Happy February! Can you believe it’s February already? I’m sure many of us are feeling that time is going quickly. But it’s fine: a new month is always a great feeling, a new chance to challenge yourself and improve on what you’ve done before. I’m setting myself a new sort of challenge this February, one that will hopefully make up a little for a lack of action-taking in previous months.
How Many Systems Have You Bought and Never Followed?
I’m asking this question hoping I’m not the only one to have bought money-making guides and never to have followed them. It’s not that I think I was scammed or ripped off, it’s just that I didn’t take the action I needed to follow through and make them work for me.
In fact, I don’t even know how well some of these systems work. I’ve tried a lot of methods, but I wonder if I’ve actually ever followed something through as far as I truly can. This is something that I vow to change this year.
Testing Systems in February: My Plan
As a way of testing different money making systems – specifically niche blogs – I have purchased three domains, each of which will be based around a different system. The domains are all very closely related, meaning I’ll be able to stay focused when it comes to content creation.
1) The first site will be based on the Niche Blogger. This is a system used to create reasonably large sites that could end up becoming an authority in a reasonably tight niche. There are many different ways to monetize and market this kind of site. Because of the nature of the site, this will probably take longer to see results, but they could pay off bigger in the long term.
2) The next will be based on the XFactor Adsense Masters Course. This system is based on much smaller niche sites, with only a few pages of content, all monetized with Google Adsense. The marketing plan involves article marketing, though not too many articles. Yes I blogged about this in the past, and I am ashamed to say I never completed any of my sites! Not this time.
3) Lastly, I am going to use the 5 Dollar Formula for my third site. This is a completely free strategy similar to the XFactor approach in that the site is rather small. However, it uses a lot of article marketing, and the idea is that you can very quickly get your site earning 5 dollars a day (the guide says within just a week). I have been meaning to try this for a while, and a recent upgrade of the guide reminded me to get going.
My approach is very un-scientific, I know. There are so many factors at play determining whether a system will succeed – so if one does better than the rest, or one does worse, it doesn’t necessarily mean the system is at fault. It could be my keywords, it could be anything. But it will give me an idea of what works for me.
What If It Doesn’t Look Like It’s Working?
My biggest problem has always been giving up too quickly. I know you need patience in this line of business, so my aim for this challenge is to see each site through completely. That means no giving up if it seems like it isn’t working. After all, it will only cost me a little time. Number 1 will be time consuming, but number 2 and 3 won’t take too long and are really worth a go just to properly test them.
So, that’s my challenge in a nutshell. I believe I will have time to work on these three sites at the same time as my new PLR site (I mentioned this last Thursday) and active income projects.
Have you ever had more success when you decided to follow something through completely? How many guides have you got that you’ve never properly followed through? Aside from that, what are your goals for February?
Forest (4)
Kidgas (4)
Loren Jaslyn (4)
Des @ Affiliate P... (3)
Eric (3)
Twitter: moon_hussain
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February 1st, 2010 at 5:55 pm
Oh, what a hard (but possible) challenge. In this line of business, you need a LOT of patience. As long as you’re okay with that, I think you’ll see success down the road.
Good luck!
Moon Hussain´s last blog ..7 Steps To Get Out There And Crush It!
Twitter: webcareergirl
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February 1st, 2010 at 6:19 pm
Moon – You are right, it is hard. In some ways, though, it’s easier, because I’ll be more focused and, fortunately, I’ve already read all of the programs through thoroughly and written my own step-by-step action plan so I know exactly what needs doing.
But you’re right, patience can be very difficult, it will be a good lesson. Thanks for the good luck wishes!
February 1st, 2010 at 6:24 pm
This sounds like a great idea.
I dropped off for a while and have just really gotten back into freelancing in the last month or so (aside from the work from home that I’ve done for the past 5 years). I got an office job back in September and let the idea of residual income move to the faraway recesses of my brain until a couple of weeks ago.
