Any self-employed internet money-makers on here?

[tradedemon]

Like many, I've been into buying websites for a couple of years now.

It can get boring sometimes and the biggest problem I've always had is scaling up and managing everything. But that's common with all businesses.

@Clinton: Just saw your forums, might sign up to see what you guys are all about.

One things for sure, right now I can't find too many great sites to buy so am having to dig deep into the crap to pull out the good ones. Can be quite tiring and stressful. (Boring too) lol

 

[Colin Parker]

Just curious if anyone here is successful in making a living on their own from the internet, either through selling, affiliate schemes or whatever?


It is the dream and I wanna know if anyone is living it lol

With the greatest respect ... this is a ridiculous question.

It's like the one ... does PPC work?

If forums for newspaper, radio and TV advertising had existed people would have been asking ... is anyone making a success from newspaper/radio/tv?

Why? Because so many businesses fail to make their advertising work, fail to generate enough enquiries and fail to sell enough of the few enquiries they do generate. Result ... oblivion.

Exactly the same applies to the internet.

The vast majority of businesses make very little profit from IM whilst the savvy few make anything from 10's of 1,000's of profit a year to millions a year. That is exactly the same offline.

And most (but not all) of the savvy few big IM earners don't post on forums.

Colin Parker

 

I have a successful internet retail business so yes there are a fair few people on here making a REAL living off the internet. There are far more people on here who are making an average amount though would be my guess as there are quite a few start ups using the forums.

The poster above is not entirely accurate about successful people not using this site/posting in forums. Maybe internet marketers don't but it certainly doesn't mean any business owner doesn't use it either!

I certainly feel like i'm living the dream and feel very lucky to be running my own business that I started when I was 23 and making good money from it. It is by no means an easy feat. Remaining motivated and focused can be difficult but the rewards are great. My quality of life has improved dramatically since working for myself and I just completely love what I do!

As long as you are well prepared and understand everything involved when starting up then just do it! It's hard work but like I said, if it's a dream then why not go for it? It's better to try and fail than never try at all.

Good luck and do let us all know how you get on.

 

[Colin Parker]

Re the above poster - this is what I said:

And most (but not all) of the savvy few big IM earners don't post on forums.

And I stand by that.

Colin Parker

 

You never know who is lurking behind the keyboard in this forum. The great thing about it is that it's almost anonymous.

Just because you are a big earner doesn't mean you don't ask advice or offer it.

You are of course entitled to your opinion and yes you did say most big earners however you could never quantify this so it's a pointless discussion really based on speculation.

 

[Clinton]

The vast majority of businesses make very little profit from IM ...

And most (but not all) of the savvy few big IM earners don't post on forums.

IM, IM, IM.

The OP asked about earning a living online, not IM. They are not the same thing.

 

[Colin Parker]

IM, IM, IM.

The OP asked about earning a living online, not IM. They are not the same thing.

Not the same thing?

As soon as anyone puts a website, banner ad etc., online with the intention of earning money they are are marketing their product or service.

If they are not marketing ... what else would you call it?

Colin Parker

 

[paulus]

Not the same thing?

As soon as anyone puts a website, banner ad etc., online with the intention of earning money they are are marketing their product or service.

If they are not marketing ... what else would you call it?

I thought that marketing was but one component of a business. That is, marketing <> the business, but the business can include a marketing function.

I have some content sites that make money, and all I do is publish content. I don't consider that to be IM. I don't even market the site.

Also, the area of making money online isn't restricted to using a website to do it, as was mentioned earlier I think.

 

[Colin Parker]

I thought that marketing was but one component of a business. That is, marketing <> the business, but the business can include a marketing function.

I have some content sites that make money, and all I do is publish content. I don't consider that to be IM. I don't even market the site.

Also, the area of making money online isn't restricted to using a website to do it, as was mentioned earlier I think.

Marketing might just be one component of a business - but that isn't the point.

I was responding to this post: The OP asked about earning a living online, not IM. They are not the same thing.

It does not matter whether its internet marketing or any other type of marketing - the definition of marketing is the same:

Marketing is the process by which companies create customer interest in products or services.

So if the OP wants to earn a living online he can't do it without creating interest in his products or services no matter whether he 'markets' online or offline.

So my point was that this statement is nonsense: The OP asked about earning a living online, not IM. They are not the same thing.

Colin Parker

 

[paulus]

So if the OP wants to earn a living online he can't do it without creating interest in his products or services no matter whether he 'markets' online or offline.

Sometimes interest in products or services exists without it having to be created by a marketer. The content sites I referred to earlier: there was an interest in the content before I created it. I didn't market the sites, or have to. I'm not saying that many businesses wouldn't benefit from a certain amount of marketing. Just that IM isn't the only way to make money online.

