In the modern times there is no doubt an overload of information which leads to confusion over internet marketing myths.
Today I’m going to cover some of the top internet marketing myths and discuss them a bit.
Not all information on the web is accurate, nor is it all bad.
The fact is that the internet is an open resource to us and that anyone can contribute ideas as they see fit. Because of that, we see quite a number of misnomers being shared as truths. Some of these myths might seem reasonable while others are outrageous upon a first glance.
Time VS. Money
If we listen to what professional internet marketers have been saying, we know that there are no shortcuts to internet marketing success. In fact, the pros have even been so kind as to tell us the 2 basic things that internet marketing success boils down to:
- Time
- Resources
We need an abundance of either time or money in order to be properly prepared for the journey of internet marketing success, lest we be ill-equipped.
Now for a few internet marketing myths…
Internet Marketing Myth #1 – I can do everything online for FREE
As stated by the experts themselves, this is a no.
Sure, there are many good freebies. And yes, there are ways to begin your internet marketing ventures online on a “shoestring” budget.
But…
I’d caution you against thinking that it should all be free.
I’ve learned over the years is that most “free” things are not really free.
Many of the free tools that one may wish to employ either are extremely time-consuming (time is money, folks, don’t forget that!) or they leave your project open to specific vulnerabilities because you are not in control over critical aspects of the tools.
Not being in control makes you succeptible to abject circumstances. It’s certainly no way to run a business which you expect to thrive.
Do you have to break your piggy bank in order to be an internet marketing success?
Absolutely not!
Do I recommend beginning your internet marketing pursuit with a budget?
Absolutely!
The good news is that you don’t have to begin with a HUGE budget. In fact, beginning with a modest budget is the most sensible thing to do. You’ll expand your vision as you’re building your campaign and presence on the web.
Leaving yourself some wiggleroom to grow and develop is a smart way to get started!
Consider the full scope of your project in order to come up with reasonable expectations and time frames for execution. These considerations will help you to plan a budget that works!
Internet Marketing Myth #2 – It’s easy to be an internet marketing pro
Oh I sure do wish that this one were true!
The truth is that it is not. Let’s get real about the assumption…
Do you really think that making people notice your products and services against millions and millions of competitors can be easy?
Do you think that even if it was easy that by just being noticed one will magically appear as a “Pro”???
We all know the answer to these question. 
There are never any guarantees about internet marketing, folks. So no one, no matter how good they appear to be can guarantee your success.
Most Guru-level marketers had to struggle for periods of time while figuring out how to benefit from their internet marketing success strategy.
We must make peace with the journey of internet marketing in order to succeed.
Bottomline:
If you want to be an internet marketing success story, you will need to concentrate on some specific areas in order to become competent.
If you missed my posts on this subject, you will find them all in my Internet Marketing Success section. My last blog post might be of specific interest: Top 5 Internet Marketing Success Tips Revealed.
Learning to write engaging content and how to drive internet traffic will no doubt prove to help you in all things related to internet marketing. There will also be more strategic and advanced techniques you may wish to employ along the way, so you might also find that you want to outsource specific tasks to qualified parties to address those needs unless you want to put forth more time investment in becoming the Pro. (A la Time VS. Resources points above.)
Internet Marketing Myth #3 – I can just hire someone to get me “ranked” on Google and then I have it made!
Take care of me!
Site rankings are definitely important, so don’t get me wrong here!
I’m speaking more to the attitude of “set it – forget it” that people are chasing after.
It’s the attitude of “rank and run” that could potentially ruin everything you worked so hard to build online.
Everything on the web is moving and changing and growing. There’s an energy to this which causes things to develop and change, much like everything in organic-life.
If you neglect your site and do not stay up to speed with technological developments, you will no doubt be left behind.
How soon will you be left behind?
Tough to say…but at the rate that things are evolving, I’d say you could lose serious ground in a matter of weeks to months.
Once we’ve developed what we wanted, we must tend to it, like a garden. As we identify weak areas, we must work on those areas.
Internet Marketing Myth #4 - All I need to do is find the perfect product to market
Holy Grail??
We all want to represent good products, that’s a given.
And yes, good products may appeal to customers.
However…
There is a TON of competition in the market. Because the competition is so fierce, we need to bring more than just a good product. We need to bring our “A Game.”
And I have news for you, folks…
There is NO holy grail in the online marketplace.
It simply does not exist.
Waiting around for it is a waste of time. There are so many ways we may succeed with what exists NOW – as long as we are taking the action that will allow us to compete.
Remember that internet marketing success is a competitive sport!
