10 Ways to Cure Information Overload & Start Making Money Online
Posted by Holly in Blunt Honesty, Make Money, Top 10 Tips
Imagine this: you’re new to the Internet Marketing world. You’re overwhelmed and now bombarded with thoughts and confusion. You’ve purchased way too many e-books and guides on how to make money online. Thoughts may be racing through your brain… what are you supposed to do now?
First, what you’re feeling is totally normal if you are new to Internet Marketing and making money online. Next, the following 10 tips to cure your information overload and get you on the path to making money online, should also help you.
- Clear the Brain Clutter. First, you will need to let go of all of the things that are causing you stress. If you’re stressed out about your current life situation, your current job and family issues – you have to be able to put it aside so you can focus on starting up your work from home life. I know it’s not easy to do – with kids at home or with issues that are arising, but you must clear it out or let it go so that you can really dive into your venture online. It may require that you wake up earlier, before the family gets up – it may mean you need to sleep a little more so you have the brain power to focus. Whatever works best for you, try to work on it so you can move forward swiftly. If the stress is only related to being confused with all your online options with working online, then the following steps should help you with that.
- Use Your Time Wisely.If you find yourself spending your time reading blogs in your pursuit of answers or wealth, it needs to stop at some point so you can come up with your plan of action and move forward with it. If you’re on Facebook, Myspace and Twitter all day long – take an extended break while you work on getting your online venture up and running. If you are struggling to stick with utilizing your time, try using Toggl to monitor the time you are spending on different projects online. Toggl allows you to time your work, and I’ve found it very useful when used because I am easily distracted online.
- Begin with Research. If you’ve just discovered Internet Marketing, but now you are left with no clue as to what you should do next… Well, you need to start by doing research. This is one of the most important steps that so many people jump right past it. First, figure out what you are personally passionate about – and write a list of those passions, in order of importance. Do some brainstorming and create a list of your interests, skills and ideas. After analyzing what you are most interested in, then brainstorm ideas about what might be profitable or popular in the media right now. Research is the most intensive phase, but try to approach it with an open-mind. Once you have your short list of ideas, do some keyword research online to see if people are actually searching for terms related on the topic you’ve tentatively chosen. You can use Trellian’s Free Keyword research tool to view data about popularity of keywords in the search engines. SEO Book website has some of the best free tools to use for finding keywords for your niche idea. When you are searching for relevant keywords; take into consideration how popular the topic is; and if providing valuable information (and related products) may solve a problem for people in some way, and you see that there is a market for it (however small it may be). Think about the types of products or services that are related to your possible keywords and look at other websites that are centered on the same topic. Once you have done your thorough research – pick a few solid keywords or keyphrases and figure out exactly what type of website you want to create on that topic. You will have accomplished quite a lot at this point, and should be inspired by the fact that you have a solid idea to pave your path with.
- Stay Laser-Focused. Some people are laser-focused, with a positive attitude and blazing on through with their plan of action. But, in my experience working online for 7 years, I have noticed at this point (after doing the research), people can become discouraged with technical aspects of moving forward. Don’t stop your path to freedom, because it is difficult to get accustomed to the technical difficulties you may encounter. There are online tutorials, guides & support forums online to help you when you need it.
- Network with Others. If you have problems with what you are trying to do online, you can get help anytime, day or night at our work from home forum. It’s a tight-knit community of people who are either making money online (and helping others with it and networking) or those who are starting out and need some help and advice. No matter what your confusion may be – just ask for help and someone will be there to answer. Also, whenever necessary, search on Google for tutorials on what you are stuck on. I always find one when I need it.
- Create a Website. Since you have done your research, it’s now time to buy a domain name and website hosting – so you can have your professional online presence. I know some people fear it is too expensive to pay for – but this one small price should pay off big time if you follow through with your plan. If you get web hosting with Bluehost (which I prefer), they give you a domain name of your choice for free when you signup. That single cost – which is less than $100 USD per year for your website hosting and domain name – is all you need to get your business started. * Update in 2011: I found another awesome web host that happens to be half the cost of most hosting companies – with all the same features, plus more. It is iPageHosting and it’s a little less than $50 per year for website hosting (unlimited domains) – and I am currently using them for my host.
- Add Quality Content. No matter your website’s purpose is – you will need to create some high-quality content to gain targeted traffic to your website. If you’re not a writer, you can either learn more about how to write blog content here or elsewhere online, or hire a freelance writer to write some high-quality articles for your website. After you have some solid content, then it’s important to continually add useful articles weekly (or more often – daily).
