The Absolute Worst Advice I’ve Ever Received Online
Affiliate Marketers Shouldn’t Create Their Own Products!
Yep, that’s what someone told me on YouTube when I asked my subscribers what kind of book they would like me to write.
My critic went on to say that I should not sell my own products because I already offer so much free advice. What could I possibly put in a book that would be worth anyone’s money?
He believes affiliate marketers should stick to selling other people’s “stuff” instead of trying to create their own products.
I have to say. That was probably one of the worst pieces of advice I’ve received in my 14 years of affiliate marketing.
If you want long-term success online, your ultimate goal should be to sell your own product(s).
From our exchange, I could tell he assumed I was just going to regurgitate everything on my site, throw it into a book and slap a price tag on it. But what’s so ironic about that is many people suggested I do just that!
Once again, I learned that oh-so-valuable lesson I wrote about last week…
YOU CAN’T PLEASE ALL THE PEOPLE ALL THE TIME.
Having said that, I understood his concern. It was never my goal to just paraphrase my site and put it into a book. I knew I had a lot of information and lessons tucked away that could be packaged up and presented.
So yes, there were a few naysayers who spoke out against product creation. However, the overwhelming majority requested a book on niche websites/affiliate marketing, and those are the people I listened to.
This was two years ago, but thanks to a very debilitating RSI (typing) injury I went through in 2009 and 2010, I was never able to start the book. Writing for long periods of time was just too painful and I had other priorities that kept getting in the way.
I was also having trouble with the direction of the book, so I chalked it up to bad timing and decided to table the project until I was ready to dedicate my time to it.
Hello NWS!
Nevertheless, that is all behind me now, and I have completed Niche Website Success! It’s a very detailed, practical guide for creating a niche website and includes numerous strategies I’ve used over the years for building websites, AdSense, affiliate marketing, video and more.
And because I don’t want you spending your hard-earned money on something you don’t need, you can download the table of contents. Check it out and browse the chapter info.
Want to Be an Affiliate?
The news just keeps getting sweeter! If you have an audience that would benefit from Niche Website Success, I am offering a whopping 75% commission. All you have to do is sign up with Clickbank (free) and grab the code to promote it on your website! Click here for details.
Thanks for all the amazing feedback and testimonials you’ve sent me thus far. I know it took forever to get this puppy out, but hopefully you’ll find it worth the wait. 
Check out Niche Website Success!
My Promise to You
The issue with launching products when you’ve been known to give away so much for free is people often worry you are going to start selling out or pitching your product down their throats every chance you get.
Let’s hope you know me better than that. I will continue to provide free resources, advice, tutorials, etc. as always.
I am simply diversifying my income as often suggested here on my blog. Hopefully you are doing the same.
You May Also Like...
Hi, My name is Lisa and I'm a full-time affiliate marketer who has been blessed enough to earn a living online since 2006. 
Hi, my name is Lisa Irby and I'm the owner of 
Hi Lisa. I agree.. creating your own product ultimately should be the goal of any internet marketer. The fact that we already give free advice does not mean that we can’t crate our own eBook and provide all the “good stuff” in one neat package. Within the process I am sure that there are many things that will be added due to updates, technical changes, etc.. I wish you much success with your NWS.. I am on it
DiTesco recently posted..Ads Galore, Google+ SEO, SOPA, Social Web, Speedlink 03:2012
Thanks, Ditesco! Appreciate the support. Yes, I do believe there is definite value in having everything in one place…. something I’ve never really had.
Yes I LOVE IT. I KNOW you put your heart and soul in it. I know people will be more than willing to buy because they know you really care about them and their success. People don’t care how much you know until they know much you care.
Thanks Jubril! Great to see ya here.
Some valid points Lisa. Promoting other products is fantastic, especially high dollar value and those with residual / passive benefit. However, you have so much more autonomy and certainty with your own product.
That said, a combination of both have worked best for me. As you know I make most of my money online through a portfolio of niche websites. The beauty of niche sites is that they can be monetized in every which way, including selling one’s own product or service.
Looking forward to some feedback on your latest release.
All the best with NWS Lisa!
Sunil l Entrepreneurship & Personal Finance recently posted..How to Research and Publish an eBook Successfully – A Multi Part Series
Thanks, Sunil! Yes, you are the niche site master!
I enjoy hearing from you. Have a nice day.
