absolutely FREE, email me at cyberpro2025@yahoo.com with the subject: “Gimme The Free Manual.”

Step three: Approach your learning with a possibility mindset

There is nothing magical about the Internet. If you can use your phone, then you can use the Internet. A simple background in Microsoft Office packages e.g. Ms Word will be of great help. The mistake most beginners make is think that the Internet is difficult to master. Never make this mistake.

Step four: Be consistent

I’ll be honest with you, if you learn how to use the Internet and you’re not consistent through practice it is just as if you didn’t learn it at all. All the gurus you see around were all consistent and are still consistent. It takes self discipline.

Step five: Start now!

The only way to get things done is to get them done now whether you’re ready or not. Download my free eBook: “The ABC’s of INTERNET for NIGERIAN BEGINNERS” and quickly get started.

OK. Let me take you through the basic process a bit. Launch Internet Explorer (IE). This you can do directly from your desktop by double-clicking on the IE icon.

It will open. Press ALT + D to highlight the Address Bar. Type in a Website address (for example www.yahoo.com) and hit your Enter key. That’s it, you’ve just launch a website. Wait briefly as it opens. You’ll find a whole lot of information. To read them, just move your mouse over to the link, once it changes to a hand sign, click on it and a new page containing the information will open.

That’s it dear Internet beginner. Remember to send me the latest news on Yahoo!

Edwin Akpan Joel is the author of the bestselling manual: “The ABC’s of Internet for Nigerian Beginners” and “Insider secrets of Browsing the Internet for Money.” You can reach him via cyberpro2025@yahoo.com or +2348057071330.

Twenty Thousand Dollar from Three Hours’ Work

By Willie Crawford

Several months ago, I wrote a short special report that I entitled, “How to Make $1000 - $2000 in 24 Hours or less!”
I wrote that report BECAUSE I had so many people emailing me with financial emergencies. So, I sat down and basically brainstormed for an hour, then spent another hour polishing my notes into an ebook (special report). Then I spent roughly another hour gathering (and incorporating) feedback on my draft and writing a very crude sales letter.
I offered that special report on a forum, and to my list, for $5. I also included provisions for anyone purchasing the special report to resell it (using a link that I provided inside the report) and earn 100% commission, which was instantly paid to their Paypal account.
I basically gave that report a little push and let the viral nature of it take over. I spent about 3 hours to initially get it into the marketplace.
Recently, I logged in to glance at my statistics and saw that I had made 4156 sales for that report. That translates into $20,780 for 3 hours of work.
That report has also generated well over 1000 backend sales, thousands of subscribers, and even several joint ventures.
I’m sharing this with you because I want you to see that many of the VERY simple ideas that you read every day do work!
That simple report sprang from noticing a problem that I could easily offer a solution to. Implementing the special report involved using an idea I got from reading a $7 ebook written by Jonathan Leger. Jonathan’s ebook called “$7 Secrets” described how you could quickly and easily generate thousands of dollars with simple short reports . . . using his scripts (which are included free with the ebook) to power your sales process.
You can read about Jonathan’s ebook and the scripts, which sells for a mere $7, at http://TheRealSecrets.com/7DollarSecrets/
You can see how I implemented what I learned in that $7 ebook here: http://TheRealSecrets.com/24/
Since spending those 3 hours creating and rolling out the product, I have made revisions to the ebook based upon feedback, and I have added testimonials to my sales page. So, now I probably have closer to 5 hours invested in it. So, that does reduce my return-on-investment down to approximately $5,000 per hour
At this point you’re probably wondering what made that special report such a success. Certainly, not all such reports do as well. Part of my secret is that I gave it the first BIG push by running a $20 ad on an internet marketing discussion forum. I’ve run similar ads a number of times with great results. In fact, I even wrote a special report detailing how I did that.
I wrote a special report called “Secrets of the $10,000 Warrior Special Offer” where I outlined how I’ve placed several of these ads (which costs $20 each) and had them each earn me incredibly profits. You can read about that special report at http://therealsecrets.com/10000DollarWSO/
By now you’re probably wondering what the POINT of this article is. Actually, there are several points.
The first point is that you don’t need a huge idea, or to create a big product, to do well in the information marketing business. MOST of the ebooks that I write are under 50 pages, with many of them being under 20 pages. As already mentioned, I can write these in just a matter of hours.
A second point is that simple ideas that thousands of others looked at and then “think about” can, a DO, produce amazing results when acted upon! Instead of thinking about it, you just need to actually just do it!
The point of this article is to provide you with proof that many of the simple ideas that you read, or even think up yourself, can be very profitable. The only real secrets lie in the expression “Nothing Happens Until Something Moves!” The key is merely in the implementation . . . in the doing.
If a tobacco farmer and an ex-soldier can do it, then you probably can too … but only if you’re willing to get up and get going
Make today the day that you finally get into action!
I should add a disclaimer. My results are certainly NOT typical. I have 11 years’ experience actually learning, testing, and putting into practice what I’ve learned. So, it’s probably not realistic for you to expect to equal my results. However, even if you do only a fraction as well as I did, isn’t that still a fantastic return on the time invested?

Willie Crawford has been teaching others uncomplicated methods of building successful online businesses since 1996. Today, he does most of his teaching inside an exclusive membership site filled with other experts dedicated to uncovering the truth about how to succeed online. Join Willie and dozens of other “old-timers” at: http://TheInternetMarketingInnerCircle.com

Article source: http://www.ideamarketers.com

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