- Direct Your Traffic. It’s not enough to get targeted traffic – you need to direct that traffic to the right place. You can offer a free report for them to download – something truly useful and related to your website. You can then funnel that traffic by building up a list, then promoting other useful products to them (ones that you are an affiliate for). Or, you can use your website traffic to promote your own product. You can also monetize your website by placing Google Adsense ads on it. If you receive a lot of traffic, it can pay off. Whatever you do with it, make sure you remember to direct the readers to do something.
- You’ll Need A List. Building up a high-quality list of users (readers or prospective buyers) is going to be a part of how you make money online. You may start out with using a free way to manage your blog users (if you use WordPress) – and that is fine at first. Using Feedburner is an option at first, to manage your blog readers. But if you want to send out a mass email to inform your readers about a promotion or product, what will you do then? By this time, you may have made a little money with the Google Adsense ads on your website or other promotional efforts. You can take that money and put it into your one other important investment – a software program to manage your growing list of readers. Personally, I prefer to use Email Marketer, a software that is paid for one time (no monthly payments) and used for all my websites, for an unlimited number of people and years. I have noticed a lot of people using software for their list management, that requires monthly payments to pay for using it. If that is your only option, then it may work ok for you. But if you have a little money to invest, I recommend putting it into a software that you pay for only once.
- Be Healthy. This last tip is easier-said than done at times, but I thought it was as important as all the others. Try to put your health, your mental and physical well-being above all the work. You can’t work too well if you are burnt out and falling asleep at the desk. Working like that can be ok at times – when you are determined to finish up the work or project you’re on. But to sustain a life like that isn’t really like having a real life. You’re doing this work to gain freedom in some parts of your life – and it helps to get outside, spend time with family and take breaks when you need it. Internet Marketers can develop a lot of strange habits. Take a look at the 10 Weird Habits of True Internet Marketers if you want to know what they are! Try to keep somewhat of a balance to remain clear-minded enough to complete your goals. Take time off to relax when you need it.
These 10 tips to help you overcome your information overload, are just an overview. Hopefully the overview hasn’t led to any further confusion. I have a list of resources that could help you further, if you are interested in learning more about how to make money online. If you want to know more about very specific ways to profit online – for example: becoming a professional blogger, site flipping, membership websites and every other method that I use to make money online – you can read the Top 10 Ways to Make Money Online.
If you don’t have a solid understanding of Internet Marketing, and you want to know how to implement some or all of the techniques yourself so you can make money online, take a look at Honest Riches. Honest Riches is my comprehensive Internet Marketing guide for people who want to make money online, with Honest Methods. All topics above are covered in depth, with visual tutorials and step-by-step guidance. Over 35,000 copies have been sold. It’s available in e-book format or in paperback here.
24 Responses to “10 Ways to Cure Information Overload & Start Making Money Online”
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Jenny
15. Aug, 2009
Holly this is a great post, I can relate to each one, especially number 10:)
I agree that is very important to take breaks, as I have moved along in my online ventures I have noticed myself going nutty:) and just had to break away from the screen.
I had the thought the other day when having one of my nutty moments, that although I want to succeed online, what kind of life am I living now? So, I took a break and allllll bettter:)
Holly
15. Aug, 2009
Thanks Jenny. It’s easy to forget about taking care of yourself and taking breaks when you’re working online. I make the time to do it often – but mostly for my son (since he is home with me now and not in school yet). If he were in school part time, I’d probably sit in front of the computer with no break at all until going to pick him up. I find it hard to get back into work after taking a break though – for example I take my son swimming for two hours almost everyday. In the heat here in Nevada, it is scorching – and when we come back he is in a relaxed mood, tired and I feel the same. It kind of damages my work for the day but I guess we have to all find our own method to balance it all out!
Katy
15. Aug, 2009
Great points Holly! I did a search on you in Associated Content, yesterday, and found a lot of good things said about your ebook. It’s easy to get distracted online, although very important to meet other online marketers.
Garry
15. Aug, 2009
Great post Holly! You know people are crying for this kind of information.
I would add, “Be persistent AND patient.” Along with the laser focus and time management . . . just realize that it usually takes time to see results. Keep at it, learn and don’t loose faith when you aren’t seeing the return you would like after a few weeks.
But . . . don’t let patience turn into losing focus. Develop desire and drive strong enough to see through the lack of excitement and inspiration but make sure they are tempered with patience, compassion and life balance.
