Many reasons for failing online are completely valid.
For example, not having the time to work on your site, lack of enjoyment or choosing a topic you have no interest in would be three good examples.
On the other hand, I’ve heard some not-so-valid reasons for failure that I’ll address below.
1. No Experience
The truth is, most people who make money with their websites have no previous experience with website building, SEO, marketing, etc.
I sure didn’t.
I knew I loved to teach and being on the Internet, so that was all the fuel I needed for my fire.
When I got started, I learned almost everything by…
- Subscribing to newsletters and websites owned by people who were more successful than me
- Using the search engines to find how-to articles (Being resourceful will take you far!)
- Trial and lots of error!
- Scouring forums for answers to questions and problems I had
Forums were incredibly instrumental in helping me learn a lot in the early days.
It’s the very reason I created Website Babble in 2007. I wanted to provide the same resource to my audience so they could ask questions and learn in a community environment.
Most successful people today aren’t designers or have extensive marketing experience. They are just people who…
- Are prepared to spend more time learning than earning in the early days
- Subscribe and follow other successful people
- Continuously track what works and what doesn’t
- Choose avenues that cater to their likes and strengths so the process is enjoyable
- Don’t let failure or setbacks rattle or discourage them
The above points are much more important than having any kind of background or previous experience.
2. All The Good Topics are Saturated
Any topic worth going after today has some degree of saturation. It’s nearly impossible to find a completely untapped niche. And if you think you’ve found one, I would question and seriously examine the demand.
Even though most “good” topics seem saturated, I remember reading that over 90% of websites are abandoned after three months. So even though there are billions of websites out here, most of them become orphans after 90 days.
Now, I’m not suggesting that you forgo keyword research and jump haphazardly into any niche. That would not be a smart move today.
I just think people let the keyword research numbers intimidate and paralyze them so they never make a decision for fear of choosing the wrong niche.
If you’ve formulated a unique approach to your topic and developed a solid plan, get out there and believe in your ability to compete!
3. I Started Too Late
Some people chalk up their failure to poor timing and are convinced they waited too late to get started.
Open your eyes. There are oodles of people who have found great success online in the last couple of years.
Look at people like Srinivas Rao (podcasting) Ana Hoffman (traffic building), Derek Halpern (sales and conversions), Tara Gentile (creativity, lifestyle) Brankica Underwood (coach/blogging), Kiesha Easley (blogging) Kristi Hines (freelancing), Corbett Barr (marketing/lifestyle entrepreneur), and Ileane Smith (podcasting/blogging).
I could go on and on and on. And no doubt I’ve probably just ticked off a few of my readers because I neglected to mention them. 😉 There are just too many to name.
These people haven’t been around for ten years. Most haven’t even been around for five. Nevertheless, they’ve used tools like social media, podcasting, joint ventures, and of course providing unparalleled advice to the people they reach on a consistent basis.
Zero in on the word consistent.
I don’t care what niche you’re in, developing quality content on a consistent basis still rules. And everything these people put out oozes with quality. That’s why they have the success to prove it.
Is that all you have to do today?
Heck no! By now you’ve probably realized that just publishing quality content is not enough anymore.
If you aren’t networking, building a mailing list, guest posting, publishing videos, etc. in addition to writing content then you are no doubt limiting your results.
So yes, there’s still room if you’re just getting started today. Of course, you’re going to have to work 10 times harder than you would have years ago.
The game has changed, but that’s not a good excuse for quitting unless you don’t want to do the work.
4. There are Not Enough Monetization Options in My Niche
Here’s the bottom line.
If you can generate traffic from people who are interested in your content, there will always be ways to monetize.
You can consult, coach, sell advertising, freelance, write a book, sell a video or podcast series, you name it!
There’s more to making money online than just mastering AdSense and affiliate marketing.
Don’t limit yourself.
Just because the people you follow or admire are making money one way, doesn’t mean it’s the only way or the best way for your site.
Too many people are completely obsessed with AdSense. While it’s great money, it’s also a very unpredictable model that no website should rely on.
5. I’m a Terrible Writer
Sounds to me like you’ve just stumbled upon an opportunity to learn! 🙂
With amazing resources on the Net like Copyblogger, Make Your Content PRESell, and countless other free resources on copywriting, there’s really no reason to use this as an excuse.
Now, if you hate writing and you’re trying to be a content marketer, then you’ll obviously need to re-evaluate your goals. However, just because you’re not good at something is not necessarily a reason to give up.
The Take Home
I didn’t write this post to make you feel bad about failing.