I remember my dad telling me when I graduated from college never be satisfied with just working for someone. Get the experience there, but don’t stop there. If you really want to be successful and stable, you gotta have your own business. It’s pretty much the same thing online. Selling affiliate products and other people’s stuff is pretty much “working” for them. Right now, I’m still trying to learn the ropes with them. But eventually, I do plan on having my own line of products, too.
Adeline recently posted..Using a Credit Card: A Traveler’s Dream or Worst Nightmare?
Good for you, Adeline! That’s a good analogy.
that’s so true, it’s the only way you can have complete faith in your product, it’s the only way you know you can fix your product if customers aren’t completely satisfied and it’s the only way to reap all the rewards for the work you’re putting in.
tom buck recently posted..Instant Payday Loans
It’s nice to talk from time to time about ultimate goals. While creating and selling your own content is a wonderful goal, beginning bloggers must understand that doing so successfully requires first establishing a solid platform. Thanks for the tip!
doug_eike recently posted..Seven Healthful Dinner Ideas For A Week Of Evening Meals
Absolutely, Doug!
Lisa, I am a firm believer in developing your own products to sell. I started doing that soon in my adventures of making money on the Internet.
My first product developed was an ebook, the second was a set of video tutorials. The third product I developed was a series of audio lessons.
Anyway, I have learned so much from you over the past few years. YOU GO GIRL!!
Jordy recently posted..Husband’s Alcoholism Progressively Getting Worse
Awww, thanks Jordy. I didn’t realize you had video tutorials. That’s fabulous!
Hey Lisa!
I agree – a very bad piece of advice
Until I wrote my first e-book (back in 2009) I didn’t have to much success but when I had my first sales this kind of kick-started my mind to create more useful content.
Needless to say that I also offered free stuff at that time which ultimately drove the traffic to my projects.
You are definitely on the right track *singing Lady Gaga*.
Cheers!
Frederik recently posted..5 Tipps gegen den Burnout
“I agree – a very bad piece of advice
Until I wrote my first e-book (back in 2009) I didn’t have to much success but when I had my first sales this kind of kick-started my mind to create more useful content.
Needless to say that I also offered free stuff at that time which ultimately drove the traffic to my projects.
You are definitely on the right track *singing Lady Gaga*.
Cheers! ” Yes You Are Right
Rent Movies recently posted..Reasons For Watching Movies Online
Any chance of you selling this in the Kindle store?
Brad recently posted..Slow Cafe
That is the plan. I have had a lot of issues with the file conversion but I hope to have that available soon!
Hi Lisa,
I’m glad you didn’t listen to those naysayers, I am very impressed with your work on NWS and it has me all fired up now. Congrats and looking forward to the next one
Scott recently posted..Exploring the Genesis Theme
Thanks Scott. Means a lot.
Started your book and love it already. I think the advice you give about selling your own products is correct…even though I have 160+ pages of content there is enough out there in my niche for me to write several books…
Tony Rovere recently posted..Resistance band exercises, Resistance band workout, Resistance band workouts
Can’t wait to get my hand on that book. I went to the “Table of Contents”, that’s pure gold of information from A to Z!
Will finally discover what I’ve been missing in order to double my online income. Cross fingers now..lol:)
Regards,
Hamilton
Hamilton jobs opportunities recently posted..How To Income With Online Jobs
I have a pie recipe website. Some times I feel I don’t fit in here with all of the website and blogging subjects. But since you brought it up; I wanted your viewpoint. I have invented a new pie in form (presentation). It can be used with many types of pie fillings but has that WOW factor. I wanted to write an ebook with color illustrations on it. The problem is it would be just for this one pie which has several complicated steps. Does it seem wise to center a whole book on one pie? I guess I’m asking how do you test to see if there will be a market for it?
Sweetest Regards,
Pie Guy recently posted..What’s New – Mini pie pan review
Hey Pie Guy (love that name!)
I would wait until you have several different unique recipes and combine them all into one book. Perhaps if you can drum up 5-10 recipes then perhaps think of selling a book.
Hi Lisa, I like the idea of this product and the fact it is you who is making it (very trustworthy) and as I already have added your wordpress product to my site sure I will do a post soon about this product and see how it goes down with my visitors, which I am sure will be a treat.
Stephen recently posted..Welcome To The Ranting Beast
Nice article Lisa. Just Awesome. Nice for sharing with us.
Amit Shaw recently posted..Best Tips to Raise Traffic For Your Website
Offering free advises doesn’t mean that it’s not good to sell a product after all the free stuffs you have shared. If you think that there are things worth selling and the buyer will profit from it eventually then why not? You were able to help the buyer and at the same time, the buyer helped you. Your advises are great Lisa and so are your products.
