The stories of Webmasters earning six and seven-figure incomes continue to flood the Internet.
Everything always looks so polished and put together once success has arrived.
In fact, you may have even caught yourself thinking, “They make it look so easy!” or “Why can’t I do that?”
While these stories inspire, they often leave a trail of misconception behind.
They also cause some people to compare their own journey to the Webmasters they admire, which can be a very destructive mental pattern.
I didn’t create this video to discourage you, but to help you put things into perspective. No matter how great the money may seem, understand everyone has their story behind the success.
Here’s mine, along with some raw facts many people don’t want to acknowledge…
Hi, my name is 
So you’re saying if I put in 10 hours a day I can make $5,000 a month? What about $2,000?
Just kidding:) great video. I love how you’re using it and trying to come up with ways to do it for my site.
Erika
What kind of video camera do you use to create your videos?
Fantastic video, Lisa! I think you’re absolutely right. I also believe that what you articulated so beautifully is probably the #1 reason why many new Internet marketers fail. I’m hearing people in forums saying things like they’ve been working on their site or marketing a product or program for 3 LONG weeks and now they’re giving up because they’re not making any money yet. It’s takes time and commitment people! And, as you said, there’s usually some failure involved too (that’s definitely been true for me). Personally, my advice goes hand in had with yours – choose something you love and then focus on it, make a commitment, and then take consistent action. It’s the best path to success.
Thanks Epiphany and Erika!
Rishi, I use a Sony HD Handycam
I enjoyed this video. Your website is wonderful. Watching the video is like talking with your best friend. Keep up the good work!
Terrific Video! – you make a very articulate case for sticking with the process – even when the results aren’t always showing up….. Your site is sharp, too. Thanks.
Thanks for the wonderful advise. Great encouragement…We don’t have to have skills but we at least need to somewhat grasp marketing. For some it takes longer. For others shorter. But for all it was passion-driven hard work! Great advise.:)
I have plenty of ideas down the road…
BTW, you look great.
Since the dawn of network marketing, the so called ‘gurus’ of the field are ready to showing you a big commission check implying that all happened overnight. What they don’t disclose is the amount of money they’ve spent on setting up their site, advertising, and the time, money and effort involved on building their long list of leads. If the ‘Gurus’ were honest disclosing what’s behind their ‘secrets’, it will be very hard for them to sell anything.
‘Gurus’ have misled people with their long one page sales site offering you their “big secret manual to success”, usually for $37, $67, $147… into thinking that the earnings they’ve achieved (many instances fabricated) are the result of an almost effortless activity. What they do not disclose is that the origin of their revenue, and the amount shown as prove, comes from selling those silly, crappy and useless e-pamphlets to inexperienced beginners, desperately looking for a way to earn some bucks online. – Javier.
Takeoffzone, wow, I am with you on this one. I’ve seen so many one page sales ads that make the scrollbar on the screen TINY.
They have yellow highlighted text, lots of graphics, tons of testimonials, and about 100 instances where you can click a gold start and buy the product.
I’ve seen so many, they must work in some manner – but I’ve never felt good about them. If a product is really good one should be able to offer a demo/free trial that is upgradeable via purchase, or simply discarded because of not liking it.
Someone who is being successful selling their ‘secrets’ is always a red flag for me because that person should just be using their ‘secrets’ to increase their own business. But they just have a big heart and want to help others right?
Anyhow, it is still good to see the success of others and know it is possible.
.-= Jeremy Johnson´s last blog … How To Be A Hot Nerd =-.
Well said, Takeoffzone!
Amen to that…lol:)
well I totally agree with the point made by Takeoffzone and the points raised by Lisa in the video (great video I must appreciate).
well, the ‘mantra’ of all success is not quick and easy. I too come across a number of these sites which claim of turning amatuers into pro by midnight by offering their ‘Success manual’s .I too couldn’t make out the tricks played by them but now I realize how fake these claims are.
Well I am also a person in early stages of the website building process and understand the importance of patience, but sometimes it demoralizes me on not getting enough response for my job.
Well Lisa ,I would also like to know from you the different stages that a website or a blog undergoes (phases, periods) before becoming successful or somewhat recognized it its niche, something inspiring to keep me going.
Avipar, good question. Just like any other business I experienced my ups and downs in the beginning. But you have to understand I started 10 years ago so many of the things I experienced were due to tactics that can no longer apply to today. So much of that would be irrelevant for today’s Webmaster or blogger.
But what I do want to say is that as a new blogger or webmaster you have to expect low or no traffic for the first few months. That’s perfectly normal…. especially now that things are so competitive out here. Assuming you continue building and getting inbound links the search engines will start to pick you up. You may get excited and suddenly traffic will drop again.
This is normal because rankings do fluctuate when your site is new. The engines are “feeling you out” so to speak. But it’s important to keep building and growing no matter what the search engines do. Slowly but surely traffic will become more stabilized. And while this is all happening you should also be looking for ways to diversify your traffic and not solely rely on the search engines.
One key thing for me was developing my own voice in my niche. When I first started out I was a bit frustrated because I couldn’t get the traffic. But as I continued to learn and write more content, I began to develop my own voice (the “keep it real” mentality). That’s when I realized that’s what people want to know… the real deal, the honest truth. So I started writing more articles with that kind of spin. Some people are fortunate and figure this out right away but it took me some time, and I think that’s normal.
The key is that you don’t give up and keep trying to find ways to reinvent yourself in your niche, no matter what it is.
Thanks Lisa for your comments. I found your website earlier today and have watched several of your videos. I appreciate your realistic and honest approach. I started my blog today primarily for dads (and moms) who stay at home. Thanks for your advice.
