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josgertz
Joined:
31 Dec 2003
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3
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Posted: Wed Dec 31, 2003 10:12 am
Post subject: Hi There!
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Hello Ive been lurking here for awhile and finally decided to take part.
Ive been looking into starting an online business for awhile now, a bit over a year, but started college and met a new lady friend so I had to put my new passion on hold for a bit. Im finally settled in a new state, finished my first semester of school and am settled in with my girlfriend, so I decided to start this again.
About a year ago I bought the "Cash Flow Circle" program and learned alot of things, although it seemed like overload most of the time, there seems like there is so much to do and so many different routes to take for online marketing I dont really know where to begin.
I have experience with web design, basic but I think its enough to get started, Im going to school for graphic design so that part is pretty easy for me. I have noticed though that most sites are not that graphically involved.
I do have a few questions for people that have some experience though:
1. With so many different options out there to make money why "Affiliate/Associate programs"?
2. Paying for school out of pocket and only working part time at a job that doesnt cover bills what are some cost efficient ways to get started?
3. Web hosting, any really decent cheap plans out there? I have a ton of time right now that schools out and still only working part time, the web design part will be easy to do for me right now.
Thanks for the help
Josh Gertz |
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Debs
Joined:
16 Aug 2003
Posts:
4296
Location:
NY
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Posted: Wed Dec 31, 2003 12:34 pm
Post subject: Re: Hi There!
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| josgertz wrote: | | Hello Ive been lurking here for awhile and finally decided to take part. |
Welcome to AP  One of the benefits of posting is to get a welcome, glad you are taking part.
| Quote: | | About a year ago I bought the "Cash Flow Circle" program and learned alot of things, although it seemed like overload most of the time, there seems like there is so much to do and so many different routes to take for online marketing I dont really know where to begin. |
I think the secret is to choose one way that makes sense for you and your lifestyle, one "guru" to focus on. Not to fully copy but to get you started.
| Quote: | | I have experience with web design, basic but I think its enough to get started, Im going to school for graphic design so that part is pretty easy for me. I have noticed though that most sites are not that graphically involved. |
My belief is graphics & design should enhance the content, not overwhelm it. Also, considering global access of the internet, and slow isp's, graphics can be a problem.
| Quote: | I do have a few questions for people that have some experience though:
1. With so many different options out there to make money why "Affiliate/Associate programs"? |
What options?  Do you have a product to sell? If it is hardgoods, where do you store it, and the shipping supplies, while you await the orders? If you have written software or ebooks to sell, those are certainly great items to sell online, however, not everyone has the knowledge or confidence to tackle writing digital goods. Membership sites are a great way to create recurring income, however, you need content, content and tons of content right from the start, in order to give the value the membership will require.
Ok, I am ragging on you a little. Affiliate programs don't require upfront, storage, supply costs like hardgoods do. The risk of the product is, more or less, on the merchant, not the affiliate. As I said, digital goods require some special knowledge and confidence ... confidence in the subject, and getting it online, the ability to program/write, among other things. Affiliate programs don't require near the effort and knowledge to start out that programmming does.
| Quote: | | 2. Paying for school out of pocket and only working part time at a job that doesnt cover bills what are some cost efficient ways to get started? |
Well, affiliate programs are a very cost effective way to get started online. No costs for the program/product If you don't have money to spend on PPC, or the time to monitor it effectively, I would recommend a content site ... something that sparks your interests and passion. Due to your schedule, I would look at the project as a year-long project ... if you get there sooner, great, but school is more important ... so don't exhaust yourself
| Quote: | | 3. Web hosting, any really decent cheap plans out there? I have a ton of time right now that schools out and still only working part time, the web design part will be easy to do for me right now. |
Check out the hosting forum here on AP, there are quite a few recommendations there that would likely fit with what you want.
I would strongly recommend the Affiliate Masters Course offered by Sitesell, you can use the link in my sig to Allan's favorites to locate the Sitesell offering.
If you have questions as you go along, do a search of the forum for some great threads on SEO, building content, setting your USP, and getting your MWR. If you don't find the answers you seek, post again and I am sure you will get some great ideas and guidance here from a really great group of people willing to help.
Hope this helps,
Debs
_________________
Learn how to turn keyphrases into quality, well-targeted articles your visitors and SE's will love with Gary Antosh's new ebook "Web Content Made Easy!" |
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josgertz
Joined:
31 Dec 2003
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3
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Posted: Wed Dec 31, 2003 7:42 pm
Post subject: thanks Debs
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Thanks for the reply Debs
| Quote: | Welcome to AP One of the benefits of posting is to get a welcome, glad you are taking part.