If anything, I want to show you that no matter your background, experience, how many times you’ve stumbled or how frustrated you may be right now, there is still hope for your success.
Yes, even in 2012.
As long as you find a way to make this an enjoyable process, stay committed to learn and you realize this is more than money, you will be fine.
So hang in there! 🙂
Hello Lisa nice post my friend thank you very much for your helpful tips…..Love your blogs new face lift…..
I also had almost same excuses if i fail. Lets hope I do not fail but only success like in good traffic.
Indeed true. However, nothing is impossible to a passionate person. SO keep on trying even you fall at times.
Good stuff Lisa. I remember when you were just a baby in the internet marketing game. (;)tear)
Now you are all grown up doing wonderfully. I started earning online around the same time as you back in 2006 and have had some really great experience. Your five points are all examples of poor self communication. As Anthony Robbins puts it “Communication is the key to your life!” More importantly communication with yourself.
Succeeding in the online world is no different than succeeding in anything else one desires to accomplish. It works according to the same basic laws. You will reap what you sow and you can get what you want if you believe it. You can learn about anything if you want to. I was clueless when I started and had less than a year of actual computer experience.
My first website started with a cheesy 10 dollar program from Best Buy and I sold it last year for $65,000.00 and earned about another 6 figures for the time I had it.
There will always be change. That’s why you never put all your eggs in one basket and don’t be so foolish as be entirely dependent on search engine’s organic traffic as your source of income. You will come up short.
If more people focus on providing products or services that are actually needed and useful, earning wouldn’t be as hard as it seems to them sometimes.
“Give and it shall be given unto you.” Yeah, you need to put the work in and it does take some time to see your return in most cases. However, you get a great education and the payoff DOES come. I wouldn’t want to be doing anything else to earn money.
Wow! There is a lot of information here! I agree that the changes in Google are challenging. But I’m up to the challenge! Nothing like learning new stuff to keep the excitement in life!
Hi Lisa
As for topics being over saturated, that is true but I think looking for long tail keywords they may be searched less frequently but its a start to get you noticed 🙂
Thanks
Joe
Copy Me Millionaire by Jeffrey Baxter
You go Darrin!
I have been through much the same over three years. I earned my FIRST Comm on Amazon two weeks ago from a Squidoo lens.
It was only $3.80 or so but man was it a good feeling!
I will also NOT quit! Ive been through multitudes of “teachers”, “gurus” etc and man am I glad I found Lisa. I will get there one day!
The most appropriate response that I can offer: I will NOT quit!
That is my attitude after spending 3 years tripping and tumbling from trying to start an online business.
I am of the belief of why should I be offering my services for only a wage or salary to fuel the business owners lifestyle.
I want my own lifestyle and I am committed to earning it from building up my online business.
Thank you Lisa for not quitting and sharing your passion for helping people getting a real start online.
I think that most people give up on making money online when them simply don’t make any money. People watch a video explaining how simple it is to make money online and immediately they think they can replicate that. You really have to go your own way and be creative that’s the only way to get a real edge on the competition.
Hey Lisa,
I’m still working towards my goals online, and have been for over three years now. I shifted my strategy though, focusing on YouTube videos. I hope it works out!
I agree those are really common poor mistake and i also hate that things,professionalism is my thing 🙂
The content of your website always counts. If your visitors find something they can benefit in or something that interests them, they’ll stay longer.
Every successful profession and business start to nothing experiences. It is important to have perseverance to learn and learn.
Nice post!
Hey Lisa,
While this may have not made me feel bad it certainly was a kick on the butt! haha
In a good way of course. 😉
I’m still trying to get my blog looks done (can you believe I don’t even have a sign up form right now?)
And after that I swear I’ll start creating some useful content for a book.
Glad I came to see what you had here and great selection of entrepreneurs there!
Didn’t know you were into them and I’m glad I could identify everyone so I guess I have no excuses now… oops.
Take care and speak soon!
Sergio
Glad I could be the kick in the butt you need, Sergio! LOL 🙂
It’s so bad that if we fail we always find reason to cover up our failure. But for me accepting your mistakes is accepting that you had failed and you will do better the next time. Thank you for sharing this.. 🙂
I think the biggest excuse is commitment. I know that any of my friends that haven’t succeeded online have all suffered from moving from one thing to the next, never sticking with something – if they just worked on one thing and got good at it, then they would have had a totally different result. I know that when I try something new, or decided to “diversify” I tend to make less money too.
Great point!!
The above above points are some of the common blunders we suffered when we started to blog online.I think option 4 is the most important challenge, this is because you might have quality blog site but your market is to narrow to cover your interest.