Chris
.-= Chris ´s last blog … =-.
Thanks for the reply, Lisa.
I would also like to know that how important is it for a upcoming website to build a web content which keeps up with its competitors in its niche as compared to building quite exclusive contents which others dont have to offer , like a ‘brand of its own’?
Hey how important is the inbound link for a new site?
If you’re new, having a fresh approach to a topic is soooo important. And I think that’s why so many sites never get off the ground. They end up re-wording what’s already out there so they can’t compete because people have read it all before.
That doesn’t mean you can’t choose topics that have already been done but you should definitely put another spin on it. For example, there are numerous iPod sites out there with basic info on the product and accessories you can buy. Boooring.
A better idea would be to create a site that reviewed all the latest mp3 players across all brands. It would target all the people who like to keep up on all the latest players.
Of course this is a lot of work but that’s the whole point. Making money is a lot of work and when you choose a subject you’re interested in, you don’t mind doing the research and keeping your site up to date.
Sites that do well offer fresh, up-to-date information in an organized fashion. It’s obvious through their writing that they’ve done their research and they are passionate about what they write about. They obviously know who their primary audience is and they write content that appeals to them.
When you’re new, standing out and being different is super important and often underrated. The net is super saturated so to make money you have to do more than just re-phrase what’s already out here.
Thank you so much for making this video. This is exactly what I need to hear while I’m in the process of launching my business.
go to niches that arn’t saturated at all
I’ve been working on the Internet since 1998 too, not all the time or continuously because I live on a boat and don’t always have access to it. I’ve built lots of sites just for fun and a few for other people (in the days when it was not all so complicated) and lately I have been working as a freelance writer, creating content for other people’s sites which is also a lot of fun. I have always enjoyed myself so much online and I still find new and great things every time I switch on the computer. This video definitely ranks as great advice! More power to ya, Lisa!
I love your video!
It says everything that I have always believed about building businesses and making money. It doesn’t matter if your business if offline or online it still takes working smart (and hard), time and energy to build a business. I talk with people all the time that are looking for the quick buck – not getting that it doesn’t happen overnight and the web isn’t a place to make a quick buck!
Thanx for this!
Melanie
Thanks for the video Lisa. It has inspired me to go out an d build my own website world. I have going to try and break into the online business empire!
Great stuff!
I am starting to use these principles on my blog that covers shocking and disturbing news items:
http://shatteredparadigm.blogspot.com/
A great video. A lot of people need to really understand that you dont just become rich doing this overnight. (or even over a thousand nights). Time and dedication are the keys.
I especially agree with what you say about failing. You really do learn a lot from realising your mistakes and approaching the same scenario in a different perspective there after.
2000 hours+designing the website………200,000+ ads by Google….starter edition, Yahoo site builder
Only 243 cliks…….whats wrong?
Hehe. Dead on. I failed 9 websites before I finally did it right.
Anonymous, what are your top traffic sources? It’s hard for me to answer without knowing what your site looks like or what you’re trying to do with it. Could be anything from not getting enough relevant traffic or not enough traffic to your site period. Search engine traffic is often the best targeted traffic and it’s free so if you haven’t mastered SEO you may want to read up on how to get your site ranked in Google.
This is amazing.
Your video is the story I tell others every day – it’s actually really eerie
Your time frame is also strikingly eerie!
Rome was NOT built in a day, a week, a month, or even a year. Rome takes time! That favorite “guru” also was years in the making not an overnight success. Work is required, and I agree it’s “work” that is fun! But do not fool yourself, it’s work. 100% all the time.
You’ve done an incredible job with this video, and a huge service to others by making it.
Another great job! I’m so glad I found your blog!
Lisa, your blog is becoming one of my favorites. I haven’t found my own voice yet, but I’m having a blast doing so.
Thanks Jacqueline! Don’t worry, finding your voice takes time and probably took me a few years to develop. The important part is that you are having fun and even though it took me a few years to get going, I always had fun and that’s what counts.
Lisa, wow, you are just such an amazing breath of fresh air. Each article and everything (article, link, everything!) – just makes me want to devour all your info. I have been attempting this business for almost 2 years now – and I have read everything (ok, not everything of course) – but have spent full days and evenings on IM info.
This site is fantastic, organized, helpful and wow… just wanted to say thank you. What a great job – and you have such integrity.
So very much appreciation!!!
Susan
Passion coupled with common sense, the ability to learn from mistakes and fine tune your path to success. I have the passion, now mostly working on the other things.
One useful quote I heard somewhere was that to make an income online you just need to know a bit more than the average person about something that they are likely to pay for to save time getting what they want.
Excellent point, Andy!
Hey Lisa!
Really enjoyed this video discussion. Very REAL.
I’ll be back.
Lisa, I love your truth. I am an internet network marketer and I hear the same questions and do my best to let people know that passion is what drives business on the net. With passion, how ever long it takes, the success will be worth it.
Tracey Walker
http://www.TraceyWalkerOnline.com
mam i want 2 talk with u about website creation.plz send me u r email ID 2 my ID.am 18 old
Okay, i’ve came up with the idea of making a motorcycle website for learners. However i am totally clueless about most of what i am about to do.
In short i want to make a website with alot of pages on how to use a motorbike, where the clutch is located etc, and a list of 50-125 cc bikes for learners to start on. I am seriously passionate about this, and i’m in college, so its not like i haven’t got the time. Indeed i have, i just don’t know where to start, what to do or even anything about website creation. I’ve watched your video’s and i understand most of the principle to website making and the frame of mind you need to be in. And to be completely frank, I had the idea without even knowing that you could profit from it, so its not like when i thought about it i was “desperate for money” as you put it, Please help, and could you e-mail me back? Thanks, Much regards From Terry.