I want to try Niche Blogging again as well – I didn’t follow through, either. I only partially finished one blog, sad to say. I hadn’t heard of the $5 formula, though, so I may give that a whirl, too. I also plan to try the Squidoo lenses/IPK plan since it’s only a little work per day. Seems doable. Good luck accomplishing your February goals!
Donella´s last blog ..Will 2010 Be Better?
Twitter: webcareergirl
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February 3rd, 2010 at 9:23 pm
Donella – Great to see you again! The IPK/ Squidoo plan is a good one I think (I’m not seeing results from it yet but I’m trying to think of the bigger, long term picture). Thanks for wishing me luck and I hope you can get back into the whole residual income thing too!
February 1st, 2010 at 7:21 pm
For what it’s worth…I’ve been following John’s (XFactor) course since October of last year and I’m up to $78.51 per day with 62 sites. Not to shabby. The system works. I’m intrigued by the Five Dollar Formula.
One tip that I’m sure you’ve already discovered but might benefit someone: the work you do now won’t necessarily impact you immediately in this line of work but it will pay dividends slowly. Prepare yourself mentally for that and just keep going. Think of your sites as seeds.
Twitter: lorenjaslyn
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February 2nd, 2010 at 3:28 am
Awesome comment Jack. “the work you do now won’t necessarily impact….”
So true and very inspired by your success with X-factor…
Loren Jaslyn´s last blog ..Match Making Tips for Match Makers
Twitter: webcareergirl
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February 3rd, 2010 at 9:26 pm
Jack – I agree with Loren, fantastic comment, that’s so inspiring thank you for posting! Plus you are very right about thinking of the long term. Even my bad sites that I made when I didn’t have much keyword research experience are now getting better with age. This is another reason why I don’t want to give up on sites this month, because I know efforts will pay off down the line. In fact, I think you could have inspired my next post
February 1st, 2010 at 10:38 pm
Hi Ruth, I’ve actually spent probably a couple hundred bucks on ebook related materials, but like you, have had trouble following them. Some were good, some were outdated. I stopped doing this because you can find most information for free these days, plus I think learning yourself keeps you motivated, as opposed to when you know the answers, you feel “too comfortable” in my opinion, and thus don’t take action.
You’ve got a lot on your plan – 3 different systems. I hope they work out for you. Even if one doesn’t work, at least you will know which one does after trying all of them out, and then going with the ones that do work for you. Good luck!
Hulbert´s last blog ..Improving on Time, Character, Mentality, Emotions, and Health
Twitter: webcareergirl
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February 3rd, 2010 at 9:28 pm
Hulbert – You are very right about finding so much good information for free. I feel like I can *definitely* stop buying any more systems from now on, and I do also believe in setting your own path which will usually be slightly different from any laid out plan. That said, this challenge is a sort of test – thanks for the good luck!
Twitter: Kidgas
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February 1st, 2010 at 10:39 pm
Ruth,
I, too, am interested in the $5 method that you mention. I will have to check it out. Best of luck in this experiment. You don’t quite seem like one to give up too easily. But I suppose that you have too many thoughts and ideas in your head and not enough time to complete everything that you would like and so move from project to project.
I will be curious as to your results.
Kidgas´s last blog ..Residual Income that Keeps on Giving
Twitter: webcareergirl
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February 3rd, 2010 at 9:28 pm
Kidgas – You’re right, I had WAY too much in my head. I feel far more focused now. I will be posting my results as I see them.
February 1st, 2010 at 11:55 pm
Ruth…I’m always amazed at the drive and energy you have to start AND complete your different goals and challenges. This one sounds very well though out, not biting off too much but giving a reasonable test period and depth of study.
I’ve discovered that creating your own blueprint is what actually works the best. The great thing about blogging is in reality the only rules are the ones you make yourself. I know this will get you that one step closer to a great formula (which btw is always a work in progress as you know).
