| Online Marketing FAQs |
If you have a question that you don't see here, please send it to me. If it is relevant enough, it will be included on this page, with your name and site link.--mo
- Does Anyone Ever REALLY Make Money Online?
Yes, every day. I do and I know enough other people who do, too, to know it is not just a fluke or that only big companies and scammers make all the money.
In fact, for a wide variety of reasons (everything from inflation and gas prices, corporations trying to save in overhead and individuals hoping to improve their quality of life, plus availability) working independently as an online marketer is becoming a viable alternative for many.
- How Does Marketing Work?
Online marketing is like any other advertising/marketing: it's a numbers game. That is, it's a matter of establishing enough links to your site, affiliate, etc., to draw enough traffic that will result in purchases. The traditional rule of thumb is: approximately 1-2% of quality traffic translates to one (1) real sale.
- But That Means I Need THOUSANDS of links! Isn't That Nearly Impossible?
Actually, it's quite the opposite. Online advertising is relatively inexpensive compared to its offline counterpart. In fact, there are many forms of advertising online that are completely FREE (though they do entail much more time and effort) and can be utilized when funds are short.
- But Isn't Online Marketing Pretty Much Sown Up By Those Who Are Already Established In The Field?
Not at all. In fact, one thing that many people do not realize is that the online community is STILL in a very early stage of development. Though the 1st World Markets have access to state-of-the-art technology, World-Wide, only 5% of the population has access to a computer or going online. Every single day, thousands of people turn on their first computer and access the internet for the first time. Though there are well-established marketers, most are still only private individuals. So that levels the playing field considerably.
- Aren't MLMs just another name for a pyramid scheme?
Though at first glance pyramid schemes may seem similar to Multi-Level Marketing (MLM), there are a few key differences between them:
- The biggest difference between an MLM and a pyramid scheme is that pyramid schemes do not offer a real product; in reputable businesses an MLM is only the payment plan for a product-based company.
- A pyramid scheme is based on the concept that all anyone has to do is pay in; a viable MLM program teaches the skills needed to prospect and support those prospects.
- A pyramid scheme has no visible "bottom row"; an MLM has a rigid structure and pre-determined method for updating the growth of the program fairly.
- A pyramid scheme pays only when, like a chain-letter, everyone pays you; an MLM is based on pre-established commission percentages, not only for other sign-ups, but also for sales.
- And, last but not least, a pyramid scheme is usually formed by a completely unknown entity who prefers to remain unknown and will avoid specific questions about their background and founding; even a brand-new MLM will offer information about themselves and the leadership's background because they wish to establish themselves beyond tomorrow.
Two excellent examples of established MLM companies are Avon Products and May Kay Cosmetics.
- How Long Does It Take To Make Money Online
Anywhere from 2 weeks to 5 years to never. There are so many variables in the equation, that there is no ONE right answer to this question.
However, many experts agree that if someone were to go into online marketing, working seriously at it full-time, with enough venture capital to optimize all the possible reliable resources, they could expect to begin showing a profit (over expenses) after about 9-12 months. And, even that is only a guess-timate, since particular circumstances can make even that general scenario vary widely.
That's the bad news. The good news is, as you build your links and build your links, you steadily grow your business. And there's no limit to how much you can grow that business-- it's completely up to you. This, incidently, is why so many biz ops ads quote such large earnings (i.e., "make $10K/Month!), because it IS possible to earn that much money. They just never say, "Make $10K/month, THIS month."
- So, There's No Guarantee I'll Ever Make Money, Is There?
No, there isn't. But, then, any type of offline sales career (car dealers, realtors, sales clerks) is the same way. When someone becomes an online marketer, they are working as an independent contractor. They pay their own expenses, are responsible for their own taxes, determine their own workload and reap their own benefits.
- I'm Looking For A Work-At-home JOB. Why Should I Have To Pay To Start?
The very nature of this question reveals some of the confusion brought about by online hype. There are few, if any, REAL work-at-home JOBS. Further more, any website that professes to "offer" a "job" is being deliberately misleading. This does not mean they are necessarily a scam-- just using poor marketing tactics.
- What's The Difference Between Work-at-Home and Work-Online?
This is another cause for some confusion since working at home and working online can be two different things and some "work-at-home" companies will avoid those differences, further confusing the issue.
The essential difference is the kind of interaction the company or product demands. A work-at-home opportunity can be a "direct-sales" position, in which company representatives (you) are expected to meet with clients or prospects in an attempt to sell them something (like insurance or cosmetics). Furthermore, the companies often require their representatives to attend conferences or training seminars that are held in their area. Typically, too, these companies offer little or no online support. For anyone infirmed or physically challenged, this distinction can pose a serious obstacle to their success.
A Work-ONLINE opportunity only requires that one have a computer and internet access. Period.
- How Much Does It (Should It) Cost To Start Working Online?
This can vary greatly. It IS theoretically possible to start an online business without paying for anything more than access to the internet. One could, for instance, get a free blog page, sign-up to a free affiliate program, write and submit some amazing articles, join a few marketer-friendly forums (and behave themselves) and begin to make an income from that, alone.
However, Blogs (and most sites that offer "free" sites) are very limited and utilize at least part of the space for their own advertisement; free affiliate programs tend to offer little or no support; writing and submitting articles is time and labor intensive (and not everybody's cup of tea) and "marketer-friendly" forums are becoming hard to find.
Realistically, it will probably cost about $250-500 to get set up, plus approximatgely $150-300 per month after that.
- Are There Other Ways To Make Money Online?
Of course. Selling items on eBay and Amazon.com are possible. Also, Amazon.com also offers its own affiliate program.
- Do I Need To Be A Writer or Programmer To Market Online?
It helps, but it isn't essential.
- What Skills DO I Need?
The ability to type; a willingness to work and learn; and a serious attitude toward your goals.
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