Hi Lisa
I have not set up any thing yet but getting a rough idea of what it willbe. PLease can you email and advise is it a good idea to Patent the idea before i create the website.
Many Thanks
Nick
Hey Lisa
Nice video…I currently own my own small business (not internet related) and was looking to expand into creating various websites for additional income and hobby. I created my 1st website approximately 8 months ago, after coming to 2createawebsite 1st. I’m not quite sure how my website will make out but it has definitely been a great learning process and am currently loking at various ideas for other websites. I would like to thank you for putting out good info. for the ‘small’ peeps like us. I will continue to visit and hopefully become somewhat more savvy on websites in the coming years. Can’t get any less savvy
I do have one question if you don’t mind answering…..
My current website is on a template format. I really want to learn more HTML/CSS to be able to design a bit better. Most templates are pretty blah! I am thinking about getting Dreamweaver. Do you use and/or like Dreamweaver? I heard it takes a while to get used to? Any recommendations on that type of software?
Thanks!
Thanks D,
I have DW and I learned how to use it by downloading free templates at sites like http://www.freecsstemplates.org and opening them in DW and editing the code. It’s a great way to learn.
Appreciate the read, this is a really fabulous website, it’s truely inspiring to hear how much money you make from a part time website “hobby” because of treating it like a business and NOT a hobby!
Hi Lisa. Great video, so concise and true. I’m a web developer but oddly enough I had never appreciated the fact that anyone can make money online by getting traffic to their website…i.e. until my younger brother (13 years) started receiving a monthly check from Adsense when his blog started getting listed in Google. Since then I have been thinking of a good idea to implement on a website that would generate lots of traffic… and I’ve finally had this great and original idea (I’m not going to be disclosing it here
). The website will offer free online services (think Facebook) rather than information. Now my question is this: how easier/difficult is it to build traffic for websites offering services?
Thanks.
Hi Jesmond,
I would never suggest creating a site like this UNTIL you already have a traffic base. It’s so hard to get a site like this ranked in google (compared to an information site like I assume your brother’s is) So I would suggest you build a content information site based on your theme and THEN add the social networking part after you have the traffic.
Hi Lisa,
Very good illustration and clear explanation on making money. Your blog has a pagerank of 4 and it is great. How do you manage that? I am still struggling with my blog. Thanks.
Hi Juan
My blog is linked from my popular website http://www.2createawebsite.com so that helps its PR. Just keep building good content and people will eventually find and follow you. I have no special marketing secrets. I just do my best to put out info I feel people will value and traffic builds over time.
Hi Lisa…
I’m a wife, mother and a student that is so in need of money. I’m actually in the process of learning how to make my first website during this holiday. It took me days and I’m almost ready to forget about it! But, after watching this video, you just inspire to never ever give up. Thank you very much and keep up the good work!
Hi Lisa,
Just to know but the Sony handycam you use is that one with a harddisk inside it or with external cards. I just got one for my birthday with external cards (I think it works with SD card) but have not really used it yet.
Just curious, what do you use?
Kind regards,
Bruno
Hi Lisa, You’re sooooo pretty, Love your site, your video, everything, I’m so proud of you, God bless you real good, Jo
Ah I see that flat-stomach-exercises in your traffic Building Tips, You see, you see, You pretty girls hang out together, but that’s that’s a good thang. She’s got a great site too
Learning lots of good stuff from ya, Thanks, Jo
Oh Lisa if I hit a link from your site and go back to some other site, say a month or two from now and buy, do you still get the commission? I need to know that for how my site will work too, thanks, Jo
Is it me or that lamp on top or behind your back goes woooop down after you get serious for a little bit. Laughing out loud here:) Good video, thanks Lisa!
Hi Lisa.
Once again, thanks for your really helpful video. However, I just thought that I would mention that researches say that being “rejected” by someone triggers a part of your brain that physical pain (like cuts and bruises) also trigger. This can be a possible reason to explain why people are afraid to feel the new ground to web design.
Anyways, thank you for the video, and I look forward to seeing more!
No it’s not you Haiderbydesign. It’s possessed. LOL!
You are beautiful and smart. Runaway with me, ha!
Great info, thanks!
Yes we can! As of today I am setting out in following your advice. I am going to do a complete reboot on my site with new ideas. When I finish I will dedicate and credit it all to you Lisa. Your an inspiration Thanks
Great message Lisa…that drive is so important! After being an active stock trader (that’s over 2500 trades a year), I can really relate to waking up in the morning, biting at the bit, to do my analysis and research to find my next trade. I’ve got the same passion about what I want to do with an internet business and I continue to look towards SBI to mature my decision making. Your realistically honest message is truly an asset.
The World is not enough!
Thx!!
It’s rare for me to spend much time watching videos these days as I’m always working on my site and my content, but this video really got to me on the passion tip:
I love to write, make videos, and help people…that too has been my biggest motivation to get through some really bleak times in my online marketing career.
Just grasping the concept of marketing took some time to completly understand. But you see, the bautiful thing about it is this:
Once you got, you got it. When you understand it, there is no going back unless you choose to stop doing what you know works.
Greetings all members,
I would just like to say hello and let you know that I’m happy to be a member – been a lurker long enough
Hope to contribute some and gain some knowledge along the way….
Good to hear your story. Congrats on the success.
Lisa i have seen all of your videos and i did everything even made a youtube video but i am not getting any traffic please i need your help please!!!!!
