How to make your first dime online quickly, without wasting cash on “pull-your-hair-out” tactics that never go anywhere.
by Eric Larson
I have spent the last 16 years helping marketers generate revenue online using software that actually works.
From exchanging ideas with my friend, legendary author Ray Bradbury, to helping frustrated marketers across the globe, I've met some fascinating people and learned a lot about what makes people tick.
I feel blessed.
My number-one goal has always been simple: Helping others “get-the-monkey-off-your-back” with software that makes the complicated parts of online marketing easier.
Here's a few things I learned:
1. Sales Process = Money.
A sales process is simply the steps you use to move somebody from Point A to Point B — from the first discovery to the sale.
Online marketers spend too much time with wasted or unnecessary parts of a funnel. It may look cool or nostalgic to the owner, but has no bearing or impact on whether visitors will buy. They become attached or stubborn to remove these things because it makes them feel good or cool they have a business. Never taking into account it doesn't or won't produce any cash flow.
No wonder they fail.
Think about feeding horses in a barn.
You walk 38 steps and grab two buckets of water. You walk another 107 steps to the barn. You fill the feed bags, feed the horses and pour the water into the troughs.
Mission accomplished.
Skip the necessary steps and the horses don't get fed.
Your sales process works the same way. By following the correct steps, you can achieve the success you desire.
2. Overthinking Can Cost You.
I believe this idea creates more failures online than almost anything else.
When your system stops working, it's easy to assume the whole thing is broken and throw it out. Don't overthink this.
That's like throwing away your car because it needs a new clutch.
The car isn't broken.
The clutch is.
Your sales process works the same way.
If the results suddenly slow down, don't immediately rebuild your website, replace your funnel, buy new software and start everything over again.
Find out where your funnel is leaking oil and then fix it.
3. Most Visitors Won't Buy the First Time.
Traffic to your website may not buy the first time. It's not because your funnel doesn't work.
It's not because you have a bad system or sales process.
And it certainly doesn't mean your product sucks.
What you're battling here is simply human nature.
People get distracted. They hesitate. They want to think about it. They have questions. Sometimes they just aren't ready yet.
That's why a good sales process doesn't end when somebody leaves your website.
Add a follow-through series to your funnel using email, SMS, phone conversations and, in some cases, even direct mail.
It's all part of the sales process.
4. Trial and Error Can Become Trial by Fire.
You try one marketing/funnel system.
It doesn't work, so you try another one.
Then you blame yourself, buy something new and start all over again.
Welcome to marketer's hell.
Find a good, solid marketing system with a process you understand and can actually use.
Your copy should get attention. Your funnels should create interest. Your engagement should keep the conversation going. And every part should work together toward the same goal.
Then stick with it long enough to learn what works and improve what doesn't.
5. Software and AI Won't Connect the Dots for You.
Can take all your time.
Make sure you have a system that connects the dots.
Your marketing should be psychologically compelling and move people through your funnel with a “can't wait to see what's next” attitude toward your offer.
AI can help automate the process.
But building sales pages can become debilitating work, and even after all that effort, there's no guarantee your marketing will actually connect with people.
Get AI software that connects the sales process so your funnel is compelling.
6. When Something Works, Keep It.
When you have something that works — keep it. Don't throw it away with a smile, figuring you can always come up with something even better.
If your system is compelling and people are responding to your offer, you already have something valuable.
You can always tweak it.
Improve the copy.
Refine your autoresponders, SMS, direct calling and mail.
Test different parts of the funnel.
But don't confuse improving something with replacing something.
So here's a little word of wisdom that has been around forever for a reason:
If it ain't broke, don't fix it.
7. Don't Become a Wannabe Marketer.
Another important thing I've seen:
A lot of people learn a little about Internet marketing and think they can figure out the rest as they go.
They build websites and funnels with no real psychology behind them.
They buy more tools and keep spending more money...
If you want to become a real marketer, stop trying to become a website designer, copywriter, funnel builder, automation expert, graphics designer and software engineer all at the same time.
Find somebody you trust, find marketing software that works, and stick with both.
DONE.