Lisa –
Another excellent post, and clearly hitting on the common excuses we all at some point nurture.
It really boils down to drive for me: am I driven to succeed or not? How badly do I want this?
If I can look myself in the mirror and honestly say I’ve put in good, productive time, then that’s been a day well-spent.
Unless it’s the weekend. Then it’s family time. 😀
Your list of bloggers, BTW, are excellent people who know how to blog for a living, for sure! I read most of them, I think you just added to my “to do” list of who I need to catch up on.
Thanks for another home run, Lisa.
Appreciate you stopping by James. Thank you!
I am definitively still in number one with the lack of experience. But, with trial and error it gets better. I love to write but have problems with the technical side. Getting help from those around me that are strong in that area and also never giving up!!
#1 is the exact reason why I had to put my blog off for a while.. I bought iblog4dollars and wasn’t making a dime online… LOL…
Had to get some experience first… While I’m not making as much as I want to online, I live on my online income and I must say I’m quite happy to be free…
It also gets to me sometimes that I while making money online was hot and it was the best time to get in, I was clueless and wasted hours away creating myspace pages and what not.. Cant live with regrets though.. Thats wasting time thinking of ways to change the past.
Keep em coming Lisa.. Great post..
Hi Lisa! For a long time I’ve not commented on your blog, though I do read your………. But, when I saw this post, I got a strong urge to comment. I particularly like that part where you wrote about being consistent. I think that is the part I need to work really hard on. Thanks for this great post!
Most Internet entrepreneurs fail online simply due to their lack of discipline to remain persistent through their online entrepreneurial journey. Too many people want to see their efforts pay off far too quickly and that’s why most sites become orphans after three months.
I admit that I’ve felt that way in the past with previous sites that I’ve had, but I started blogging about things that annoyed me and that’s been working quite well for me. I blog about what I love to do and that is complaining and my traffic has been going up every day since I started the blog some months ago, so I’m satisfied with not earning an income from my site/blog right now. I’ll eventually get there. Awesome post, Lisa!
Yo Kev. I feel you dude. I was always looking at other blogs like “what am I doing wrong”…
I’m still working on my TRUE TRUE passion because my first passion is just finding new ways to crush it online.. This will soon get old as I dominate it and I’ll be looking for my next move.. Sorta like Yaro did…
Keep it up dude.. You’ll get there
Great article. I tell myself all the time that “I’m a terrible writer” so this was helpful. Even I can do it! ha thanks.
Perhaps it’s alright that you have to work much harder for online success. I know I am, but I can tell you that my content is far better and more varied now.
With two Panda hits, I’m finally rapidly gaining traffic back. I’m active on my blog and now produce YouTube videos and am more active on Twitter. Next stop: FaceBook!
Now that I’m more determined to succeed and have the patience and determination to do so, I have to believe that I will.
The only challenge is keeping it up. I’m going on 3 years now and still only make a few hundred dollars a month. While most give up with those numbers, I persevere because I KNOW I have great content.
Good for you, Amy! As frustrating as Panda is, I’m hearing a lot of people say that it has actually helped them build a better site. And that’s exactly what Google wants. Congrats!
Wonderful post Lisa!
I don’t think it makes us feel bad, instead motivates and inspires us to do things which we haven’t been doing for so long.
Speaking of myself, being a freelance writer and remaining quite busy with my writing projects, and managing my 2 blogs, I have my hands rather full. Nonetheless, I still need to do things you so rightly mentioned like making videos, starting with an emailing list, and a few other things.
I guess what matters most is how you manage your time and ensure you cover up all the spheres you lack.
This has truly been a great reminder for me as well- thanks for sharing 🙂
The truth is not everyone is willing to put in the hours and do what it takes to be succesful. Even when you become a 5-9pm – working after a full day at work it can still take years before you ‘make it’ and by make it I mean earn enough to leave work and work from home full-time.
That is the reality. For some it happens faster for others 10 years later and they are still making a few hundred a month. Focus being consistent really is the key – that is the lesson I learnt from being online.
I think you’re right about making money in different ways. I haven’t found my way of making money as yet, but I already know it’s not adsense or affiliate. I’ve been there, done that and I can’t sell things for the life of me. Whatever traffic I get, I can’t sell. I have to use other talents to get this right.
Everyone has a chance to succeed online. There will always be a new trending topic to write something about. It is important to keep our eyes open and be quick on the updates.