Hi Lisa. I am interested in blogging and building a website, but this is all sort of new to me. I’ve been thinking about doing this for a while, and now it’s time to put ideas in action. I am a person that is not afraid to try new things and fail the first time. I found your story to be very inspiring. In most success stories that I’ve heard in e-business, people start out just needing extra money. For some it takes time, but time and patience pay off.
Well, I just wanted to let you know that I’ve enjoyed your story, and look forward to hearing more.
SIR MY NAME IS MUHAMMAD SAJID AFZAL I AM GOOGLE ADSENSE JOB SART ONLINE THREE HOURSE DAILY PLEASE MY REQUEST JOB PERMENT THREE HOURSE DAILY JOB START REQUESE AND MY MONEY SEND MY PERSONAL BANK ACCOUNT NUMBER 0097-0081-00118-01-2 BANK NAME BANK AL HABIB LIMITED CITY BRANCH JAUHARABAD PLEASE SIR DAILY GOOLE ADSENSE JOB ONLINE START REQUEST OK THANK U
Hi Lisa,
I am 100% agree with you….
Most people try to tell Internet Marketing is a easy thing even a lazy person can do that. They use these wordings as a marketing tool. They hide the real truth behind them. Because of that most of navies get caught……
I am also new to the internet marketing and still learning to increase web traffic.
Thanks for showing the truth… This will help all the people who are really struggling with internet base money making….
All the best & Good Luck….
Hi Lisa
I’ve been doing affiliate marketing (Click Bank) on the net for a year now, I made my first sale after 6 months and since then I’ve been making 3 – 4 sales a week online, but I need to start making more money…I want to stay at home with my little boy. So I’ve done a few sites…free ones. And I now actually want to start a site with SBI, but I’ve been putting it off for about three months now, because I cant decide on a niche! What would you suggest a person could do to decide. I’m interested in many things…but I just don’t have all that passion for one specific subject. So far all my sales have come from classified ads.
Thanks for the great info. I’m sure you help many people! This video has definitely motivated me!
Tracy
South Africa
Hi Tracy,
I would never suggest a niche for someone because only you know what you are passionate about or interested in enough to continue building and maintaining a site for years to come. One reason people buy SBI! is because it has a whole process/exercise that helps you choose a topic for your site. Topic choice is so very important and I think it’s something you should take your time with. It is definitely a personal decision. Good luck!
Hi Lisa
I wasnt asking you to give me a niche
I was asking if you had any advice on how a person could decide. like what should you do, what process should you follow. But thanks anyways.
Thanks for the info on SBI! Just makes me want to join then even more….
;0
Tracy
Great Video…
Been out here 5+ years now full time for a little over 2 years now. Sold GURU Coaching for a while done my fair share of consulting and feel my strength is the tech side.
Everyone needs to know the money is nice but the the best part is the freedom… That doesn’t mean I won’t sit here for 11 hours and bang my head against the wall trying to conquer a video formatting issue or days tracking down some silly coding issue that only exists in IE7. I may be a work-a-holic as some would say, but I LOVE what I do.
The instant millionaire stories I know of all came from creating a product and then being able to drum up some serious JV traffic.
That’s always portrayed as easy to get, but I’m here to tell you even if you have a shoe in with your JV partner they will pressure you to get it done and pretend that they love the idea all the way up till the day they are supposed to mail for you and then get cold feet and back out.
So write about something you “LOVE,” do it on a blog, learn a little about SEO do your research so you know what people are looking for, be consistent with your content, If you are honest with yourself about these things you are almost guaranteed to succeed.
You may not get rich, but if you can replace your “J.O.B.” Income what difference does it make?
Now you have all that experience and know what it takes to make it out here, build another one or write an info product about your experience, be a coach once you have the knowledge there’s no shortage of people that will pay you for that knowledge.
“Just Do It”
Kudos To You Lisa…
I just bumped into this site yesterday and I’ll tell you from what I know about the industry Lisa is a great one to follow she’s blunt and just tells you like it is. You can’t ask for more than that, not to mention her money making strategies are right on.
DON’T get hung up on feeling like you have to sell your info… Sure you can make tons of money doing that, but I’m not sure the aggravation is worth it unless you can get the “A List” people in that market to mail for you.
Just learn to monetize your market with every affiliate under the sun, buy the products yourself demonstrate them to your audience talk about them show them how to use them and give them your “Thumbs Up.”
Never ever quit no matter what, If you have to work 40 hours a week to make what you make at your “J.O.B.” It’s no different out here in the beginning, welcome all the failures as your friends and most of all don’t be consumed by “F.E.A.R.” (False expectation appearing real) Just get out there and write get a web cam and make video be yourself and most of all have fun.
Keep up the great work
Dave
What a great post, Dave. Thank you for sharing.
what agreat post,dave. thank you for sharing
Wow, thank you for giving such great advice, you have helped me out a ton.
I’m very glad I found your website,
Mir
Great video. I wish the other six-figure bloggers would go into detail about the behind the scenes work of building a blog.
Sometimes all we hear are the success stories and not the work that it took to get there.
You are so right it’s not easy and it’s definitely not for the lazy zt heart it takes a lot of time, energy and research. However thanks to your videos and tutorials I have cut even alot of that time learning in halve. Thanks Lisa and Kudos.
Wow Lisa! I am just looking into starting an online business and am sooo grateful that I stumbled onto your website so early on in my research. I’ve read the replies, so I know you have heard it all before, but it is INCREDIBLE to find someone on the internet with so much personal integrity. I mean, you say it like it is in language that everyone can understand and your passion is so real and honest…it is just so refreshing, and unusual, to find that anywhere, let alone on the net.