I think someone mentioned forex trading (maybe in this thread or another one). People make a good living online trading forex. This method of making money in no way falls in the IM area.

So my point, illustrated with examples, is that this statement is true: The OP asked about earning a living online, not IM. They are not the same thing.

 

[Clinton]

I think I was the one who mentioned trading (not just forex, but bonds, commodities, stock...)

There are virtual assistants earning money online doing jobs from answering support lines to striping in front of web cams.

There are closed communities that make millions from subscription.

There are web designers, programmers, authors, consultants who earn without marketing their services because they're on long term contracts.

There are people who work for B&Ms who work part time or full time from home doing everything from project management to HR management over the internet.

There are content publishers on here who earn passive income from Adsense type programs and do no marketing from one year to the next.

There are more than one or two ways people can earn money online without internet marketing or the service of internet marketers.

So if the OP wants to earn a living online he can't do it without creating interest in his products or services no matter whether he 'markets' online or offline.

Contrary to the belief prevelant among many in the internet marketing community, the world of online business doesn't revolve around internet marketers.

 

[Colin Parker]

Clinton made the points in itallics - my response below:

There are virtual assistants earning money online doing jobs from answering support lines to striping in front of web cams.

And how do these people find their clients? Whatever they did online or offline to motivate the initial client contact ie., generate interest, is marketing.

There are closed communities that make millions from subscription.

See above answer + even on subscriptions you have to continue marketing to your community to maintain interest and subscriptions.

There are web designers, programmers, authors, consultants who earn without marketing their services because they're on long term contracts.

How did they get the contracts in the first place? You don't need to constantly market if you have repeat or long term clients - but you had to do something to create the initial contact/interest - back to marketing again.

There are people who work for B&Ms who work part time or full time from home doing everything from project management to HR management over the internet.

Without B&Ms marketing they wouldn't have been employed.

There are content publishers on here who earn passive income from Adsense type programs and do no marketing from one year to the next.

Adsense is marketing however you do it. Period.

There are more than one or two ways people can earn money online without internet marketing or the service of internet marketers.

I don't think you really understand what marketing is - not everone needs to use the services of an internet marketer but I guess you might be one of them.

Contrary to the belief prevelant among many in the internet marketing community, the world of online business doesn't revolve around internet marketers.

Who says it does? But the big money is almost always made by those who are s%&t hot at internet marketing in its multitude of different forms.

Paulus said:

Sometimes interest in products or services exists without it having to be created by a marketer.

Absolutely right. But unless someone provides that product or service and lets people know it exists - marketing - who would know it exists?

The content sites I referred to earlier: there was an interest in the content before I created it. I didn't market the sites, or have to.

You fail to understand that if you create a website, blog etc., and use the internet in any way shape or form to allow people to access the content you are MARKETING. Unless you understand that you will never understand the facts I am pointing out.

I'm not saying that many businesses wouldn't benefit from a certain amount of marketing. Just that IM isn't the only way to make money online.

All businesses market in one way or another - often without realising it - as this thread clearly illustrates.

Colin Parker

 

[paulus]

Sometimes interest in products or services exists without it having to be created by a marketer.

Absolutely right. But unless someone provides that product or service and lets people know it exists - marketing - who would know it exists?

That I am taking advantage of a demand created by someone else doesn't mean that I am "doing" internet marketing. I'm not. I'm just satisfying that demand. I'm not a marketer and I don't tend to market stuff (I do sometimes). Perhaps someone who is a marketer created that demand for me, but I'm not the one doing the IM.

The content sites I referred to earlier: there was an interest in the content before I created it. I didn't market the sites, or have to.

You fail to understand that if you create a website, blog etc., and use the internet in any way shape or form to allow people to access the content you are MARKETING.

I don't agree. I don't think that simply creating something and allowing people access to it is marketing. I'm sure there's a little more to it than that. But if that's your definition of marketing, then it really does cover a lot of online activities.

 

Hasn't this all gone off on a bit of a tangent? Shall we try and get it back on topic rather than ONEPORTFOLIO trying to batter people into believing what he believes Internet Marketing to be - who actually cares? The OP didn't ask this so lets just move on and get back to the threads topic?

 

[Clinton]

But the big money is almost always made by those who are s%&t hot at internet marketing in its multitude of different forms.

That's what sellers of internet marketing products like everyone to believe. The ones making the most money are owners of companies that can afford to employ internet marketers to do what is after all just another business function like accounting; it's not the marketers themselves.

Without B&Ms marketing they wouldn't have been employed.

So people hired to work from home are internet marketers because the companies that hired them do internet marketing. And Adsense publishers are internet marketers because third parties do internet marketing on their sites. And the bloke trading currencies is an internet marketer because the platform he uses is from a company which knows someone who does internet marketing to get customers like him.

And I'll be a monkey's uncle.