I love you post. I started playing online game years back. But half a year ago, I went for a talk and now I’m doing internet website. I’m seeing some light ahead. Cheers!!
really inspirational post lisa , helpful for newbies like me
this is no way trying to disagree with your point but still i feel like All The Good Topics are Saturated already these days. when i look for how-to articles about a certain topic mostly am stumbled falling with 80% of similar content and then the 20% new like loking contnet also is a diluted version of one or to similar points. IMHO All The Good Topics are Saturated already.
Hi Lisa,
This post really hit home for me.
I’m finally getting off my butt and have an action plan on paper! I owe most of that to the WB and your ebooks but I’m gonna do it!
Talk about saturated niches, the one I’m going to attack is probably the most saturated but I have passion!
Should be a great challenge, right! Good luck and keep me posted. 🙂
Thanks for the list. My excuse is not having a niche for my personal web log, which would tie in to item #4 in your list. Once I get the niche narrowed down, the rest will follow I think.
You just gave me a great idea for a post here in my niche Lisa thanks 🙂
But anyway, you are right, bloggin is not an easy thing if your goal is to succeed at it, many times we feel like forget about it and settle with our 9-5 jobs, but you gotta keep fighting.
At least that´s what I’m telling to myself this week 🙂
That’s right, Dennis. Never give up! Good luck with your new venture. 🙂
This was a great article for me since I am in the process of putting together a website myself. However, that demon of self doubt popped up with all 5 reasons that you just described. I feel better! I know its not easy but I know its not impossible. Thanks!
Awesome tips you provided here Lisa.
To tell you the truth, my blogging, content writing, guest posting, blog commenting and all the other stuff that makes one a successful webmaster has slacken off a bit. 🙁
This post right here is a life saver I must say because after reading it I am now feeling enthused to continue my online work.
I for one didn’t think I would have had this level of success with my blog, and even though I kinda eased the pace a bit I thought that my blog would have fallen off the the internet, but it’s still hanging in there.
I am gonna pick up my sword again and fight to the end. Thanks for the great and wonderful tips 🙂
That’s exactly what I hoped it would do. Sometimes when I write stuff like this I worry that it may come across as harsh. I’m glad that doesn’t seem to be the case.
Hi Lisa,
Great post!! Just what I needed. I’m 66 and sometimes I think “Ive left it to late” I have no option – I have an invalid wife and no pension. Ive GOT to do it. Now even more I must focus on things I know. Ive been a game warden, professional pilot, salesman, love birdwatching and wildlife – and computers.
You’re a gem! Thank you.
I forgot – also a licensed medical herbalist.
Hi Lisa,
Great post!! Just what I needed. I’m 66 and sometimes I think “Ive left it to late” I have no option – I have an invalid wife and no pension. Ive GOT to do it. Now even more I must focus on things I know. Ive been a game warden, professional pilot, salesman, love birdwatching and wildlife – and computers.
You’re a gem! Thank you.
Number 5 still haunts me, “I’m a Terrible Writer”, but it is also one of the reasons why I persist in writing blogs, making comments and interacting online.
I could sit back and make it an excuse for not writing, but instead I have chosen to improve my writing by doing more.
I still miss out words in sentences, get my active and passive voices mixed up and make spelling errors… thankfully nobody gets out the red pen and marks my work.
So more reading on writing and more writing in blogs and hopefully one day I will be a seasoned writer.
It’s a learning process for sure. I’m still learning. lol And I look back on my old stuff and go “Oh my… did I write that?” 🙂
Hey Geoff, no need to worry about you being a terrible writer. Just provide valuable tips and make sure you write with propper grammer.
Hey Lisa!! well, you already know you’ve helped me this week with your “WordPress 101” vid so I’m now well on my way! I’ve redesigned my blog, set it to a more static layout, and I now have mastered Paint.net (because I’m a college student and will not spend money on Ps) lol. So now I have no excuses! Thanks 🙂
Whooo hoo!
Hey Lisa!
There is ALWAYS room at the top!
Blog On!
great post Lisa and a refreshing reminder.
“As long as you find a way to make this an enjoyable process, stay committed to learn and you realize this is more than money, you will be fine.”
this sentence resonated very well with me. it is truly much more than just money, and if you are not having fun on the journey you will likely be out of fuel before you reach your destination.
solid post!
Thanks Sunil. Yeah, I have to say… even those days when I was making $20/month I was still enjoying the process of writing content that impacted people… even if it was only 3 or 4 people per month at the time. lol You gotta find the enjoyment somewhere or you’re doomed.