Like I said, I have just started trying to figure out what it is I want to do, and I can’t wait to read everything you have written.
Thank you for sharing your passion and calling with us,
Monica
This is very refreshing advice for anything
one pursues in this world. This sensible information needs to be printed on our currency. There is a clearly articulated
message here, that resounds with precious common sense.
The speaker should be the leader of our great country and
could really solve problems and truly inspire the American
people. Please swing for the fences because people
like you will save our country.
Dear Lisa,
Although there are thousands of websites out there teaching about website creation, i like the genuineness in your blog. I have been earning online since last year, but i have this burning question that i have asked the gurus that i knew, but wasnt able to get a solid answer. Appreciate if you can drop me a line at [email protected], am sure you can guide me on this. Thanks!
Prinz
Lisa,
You talk so much sense!
Hi Lisa,
This is a great topic i must say, because as a newbie we’re
bombarded with all the mixed messages of how easy it is make 5 and 6 figures on the net. If you read some of the sales pages of some of the “Gurus” or so called gurus, its easy to get caught up in the hype, and before you know it, you’ve got the card out buying a product that you find is worthless, hard to understand, outdated, and you’ve simply been had.
I’m trying early on to avoid the “PIE IN THE SKY” approach , and take the “LEARN AND EARN” approach, so to speak to IM.
Its hard somtimes to discern who’s JUST trying to make a buck, and who’s trying to actually help you and lead you in the right direction. You fall within the latter of the two, i must say. Honest , informative , and easy to understand.
Bookmarked your site. Later.
Lisa, finally someone who speaks the truth! I found your site on the Site Build It forums (Site Build It tells it like it is too, thats why I love it!).
I was feeling a bit discouraged today about my traffic (and getting the click.) but the video and these posts made me remember the tortoise.
My traffic has been slowly building and doubling since I started, just need to refocus and build more pages.
And keep an eye on this site!
.-= Jane´s last blog … Aug 26, Toronto Shopping Bags =-.
grate info
Just found you today and really like your style.
I have ab out 4 sites on line and am still trying to get the pics on the sites and found your video.
I will check out all your stuff.
TY
I was always wondering… on average… if you made a website on sbi! do you think you would make enough money to pay for the cost of sbi! over the coarse of one year? i think i have a good idea for a website and i was thinking about putting something different on it etc…. i was just wondering because im a teen and don’t make that much money and i would hate to have to lose a lot of it…
Drew
p.s. i like using…
Hi, I just wanted to say thank you so much for being so candid and honest with people about making money online. I’ve been online for a few years, but only made a few dollars here and there up until the last month.
You are so right when you say that it takes TIME. Every affiliate marketer out there writes sales pages that brag about making money in a few short weeks, but unless you have oodles of time on your hands, have money, or are super smart, it just won’t happen quickly.
It takes TIME to learn the ins and outs of affiliate marketing and following some gurus program does not guarantee success. Finding out what works for you, finding your voice, and what you’re good at doing does work. I don’t know how much money and time I’ve wasted chasing after “shiny things” trying this program or that program until I found something that worked for me and I enjoy doing. Doing it just for the money will leave most people not only frustrated, but most likely make them give up. We have to remember we’re building a business, not working a job for a set amount of money. Yes, it will take countless hours to get where we need to be and it is a process…
Finally, definitely go after something you are interested in our you WILL get bored and stop working on your site or blog. I set up certain topics and later said, why the heck did I do that? I had zero interest in that topic but it seemed like it might be profitable. Those always lead to disaster. A part of building your business is boring work (submitting articles, tracking, writing (sometimes)), just like paperwork on the job, so to keep it interesting, choose a topic you enjoy and would learn about if you didn’t earn a red cent.
I definitely apprciate the information, and since I’ve been to this site, I’m amazed at the sweet n simple way you educate your audience…I definitely subscribed, and hope one day I can come to you with a success story of my own, and give back for all the knowledge you put into me & my ventures
Sometimes people are born to do a certain job.
The lady Lisa who produced this website is one of those.
She makes you feel like your apart of what she is saying. Which is no mean task.
hello lisa,
how are you. your video is nice. i have my blog name is
http://www.visit4win.com
i would like to ge more traffice and good income from my blog, so can you give me advice how to develop my blog .
expecting your reply.
thanks.
naresh kumar
I want to thank you for your tutorials on Dreamweaver. You explain it clearly, and understandable. I have watched many video’s on the website building topic where the speaker does not speak clearly, or mumbles, or speakes with a very strong accent. You are doing a great job.
I want to thank you for your tutorials on Dreamweaver. You explain it clearly, and understandable. I have watched many video’s on the website building topic, where the narrator mumbles, or speaks with a very strong accent. You are doing a great job. Thanks for your help!
Hi Lisa
Fantastic information as ever.
It’s true if you build website with top quality content and find the right niches to fit in, then your on to a winner.
But remember also that you should never stop adding quality content, such as videos, pictures and even articles.
If it’s good enough then it will grow in time, we webmasters linking to your web pages naturally. The search engines will then start ranking you higher. The traffic to your website will increase and also your earnings from adsense or adbrite etc…
This does not happen over night it takes time, so be patient.
Hi Lisa,
Your video was golden and your no bull approach was even better.
I found your website after discovering Thesis and needed more information but the more i read about you the more i read about to hear what you had to say.