The internet has changed the way we communicate in the modern times. If you do not have a strong online presence you are obsolete. That’s just a fact.
There will always be myths and misnomers in the world, the internet marketing sector is no different. A wise marketer will become an avid student who is willing to learn and bypass the mistakes of others along their path to success.
Stay tuned for the next installment in this internet marketing success series!
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{ 52 comments… read them below or add one }
Hi, Cat,
I love your analogy! Internet marketing is a compettive sport!
I love your bottomline too:
“If you want to be an internet marketing success story, you will need to concentrate on some specific areas in order to become competent.”
Success is a journey. It is about mastering the basics and putting in the time and efforts to get results. Thankyou for sharing your valuable insights, Cat.
Viola Tam
Viola Tam recently posted..Network Marketing Success Tips from the late Jim Rohn Pt. 4
Twitter: catherinealexa
March 6, 2012 at 3:53 pm
Hey Viola,
Great to see you!
How’ve you been??
I’m really happy you enjoyed a couple of takeaways from this article. I was hoping to create some good hooks that would stick with people like a catchy song. I always find that repetition helps me to grasp onto things, so I want to make this content as grabby as possible for people. So many need help in this area as you well know.
I hope you’re having an excellent week!
Cat
Wonderful information Catherine.
We have just shown three serious aspiring Marketers How To set up a Traffic generating site and blogs for whopping investment of
$45.00 year for hosting
$39.00 per year for access to huge inventory of Quality, SEO powerful, Themes
They also have access to over 40 hours Training videos or they can pay a small fee for one-on-one>
With quality Autoresponder and a few other functional bells and whistles, monthly fixed expenses are less than $75.
No need for anyone to spend a Fortune….
BUT they must have an Overall strategy Written on Paper and the share with a mastermind group.
Funny thing, those following the simple steps and applying action are enjoying positive cash flow and Internet ranking in a short period of time
It ain’t FREE…
IT takes discipline, and investment of Time and Energy
You Catherine are a perfect example of How to Get It Done
Chuck Bartok recently posted..Mindset and Business…Applying Action!
Twitter: catherinealexa
March 6, 2012 at 4:00 pm
Greetings Chuck!
It’s always so nice to chat with you.
I love what you’re helping others accomplish. I think that it’s important for people to realize that it doesn’t have to cost them an arm, a leg, or a child’s college fund to get themselves started in a viable online business pursuit. We need more folks like you shining some light into the dark places so more may be empowered by the truth.
Overall strategy is indeed an integral variable to the success quotient.
If you’re interested in having a look, I did an article about this not so long ago. You can click here to check it out.
I think you made an astute point about what success costs, Chuck. Everything costs us something – it is up to us to determine whether it is worth the investment and what we are willing to compromise. Both life and business are indeed a delicate negotiation.
Thanks for bringing some fine contributions to the conversation, I always appreciate and enjoy your insights.
Highest regards,
Cat
Keep your smile out there and share more of your wisdom.
You are a rare find on the Internet Today
Chuck Bartok recently posted..Why WRITE your Marketing Strategy on Paper?
Twitter: catherinealexa
March 6, 2012 at 9:42 pm
That’s so sweet, thanks Chuck! I sure will keep on!
Hey Cat,
Absolutely true.
People think that it is easy to make money – on many industries – like marketing.
And they choose one of these industries based on their perception – based on what they have got out of exploring. They like the field and they try to make money (they do not necessarily understand the field, if they did, they would have probably understood that it takes time and effort).
And they will, sooner or later, understand that it takes time and effort. Then, their search will be for an automated product that works “wonders” and gains you thousands, if not millions (As they claim) through internet marketing, blogging or what ever field you are working on.
Things have always been like this. Just look around and you will see people making money by selling others different products – products that are perceived – by the consumer – as the magic bullet that change their life.
All this nonsense.
Just because people can spend time.
And do something.
And I can perfectly understand that. Because, I am a human too (all humans have these “qualities” of being lazy and trying to find an easier route).
For the route gets harder.
If you spend little time on finding the “route”.
The perfect solution/technique/method takes time to find.
And time is what that makes it less powerful. So, don’t wait. Act now.
Thanks for the wonderful post, Cat!
Jeevan Jacob John
Jeevanjacobjohn recently posted..Renaming Your Blog Categories And 2 Months of Blogging Report!
Twitter: catherinealexa
March 6, 2012 at 4:11 pm
Hi Jeevan, great to see your smiling face in the conversation!
I think you did a great job describing the average lifespan of newbie internet marketers. Most of the successful internet marketers I speak to have told me that they spent so much money and wasted so much time chasing after the wrong things, initially, before they realized the truths we’re discussing here. I know that I was one of those people who just spent money and time making myself more confused and more overwhelmed for too long before I figured these things out for myself.