Hi Lisa, thanks for this post.
your 5 point in this post is like “big hit” from Mike Tyson! LOL.. I hav no background, experience, many times I’ve frustrated how to success, but somehow I know there’s a lot of thing i’ve to learn before i reach a success…
So i hope, i still can have “enjoyable process” like you say… 🙂
Mike Tyson! Funny! Yes, enjoyment is the key. If I didn’t love what I do, I would have given up years ago when I was spending way more time online than I was earning.
Hey Lisa!
This is a very encouraging post, for this little health blogger. 🙂
I’ve been around for almost 2 years using WordPress and it has not been easy. I’ve had to learn a lot and I’m still learning.
It goes to show everyone that we can make things work, especially when want it bad enough and are willing to learn was we go.
Thank you for this encouraging post!
Evelyn
Anytime, Evelyn!
Lisa, first thank you so much for the shout out!! It simply makes me believe I am doing it right when I get a mention from you!
These are the same 5 questions that poped up in my head from time to time. I had the luck to run into you and your SBI post at the beginning so I didn’t worry too much about #1, it kinda happened itself. But once I got into WP I did the same thing you recommend, find tutorials and learn from those that are in it longer.
#2 is a great one as well but every topic can be said in your own way, and if you put your spin on it, you make it look so different 🙂
#3 Consistency! So many bloggers give up in the first year that people really notice those that are in it to stay. And that is where the big shift is when you cross the line and you are still there after a year!
#4 there are too many monetization options in any niche 🙂 Most people figure out some new ways when they have been in the niche long enough and move away from the most common (Adsense) to much more profitable ones.
#5 I hear ya! 🙂 I think reading like crazy and writing a lot not just improved my English but my writing as well, and I can see a big difference form day one till now. And I always try to do better.
Thanks again for the shout out and the amazing post!
Watching you evolve and grow in such a short time has been super cool. You deserve all your success and more. Now, I stalk YOU on a lot of things. lol
self motivation is the most needed nowadays!
And you also gave few people to inspire that is good 🙂
Thank you lisa for your inspiring posts! I must never give up!
From an online business newbie.
Just started this month.
Lisa, your timing is perfect for me. I was just thinking this morning how I’d like to have a discussion with you about not getting discouraged. This Internet income rises and falls like the tide at times. When the tide is rising I am excited when it falls I get discouraged. Thanks for the reminder that consistency is the key.
Hey Jordy,
I won’t let you give up! You’ve come so dang far out here. I’ve been reading your comments over the years and watching you grow. Every business has peaks and valleys. Just keep pressing through and always celebrate the milestones and victories no matter how small.
Hi Lisa, this post offers so many options for people to take advantage of. I thought of a few more ways people can make money to add to your list:
Develop a premium plugin or theme
Build a Smart Phone App
If you don’t have the skills to do these things, outsource the development work.
Part of the problem I see is that “some” people don’t want to take the time to develop their skills or learn new ones. They just want “easy money” and they think all there is to it is putting up a blog or website. But we all know that is NOT the case LOL!
Thanks so much for the shout out Lisa!
Chat soon.
Hey Ileane,
Such great additions Ileane. Thanks for stopping by and my pleasure for the shout. You deserve it.
i totally agree with you Ileane. I’ve been at this for over a year now and just getting to where I can live on my online income. It’s not easy but I thank God all my pieces fell in place for me to make the moves I made..
People don’t learn from their mistakes either. Most dedicate too much time to mistakes. I dedicate my time to improving on ideas of giving them the curb and creating new ones… Time is our most valuable asset.
I’m actually getting into the app world soon.. I want to learn how to build them though.. Just so I know when I outsource, what to expect.
I had one guy trying to charge me $150 for a Facebook app that was a basic copy and paste job… Took me 10 minutes to setup.. For someone with no internet knowledge, they probably would have paid the $150 and been happy.
Yea this business isn’t easy at all. Google, trying to make the internet a better experience has made internet marketing harder but I welcome it. It forces you to create a brand more.
I had to comment on your comment.. Brought back memories. I was one of the ones that thought it would be easy but I lasted longer than 3 months… I think that’s the pain threshold for internet marketers. 3 months and it’s time to decide if you want to quit or keep going.
Hi Lisa, great post again.
Point 3 I love. 3 years ago I only learned how to use a computer, I am now 35 years old, that may be depressing to some, but, in the 3 years I have learned so much, built over 50 website (waaaayyy tooo many)made money, but I’m am on track to my main goal of using computers to help my writing career. So, it is never too late to learn. (I still type with one finger, ninja style though)
LOL @ one finger. Whatever it takes to get the job done, right? I can’t argue with that!
Sorry, I meant on each hand lol, I know, slow, but I always get there in the end.