You are so right about failure and success. Its no easy task being an internet marketer, i should know. If it was an easy task everyone would be doing it. Let me tell you its not. I have had my ups and downs and I’ve only been an affiliate marketer for 16 months. I went from having no money to making 6 figures in that time. Call it desperation, call it determination but let me tell you its not easy. Once you know how it works for you the skies the limit.
Life is grand and your success is amazing.
Thanks for sharing.
- June
.-= june46´s last undefined … If you register your site for free at =-.
Hi Lisa~
Just found your site and I love it! I am a mother of four and love being home with my kids. I started four different websites (all completely different topics….but all topics that I love and feel passionate about). I have truly enjoyed the writing and slowly seeing more people come to my sites and comment. I can see where it would be slow, but as long as you love what you are doing….keep doing it! I am a believer in this! Love your story! I try not to compare myself to others, because that can destroy your self esteem quickly. At the same time….it is always great to hear the success stories of others…just to know it is possible!
Thanks again Lisa! What a beautiful girl you are….inside and out!
~Rachel
Hi Lisa, the above articles by you and friends is better than 1000 forums. In forum there are restrictions but here people (including you) tell story from your heart. It’s really great pleasure in reading these articles.
Excellent work lisa keep it up.
.-= Perambur Kumar´s last blog … Google AdSense Training – Direct Training for Google AdSense and SEO =-.
Hi Lis
Always great to learn more new tricks on your website. I’ve been reading your website for two years now and your content always grips me. I started my website 3 years ago but was getting no traffic because I spent all my time making it look pretty with kitchen photos and jpeg text. When I bought SBI everything changed. I understood that without content and links to your site there will be no traffic. I now get 5000 unique visitors a month( I know you get that a day so don’t laugh..LOL!!). I don’t only monitize off Adsense I also get allot of local business. I rank in the top 3 searches of Google SA for two of the most competitive keywords in my industry and many others. The great thing about this is that no-one in South Africa knows how to do it because the internet is still new here so I have a huge upper hand. 90% of the kitchen companies in SA still do off-line marketing that costs them thousands of rands every month. And they don’t even know if they’ll get any leads from it. Anyway thanks for all your help
Regards
Jules
Dear Lisa,
You are a successor, Your said is true, All are having UPS and Downs in business, Yes we have to learn Everything Before Start, If we start Go slowly understand Yourself, You will get success, there you are. Very good, I am getting lot of experience with your site. Thank you keep it on.
The Genuine’s Blog – All Genuine online jobs list
Regards
Genuine
Go ahead Keep it on.
.-= Genuine´s last blog … Find duplicate CURRENCY Before Receive =-.
Hi Lisa,
My name is Sean Walters and just like you I started my journey online sometime ago and it was not easy starting out and what I have found out is that you must be disciplined. Everyday and I mean everyday you must repeat the same steps if you want success online. People think that this is easy but it isn’t, it is hard work.
Thank you for posting such a great video as more people that come online need to hear the truth.
My Blog is http://www.joinpeoplestringforfree.com
.-= Sean Walters´s last blog … ALL CLEAR: FeedMedic Alert for mlm-networkmarketingsuccess =-.
i wnat to a crearte wabsite
How do you handle a comment like this, lol. Some would say just leave it alone and walk away. Most know they are trying to say, “I want to create a website.” and others would say this person was just being weird and leaving a random comment.
I admire Lisa for leaving this comment up
.-= Jeremy Johnson´s last blog … How To Be A Hot Nerd =-.
Hi
, since english is not my first language, but from time to time I get discouraged about this business, so I google reasuring stories y your site always comes up 
.
Great video, I’ve been reading your webpage for 2 or 3 years now. I always forget the name of your website
Not only you are a good writer but a great speaker too, that is something a lot of us lack of. My site is a greglist wanna be, in mexico. And what I have realized after 6 months running it is that traffic is the most important thing to me and is the thing the “gurus” don’t spend too much time talking about.
I just want to thank you for keeping it real for beginners like me.
Sheers.
Lisa, I have been watching this vid for at least 5 to 7 times ever since I started build my first site. And I know EXACTLY how it feels when you say “I work extra 8 hours AFTER work and still making $20 to $30 dollars a month”, this is where I’m at.
I’ve been through the cycle of:
1. Get excited about making money online.
2. Start to build a site w/ generic info.
3. Sit around and waiting for visitor to come in.
4. Get frustrated and begin to have doubts
5. Thinking about quitting (after 2 month)
6. Not ready to quite yet, but not having fun doing it either.
7. Start to research, write more and more contents.
8. Start to see more traffic coming in.
9. Making $17.87 w/ Google Adsense first month
10. Yes….I can do this. And this can WORK!
11. Believing in myself, you can do this!
12. Remind myself, I won’t quite!
13. Write more contents, good contents and keep going.
14. Re-think why am I doing a website at the first place.
15. Have a passion and let it shine through in your writing.
All those stages happened with in 6 month. I’m glad I didn’t quit and Lisa, thanks again to give me inspiration to redefine passion and motivation to succeed.
Hi Lisa, as a fellow SBIer I am very proud of what you are doing. I love your honest, straight forward approach. Wishing you continued and even greater success.
very nice article. why not you write such article instead of placing videos.
.-= adeel´s last blog … Men and Women – How Do They Use Internet? =-.
Hey Lisa,
Thanks a lot for making this information available for people. Thanks again for your honesty. People need to realise that there is nothing like over night wealth. I wish there is enough people like you.
Hi Lisa,
Great to see that you are promoting the honest and true ways to make money on the internet. When I started years ago I was thinking it was going to be an instant turn around, that I would be making money within a matter of weeks and then I could quit my job! That is so far from the truth. Now after 3 solid years things are starting to really happen (working part time on my sites). So it does take time, investment and persistence. Google and the other search engines only want to reward those sites that are here for the long term!