Farrell recently posted..The Year to Improve Eyesight
Wow…really? I always thought that affiliate marketers should build their brand by creating their own products to “enhance” their reputation and income. Cant believe someone would say that…LOL
Jeff Casmer recently posted..3 Clear Cut Reasons 90% of Online Home Business Opportunities Fail?
Hi Lisa,
Free is free, sell is sell. Free stuff is usually include something that has well known by people and sell should include tips that are shock customers.
I hope your book will become famous.
Ferb
Ferb recently posted..4 Steps Being the Best Blogger in the World
Hi Lisa,
You can’t really please everybody but to me, You are blessing! You continue to share and touch us through your advices and well-thought blogs.
Cheers!
Lyka
Lyka Ricks recently posted..Why do Koreans love StarCraft?
Yes, i think so. blogger should have their own products to get better output. they have to work hard with their own one.
laytoninsurance recently posted..Does insurance agent professionalism make a difference?
No question about it, Lisa – creating our own products should be our goal. Take control of our earnings, brand ourselves in ways not ever possible with just affiliate products…
I look forward to checking out your book; I’ve been wanting to get into niche marketing.
Ana Hoffman recently posted..How to REALLY Create a Popular Blog From Scratch
Lisa, I’m glad you didn’t mention who gave you that advice because they would be feeling rather silly right about now.
I was anxious to get my hands on your book and I think it’s really great that you are offering such a fantastic commission rate to your affiliates. Anyone who has a ClickBank account already should grab that code asap and start creating links. I know I sure did – that’s why it took me so long to get back here and leave a comment. LOL!
Thank you Lisa!
Ileane recently posted..Podcasting Gear and Ms. Ileane Speaks on iTunes
LOL, great to hear! Thanks for the support as always, Ileane.
defiantly a valid point lisa. even i too think that we should promote other affiliate product but at the same time i don’t want to disregard my own product.
rohit kothari recently posted..3 Ways to Solve Slow Internet Experience In 2012
I have seen the table of contents and the info looks really valuable. Your free advice and tips have gained the trust of many of your visitors. I am curious on what you’re offering and I think it is great that you decided to sell your own product. I am looking forward to learn a lot from your e-book.
Kimberly recently posted..DTS Home
Hi Lisa, I just have a question, I have looked through your table of contents and love the information available, I was just wondering have you though about creating these info like this for books on Amazon which seem to be selling like hot cakes, I am thinking of entering the that market (Poetry information) and it seems to becoming more popular than clickbank at the moment. Would love your thoughts on this.
Stephen recently posted..I Want A Coffee From Caffe Trieste North Beach Now, Please Help!
wow that one was funny. I guess people still need to know there is no one rule that fits all when it comes to marketing.
Eddie Gear recently posted..Make Money On YouTube
Hey Lisa,
I agree with you, at the end of the day marketers should sell their own stuff. That will give you money, big time!
Btw, thanks for sharing your experiences. Learned a lot from you!
Sanjay recently posted..How to Create Your Own UI Planner in Photoshop
It feels great to acquire free service and info, but one should not expect for them to be free all the time. Providing free trials and information are actually important in establishing trust and relationship with clients. Now that they know how authentic and reliable you are then they will definitely pay for what you are wiling to sell.
Brian recently posted..how to get a girlfriend
Hi Lisa, Just wondering if your book also includes some SEO tips.
Thanks and best regards,
James
Yes, it does. If you check the TOC link in the post you can see the contents of the book.
Hi Lisa. I agree with you. creating your own product should be the goal of any internet marketer. I mean after 14 years that you have being doing it. I think you should create your own product because you have a great reputation!
Diego recently posted..Organo Gold Review 2012
Hello Lisa, i will be very glad promoting your “Niche website success” ebook on my website.
Is your book already available on clickbank?
harvestwages recently posted..Credit Cards or Debit Cards for Fraud Protection in 2012?
Yes, the link to the affiliate page is in the post. http://nichewebsitesuccess.com/affiliates/
Wow, that was some bad advice. Sometimes you just have to brush the haters off and keep doing you, because in the end.. A woman’s intuition is always right… most of the time.
Chris recently posted..Where To Find Owner Financed Homes Austin
that was a really bad bad bad advice!