When I sat down to brain map this series, I realized just how challenging it is to distill the volumes of information into bulletpoints that were action-able for others. I really hope that it reaches the ones who are looking for ways to start off without misfiring by learning from the wisdom (mostly avoiding past mistakes) of others.
I appreciate your great feedback on this topic and look forward to your insights on the future installments to this series!
You rock, buddy!
Cat
No problem, Cat.
I think we all are supposed to do that – try those “scams” and lesson our lessons – it will be a great thing to add to our experience.
No problem and thanks for the reply!
Twitter: catherinealexa
March 14, 2012 at 4:02 pm
I agree with you to some extent, Jeevan!
The main issue I see is that many people get tapped out financially too soon, clinging to unrealistic expectations, only to abandon ship prematurely (therefore stunting their own growth and success). It’s unfortunate. I feel that if we can shed some light initially, it creates an environment more conducive to the longterm success of so many. That’s what I’m all about anyway.
It’s idealistic, I know.
Cat
Very well said CAT I LOVE THIS ARTICLE. Most people think that starting an online marketing business is a “ONE TIME CLICK” and don’t know that takes time an dedication, passion and putting all your efforts into it without looking at your watch, to get results once you implement the marketing strategies you need to be consistent and take daily action to put your web presence outhere. There is no one “Push Button” to click and bingo all of the sudden you are a successful marketer.
With all competion we all have nowadays is not that easy to get to the top, specially for thos who wanted in minutes(Sorry, That does not Exist)
Great tips, a very realistic and Honest information for those who wants to start this wonderful journey once you know how to do it.
Thank you for sharing it with us.
Jaime (El Tigre) recently posted..What is All this noise on Google about Network Marketing VT – Is that another MLM Scam Business opportunity?
Twitter: catherinealexa
April 9, 2012 at 2:04 pm
Dear Jaime,
So nice to see you here! Thanks for the rave review and I’m pleased that you enjoyed the article so much!
I love how you referred to the misnomer of internet marketing business as a “ONE TIME CLICK” – this is exactly what I’ve seen many people mistake what we do for! You’re 100% right, on the money, about how we NEED strategy and effort backed up by consistency in order to really make the cut!
Thanks for coming by to share your wisdom and insight!
Hope you have a rockin week!!
Cat
Cat recently posted..BIG Facebook Timeline Changes to Business Fanpages – What you NEED to know!
Hey thanks for the post Catherine. I’m afraid some people are almost disillusioned to what it takes to become an online marketer. Determination and education, its a real business and basically if people are looking for an easy solution, they will be greatly disappointed.
Twitter: catherinealexa
March 6, 2012 at 6:52 pm
Hey Beach Bum,
Great to see you!
I agree with what you said about people being disillusioned regarding what it takes to become an internet marketing success. It is pretty tough to tell the real deal information from the “sales pitch” when you haven’t really been exposed to internet marketing. I think that a lot of newcomers just don’t know how to tell the 2 apart. And, shoot, who wouldn’t want to believe that it was push-button-simple?
It just leaves the door wide open for people to prey on the fact that many just don’t know better yet.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on the matter. I’m glad you’re out there preaching some truth – we need more shining the light for others!
Cat
Hi Cat,
The weird thing is, it does become easy to market on the internet, AFTER getting through the uncomfortable feelings of doing new things on a daily basis.
So it is quite simple, but very uncomfortable at times, which makes it feel super hard. The struggle is us refusing to do what successes do, resisting it, and this struggle leads to all failure, pretty much.
You must get through these tough times if you want to prosper. Just part of the game.
Awesome points here all around Cat. Thanks for sharing!
Ryan
Ryan Biddulph recently posted..Cash Gifting Tip – How to Deal with Boorish Ignorant People
Twitter: catherinealexa
March 6, 2012 at 7:00 pm
Hey Ryan,
Great to see you!
How’ve you been??
I think you hit very important point that is SO true. – It does get easy once we get our arms around it!
Ya know, I think that it is fair to say that magic buttons DO exist on some level. Once we’ve built an infrastructure that capacitates our respective and responsive communities with whom we’ve built a relationship, we literally DO have “magic buttons.” I learned this when I started kicking value out to my subscribers and sent out my first high converting offer. It was a surreal moment for me to receive sales from the push of a “Send” button. Et voila, we have Magic!
I stand firm on my ground that when people have developed enough emotional leverage within themselves, they will have the resolve to stretch themselves enough to grow through the uncomfortable stuff (within reason, of course) and ultimately bridge their way into some success.