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I think another benefit that can be over looked is motivation, it helps to have some support even if its online support, sitting in front of a computer for hours on end can be some what boring after awhile.
| Quote: | I think the secret is to choose one way that makes sense for you and your lifestyle, one "guru" to focus on. Not to fully copy but to get you started.
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That seems like a logical plan, even one "guru" sometimes can have so much information in one product that it seems overwhelming at times. Just another quick question for everyone, What made you choose affiliate programs over something else like wholesale dropshipping, MLM's, etc....
| Quote: | My belief is graphics & design should enhance the content, not overwhelm it. Also, considering global access of the internet, and slow isp's, graphics can be a problem.
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We went over the "Digital Divide" alot in classes this semester, even met someone who had never turned on a computer before, I didnt think there were many left out there 
| Quote: | Ok, I am ragging on you a little. Affiliate programs don't require upfront, storage, supply costs like hardgoods do. The risk of the product is, more or less, on the merchant, not the affiliate. As I said, digital goods require some special knowledge and confidence ... confidence in the subject, and getting it online, the ability to program/write, among other things. Affiliate programs don't require near the effort and knowledge to start out that programmming does.
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Yeah I think my biggest fear, but asset, is writing my own material. Seems to be the best way to get yourself known though...whether in a good way or bad.
Thanks agaion for the input Debs
Josh Gertz |
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Debs
Joined:
16 Aug 2003
Posts:
4296
Location:
NY
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Posted: Wed Dec 31, 2003 7:55 pm
Post subject:
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Glad to help, Josh
| Quote: | | What made you choose affiliate programs over something else like wholesale dropshipping, MLM's, etc. |
I did the dropship, and the upfront costs are still high. You have to pay in most cases, in advance, what if the sale was a fraud charge? You eat it. What if the item is returned? In most cases, you eat it for that month anyway. Also, once an item is opened, then returned, you have legal issues to deal with on reselling the item as brand new. There is a lot more legal stuff to be aware of in your own products and almost as much in dropshipping. Been there, done that, no thanks but that's me lol
MLM's bad reputation, and in most cases, the little guys don't make the money, the first in's do.
| Quote: | | even met someone who had never turned on a computer before, I didnt think there were many left out there |
Until a year ago, my husband never touched one, now he will play some games, do the eBay windowshopping, and even did instant messenger once! I'll win him over yet lol Considering that online access is expected to quadruple in the next few years, and online sales more than triple, I think we have only seen a small portion of the pool of people to join us.
| Quote: | | I think my biggest fear, but asset, is writing my own material. |
If that means you can write, awesome! But if you can't that's ok too, there are several ways to get quality content for your site, and you seem a bright enough person who would be able to research so getting informed on your topic should be a breeze.
Remember, noone said this was easy, if you are serious, and not just a dabbler, then you will work for what you get, but the satisfaction is enormous
Now, what else lol as you can likely tell, I have a lot of opinions I'm glad to share.
Debs
_________________
Learn how to turn keyphrases into quality, well-targeted articles your visitors and SE's will love with Gary Antosh's new ebook "Web Content Made Easy!" |
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AllanGardyne
Site Admin
Joined:
02 Jul 2003
Posts:
6326
Location:
by the beach, Australia
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Posted: Wed Dec 31, 2003 10:43 pm
Post subject: Re: Hi There!
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Hi Josh, Welcome to the forum.
| Quote: | | With so many different options out there to make money why "Affiliate/Associate programs"? |
Consider the sheer simplicity of selling other people's products...
You don't have to spend time and effort producing your own products, you don't have to deal with customers, don't have to try to coach an army of affiliates... don't have to think about hiring an affiliate manager.
You can choose products you love from among thousands available.
Affiliate programs are a wonderful place to start, a wonderful place to learn about Internet marketing. You may eventually go on and produce your own products, but perhaps like like me you'll find it's possible to earn a very nice living without ever doing that.
One of the most important things to do is to find high-quality products you really believe in - and dig deep, research the people behind the companies. Find people you trust. If you do that, your enthusiasm for the products will shine through when you write about them. Works for me
Good luck!
Allan Gardyne - http://www.AssociatePrograms.com
The Complete Site Build It! Reference Center...
This Link Directory May Change Your Affiliate Business
http://www.AssociatePrograms.com/search/reference-center.shtml |
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