Aditya Chintha recently posted..Make 100 Free Minutes International Calls Everyday
It cracks me up when people give that type of advice. As if there is only one way to go about doing something. Besides, different things work for different people and niches.
I’ve been thiniking of writing an Ebook myself, you’ve inspired me to get started on it
WordPress_plugins recently posted..The most in demand SEO plugin for 2012
Hi Lisa,
Great post. I have wanted to create my own product too, but am not sure how long e-books should be. Of course, I know they shouldn’t be filled with fluff, but I’m unsure of the average length of an e-book centered around online marketing, blogging or something similar.
May just have to check out your table of contents. But knowing the quality of your posts, I’m sure your e-book is worth the purchase price.
Reading this today has put a little of that writing bug back in my brain. You are right, this is a must.
Thanks,
Brian
Brian H. recently posted..Pizza Games
Hi Brian,
Go to http://www.smartpassiveincome.com and subscribe to get Pat’s free book on creating ebooks. Lots of sound advice there!
Thanks Lisa. Going there now. You always have the right info to suggest, either yours, or others.
Brian H. recently posted..Lifestation – Saving the Lives of Seniors
getting out there and finding what people want is great, and always works
good job
James
Hehe..worst advice…
Same view as james.. “getting out there and finding what people want is great, and always works”
Great post. Liked it!!
I definitely think it is a good idea to have your own product. That way not only can you make 100% commission on what you sell, but you can also get a percentage of what other people sell. My only issue is trying to come up with a product. lol.
Katie Woodard recently posted..Khalil – Love on the Run – Download
LOL, I hear ya Katie. Took me a awhile too. You’ll get there.
I was told something similar by my own Dad! I think his reasoning was that I give too much advice and coaching away for free and I should pull that back before charging for it. I explained that even though what I give for free is great my paid services and book are even better. When people see the advice and help I give for free they often want to get more and are happy to pay a small amount for it. I agree that everyone should aim to have their own products to sell.
Matt Kinsella recently posted..Never Give Up
lol that beats my personal worst xD
Facebook Trick recently posted..Trick to Know Who’s Online While You’re Offline on Facebook
I agree with you, Lisa. The next logical step in online business evolution is to create your own products. It’s a great way of protecting and building your brand, as well as ensuring the quality of goods/e-goods delivered. And regarding tons of free information already being made available… every major corporation (with high ethics & standards), whether focused on offline or Web services, understands the power of giving before receiving. PS: Lisa, you’ve done a fantastic job at consistently & continually offering effective, practical advice in a step-by-step, easy-to-understand way; I’ve been re-visiting your site quite often for a few years now, and just wanted to say that you’ve served as an inspiration in my own online projects.
That means a lot. Thank you.
Lisa, if anyone has been following you they knew you would not do this as much as your stress quality content. I have read, watched, took your advice and I can say you are one of the freshest thinkers I have ever heard. I am glad you followed your heart. You always do.
Michael Belk recently posted..Confidence or Arrogance? | The qualities of good leadership?
Thanks Michael. That means a lot.
I think it depends in what you are trying to achieve. If you are simply an affliate marketer that has a day job or if you are working full time online.
Obviously if being online is what you do to earn an income selling your own products is the ultimate goal.
Lisa. This is awesome article like previous one.. Keep it up.
Ammar Ali recently posted..Top 20 Best WordPress Security Plugins
I agree that really is horrible advice! I am heavily into affiliate promotions, but I’ve always had my own products too. A cool thing about having your own product when you are starting out is that you can keep going back to it and tweaking it as you learn more and more about marketing.
Claire recently posted..The Secret Survey Review – My Opinion
I agree with you Lisa, that was really one of the wicked advice you can get from your critic. We know that we are always learning and developing everyday. What we are today is far from yesterday. That is why even though we provide free information, we can still offer something worth of people’s money.
Vic recently posted..List of 2012 Super Bowl XVLI Ads and Commercials Part 2
Yeah, after how long a person can give free advices? Some advices do need a premium treatment i.e. money. So every marketer should ultimately try to make a list of best of his / her tips and publish them into an ebook.
Saksham Talwar recently posted..How to Change The Feedburner Email Delivery Time?
I absolutely agree with your view. The whole idea that you should not create your own products seems to be created by those who want to keep the competition out. In fact, we run affiliate programs where the affiliates are provided tools to create their own brand and products. Any program that’s designed to prevent the creation of new ideas and products should be shunned. A suggestion would be to always deal in something you have good knowledge about in the first place. This will help get the necessary exposure to the market and then if you do have a new product or idea of your own, you could sell it much easier to this same market.