Success is there for the ones who are willing to rise to the challenge. – Game on, brother!
By the way, your comments rock my socks! Thanks for sharing your thoughts with me.
Cat
Thanks for this great post Catherine. As you know I have resisted the process of having a blog since it takes me 3-4 hours to write my own post. Your mentor-ship has giving me the courage to start the process again. Now working with my wonderful business partner we will climb this mountain together. We are learning how to create many (Niche/Harvest blogs and even multiple platform blogs(main blog) to cover different broad topics. This will for sure be a journey and is a little different than the mlsp approach but I know it will all workout. Thanks for all you do and I’ll continue to read your great post on becoming a profitable blogger!
Twitter: catherinealexa
March 6, 2012 at 7:17 pm
Hey Steve,
Great to see you participating in the conversation on this post! Thanks for popping in!
I absolutely understand the resistance you have had about blogging. It can seem like a daunting chore until you find your rhythm. Once you find it though, it’s pretty easy…kinda like juggling. You start with one or 2 balls, getting your groove and rhythm. Once you can do that comfortably, it’s not really a big deal to toss in a 3rd, 4th, or maybe even 5th ball. It’s all about getting your flow down.
I’m happy if anything I’ve shared sticks for you and helps you feel encouraged to be patient with yourself while you’re getting your flow down.
That is actually some of the best feedback for me because my hope is to shine some light for others to be able to see that the road isn’t so scary. There’s a lot of confusing information out there but if we start with a bit of a gameplan (even a loose gameplan can work!!) and we’re willing to stick with it, it’s not hard to get a little traction.
I think that there are many different paths to the place we’re going, each person can decide which is best for them. I have every confidence you and your wonderful business partner’s success is imminent. You guys are great and I’m happy to be one of your sherpas along this terrain!
Thanks for sharing some love, amigo!
Cat
PS – And Haaaaaaaappy birthdayyyy to Y-O-U!!!
Wow – loved the honesty here Cat and I’m really glad that you pointed out that “free” is not necessarily the best route to go.
Yes, most people have a limited budget when they start, but the one biggest lesson that i really only learned recently is to stop being a control freak (!) and sub some work out that either a) takes me too long to do and is therefore not best use of my precious time or b) sub out something that I really don’t enjoy doing.
Some useful and honest advice, thanks for sharing,
Nicky
Nicky recently posted..Online Video Marketing-Your Business is Dead in the Water Without It!
Twitter: catherinealexa
March 6, 2012 at 9:18 pm
Hi Nicky,
Great to see you!
I’m so glad you are sharing some truth about the value of our time! Life moves so quickly – we have to learn to pick our battles right when negotiating time for LIVING LIFE and “taking care of business.” I have had my own resistances to letting some things go into the hands of others because I’m such a High Red personality (Type A). For me, I had to realize that having additional competent “hands” on some of my day was the only way to create enough time to get it all done and still have a life.
Amen for that discovery!
Thanks for sharing your truth about this topic, I really appreciate the perspective!
Cat
You have a lot of interesting points! Thank you for sharing this info with us!
Twitter: catherinealexa
March 6, 2012 at 9:46 pm
Hi Tina,
Nice to meet you! Thanks for checking out my article, so glad you enjoyed the points.
Please come again soon and let me know if I can help with anything!
Best regards,
Cat Alexandra
Oh girl, ain’t that the truth! I started out with this thought process and I can’t tell you how much time I wasted. I guess I had to go through that though in order to appreciate what is really needed so the money that I do have invested is oh so worth it.
I had this conversation just last night with a young lady on the phone. Bless her heart, she’s exactly where most people start out with big dreams and visions with all these people trying to convince her that she can get started making serious money for a small investment of only $47. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard that. Just makes me sick now.
I say choose something you want to do, find someone who is doing that and then follow them or hire them as your coach. Stop wasting all your precious time trying to figure it all out on your own. You’ll get so much further along this way.
Thanks for laying this all out Cat. Great job and big eye opener.
Hope you’ve enjoyed your day!
~Adrienne
Adrienne recently posted..Are You Fans Of Reality TV?
Twitter: catherinealexa
April 9, 2012 at 2:11 pm
Hey Adrienne,
I know what you mean by having said what you did about wasting time in the beginning of your online marketing journey. I know that I did the same thing here, maybe in different ways. I was a student of all but took literally forever (and a DAY) to get my boots on my feet and start walking the walk. It’s one of those things that many people just have to bumble through in the beginning before they get a feel for it. – Kind of like the first time you go roller skating!
