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mellin
Forums Member
Joined: 13 Jan 2008
Posts: 83
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#1 · Posted: 31 Jul 2008 17:32
I can see now why so many people fail in home-based business. I've joined 2 companies that I still feel are very promising money makers. My problem though, is that because I am such a newbie, I'm feeling frustrated and overwhelmed by the marketing that is involved. Going by my hitlogs, I see that the free solo-classified ads (that I spent many hours on posting) have generated nothing. I get good responses through forums. Everybody says to write articles, write blogs, do social networking, etc. etc. There is so much to learn, I don't know where to start.
Have you all felt like this too when you were starting out?
Melissa
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mountainmom5
Joined: 30 Aug 2007
Posts: 2657
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#2 · Posted: 31 Jul 2008 18:05 · Edited by: mountainmom5
Very much so! And one day, you will look back and smile at everything you learned!
Start with one thing at a time as far as social networking and online marketing instead of doing a whole bunch of things at once.
I have so many things that I never completed because I started too many things at once when I first started out - sometimes I google my own name just to see what all is out there that I have done - lol
Some people stick with blogs - others write lots of articles - still others are forever lurking around in the forums - and still others swear by places like adlandpro and directmatches...
What you could do is start a blog as that is fairly simple. Just go to blogger.com or one of the blog places - there are more than one - and set up your blog.
That way you have a place where you can add stuff daily or weekly or however often you feel like and people love to read personal stuff and interesting stuff so make it YOURS.
Then if you write articles or find interesting things, you can always add it to both your blog, your website if you have one etc... and before you know it , you will have built yourself a small little 'home' on the internet that you can visit and re-arrange things, add things, etc...
Hope this helps a little - Have fun!
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opendomain
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Joined: 19 Aug 2007
Posts: 535
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#3 · Posted: 31 Jul 2008 19:26
I couldn't agree more mountain. I often will google things I've done recently or in the past and it amazes me the manythings I ran with half way then started heading in a different direction. I must admit I find myself doing this to this day to some extent.
Mellin,
I would definitely take mountain's advice. To start just do one thing. I know that's easier said than done but really if in the end you do just 1 thing to start with you'll find that it makes your life easier.
Free classifieds can be difficult to work with depending on what it is you do, as a fellow GDI rep I will say that I signed up via a craigslist classified, I've signed people up via craigs list but in the end the classifieds were more work than what they were worth. I will say this forum is a great place to meet people....have oyu ever googled "work at home forum" ? yeah me too
I would definitely try article marketing as a tool to get started. Write one article a day or every other day for 2 weeks and soon you'll start to see results.
One more thing, I've noticed craigslits will often BLOCK sites with .ws in their names so just as a check I would make sure your classified ads are actually showing up, sometimes even though it says it's published it is not viewable by the public.
Best of luck,
If you need help let me know I'd be more than happy to lend you a hand.
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Newbie Shield
Joined: 22 Sep 2007
Posts: 2231
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#4 · Posted: 31 Jul 2008 20:03
Hi Melissa,
What you are going through seems commonplace. It's easy to feel overwhelmed. Just weather the storm and pick one thing from your list that you think you'd like to do next. Learn a lot about it and then try it out. Repeat with each remaining item.
You can learn from websites, library books, purchased books, eBooks, paid programs, etc. Learn from a large variety of sources.
Hopefully your list of things to learn will keep growing (I know that's not what you want to hear right now. The only time you should worry is when you run out of things to learn about and ideas to explore.).
The more I learn, the bigger my list of new things to learn about grows. I get new leads from most of my research sources. It happens with all professions. Revel in newness
Try not to let the despair get you down and good luck,
~Newbie Shield~
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HarrisonL
Forums Member
Joined: 14 Jul 2008
Posts: 28
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#5 · Posted: 31 Jul 2008 20:40
Well, I have the same problem in the past few weeks. I felt down and low motivation to take any actions. I was doing article marketing and I didn't receive any expected results from it. I thought that why I have such bad luck that I don't make any money from article marketing while other can.
Then I came across a video from John Reese. It is about his experience the time he is a newbie. I can my motivation back and take action again after watching the video. You can watch it over here and I will urge every newbie like me to watch it too.
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A8ch
Joined: 24 Jun 2005
Posts: 765
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#6 · Posted: 1 Aug 2008 03:59
Melissa,
Every online business newbie passes through what I call the Corridor of Frustration and is overwhelmed by the surprising number of pieces there are to the marketing puzzle. Then there are those expectations you have, which are shaped by your own excitement and enthusiasm, that always seem to fall short. This can have a dampening effect on your spirit as well.
But be assured. You are not lost, you ARE on the right path and you are making progress. The trick is to get your knowledge base and skill up to the level of your excitement and enthusiasm. That's when your confidence matures and results become more predictable. Getting there takes time, patience and persistence.
Here's what I see you have learned so far:
1. free solo-classifieds don't work
2. forums deliver good responses
3. other options are available (articles, blogs, social networking...)