Speaking of taking our time on things…as I mentioned I’m doing a variation of your eBook challenge this month. Instead of 50,000 words I’m doing 50 pages for the month (only 28 days this month). Very excited…haven’t got today done so I’m off to a super start
– thank you very much for the inspiration and the eBook to help me along the way.
simply stephen´s last blog ..creating your own info products
Twitter: webcareergirl
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February 3rd, 2010 at 9:29 pm
Stephen – It is a kind of energy, but it’s also a kind of madness and probably explains why I haven’t followed through
But this time I feel like I do have a good step by step plan, and creating these different systems but in a similar niche will help me to compare.
Thanks for posting about doing your challenge, I really hope you get everything done that you’ve planned!!
Twitter: frugalzeitgeist
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February 2nd, 2010 at 8:27 am
Hey Ruth, I was just planning a new niche strategy for Feb myself this morning…. I really want to spread my adsense back out again after honing down to just a few sites. I currently have about $700 a month from adsense but would love that to be closer to $2k so need to assault some niches.
I have had luck with both Xfactor and the $5 Formula so feel free to ask me if you have any questions.
I’ve never looked into the Niche Blogger before but i’ll be pooling my experience from things like xfactor, $5 formula and other things to create my own new Niche strategy… I have an idea and am going to write it up, follow it and amend as necc.
Good luck for Feb.
Forest´s last blog ..9 Ideas To Stay At Home On Saturday Night
Twitter: webcareergirl
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February 3rd, 2010 at 9:32 pm
Forest – I am glad to hear you’re doing so well from Adsense, I am sure you can extend that with some new sites – thank you for the offer to help, I am going to get started on my $5 formula within the next few days, so I may email you for advice (it seems to be keywords I struggle with the most). Will also be great if you can develop your own niche strategy that works for you!!
Twitter: pfincome
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February 2nd, 2010 at 12:08 pm
I purchased ‘One Week Marketing’ last year and had big plans for it until I got bored and switched to something else. It is a great guide and something I would recommend, it just takes patience and that is something I didn’t really have last year.
I will have to check out 5 Dollar Formula. That seems like it would fit well with what I am trying to do with my niche sites.
John´s last blog ..Miscellaneous Income Report – January (2009)
Twitter: webcareergirl
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February 3rd, 2010 at 9:33 pm
John – Yes I also think that OWM definitely has potential. Good luck with your own niche sites, I hope they earn you a chunk of passive income!!
February 2nd, 2010 at 2:02 pm
I’m still concentrating on stuff I’ve learned from the Lazy Affiliate programme, so I’ve not really splashed any cash around on other stuff.
I’ll certainly be interested in hearing how you get on with these sites. I want to get a few more domains registered in the near future to start them maturing, so I might try something along the same lines myself.
Des – Affiliate Progress´s last blog ..Spring Cleaning Comes Early for Affiliate Progress
Twitter: webcareergirl
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February 3rd, 2010 at 9:37 pm
Des – I think it’s a good thing you haven’t splashed your cash too much, it’s something I did way too freely! I will certainly be posting my results so hopefully they can help a little.
Twitter: bluepop13
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February 2nd, 2010 at 2:35 pm
You know, I have three blogs I currently run, one which I haven’t done anything with since the beginning of last month (I know, shame on me!).
I’ve not bought any programs like this myself but feel that what does work is definitely worth checking out. Problem is, how do you know what works? Well, you’ve got to take an educated guess in my opinion.
This year I’ll happily be taking the Blog Mastermind course provided by Yaro Starak, hopefully. I’ll also be doing the Blog Masters Club by David Risley and will also be doing Niche Profit Classroom.
Quite a lot but I have a few years where I can really buckle down and see what happens.
What do you think?
Eric´s last blog ..Lets Help Each Other
Twitter: webcareergirl
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February 3rd, 2010 at 9:38 pm
Eric – It is great if you have the time to buckle down and focus. In fact, I would say if there was something I did wrong it was to buy into *way* too many of these programs, so I think you’re on the right track choosing one or two and really sticking too them. Good luck!
Twitter: bluepop13
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February 4th, 2010 at 8:52 am
Yeah thanks I think really just setting my focus on only a few things at once and really buckling down and see what can come about of that will do some good.