My heart breaks a little bit for people who come to me the way your young lady prospect did; under the belief that they can earn ka-jillions if they just buy the right magic bullet. It stings to hear others buy into it, so I know what you mean when you say that it makes you sick these days. I think it’s important for us big softies who just want to see everyone succeed to be able to make some peace with the fact that not everyone is prepared to hear reason. Reason isn’t sexy – it’s not flashy – it usually never sounds “easy,” and I think that’s why so many people just can bring themselves to believe it…til they’ve actually wasted their own time and money, that is! lol
I love what you said in closing here, Adrienne! Find someone who is doing what you want to do and then follow them or hire them as your coach! To all onlooking eyeballs who may be reading this, make note that this is wisdom speaking!!
Keep on shining your light, my sister!
It’s a gorgeous week here ahead of us, looking forward to making the most of it and hearing how it’s going for you!!
Cat
Cat recently posted..Top 5 Internet Marketing Success Tips Revealed
Twitter: radu_dascalul
March 6, 2012 at 5:24 pm
Hey Cat,
Glad to visit your blog again!
You exposed some good myths here and I love your opinion for each one. Either it’s about internet marketing or any other area, everything is interconnected..if you only get things for free, others will be affected..Paying at least for the things that are a must online-domain-hosting, autoresponder and a good training system will definitely worth every cent. Let’s not forget that training under the form of a book, coaching program etc is just money invested in YOU.
Yes, we can become internet marketing experts, millionaires you name it..but let it be a by product..someone who is great at what he/she is doing doesn’t beg for these money or forces people to buy..they come as a reward for the good work they put it.
Thanks for sharing your insights Cat! Inspiring!
Be blessed,
Radu
Radu recently posted..Blog Content Ideas: 40 Simple Ways To Never Run Dry
Twitter: catherinealexa
April 5, 2012 at 7:08 am
Hello hello Radu,
Wonderful to see you here at my blog again! I always appreciate your awesome and well-thought out comments!
I like how you expressed what you did about the myths of the internet marketing world – these things truly do have a strong interconnected-ness between one another. I think that might be part of why it’s so confusing for people to distinguish fact from outright fiction.
I think that what you said about people who find success to be truly indicative of a different mindset all together. People who are operating from a level of applied wisdom and a success mindset will never have to beg or stoop to low integrity business practices because all they have to really do is posture their offers. When we’ve taken the time to become consummate in what we do and then apply this knowledge, the mystery of it all disappears.
Hope that you’ve been well, Radu! Let’s get reconnected soon!!
Have a fantastic rest of your week!
Cat
Cat Alexandra recently posted..BIG Facebook Timeline Changes to Business Fanpages – What you NEED to know!
Hi Cat,
This is great stuff because these are all completely legitimate myths that so many small business allow to hold them back from writing online.
Everything is about Value. One blog post a month or a 100. If it adds Value it’s worth publishing.
Regards.
John Cooper recently posted..Crohn\’s Blog
Twitter: catherinealexa
March 9, 2012 at 11:54 am
Hi John,
Great to see ya! Hope you’ve been well!
I like your point about bringing value. You and I share the same feeling on this. I think that the more value we can bring, the better.
There are so many different blogging strategies out in this big world. I think that there are different ways to skin the proverbial kitty, it’s up to us to match the best way that will jive with whatever we’re trying to accomplish online.
Glad to see you in the convo here! Come again soon & have a great weekend!
Cat
Oh, if there were only four myths! These are pretty big ones, and so common. Alongside “free” is “cheap”. And how about get rich quick… “the” secret to success… don’t even get me started on Google rankings! Somehow that gets wrapped into everything: people think that’s free, and easy, and THE perfect thing.
Internet marketing is indeed a competitive sport. Good analogy! And every time Facebook makes another update it’s a contact sport that makes me want to hit someone in the head
Carol Lynn Rivera recently posted..Everything I Need To Know About Business I Learned From Cheap, Demanding, Difficult Clients
Twitter: catherinealexa
March 9, 2012 at 12:05 pm
Hi Carol Lynn,
Great to see you!!
I completely agree with you about wishing that there were only 4 myths! lol There’s so much hogwash out there being passed off as truth, it’s really no wonder why so many people are completely confused. I wish we had time to dissect every single myth, but it is simply time prohibitive. I did my best to widdle this down to some sensible points that, once understood, would dispel many of the other myths when kept in mind.
The first point I would like to help newcomers with is just “getting a grip” lol – When it sounds “too good” it generally is! We’re not living in a magical world of unicorns and magic carpets here.