4. there is much more to know
You're making progress.
You can compare understanding the home-based business process to learning to ride a bicycle. It may seem impossible to balance on two thin wheels and generate momentum at the same time, and your first attempts will result in falls, scrapes and bruises.
But each time you don't get it right, you learn how not to do it. Then you get back on the bike and try again, armed with wisdom from the previous failed attempts. Eventually you do get it. And when you reach the stage where you are riding with the pros, you'll remember the Corridor of Frustration with an appreciative smile.
So! Keep getting back on the bike till you get it. It's inevitable... so long as you don't give up!
Hermas
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inasmit
Forums Member
Joined: 25 Jul 2008
Posts: 5
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#7 · Posted: 1 Aug 2008 09:05
Hello Melissa
Lots of good advise here already and I can't really add anything but I can emphasize what they've been saying. Don't try to do everything all at once.
Decide on something you're comfortable with. If you find you like writing, go with articles, get that down pat, then take blogging etc. Stay focused, don't get sidetracked (I think this is the hardest part of getting started on the Web!)
Good luck
Ina
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Sonni
Forums Member
Joined: 10 Jun 2008
Posts: 448
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#8 · Posted: 1 Aug 2008 12:45
Hi Mellisa
I have had all the same problems you have and still have them, but I continue, trying to figure it out. You're not imagining things it really is hard, especially if you don't any have techy skills at all, like me.
I believe you have to think back and ask yourself, why you began this journey and is it important enough to pursue no matter what the obstacles. If it's important to you and will help you possess your dream then hang in there, if not let it go.
Sonni
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getagrip
Joined: 20 Feb 2006
Posts: 2038
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#9 · Posted: 1 Aug 2008 13:29
Doing everything you need to do to make money online can seem a little overwhelming, but let's face it, if you aren't willing to put in some hard work and learn proper internet marketing fundamentals, you aren't going to succeed.
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justlikethat
Forums Member
Joined: 18 Jul 2008
Posts: 37
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#10 · Posted: 1 Aug 2008 16:22
Hi Melissa,
I understand where your coming from, I just started marketing online and it can be frustrating. The best thing to do is keep at it and take it slow. Like everyone else said don't take on too much at once, I still do this and have to step back for a min to regroup my thoughts.
Just remember that if truly set your mind to making this work it will. Hard work and patience will pay off in the long run. Take it one day at a time and just keep telling yourself you will be successful!
Mind over matter!
Good luck
Victoria
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happywife
Joined: 14 Aug 2007
Posts: 1237
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#11 · Posted: 1 Aug 2008 20:38
Hi Melissa,
I thought I'd just chime in to agree with everyone else. Your feelings of frustration and being overwhelmed are quite natural. In the beginning I felt that way because there was just so much that I didn't understand and I felt like I was going in too many directions at once without making any real progress.
I still get those feelings, but now it is because I just feel I don't have enough time in the days to get done all that I need/want to. I have to have a little more patience with myself (and eliminate more of my distractions).
When I was beginning, there always seemed to be some new thing to learn or great sounding opportunity to try. There was just no way possible I could do everything that sounded good. Just the time spent in checking things out was mind boggling.
I felt like I was drowning in a sea of information and debris. When I finally chose SBI, it was like being thrown a life raft. I decided to focus on that one thing and follow the process. One of the things they recommended early on in the process was to tune out all the internet 'noise' as much as possible and just concentrate on building content on my site.
That's what I decided to do. For several months I just put my "earplugs" in, my head down, and worked. When I came up for air, I discovered I had a nice website that was generating traffic and beginning to bring in a little money.
That's when I started to check out the next phase of development (for me). I started visiting forums like this one and sharing what I had learned so far. I quite enjoyed that - sometimes too much, as it can become a distraction for me in and of itself.
I'd go answer a few niche related questions at Yahoo Answers, submit my site to a directory or two, and then head back to build more content to my site.
I've not really done much article marketing or social bookmarking/networking, etc. It would probably help, but I just haven't tackled it yet. Instead, I started a second and then a third site. I suppose I was more comfortable doing what I had already learned then trying to learn and implement another new skill.
Like the others have mentioned, I would suggest that you pick one thing that you really want to accomplish and tune out everything else until you make some real progress with that one thing. Then, you can either repeat what you've done or go on to learn something new.
Just know that we've all been there or go there from time to time and you will get over it if you stick it out.
Blessings,
Angie
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discrat
Forums Member
Joined: 30 Jan 2008
Posts: 32
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#12 · Posted: 3 Aug 2008 20:20
Yeah the feeling of frustration gets EVERYONE at one point or the other. The ones who become successful are the ones who can see te BIiG picture and know thru Time and Work they will get to the Promsed Land
It just takes perserverance !!
