I recently posted a thread in my forum where I asked the members to give advice to people who are new to building websites and making money online.
I received a lot of insightful comments, and quickly noticed a common theme among the replies.
There was a lot of emphasis on planning and enjoyment — two things that are often ignored by people just starting out.
The Planning
I mention this a lot, but I’ll say it again. People don’t just stumble upon websites or blogs like they do a store on a street (unless they’re using StumbleUpon.com.) 🙂
So while you may have a great idea for something, you have to consider how people will find you. And not just any people, but people who will be interested and/or need what you have to offer.
One of the most common reasons people fail is they don’t put a lot of research into their ideas. Coming up with a great idea is an obvious first step, but execution is the most important one.
You really have to educate yourself on how people use/surf the web and what techniques are available to draw traffic to your site. A lot of people believe their great idea is enough to funnel traffic to their site, but it doesn’t work that way.
Enjoyment
Where would I be if I didn’t love what I do?
Well for starters, I’d probably still be at my 9 to 5 job.
The love for this business is what kept me going all these years. I haven’t always had high-trafficked websites, and my affiliate checks used to have fewer numbers on the left side of the decimal. 😉
I spent many frustrating days and nights scratching my head over code, or trying to figure out how to FTP the right PHP so my URL wouldn’t be 403. (Yes, it rhymes.) 😀
But in the end, I’ve always found this process rewarding. There’s nothing like that sense of accomplishment when I learn something new, plus it keeps me wanting to learn more. My love for writing and teaching others has also made the ride fun.
So that’s the attitude you have to have about this or you are doomed to fail. Enjoyment comes first and then the money. Not the other way around. You have to find something about this process that will keep you motivated through the challenging times.
A lady once told me “If my site would just make some money, I would probably enjoy this more.” But the real trick is you have to enjoy it enough to stick around long enough for your site to make money.
And let me be honest. Some of you must come to the harsh realization that this may not be for you. The desire to make a lot of money and be successful is a start, but the enjoyment is what keeps you going when the going gets tough. People who make a lot of money whether it be online or off, typically enjoy what they do.
Are there days when I feel totally uninspired and uncreative? Absolutely. But those moments don’t usually last long and are often due to external situations not related to this business. So you may have to ask yourself. Am I really enjoying this or am I enjoying the idea of financial independence and financial security more?
I’ll let you ponder that one for a minute. 😉
If you remember nothing about what it takes to succeed online remember two things: planning and enjoyment. These two alone will take you very far out here.
And planning should go beyond “I want to make money and I want my site to have X, Y and Z.” In fact, that’s not planning. It’s a goal.
Research your market. Find out what people in your niche need and want. What kind of problems can you help them solve? Look for forums in your potential niche and keep an eye out for recurring topics. Check out existing websites and blogs and look for gaps and areas of opportunity. Hone your writing skills and study up on the various ways to market your website.
Don’t forget to read the forum thread. There’s some great advice from people who have been there/done that.
Feel free to add your own advice and lessons. And if you’re a newbie, absorb the information like a sponge! You are fortunate to get this kind of advice that a lot of us didn’t have when we started.
Chris says
There are some great points in here thanks. I was looking at this website when trying to make my own website (take a look here and post some suggestions of what you would like to see http://www.howtomakemyownwebsite.ws) So anyway thanks again and I will continue to look here!
.-= Chris´s last blog … create your own website =-.
Alfredo says
thanks, good stuff
Bubblewraped Blogger says
Well I feel better about feeling ‘giddy like a school boy’ when I saw that the ads on my site made me $3.30 (very first day with AdSense) lol I think its good to celebrate the milestones. Even if they are tiny 😉
.-= Bubblewraped Blogger´s last blog … Home business opportunity and inexpensive website! =-.
Ashlee says
I want to make a website but it won’t let me and i love the stuff you say and do
Elaine Drennan says
Lisa!
I LOVE this post – you sound just like ME!
I was having a real good day recently and I thought to myself “I wish I could just do this for fun and not have to worry about making money…”
My favourite subjects at school were English & Art – maybe that’s why I enjoy both the writing and the creative elements of this business.
