I estimate that I started this journey to freedom through internet marketing around 800 days ago. I reckon I’ve spent thousands of dollars on learning products, articles, websites and outsourcing. I still work a full time job. [Update: I'm working 3 days a week now]
Uncommon? I doubt it.
But not strictly necessary either.
I’m not defeated. If I don’t give up then I’ve not failed right? So I just simply made the decision not to give up.
Here’s what I’ve learned.
- It’s a LOT more effort than I thought it would be. Yes the sales letters make you think it’s easy to follow someone’s system and to be honest it is. It’s just that it takes a hell of a lot of effort to do it well. It’ll be nice to have a 6 day weekend but I’m going to have to work for it. Creating content, commenting on blogs, forums, spinning articles, installing software, uploading images, using research software, directory submissions, adding more content, managing adwords . . etc. Takes up your time very quickly.
- You have to focus on one system. Pick a system, any system. Well ok not any. Try and find one that you trust. I recommend Affiloblueprint. It’s the one I’ve ended up following. I don’t know if that’s because I’ve learned a lot through mistakes and now I’m ready for it or because it is easy to follow.
- Quality content is essential. I used to think I could just stick up articles without editing or reading them. I was wrong. It’s much more valuable to have good quality than lots of quantity. Try spending more time on creating real value for your readers.
- If you’re still young, don’t wait. Start now. If you start now, you’ll never need to get that job that you’ll end up hating and struggling to try and escape from. Start small, start frugally and build it up over 12 months. Your friends won’t support you but they’ll be green with envy when you start travelling the world.
That’s it so far. Except that I’ve also learned that I hate link building but love building websites. So I’ve outsourced the link building.
Hallelujah.
No doubt my next 800 days will teach me even more and I might even be an expert by then.
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