Cheers,
Matt
Hey Lisa,
I like your video, you keep reminding us not to fear and never to give up. one month ago, you initiated my passion for blogging. Many people will want an easy online money scheme, but they get frustrated and discouraged. Making online income need you follow the principles and work for the benefit of others, not just your selfish taste for money. I am an example of those who will never give up and gradually becoming a success. i will keep the fire burning.
Thanks Lisa for your inspirations
.-= harvestwages´s last blog … 5 traps that seducess great minds =-.
teriffic insight with intelligence and definition – its good to hear / see a ballanced view on realistic goals – thanks Lisa!
.-= jeremy widdup´s last blog … Open Blog for Brian Halligan, CEO HubSpot =-.
Lisa, I really appreciate your words, especially your feedback at row 13. I am a five-month old internet newbie. Yes, I admit sometimes it’s quite disappointed when I see my website traffic keeps maintaing at a certain figure, hardly to have a breakthrough. After viewing your reply, I am futher convinced that this scenario is pretty normal. Thanks for your sincere encouragement!
.-= TCKhew´s last blog … Book Review-’Top Money Tips for Malaysians’ =-.
Lisa,
For many, many years, I have felt compelled to encourage people and share some of the things I know that may be helpful to others. I love to write, and I’ve considered writing a book and/or teaching seminars. I’ve recently begun toying with the idea of creating a blog or website as a better way to accomplish these goals at this point in my journey. Hearing your story has been inspiring — sounds like we have some things in common! Thank you so much for your no-nonsense approach, and for your sincere and caring style!
Hi Lisa,
Thank you for sharing this. I’m not really much of a blogger as the dodgy internet marketers who all claim to be earning millions had put me off!! I use my blog to put ariticles on for my clients/subscribers, but I don’t promote it much at the moment and I don’t sell or promote any products.
But I am determined to utilise it more now that I’ve watched this video.
Thanks for the inspiration and showing passion about what you do.
Inspiring story.
since i discovered your website and blog I ‘ve learned so much. your posts and your articles are informatives!!
Hi lisa,
Thank you for sharing all your knowledge with us. Although I am a Web Designer, but I still learned so many things from this website, it is a great tool to catch up the web promoting knowledge. Just want to ask you about how to link Facebook comments on your own blog?
Many thanks
I started learning IM about a year ago and joined a few forums and I’ve found the information you give is really informative real talk without all the hype. A lot of the top “gurus” try to make it sound easy so you buy their product but I like the fact that you tell us it wasn’t easy and it will take time. You inspire me, Thanks Lisa;0)
Very Inspiring.
I have my site from June 2009 till August 2010 i did not had traffic, i use to get 1/2 visitors per day.What i had in my website? only information about Kolkata City like museums, amusements, historical places, Shopping Malls etc basically it is made for Tourist.
From September 2010 i started promoting seriously by doing SEO works and now i am transforming it into a Directory cum Guide of Kolkata.
Because of SEO work done i started getting traffic and now i get minimum 100 visitor per day from Search Engine and expecting it to grow
Great video, I have a ton of respect for you for keeping it real and not being dishonest like so many people out there online claiming to drive exotic cars and live on the beach. Thanks for being honest!
Why are these links still no follows?
I dont usually watch videos because lets face it most of them are such a waste of time. They all are annoying sales pitch. You seem like someone genuinely out to help. So fresh and you have an appeal to you that pulls in everyone…I saw that charisma in the video. Im so happy for you
Wow, this was a great video, and you answered the question I’ve seen others ask as best as anyone possibly could. Strangely enough, I’ve never asked this question about how long it takes; just never occurred to me. And out of all the sites I have, I only have one that produces anything, and I figure that’s just how it goes.
Believe me!!! My idea of starting an investment website came from your blog and website. I have learnt a lot from you and always learning. Many Thanks for your inspiring articles and information.
Great video thanks. Unfortunately the questions that you mentioned are inevitable. We always need to know what the prize will be for our efforts. For some it makes us more focused and driven.
Lisa
whoah this blog is fantastic i love reading your articles. Keep up the great work! You know, lots of people are searching around for this info, you could help them greatly.
very inspiring story ,
Lisa,
I notice that your workspace (background in video) is neat and tidy.
Are you a super-organized person?
Does that contribute to your success?
– Kenn
Thank goodness you only see that portion!! lol I’m not a slob by any means but I’m far from calling myself an organized person. I actually wish I was more organized.
Hi Lisa at the moment Im making about 35 euro a week from my youtube videos, I joined the partnership programme about 3 months ago.
my passion is martial arts and one of the things I enjoy the most is helping people confronting fear of agression.
I am studying your videos and your comments and I hope to one day be able to continue my dream and also make a living. I am hoping to learn as much as possible from you and if you can give me some advice i really appreciate it.
I may have an advantage to the fact that I speak two languages but honestly speaking i started this road only because I thought i would attract some students around italy, now with adsense and youtube Im a bit shocked at the fact that I am starting to make money from it.
at the moment I have about 600 videos and also I use adwords quite a bit.
is there any advice you can help me with? thank you
Good job! I would like to point out – I’m no expert. As far as I know, there isn’t a “magic” answer, in this huge area how ever you manage to produce a real material for education purpose and websites improving.
best regards.