Anyway, I’ve suscribed to your blog and I look forward to reading more of your posts!
Elaine
Philip Bittok says
Reading your site could not have come at a better time like this. I really got alot of insight and wisdom on internet marketing.
I come from Africa and I am just on the start of building a website.
Is there anyhing I should know?
Cheers
John Salamon says
Hi Lis I served in the Navy years ago and we had an acronym we called The Seven P’s.
It goes something like this……..
Prior, Preparation and Planning, Prevents, P&#$, Poor, Performance!
Though now that I’m out of the forces I’ve learned to be more politically correct in my self expression 😉
.-= John Salamon´s last blog … How to Promote YouTube Videos =-.
Bill Cole says
Yes I have been through the whole process before. I learned how to build my own site using Nvu. I thought I was doing everything right and it would just happen, but it didnt, but what ever you do you learn something in the process. I was disappointed but I did learn how to really use the computer and I learned how to build a website. All I was lacking was the customers. Thats why its so important to have passion about what you are doing so you will not get ADD. My situation might be a little different that most people. I am semi-retired and just need enough income to pay a few bills Its just like I told my Sons growing up, if you enjoy what you are doing, the money will take care of itself. I will purchase SBI in the near future but I am in no hurry until I do some more planning. Just let me say this from my experience with online business’. Dont let yourself get to high when you do something right and dont let yourself get to low when you do something wrong, just try to stay on even emotional keel. thanks……………….bill
Mikael Rieck says
Planning and enjoying what you do are vital. No doubt! But one thing I believe is equally important in order to succeed is Resolve (promising yourself you will never give up). You’ll have lots of failures along the way but if you never ever quit and constantly learn from your mistakes you’ll end up a champion at what you do.
positiveattittude says
You are absolutely right…if you are not planning properly, you are inviting failure in your life..
Anonymous says
oops! The first word on the last sentence for my previous comment is supposed to be “Like” as opposed to “I”.
“Like Rich Shefron, I have ADD which means I have to work on my attention span.”
webman a.k.a. R.J. says
“Stay tuned for the video about it next week”
I can’t wait!
I Rich Shefron(hoped I spelled it correctly), I have ADD which means I have to work on my attention span.;)
ThemeGrrl says
New blog design looks great Lisa! Thesis is a cool theme.
lisa says
Thank you! Stay tuned for the video about it next week. 😉
Carla says
I have to remind myself to really enjoy what I’m doing; enjoy the process and even smile when I make a mistake. Its so not worth it when you’re not having fun in the process!
Jay says
One of my favorite quotes.
“By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.”
— Benjamin Franklin
nick dafos says
oh my gosh lisa !
your rhyming is too cute <3
lisa says
Couldn’t agree more, Keri. And it is easy to assume or think your idea is perfect but it’s so important to consider the market and how your audience will respond (or if they’ll respond at all! lol)
tabish says
u r rite lisa 🙂 ,im a poor person but i want to do hard work in this field.so pray 4 me.tc bye
Keri Terrell Wingo says
I’m in agreement with all that’s been said! Planning & Enjoyment are vital to the onset of a business idea and endeavors. In some respects, one may find out through planning that their idea may need some tweaking. We all like to think we know it all, but as said, planning….and research will be a guiding light for us all. As well, this may lead to more enjoyment the more you understand your niche market.
lisa says
J, that is such a great point. You have to acknowledge and even reward yourself for the milestones because anything that shows progress can be very motivating!
And yes, Web Design, self discipline is HUGE!
Web Design says
I think you raise an excellent point, being self employed requires discipline, and it is very difficult to be self discplined if you are not passionate about something.
J. Yahshar says
I had to remind myself to stick to my plan. I keep reading about what other people are doing, like running contests and such. I start to think of what I can do along those lines to drum up more traffic. Then I have to reel myself back in and say, stick to the plan. Produce pillar content and play small ball marketing.
One thing I’d add is to celebrate the small accomplishments. The other day I got my first subscriber and someone took my survey. It’s not a lot but it’s a step in the right direction. Plus it shows that someone out there is interested enough to what more.
Just my 2 cent.