I like your comments a lot, Carol Lynn. You’re a tough cookie telling it like it is! Thanks for participating in my comment conversations, you are a treat, my friend! lol I especially liked the part about Facebook changes making you want to hit someone in the head. lol!! Great humour!
Please come again soon! Hope you have a fantabulous weekend!
Cat
This is so true, Cat!
Thanks for reminding or telling the ones who don’t know it already that internet marketing is indeed, not easy. As I’ve heard before, if it was easy, everyone would do it, wouldn’t they?
It’s so not easy that I have seen so many people try and fail that it’s even heart breaking. It’s also a false conception to think that “if I can do it you can do it”. That’s just not true for the very reason that everyone is different and you might be good at it and I might not, no matter how easy one may think that it is for them.
Sylviane Nuccio recently posted..What Is Quora And Why Bloggers And Marketers Should Use It?
Twitter: catherinealexa
March 9, 2012 at 12:10 pm
Hey Sylviane,
So great to see you here!
I agree with what you’re saying: If it was easy, everyone would do it, wouldn’t they?
Most definitely!
It is sad to see people flail around and fail, especially when you know that they spent way too much money just to chase their tails endlessly in the pursuit of “shiny things.” I have had a handful of folks who I’ve spoken to who have pretty much put themselves through the ringer because they wanted a shortcut and someone told them they could buy it for $499.97 and only $79/month…or something relative to that.
By the way, not sure if you got my Skype messages, but I figured out why I haven’t been able to get onto your blog! I’m trying to get it resolved. It’s something with the firewall protection on my home office network. I will be back soon! Sorry to have been away so long, but I literally have been prevented from accessing on any of my computers. Ergh…
Hope you had a great week!!
Cat
Cat,
It is true that time is money…alas, I have more time than money, so I’m doing this online marketing the slow way.
It is my goal, however, to spend as much money as I can on education. I am driven to learn all I can.
Ryan Deiss recently said, ‘the marketer who spends the most money wins.’ I believe this to be true and plan to spend a lot of money in the future on marketing my business, once I learn the skills.
Thank you for the insightful post. I think everyone needs to hear this message.
Juli
Juli Becker recently posted..How To Successfully Grow Your Business With MyVideoTalk
Twitter: catherinealexa
March 9, 2012 at 12:14 pm
Hey there Juli,
Great to see ya!
How’ve you been??
I think it’s good that you’ve figured out what’s workable for you! This is really important! Whether it is time or money, the big thing is getting real about what you’re working with so you can make the best possible go with what you have. No shame in cranking along to gain some “sweat equity” in your pursuits. Slow and steady will get you there when you are consistent.
I love that you’re on the education bandwagon. It is actually a lot of fun to get into these subjects once the initial shock has worn off about just how much info there is! lol
Ryan Deiss is awesome. I love that quote about investing into one’s business. It’s the truth.
Thanks for checking out this post and chirping into the convo, Juli! Don’t be a stranger!
Have an awesome weekend!
Cat
Cat,
i love it…”Rank and Run!” How true that some people fall into this trap of it’s easy, or for just $19.95 you can make a return of $87K
Or another favorite. You don’t need…website, list, skills, phone, money, time, ect ect…we’ll build it for you! Now thankfully we don’t see much of this crap anymore…but it’s still out there. And I’m ever hopeful for the honest marketers that can say it is hard, but we can keep it simple.
It’s the way we go about the process of learn and apply. It all starts with the right mindset. We need to open people’s eyes not to fall in love with the next thing you read but to develop your core belief that it’s possible if you have faith in yourself.
Ken Pickard
The Network Dad
Ken Pickard recently posted..10 Quick Tips To Increase Your Productivity Part 2
Twitter: catherinealexa
March 9, 2012 at 12:18 pm
Hey hey Ken,
Awesome to see ya here!
I’m glad you liked my little phrasings there on the “rank and run.” I’ve been compiling a list of “stunts” I see pulled on the web and that’s definitely one of em!
What you are saying about the traps people fall into is true, as well as the silly belief that you don’t need to do anything to be rich and famous. C’mon, really!
If I had to boil it all down, Ken, I’d say that people just need to “GET A GRIP!” We’re adults here, let’s act like it. Unless you see pegasus zip on by or a pot of gold at the end of the next rainbow, we’re working in the “Real World” here. Let’s just rise to the challenge all ready.
Once we are able to start with our feet planted firmly in the soil of REALITY, we can move forward in a positive direction that will produce yields if we stick to the basics.
Thanks for sharing your insights, Ken!! Hope you and yours have a FAB FRIDAY!
Cat
Talk about getting it right girl. I had some of those same thoughts when I started out with my old gift shop 12 years ago. I had no knowledge and only went off what people said it would be: easy. Hire this, use this and you will be successful. FAIL!