<added> Sorry, cross posted with Michelle. Yes, let's get back on topic.

 

[Colin Parker]

Hasn't this all gone off on a bit of a tangent? Shall we try and get it back on topic rather than ONEPORTFOLIO trying to batter people into believing what he believes Internet Marketing to be - who actually cares? The OP didn't ask this so lets just move on and get back to the threads topic?

Really ... you are completely missing the point.

I am not trying to batter anyone into what internet marketing is ...

I am talking about the definition of marketing - whether on the internet or not.

The OP is asking if anyone is making a living online and my point is that to do that you need to be able to market your product or service ie., you need to get people aware/interested in what you are selling.

The definition of marketing is 'the process by which companies create customer interest in products or services'.

If the OP or anyone else doesn't understand that simple definition - and how to implement it either online or offline - they will always struggle to generate the interest and enquiries that they need to give them the opportunity to then sell their product or service.

It surely doesn't get any simpler than that.

Colin Parker

 

^ I am not even rising to this bait!

If ONEPORTFOLIO would like a debate about what Internet Marketing is then why not start your own thread rather than hijacking this one?

 

[Colin Parker]

^ I am not even rising to this bait!

If ONEPORTFOLIO would like a debate about what Internet Marketing is then why not start your own thread rather than hijacking this one?

Why oh why do you keep on and on about internet marketing?

Read my posts, my point is about marketing in general and its definition.

And seeing as the OP would need to market if he wants to make a living online my posts are in no way 'hijacking' but entirely relevant.

There is no bait for you to rise to other than the bait you are dangling in front of yourself.

Colin Parker

 

[OldWelshGuy]

It appears to me like some individual(s) are simply carrying on with a previous agenda here, and overreacting at that.

 

[Colin Parker]

^ I am not even rising to this bait!

If ONEPORTFOLIO would like a debate about what Internet Marketing is then why not start your own thread rather than hijacking this one?

Just thought I'd post a few definitions of internet marketing ...

Internet marketing, also referred to as i-marketing, web-marketing, online-marketing, or e-Marketing, is the marketing of products or services over the Internet.

Leveraging the Internet as a means of communicating a company's messaging, attracting prospects and customers, and conducting market research.

Strategies and techniques applied on the Internet to support the organization's overall online marketing goals.

And even simpler:

Ways of promoting and selling products over the Internet.

Now then ... tell me anything here that the OP does not have to do if wants to make a living online.

Or anything I have posted which contradicts these defintions ...

Colin Parker

 

[paulus]

Now then ... tell me anything here that the OP does not have to do if wants to make a living online.

Buy an existing internet business that requires no maintenance for it to continue making a profit e.g. content sites in evergreen subjects that already have traffic and Adsense revenue.

You could market the site if you wanted to, or you could choose to leave it alone.

 

[OldWelshGuy]

If you leave it alone though, it will by very nature, slip backwards as others in the area close in and pass it.

 

[paulus]

If you leave it alone though, it will by very nature, slip backwards as others in the area close in and pass it.

Surely that depends on the niche? If it was an iphone related site, I agree that some ongoing work will be necessary. Not all sites require upkeep though.

 

[OldWelshGuy]

There are not many niches (if any) that are evergreen and non competitive to the point that no-one will ever discover it.

I was being facecious in my reply, but it does stand. If you are lloking to make money online you are going to have to understand certain things.

 

[Clinton]

Another internet marketing consultant to tell us how indispensible IM is?

Back to the OP.

KingDingle22, yes there are people living the dream. Some are entrepreneurs, others are service providers, app builders, programmers, content writers, all sorts of things. Making money online is about finding what's right for you. If you fancy running an online business rather than doing an online job, hire in good people with the skills you don't have yourself - whether marketing or programming. There's a lot of dodgy information about; a lot of self-serving that poses as help and education. Resist the easy route of letting those with vested interests form opinions for you - if they are trying to convince you of something, it's worth examining their motives and what they stand to gain from it; do the research and form your own opinions.

There is nothing so slick in this world as online sharps relieving a poor sucker of his money, and people looking to make a living online attract them like bees to honey.

 

[paulus]

There is nothing so slick in this world as online sharps relieving a poor sucker of his money, and people looking to make a living online attract them like bees to honey.

Are you some kind of rapper?

 

[paulus]

There are not many niches (if any) that are evergreen and non competitive to the point that no-one will ever discover it.

Maybe. Maybe not.

It doesn't matter that a profitable, no maintenance site has an expiry date if you can get another one to replace it before that date. If each site has a 2 year life span (and I have no reason to believe that the ones I own have lifespans that short), and you find/create a similar site every 6 months, lifespan is a moot point.

 

[Homshaw]

I have a friend with a subscription based web site

The response he gets from people who do subscribe is extremely positive

There is one similar site based in Canada that boasts 15000 subscribers paying £10 a month. Many people say his content is better.