For me?! I’m taking the rest of the day to clean the garage and play with by boys . . . if I can combine the two that’s a real win.
But come Monday, it’s back to pounding that keyboard.
As a wise man I’ve recently come to know says: “May your success be more than you can hold.” (Thanks Kevin)
As Mr. Spock says: “Live long and prosper.”
As I say, “Enough said.”
GARRY
Dave in Larryville
15. Aug, 2009
Good guidance Holly. Yes, I too struggle with number 10, gol darnit.
Now I know why the “geek coder” stereotype is pale and socially inept.
There’s so much to learn, and and an almost endless amount of cool ideas to implement… add some excitement to that mix and… well… I found myself very clearly in your “10 weird habits…” I’ve spilled salsa on a couple of erfectly good keyboards.
I must say, Honest Riches is the most well written, and most informative book I’ve read out of all the stuff I’ve bought in the last 2 years.
Holly
15. Aug, 2009
Thanks Garry for that wonderful additional advice. You are right – it’s important to stay patient when waiting to see results from all that hard work. It does pay off – to those who are patient to see it through those times. Thanks Garry again for your wonderful input and I hope you have a fun day with your kids.
Holly
15. Aug, 2009
Katy – thank you for the comment. I agree – commenting on other blogs and networking is also a part of all of this.
Dave – I’m the same way! It can be so easy to get distracted when doing stuff online. I’ve found that Toggl keeps me on track. It’s strange but to know you’re being timed on tasks really keeps me totally focused on that task. But I do fit into the 10 weird habits article to a T!
Irish Tom
15. Aug, 2009
Greetings All from Seascape Resort in beautiful Monteray Bay.
This is one of the yearly freebee perks my wife gets from her company every year and I get to come with her for the weekend as well! Temps a nice mid 70 and sunny.
Only problem this time is serious fire beside us in the Santa Cruz mountains.
Now to your post. This is one of the most useful and educational I have seen from you to date. It hits exactly at the points probably 99% of IMs come up against and not only the Newbies, but the more experienced.
On our Work from Home Forum, I always cover some of these points eg
1. Stay Focused
2. Use a daily To Do list
3. Keep daily notes.
4. Take a break for your health sake.
5. If you have family, make sure you spend quality time with them also.
As for #10, I think that is what can sometimes can destroy the prospects of a potentially good IM before they get started.
I take an hour break every day from 12-1 and get out of the house, usually to my local shopping mall for an ice drink and just sit and study people. Fascinating!
I guess this would fall in to one of the 10 weird habits of IMs!!!
I also think this would be a great article to have highlighted on our forum especially for the new people.
Gotta go..lunch is ready.
Have a great Sunday everyone.
Cheers
Tom.
PS. BTW Holly, my Grandson Jordan had his surgery and is home and in great form. He told me that since his heart is now “fixed”, he won’t be tired and will be able to stay up til midnight every night. I don’t think that is going to happen.
We will be going up again towards end of Sept for the birth of his twin brothers.
Holly
15. Aug, 2009
Wow Tom I am so glad Jordan is fine. How long ago did he have the surgery? I love that he said he would be stronger and able to stay up till midnight each night – so cute!!! I think he deserves it for a while after all he’s gone through! And about you – sounds like you’re having a great time with your wife. Sounds beautiful – as long as you are a distance from the fires. I was watching that on the news – scary stuff.
About the post – you gave me some great ideas that I will add here – I must revise this. Garry gave me some as well – about the importance of enduring through the work and being patient. Your to-do list is another important thing along with planning to accomplish one big thing per day. it doesn’t need to be huge but to accomplish one larger task – each day – will keep propelling the person forward in the right direction. Anyway, thank you so much for the comment. I love hearing about your daily life Tom and your experiences.
Stefan
15. Aug, 2009
I think one of the best methods is to find a mentor or blogger who shows that he does make money online and stick with him. Instead of jumping to different e-books which only are covering the basics and resulting in you reading the same information over and over again.
Holly
15. Aug, 2009
You’re right Stefan. It’s not something that I had or did when I started out. I think it could make a big difference, and save a lot of time and money to have one.
Internet Marketing Email » Blog Archive » 10 Ways to Cure Information Overload & Start Making Money Online ...