I love how you mentioned that just because it’s free doesn’t mean it’s what its cracked up to be. I see tons of people use free stuff and most of it is good, but then there are others that are too good to be true and end causing more harm then good.
Buyer beware I always say and take your time and educate yourself on how to do it right the first time. This was a bang-up post Cat. You always and I mean ALWAY break it down.
Sonia recently posted..Know Your Audience: The #1 Rule for Marketing, Blogging, and Life in General
Twitter: catherinealexa
March 9, 2012 at 12:47 pm
Hey Sonia,
Always great to see your smiling face in the comments. You always bring a fun perspective to the table!
Wow, I didn’t know that you had a gift shop. I knew you were very multidimensional in your own life, but you keep impressing me with all the things you’ve tried and excelled at along the way.
I got a point out of what you were saying about acquiring a “working knowledge” for any business. We must always qualify the source of our information. I think that this is sometimes the first non-starter point for newcomers, simply because they don’t know what they don’t know…so it makes it challenging to know how to qualify the source of information they may be considering.
For me, one of the most important things I can be doing is banishing a bit of the dark cloud that may be obstructing the truth of the matter. I have so very much been enjoying the process of sharing in this type of active information flow with folks, like yourself, to bring validation to the real truths. Dark can’t exist in light, so thanks for being on this side of things and helping to expose the pipe-dreams!
Thanks also for the sweet compliments on the post. I’m glad you approved of it and found the steps simple and effective! You’re one of my barometers!
Have a great weekend!! TGIF!!
Cat
loved the info Cat!
Yes indeed, these myths do exist and some of them do make us believe them to be rather true!
I have so many friends who go in for the freebies or those free offers and pay up a great amount, only to be let down later- and they only learn by their own mistakes. No matter how much anyone may try talking them out of it, till they experience things for themselves, they never do learn.
Marketing things and becoming a internet marketing pro is sure an uphill task! Just to gt people to come to your product is something great, if you manage to achieve it! And with so many products out there, its just your content, or strategy you may follow that would work- or word of mouth
You are so right about keeping on working at your site or blog so that it ranks well on Google- and surely- things just don’t happen on their own
There’s a great deal of work you do need to work on to create that magic!
Thanks so much for sharing and reminding us to be careful about these myths
Harleena Singh recently posted..Prayer and Fasting for a Better Life
Twitter: catherinealexa
March 12, 2012 at 6:20 pm
Dear Harleena,
Great to hear your perspective on internet marketing myths!
It sounds like you have certainly seen your share of some of the internet shenanigans out there!
There seem to be no shortages of this stuff. I think as long as there’s a “need” for money and as long as people have things to sell, we may see this go on and on.
I’m glad that you liked my tips about how to tell some fact from fiction! Thanks for stopping by to say hello, Harleena, I always love your great comments!
Let’s have a wonderful week this week!
Cat
Hi Cat,
Brilliant. Just brilliant.
My two most favourite bits: internet marketing is a competitive sport, and time is money.
Absolutely spot-on. I have to say that thinking about IM as competitive sport makes so much more fun
I’ll be back – lots of good stuff to enjoy on your blog.
Dee
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March 14, 2012 at 4:17 pm
Hello Dee,
So nice to meet you! Is this your first time visiting my blog??
I’m glad you enjoyed the post and I really appreciate you taking the time to let me know what you thought about it!
Treating internet marketing like a serious competition (which it is) makes us work harder and be more consistent in our efforts. As with just about any viable pursuit life offers, it’s all about “survival of the fittest.” – Thriving is an entirely different scenario though; we must constantly be bringing our A-Game if we plan on thriving.
Let me know if I can help you out with anything, Dee! If you haven’t seen it, we’re doing a free 100 day challenge for internet marketers who want to step up their A-Game and start producing for real. Today is the last day to get in, so if you’re interested in it, please have a look at my latest blog here. And feel free to inbox me directly if you have questions!
Come again soon!
Best regards,
Cat Alexandra
Nicely written, and I always like it when someone is telling all those “make money online” folks just how hard it really is. Like many other businesses, the overwhelming majority are going to go bust trying to do it, and it does take a bit of money here and there to break out from the crowd. Nice job.
Mitch Mitchell recently posted..Can’t Fool Yourself When Not Taking Care Of Yourself
Twitter: catherinealexa
March 22, 2012 at 11:37 am
Hello Mitch,
Nice to meet you! Thanks for stopping by to take a look at my internet marketing myths post and share your thoughts! I really appreciate the feedback and am pleased to know that you enjoyed the material!