Yes, this is a bad advice. There are so many reasons why you should create your own product as an affiliate that I could (and think I will soon) write a post on the subject.
I started as an affiliate back in the days, and didn’t created my own product. This was in party because I listened to some guberus who told that creating a product is hard, etc. But once I decided to create my own information products – in 2007 – I become a top affiliate for many products I was promoting after that. The reason is because now, I had a buyer list. And a buyer list converts way more than the normal freebie list.
Foods for thought.
Franck
Internet Business Coach
Franck Silvestre recently posted..List Building Automation – How To Increase Online Sales On Autopilot With Aweber!
I must agree that having your own product is ideal. You make one great book that has a lot of value and it can go viral. It can become a huge success and bring in a lot of money. This is probable a pinnacle for affiliate marketers.
Don’t forget to register a domain and purchase web hosting from Speedy-Joes
Congratulations Lisa, you’ve accomplished one of my goals of producing a Clickbank product. I think most serious affiliate marketers would love to own their own product, I think it’s the natural progression for anyone trying to make it on line.
Beth recently posted..How to Win a Girls Heart Back
Yes definitely. Like many here, I am serious in finding my own product to market besides being an affiliate marketer.
Reading your post made me think of something that is more valuable in making such a decision in life. I remember a book about “Poor Dad and Rich Dad”. It was said that making a good source of money is go into business. But first you must get some techniques and ideas on how to do this one. You must apply for a job that suitable for your specification and personality. Then after a few years in working and you think your experience will carry your success then establish good business.
Nice to hear about this one Lisa, Congrats!
let me be honest lisa,after these many years of experience you updating ur knowledge is some thing i feel like asking why?. i mean by this time you may be knowing all the a-z of Internet marketing and affiliate marketing,so why hear some one’s experience. but the same thing is like a lesson for a newbie like me that there is no end in learning and we have to keep our-self updated.
johnavery recently posted..Indian Tour operators
Love what you have been able to accomplish.
All your sites rank and look fantastic. Curious, what were you doing prior to making it on the internet?
Did you take any formal affiliate marketing courses?
I worked for a major airline on their HTML web team.
lisa recently posted..Have You Blown Off Google’s New Privacy Policy?
Hi Lisa, I know you put your heart and soul in it. I know people will be more than willing to buy because they know you really care about them and their success
How To Overcome recently posted..How to Overcome Acne
I agree with you, Lisa. The next logical step in online business evolution is to create your own products
kata kata gombal recently posted..Kata – Kata Gombal
Lisa
that person still dont understand what internet marketing is because, the best way to be an authority and make more money online is to sell your own product.
I’m currently creating my own product line
Kenny Fabre recently posted..what is nofollow?
i totally agree, having having your own product is everyones dream. is there by the way any chance of you selling this in the Kindle store?
I’m working on it!
Thanks, Ditesco! Appreciate the support. Yes, I do believe there is definite value in having everything in one place…. something I’ve never really had.
issac recently posted..Only In India (26 Photos)
I believe that content producers who monetize their content using affiliate marketing should diversify their income sources. It’s always good to have something great of your own to sell to your audience because doing so increases your income and your credibility, if the buyers love your content. Actually, it’s completely absurd to not have a product of your own to market and sell.
Kevin Martin recently posted..Who Let The Dogs Out?
I simply cannot believe that one person will advice another not to create his own products to sell. Where is the logic in that? If you sell your own products, you are still affiliating. But you are affiliating for yourself!
Grace Sevilly recently posted..Living With the Beach
If you sell your own products, you cut the middleman and get all of the profits. Where is the wrong thing in that? I agree, that was a very bad advice
Aric Jorgan recently posted..SWTOR CREW SKILLS CHART
Q. What is the worst single piece of advice to a sales person you have ever heard?
As an Internet marketer, you never know who’s giving you the right kind of advice. Whether it comes from Facebook, twitter, YouTube or so forth, you have to make the decision for yourself in terms of what you’re going to do with your online business. And yes, what you said is very true, in terms of “you can’t please all people”, because not everyone thinks the same. There is nothing more liberating than running your own business and being your own boss!
College of Content recently posted..5 Reasons Why I Like Free Storage Shed Plans
Great line,
“YOU CAN’T PLEASE ALL THE PEOPLE ALL THE TIME.”
I totally agree……
Sam recently posted..Dell India launches XPS 8500 and Vostro 470 desktops