I think this is my favorite video of all your videos. I’m really pleased that my tiny (compared to yours) blogging income of about $310 per month has actually had 3 or 4 people asking me for some advice on how to do the same. I can only imagine how many enquiries you get. That word “passionate” that you repeat so many times in this video is key, I agree. A year ago my blogging income was only about $56 per month, and would never have increased to what it is now, had I not been passionate about my topic and passionate about continuing to work at it, no matter how long it takes. I do other work from home as a freelancer, and I know that feeling you mention of being at your 9-5 desk with ideas flying through your head that you just can’t wait to get written and posted to your site. My dream is to be a fulltime blogger, which I know is the same dream that many have. Not all will make it, but I will, sometime in the future, because I’m sticking to being passionate about it. It’s easy not to give up trying, when you’re passionate about something.
your blog is very inspiring. I am in the beginning to do the process. Thanks very much
@Teresa Schultz
My dream is to be a fulltime blogger, which I know is the same dream that many have. Not all will make it, but I will, sometime in the future, because I’m sticking to being passionate about it. It’s easy not to give up trying, when you’re passionate about something.
Nice dream but have different means of making online …
Perseverance, motivation, passion and a good skillset it key. I have been blogging for just one menial year; however, I have a tremendous thirst for learning. I was soaking up so much knowledge from here and other places I had no idea what I had learn… it had not had time to solidify in my brain. All of a sudden early October, it hit me like a ton of bricks. My focus was off… very much so. I love to write, but I was a failure at socializing. Off and online. It is just not my strong suit. However, I do know marketing, but I was not applying it to my own ventures. So much for that graduate degree and shame on me.
Nevertheless, in October I started to treat myself as my own client and developed an action plan in the 3rd party so it would not be so personal. It is what works for me. Things immediately began to change for me literally within days. I have successful businesses offline and now I am learning online. I admire people like you who are honest about the learning curve and trials & tribulations. JC Penney, Tyco, Mattel… none of those companies were built in a day and neither will ours. If you need money NOW, get a job anywhere, but don’t force the process when it comes to building a business. It takes time unless you have the financial resources to do a heavy-hitting integrated marketing communications plan. Cheers to you!
Wow, what a great message, Shonda. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you, Lisa. You are inspirational.
I do agree with your story. I have work so much on my website to earn 6 or 5 figures a month but making this money online takes time and hard work. Great video Lisa!
nice video lisa, i love the way u narrate too.. keep the good post coming.
~alex
very great website i have read the posts about the way to make money that’s very very good and your video really inspires me.
Great video – the reason why most folks get online is to make money somehow and your trade secrets will come in handy for newcomers and experienced folks alike – thanks!
I hope I can be like you someday, if u can do that so “Why can’t I do that?” ^_^
Anytime someone comes at me with any sort of “Get rich quick” nonsense, that is my queue to stop listening.
The only “Get rich quick” solution I know of is wining the lottery, and if someone had the wining numbers beforehand, I already know they wouldn’t be sharing it with me…
Thanks for ever spreading the gospel, Lisa.
Wow, Lisa
You speak so well and come across wonderfully on your video. Your points are so on target. In other words, “Your goals are your own. Base them on you vs someone else!”
Thanks,
RJ
Thanks RJ!
Thanks for all the tips !
Awesome Lisa , But you did a lotta hardwork for this too
great going… 
Thank you Lisa for a very inspiring vedeo…..you are like a breath of FRESH AIR….thank you for caring.
Hey lisa that was an very inspiring video , and it is all your hardork which made u what are u today
best of luck lisa it was very inspiring and it took u 6 years to become what u are now
it was mindblowing u did so much hardwork 
Hi Lisa, I’m not even sure how I found your site but I really like it and will be reading every page! I have been making $1000+ per month on squidoo and now I’m ready to start putting my efforts into creating my own niche sites so I have more control and don’t have to split affiliate commissions with anyone! I love learning and analyzing what works and what doesn’t to get traffic and convert that traffic into sales. Looking forward to learning from your site!
Awesome Kim!! Wow, $1000 bucks on Squidoo is pretty impressive. If you’ve been able to do that then I’m sure you’ll do fine with owning your own niche websites. Great job!
Thanks for sharing all the behind the scenes hard work that get you to where you are today. Thanks for sharing Lisa!
Thanks for sharing and inspiring us.
Making money online is fun. If you get to 6 figures it will be even more fun. From experience I can say that subscription websites make largest amounts of cash. Blogging is a more reliable income source over time.
I’m so glad I came to your site Lisa. It’s almost as though the universe led me here because I had to hear you say that it took you 6 years to be where you are now and that it wasn’t that easy.
Thank you so much
well Lisa,
We know that you keep it 100% with us, when it comes to building from the ground floor up in Internet marketing. you did let us know from the very beginning that Internet marketing is not an overnight gig, and to succeed in it, you must be willing to go long-term with online marketing efforts, because no one on the Internet can make $1 million overnight. DrewryNewsNetwork admires how you keep it real with the web audience
Great article Lisa, the video is uplifting as well.
Nothing worth having comes easy so I am glad I failed in the beginning because I have learned so much from many blogs, authors, marketing, and things I would have never known.
My family comes to me for most of their computer related issues. I did not see that coming.
The video is awesome. Thanks for sharing with us Lisa
Its a motivation for new bloggers, I must say.
Great video. It is refreshing to hear that you weren’t an overnight success- bc it is so hard to believe that anyway!!! There is nothing quantifiable about the web, and you can easily gauge what you get back in equality with what you give at a certain point, in my opinion.
Damn, Can’t watch the video. YouTube is banned in Pakistan
I enjoyed this video. Your website is wonderful. Watching the video is like talking with your best friend. Keep up the good work!