15. Aug, 2009
[...] Holly put an intriguing blog post on 10 Ways to Cure Information Overload & Start Making Money Online …Here’s a quick excerptYou’ll Need A List. Building up a high-quality list of users (readers or prospective buyers) is going to be a part of how you make money online. You may start out with using a free way to manage your blog users (if you use WordPress) … [...]
david
16. Aug, 2009
Oh man where was this report when I started.
Great Post Holly
Holly
16. Aug, 2009
Thanks David!
I hope it helps people who are starting out and overwhelmed – because there’s a lot of people like that and I think we’ve all been there.
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16. Aug, 2009
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Anna
16. Aug, 2009
I would add that if you take on too many projects or start on too many ideas, so that you don’t have enough time to complete any of them, none of them will get enough time and attention to truly succeed, and you will wind up spreading yourself thin, working very hard, and seeing little progress on any project.
It is very easy to do in online marketing – there is no boss looking over your shoulder to make sure you stick with individual projects and complete them before you start new ones. Furthermore there are so many opportunities online, it is easy to get distracted by new ideas. It’s fun to get a new idea and start working on it – unfortunately you then wind up with too much on your plate.
Davin-The Viral Sanctuary
17. Aug, 2009
A very excellent post Holly. I’m sure this will really help people cut through the clutter online. I think it gets difficult for practically all marketers at times to maintain focus. I certainly know it happens to me, at times pretty badly. I sometimes have to give myself a pretty good talking to, to try and shut everything out.
There are so many things that can distract us daily, it can get very overwhelming. This should help a lot of people….fantastic, helpful post!
Holly
17. Aug, 2009
Thank you Davin. It is definitely difficult to maintain focus – a daily battle.
I know also that we have both gone through those times or periods where we’ve just needed a break or had temporarily lost some focus and motivation. It happens. I guess the important thing is that we have had our breaks and returned to doing our online work with a new focus. It takes a certain type of person who can work online full time because you have to be able to balance a lot of things and keep yourself motivated!
Cary Bergeron
17. Aug, 2009
It’s also helpful to stay organized. I found out early on that this was a tough thing to do.
As an internet marketer I have new ideas almost hourly but, to act on them would be wasteful. I find that just writing them down and keeping a list allows me to not forget the idea. This also helps because at times what might seem like a good idea isn’t such a hot idea a couple weeks down the road.
Keeping organized with current projects is a tough one as well. I still battle this as there is always something I need to change, tweak or configure. For this I find a simple notepad at my desk works best. I make notes of things that need to be done to projects and then move them to Google docs when I have time.
Remember Google docs is your friend. In the past I have used Pageflakes but had some issues with their site. Google docs is also a great tool to use when you are collaborating with writers, coders and such. I like the shared calendar and use it weekly to schedule assignments for our writers.
Thanks for the great post was a nice refresher!
Irish Tom
17. Aug, 2009
Hi Holly
Thanks for your kind words about Jordan. He had his proceedure on Tuesday and got out Wednesday. He is doing really well and looking forward to getting back to school and be a “normal” boy. He is very excited and a lot happier.
Had a GREAT weekend and don’t worry, we stayed well away from the fires. I was more concerned about the next big earthquake as we were right on the San Andreas fault!!LOL. Now I need a rest to recover!!
Now to the post. I am excited to see the reaction to your great post Holly and also the other great input from others. Garry had some great points and as always with a bit of humor. Opps, used to many “greats”…great!
Cary gave me a new one I had never heard of..Google docs..? And as Cary said, keeping a notebook at your desk is priceless. It is a little bit like “brain storming” and no idea is good or bad. It is easy to go through the notes and just mark off those that you don’t need, but bring forward those that are useful.
Not to throw more work on your already busy schedule, here is an ideal chance to update this post to include any new ideas and post mark it both on this site and our forum for the benefit of everyone.
I don’t necessarily believe this is for Newbies only (or as Jenny, I believe, now refers to them as Newrus..neither a Newbie or a Guru..but a Newru..)
I can see the great benefit this type of post can be to all.
Have a great Monday everyone
Cheers
Tom
Alex
17. Aug, 2009
Love that toggl!
Normal Joe
19. Aug, 2009
Be healthy…I guess that is why you are always on me about my diet huh? lol
good list…great foundation for anyone starting their own business.
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26. Sep, 2009
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Katrina Oakley
12. Mar, 2011
Great site! I just happened to land here looking for some information to help my downline and membership site members, and WOW! I found a gold mine! I will be sharing this with everyone who asks, or if I see someone suffering from information overload! Great advice! Thanks for you time and effort!