It’s important for us to rise to the challenge of applying common sense to our due diligence process of seeking out opportunities, programs, plugins, and well the list goes on!
It seems to me that 2 of the most rare recipes in the internet marketing success quotient are: focus & common sense.
Let me know if I can help with anything! You can always inbox me here, Mitch!
Have a great weekend and please come again soon!
Best regards,
Cat Alexandra
I’d add one more thing, that not being open minded enough to realize that making money by blogging can actually be done in more ways than pimping products.
Mitch Mitchell recently posted..Black Web Friday – 3/23/12
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April 9, 2012 at 2:13 pm
Hey Mitch,
I didn’t see this last reply til now, but I’m so glad you said it because it IS the truth! There are many ways to carve out a model of success for oneself! The sooner we realize that, the quicker we may find ways that resonate with us so that we may pick the ones we are WILLING to be consistent with!
Great PS-tip! Thanks for dropping the knowledge on us!
Cat
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Loved this thorough post, Cat! I love reading posts about myths because I find myself being able to identify with the myths, then you bring a new understanding to my way of thinking. Your first myth exposed really hit home for me because I find that I “waste” time a lot on the Internet. Yes, we can do everything ourselves, but is this really cost efficient? That’s what I need to be continually asking myself. With no one around in my room to tell me otherwise, I often start projects on my own when I would do better with help or by educating myself further first. =P Stubbornness! =)
As for hiring someone to do ranking, what if we hired someone to continually do ranking? In fact, what are your thoughts on Fiverr social bookmarking gigs. Can they be effective? I’ve been reading more about how others use these tactics or hire people to do monthly SEO-related work for them. Super curious! =)
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March 26, 2012 at 6:08 pm
Dear Sam,
So great to hear your feedback! Thanks for sharing with us!
I think that you’re certainly not alone in feeling that you “waste time” on the internet. It’s difficult to NOT waste time because it seems like we are constantly bombarded with bells and whistles and shiny things…and well, let’s just say that it’s an environment that truly makes many experience a level of attention deficit! lol
I think that it’s definitely possible to have some ongoing help with blog ranking and social media management. I have heard that there are some on Fiverr who do a decent job with this, but in all honesty I have no hired for these tasks there. I know that Fiverr is a great place to oursource some things, but like anything else, we’re going to see some who deliver the goods we want and others who perhaps don’t offer the quality of service we truly seek. I have been keeping tabs with some of my networking and mastermind groups of who does what well on Fiverr so that we may help one another by referring the most reliable folks. I would definitely recommend fielding questions like this to your close network to find out who has had what experiences there – referrals from trusted sources are a good way to mitigate losses and disappointment!
I have been considering getting some help with rankings and social media, but something tells me that in this department it’s important to defer to a true and proven pro. This is most likely going to cost a bit more than a Fiverr deal, but depending upon budgets and expectations, it could be well worth the investment!
Well, I hope that this was helpful in some way! If I can help with anything directly or indirectly, please let me know!
Have a beautiful week, amiga!
Cat
Some real eye openers in the posts. Nothing is free in this online market,more you spend money more you can earn that’s the reality.
Bishwajeet recently posted..Top 10 Online Payment Gateways for ecommerce websites in India
Twitter: catherinealexa
March 28, 2012 at 5:15 pm
Dear Bishwajeet,
So nice to meet you, thanks for taking the time to read, comment, and share. You’re very much appreciated.
I think that you have made an excellent point about the online marketing world. There’s a powerful relationship between our willingness to spend and how we get paid – the correlation is one many do not care to notice, but it is there nonetheless.
I have always found that in order to receive freely, one must be willing to give freely. If there is no room to receive because we have not given, then we can see there will be a problem. It’s not as mystical as it sounds!
So happy to know you are aware of this great truth. I hope that you’re using it to your own benefit and to help others.
If I can help with anything, please do let me know! Hope you will come back to visit again soon, Bishwajeet!
Have a fantastic rest of your week!
Cat Alexandra
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very interesting post well done, it really has broadened my knowledge and i thank you for that, i am still new in this game.
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Twitter: catherinealexa
April 9, 2012 at 3:54 pm
Dear Andrew,
So nice to see your smiling face in my comments!
I’m honoured to know that this article has helped you broaden your knowledge! That’s great feedback, thank you for sharing that with me because it lets me know that I’m on the right track with what I’m sharing here. I genuinely appreciate that!
I’m here for you, so please know that you’re welcome to reply back to comments here for more info and also to inbox me directly when you have questions!
Do come again soon and let me know what I can help with!
Best regards,
Cat Alexandra
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