The idea of making money on the Internet is exciting and compelling for anyone that wants to live a life of freedom. Imagine, you can be anywhere in the world and run your Internet business, while earning a substantial income.
The notion of making money while you sleep can draw anyone into the thrill of waking up to income over and over again.
While there is tremendous opportunity for anyone who wants to embark on this journey, there are some harsh truths about making money on the Internet.
It looks easy, right? With so many social media platforms, blogging and video, how hard can it be?
The harsh truth will set in when those checks don’t show up and you realize that your hard work hasn’t produced any income at all.
This blog post will help you understand three harsh truths to making money on the Internet and why you shouldn’t give up.
Making Money on the Internet: Anyone Can Do It
You’ve heard that ANYONE can make money online. That must include you too, right? Sort of.
The majority of people who set out to make money online through blogging for example end up making about $100 in a year.
That’s not very exciting.
Everyone has the potential to earn money on the Internet, but not everyone will. Why is that?
Most people give up when they find out that it takes more than a dream and desire. It takes skills that you must learn in order to provide value to an audience that you have already defined.
Too many bloggers just write about what they feel like writing about and complain they get no traffic or income. So I ask you.
- Who is your clearly defined audience?
- What problem are you solving for them?
- What value are you providing them via your blog posts?
- What is your offer?
- Did you do your keyword research?
After starting my first real blog, I blogged for almost 4 months before I saw one penny of income. Do you have the discipline and self-drive to stick with it until it works?
During my 4 months of non-income blogging, I learned as much as possible so I could build my skills. Working on something for months doing incorrect activities won’t get you anywhere either.
Video: 6 Simple Ways to Improve Your Online Marketing Strategies for Free
Do you have the self-discipline to learn the skills that will get you what you want?
It’s never too late to develop the necessary skills to earn money on the Internet. It takes skill and self-discipline. Will you do it?
Making Money on the Internet: Time Does Not Equate to Money
As an employee, you get paid by the hour. Makes sense that if you work for 10 hours, you get paid for 10 hours.
Making money on the Internet is a whole difference business model. Time does not equal money in this sense.
The good news is that a single blog post can potentially make you a lot of money. Case in point: Back in 2009, I wrote a blog post that I still make oodles of money from. It took me about an hour to write it. The residual effect of that blog post was pretty amazing!
On the other hand, I have blog posts that made no money at all.
The amount of time you spend on ways of making money on the Internet does not necessarily correspond to the amount of money you make.
In my experience, I started online marketing while working full time. I spent my evenings and lunch times blogging and coming up with new topics. Over breakfast I would answer emails and spend time in social media.
It was a crazy schedule but guess what? I do it full time now!
Believe in yourself and keep moving forward! Get your mind right too.
Making Money on the Internet – You Will Work Your Butt Off
Do you ever wish you could just hit the “easy button” to make money online? Me too!
If you really want to earn an income online, the first thing to do is set your expectations accordingly. Here’s what I mean.
I talk to new bloggers who have like ten posts and spend a minimal amount of time but are disappointed they haven’t made any money. Don’t kid yourself. Creating a business online is hard work. There are no short cuts.
That being said, it’s quite rewarding if you put in the work to make it successful.
Making money online isn’t so different than a real-world business plan. For example, you need to learn the right skills and you have to be willing to implement them. That may seem obvious but the majority of people who buy training courses never implement one thing!
If you are serious about earning an income online:
- Learn the skills
- Identify your audience
- Create a business plan
- Create an online strategy
- Provide value through every post
- Create a call to action
- Promote in social media
- Build an email list
Oh my, this list can go on. But you get the idea. It’s a business and should be treated as such.
Conclusion
You know the catch phrase, “if you build it, they will come.” Not true with online marketing.
You need a great idea and well-thought out plan. You must be able to provide your audience with real value and deliver something they are willing to pay for.
The opportunity to make money on the Internet is available to anyone who has the self-discipline and desire to make it work.
Are you willing to stick with it through the down times? Are you willing to work hard and believe in what you are doing?
You can do this! Believe in yourself and learn the necessary skills to get there!
Great questions to ask yourself for those serious about earning online income.