Many of his subscribers come from the USA

He puts videos on youtube, tries as best he can to SEO on relevant keywords but his problem is lack of funds to capitalise on its appeal and increase his traffic

What I think he needs is some sort of specialist venture capital company, probably USA based, who would look at what he has done, give an honest opinion on the site's potential and if they liked the idea put money and expertise into improving and marketing the site.

I have agreed to do him a Business Plan setting out where he is now and explaining the potential of the site.

Has anyone any suggestions for a suitable venture capital organisation to approach?

 

[robmcnicoll]

Is his site currently charging for the subscription, or is it a free model?

 

[Homshaw]

Is his site currently charging for the subscription, or is it a free model?

Yes he charges

 

[robmcnicoll]

OK - that's really good news.

So my understanding from your previous post if that they are having trouble building the subscriber base, hence the idea of looking for a VC to bring on board. Is that right?

Thing is does your friend really need a VC? There are many potential options they could explore (other than video and seo) which could really help move the business forward.

I run memberships sites in different niches, and although the content is totally different, the methodology of acquiring new business is much the same (and relatively simple). It also doesn't involve paying loads for IM or SEO experts.

Feel free to PM if you'd like to know more (not pitching - just happy to help a fellow online business owner with a few handy tips specific to their problem).

 

[every£counts]

Just curious if anyone here is successful in making a living on their own from the internet, either through selling, affiliate schemes or whatever?


It is the dream and I wanna know if anyone is living it lol

Hi kingdingle 22 i currently work full time but have my own franchise that i run in my spare time eventually it has the potential to be a full time job however at the moment i like to have it as a additinal income as its a excellent way of topping up my wages every month. With no stress if i have a few week off cause ive got my full time job.

The benefits include being your own boss,working you chosen hours and running a business from the comfort of your own home.

Most people have a skill that they can convert to make a profit online, plus its easy to set up a free website to advertize your business.
Trading online can make you a great profit as you may have less overheads.eg.Business rates,office/other business premises.

Hope this helps..

every£counts

 

[Andy777]

I'm one of those lucky people living the dream!

My main focus now is on several e-commerce website (beauty niche) as well as eBay templates, coaching programs and info products.

Anyone looking for help/guidance - feel free to get in touch!

Andy

 

[omnivore]

I'm one of those lucky people living the dream!

My main focus now is on several e-commerce website (beauty niche) as well as eBay templates, coaching programs and info products.

Anyone looking for help/guidance - feel free to get in touch!

Andy

quick tip on your site

segway usage is a much tarnished pastime in the uk

 

[Fresco_Creative]

Just curious if anyone here is successful in making a living on their own from the internet, either through selling, affiliate schemes or whatever?


It is the dream and I wanna know if anyone is living it lol

I currently don't. I do make a good enough living out of seo though

A company couple of individuals near me which do can be found and contacted via http://webolutionise.co/

Take a look. I hope this may help you

 

[terryuk]

I currently don't. I do make a good enough living out of seo though

A company couple of individuals near me which do can be found and contacted via http://webolutionise.co/

Take a look. I hope this may help you

They look like footballers I don't trust footballers.

I fail to see why these people would tell me how to make 64k online in 3 months for free or whatever it is...

Just curious if anyone here is successful in making a living on their own from the internet, either through selling, affiliate schemes or whatever?


It is the dream and I wanna know if anyone is living it lol

There are loads of people making money online, there are 50+ countries full of opportunity.

 

[Curious]

They look like footballers I don't trust footballers.

I knew there was something wrong with the way they looked..

 

[terryuk]

I knew there was something wrong with the way they looked..

I think it were just my bad sense of humor :redface:

Never the less 64k in 3 months system sounds too good to be true.

 

[VIPMC]

Just curious if anyone here is successful in making a living on their own from the internet, either through selling, affiliate schemes or whatever?


It is the dream and I wanna know if anyone is living it lol

Well it is a good dream to be frankly honest. I have 3 kids and working from home right now. Its an online based company wherein you look for the job that suits you and then through the website you can talk to the employer and there will be a monitoring tool to check your rendered time against the job requirements itself. There are no fees in making an account. I think you're familiar with this one but I can still show it to you just give me a private message so that I can send you the link through your email so that my thread message will not be spammy.

Thanks.

 

[F1SEO]

It's the ones who boast about how much they earn (and you can) online seem to be relying on hype. And there's a lot out there promising big returns.

In reality:

Adsense alone is unlikely to produce revenues of £1000/month. You would need an army of websites.

Affiliate marketing and membership sites could produce that revenue. Needs a lot of hard work though.

There are no magic ways of growing a money tree overnight.

You need a plan, product research, and targets, otherwise you might lose faith and go do something else.