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aplina
Forums Member
Joined: 5 Nov 2007
Posts: 271
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#13 · Posted: 4 Aug 2008 06:42
this week has been one of those day that l donot feel like it.so l know what you are in everyone has gone thru. what i do when l really feel down .l take a day off. read about , thinks postive . play with my son ,just clear my mind .
l think with me is that am doing artricle , forums ,yahoo but sometime l find i need new ways to get more traffic and l get lost.
but tis gets better
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CSGWAHM
Forums Member
Joined: 30 Dec 2006
Posts: 272
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#14 · Posted: 4 Aug 2008 08:17 · Edited by: CSGWAHM
Melissa......I think everyone goes through this at first. It can be overwhelming, but you are learning. Even though your first try didn't create the results you're looking for, you know not to use the same phrases, ads, etc. We are always learning either what to do or what not to do. Try not to feel frustrated. It does take time and you just got started. Remember I'm here to help you, all you have to do is email me with your questions and concerns. You'll get there!
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seeyalater72
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Joined: 5 Mar 2008
Posts: 197
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#15 · Posted: 4 Aug 2008 10:12
Hello Melissa,
I think everyone who has started a home business can identify with you since we all had to start somewhere. It wasn't that long ago that I was exactly where you are and at times I still feel overwhelmed by the daunting task of marketing my business. The key is to be persistent and remain patient. It will come in due time.
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21centaur21
Forums Member
Joined: 16 Jul 2008
Posts: 34
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#16 · Posted: 4 Aug 2008 20:05
Hi Melissa. I guess I'm sort of in the same boat as you, in that I'm a relative newcomer to the crazy world of online marketing and advertising. I've been in it about a month now and it hasn't been easy to say the least. I spend a minimum of 6 hours a day at it and there are many days where I feel that all is spin my wheels.
My success is coming around at a very slow pace but you know what? The bottom line is that it's coming around! You need to concentrate on the POSITIVES, no matter how small and try not to let the negatives get you down. Building a business is a process, and not something that will happen immediately. If I had to describe my efforts over the past month in one word, it would be PERSISTENCE. Yes there are many tedious tasks that we as new online venturers have to deal with just about every day, but we MUST deal with them in order to one day get where we want to be.
I hope my little rant has helped, if only a little. Keep at it, be persistent, and concentrate on the positives. Before you know it, newbies will be coming to YOU for advice.
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Moneymann
Forums Member
Joined: 7 Aug 2008
Posts: 4
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#17 · Posted: 7 Aug 2008 19:23
Yes, Melisssa, it takes a lot of hard work and some spare cash; let's not forget that. It gets better once you realize the value you can give to others, and how much that is important to them.
Giving to others and not being greedy always creates good will and a return on your good will investment.
Stay the course and continue to build your reputation as an honest and trustworthy business person.
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MyJessieCat
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Joined: 14 Jul 2008
Posts: 13
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#18 · Posted: 9 Aug 2008 21:35
Happywife, when you said " I discovered I had a nice website that was generating traffic and beginning to bring in a little money."
Over what course of time did you start your project ?
Are you happy with the traffice\ money you are getting from it?
Also, you and HarrisonL mentioned ' article marketing ' What exactly is that?
Thank you
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Sonni
Forums Member
Joined: 10 Jun 2008
Posts: 448
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#19 · Posted: 9 Aug 2008 23:04
Jessiecat,
Article marketing also known as bummarketing, is a form of marketing using articles. You write the artices usually starting with ezine articles because they rule. In the article you write about your product and put links in to your blog, landing page, lens or whatever you have so that after the reader is finished reading they can click over to your product. You don't need money to do this type of marketing thus the bummarketing name. I hope this helps.
Sonni
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happywife
Joined: 14 Aug 2007
Posts: 1237
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#20 · Posted: 9 Aug 2008 23:09
MyJessieCat: Happywife, when you said " I discovered I had a nice website that was generating traffic and beginning to bring in a little money." Over what course of time did you start your project ? Are you happy with the traffice\ money you are getting from it?
I signed up to SiteBuildIt in November of 2006. I started my chocolate-candy-mall.com site shortly thereafter when I finally decided on a niche topic.
I followed their instructions almost to the letter, so I didn't start monetizing until I had over 30 pages built and was getting at least 20 visitors a day regularly. It was probably February (2007) when I started getting a little adsense income and the occasional commission.
You don't usually get checks until you reach a certain payout level with each company, so although I had 'earned' some money, I didn't start getting checks until August (2007), but from then on, I was getting checks every month.
Am I happy with the traffic/money I'm getting from it? Yes. Is there potential for more? Yes. Do I wish I was making more from it? Yes. Am I doing all I should be to increase that income? No 
Seriously, instead of continuing to really grow and build that site, I chose to branch out and start a couple more. Because of that, I've pretty much left chocolate-candy-mall in maintenance mode and haven't been putting much time into it. I do have plans for it to increase the revenue by making some changes and additions, but... ...it's going to have to wait a little longer. 
MyJessieCat: Also, you and HarrisonL mentioned ' article marketing ' What exactly is that?
Article marketing is when you write articles and submit them to article directories and such and leave a link in the source box at the end linking to your site or landing page that leads to your product or service that you are promoting.
Blessings,
Angie
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