Need help to get started in IM

I enjoy writing, so I have written for IM folks as well as folks off-line. So, I've made a few bucks that way. However, I would like to actually start taking the next step in the IM world. I've bought ten tons of stuff, most of it sitting on the hard drive. I have tried a few, but have not been able to make anything a go at the moment. I have so much spinning in my head now that I'm not sure where to really and truly start.

My goals are these: I would like to start by making enough to make a car payment each month (about $300). For practical reasons, I could use the extra cash. In addition, I would like to see for myself that, yes, I can actually do this. Secondly, I would like to then see about building on that and start building an actual business. Any suggestions on how to actually get started - systems you've used, methods, etc.? I'm not averse to working hard, but I want to put that work to something constructive.

Thanks!

 

South Bend, Indiana?

I was born and raised the first half of my life in LaPort Indiana.

Your question really cannot be answered.

There are 1001 things you could do to make money online.

What is it that YOU want to do, and then go from there.

 

Here's my 2c

1) Decide what kind of biz model you want to start with; the 3 main models are advertising (adsense, cpa, text links etc.); affiliate marketing ; and selling your own product or service.
- Concentrate on one model at a time. Yes, people talk about "multiple sources of income"; but the reality is, unless you focus on one, you'll end up with none.
2) For each model, there are different approaches that you can try.
- For advertising based : think autoblogs, proxy sites, directories ....
- For affiliate : think review sites, article marketing (or bum marketing), incentives where feasible.
- For your own product or service : This is difficult when you're starting up; but the way to make it big is to have multiple products, with affiliates promoting your offers. Think clickbank..
3) Once you've decided on the approach, the next part is how to drive traffic - and track your conversions. Clickthru rates, if it's ads. Conversion rates, if it's affiliate offers. Affiliate sign ups and traffic, for your own products.

Essentially : Choose one approach, start it up, test and optimize, until you've got it running smoothly / automated, such that you don't need to intervene very often. Then start the next project, and the next....

The more due diligence you do upfront, the more likely it is to succeed; but be prepared to cut your losses and pull out, if for some reason things don't work out...

 

Sometime sitting down with a pencil and paper and writing down what you want to do can help you focus but when I am in such a situation I have found mind mapping software to be quite helpful. There are some good free ones online.

First off you need to identify a specialty or niche you are interested in and want to write about but not all interests translate into money. That was my problem so I used a shotgun approach I write passionately about what I like and it make some money then I have a few sites on niches that I know are profitable that make more money.

Your biggest obstacle will be taking action ...

 

Set your budget, find something you are good at or are interested in ( you like writing ), pick a product from clickbank, and promote it by writing articles and blogs and in forums. Try and find a mentor who can teach the more complicated subjects like google adwords and SEO. Work on your project and take action. Through time you could have your own product on the market.

 

Nice to touch base with a fellow Hoosier. Born and raised in South Bend, actually.

You mention the 1001 things. I think that is where I'm having my most difficult time. I fell like I've wasted a lot of time already, and don't want to waste any more trying to figure which one of those to try and start. Was their a particular approach that you tried when starting out?

 

I've heard of mind mapping but not tried it before. Youre ideas of writing in different niches helps, as well. Thanks!

 

I think my biggest hurdle is focusing in on one aspect and taking action. I think of the three areas to jump into that you mention, I fit in the affiliate model the best, at least right now. Thanks very much for taking time to reply.

 

You should really get help from others who have been in the game long enough. If you really want to make it, build up a list of contacts.

If you need contacts, join the BlackhatGuide membership and start building some good relationships there.

 

First thing, I'd set your goal to $10 - $50 - $100 - $200 - $300 levels etc.. start very small and grow. 300/mo expectation is just going to lead to failure.

 

Getting Started in this business can be a slow process.. it takes a lot of commitment. Your best bet is to learn everything you can about generating traffic. This has become a distinct internet discipline and will return whatever you put into it tenfold. There is a post here that lists a 101 ways to generate traffic. Memorize it or at least become very familiar with it and start to figure out the top 10 you like.

You can set up a blog format pretty easily with Wordpress so that isn't an issue. You write articles so filling the blog, while time consuming, is a no brainer. It's all about your command of Traffic.