I feel that the latest blog post I wrote on Goals4Individuals.com really set home with focusing on what’s important and going after it instead of just swaying whichever ways things come at you.
Let me know what you think!
Eric´s last blog ..Lets Help Each Other
Twitter: webcareergirl
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February 4th, 2010 at 5:08 pm
Eric – You are very right with what you say in that post – especially never giving up. I always gave up too easily and regretted it – so by focusing your efforts, even through the hard times which you also mention, I think you’ll do well. You’re already doing a great job at building relationships with other bloggers, I’ve noticed.
Twitter: arafat21
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February 2nd, 2010 at 4:31 pm
First think I need to say, I never buy books to earn money I love to read tips on it through online media and choose the trick which suite my blog and my style. Currently I started to getting sponsor articles and good thing about it is, there is no middle man. So all money goes to my pocket.
I will try to implement two or three method beside Adsense and infolink to increase my online revenue. Let see, if the result comes with good or bad.
Arafat Hossain Piyada´s last blog ..Turn Nokia E72 to accurate compass using NorthPole
Twitter: webcareergirl
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February 3rd, 2010 at 9:39 pm
Arafat – I think doing things your own way is a great way to go about it, you certainly don’t need all these systems I’ve bought into. For me, it’s rather a case of information overload. But always a good idea to try different methods, and not to put all your eggs in one basket – good luck with achieving your aims!!
February 2nd, 2010 at 6:08 pm
I have never been good at following things through to the end either. I have done better since I’ve started this blog because I really enjoy all the work that goes into it and have been able to be more consistent in my efforts.
good luck with your “experiment”. when do you expect to have them up and running?
Twitter: webcareergirl
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February 3rd, 2010 at 9:40 pm
Carlos – I think it’s a great idea to focus on one area like a blog like that – and if you’re passionate about it, that will make it a whole lot easier too. Thanks for the good luck, I got my first site up and running today, and will set the other two up this week. Of course they won’t be complete, but I’ll be marketing them throughout February, and posting my progress.
February 3rd, 2010 at 3:10 am
I had never heard about the 5 dollar formula. But I really like this kind of methods about doing many small things that will bring big rewards all together.
Good luck at with your projects.What will you being writing about?
Isaac – Life is simpler´s last blog ..Download this resource to manage your personal finance
Twitter: webcareergirl
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February 3rd, 2010 at 9:41 pm
Isaac – Thank you for your good luck! My niches are in the broad beauty category, so I do know a few things about this fortunately. I think I will mainly try to make them product-based as I’ve had most success with this so far.
February 3rd, 2010 at 3:32 pm
Oh Ruth, the nerve you just struck. I just hear the word “system” and I cringe and shutter uncontrollably…especially anything with “automated cash” in the title; eek!
Luckily you have chosen some proven ones, although I haven’t heard of the XFactor before.
Best of luck and I look forward to seeing your progress, will you be updating us along the way?
Dennis Edell´s last blog ..Welcome Aboard Part 2! All The Info You’ve Been Waiting For…
Twitter: webcareergirl
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February 3rd, 2010 at 9:42 pm
Dennis – Lol I completely understand why it strikes a nerve! This cash is *definitely* not automated (though hopefully it will be down the line). I am planning to use my own systems and way of thinking, but for now I’m using three to test things out and see what works best for me. And yes I’ll definitely be posting my progress.
Twitter: lbogaerts
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February 3rd, 2010 at 4:05 pm
I have a few of those programs too. Once I have a good rhytm in the system I have put together, I will make a clean on my harddrive and see what I have used and didn’t work, and what I didn’t use yet. I’m sure I will find a few of those on it. But first, I’ll be working with what I have planned in my business plan.
Leslie´s last blog ..My Last Site Auction Last Month
Twitter: webcareergirl
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February 3rd, 2010 at 9:42 pm
Leslie – Yes I recently did that hard drive clean too, and it reminded me of all this. I think your business plan is really good, especially finishing up one of your niche blogs each month, seems to be paying off
Twitter: lbogaerts
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February 3rd, 2010 at 9:45 pm
It sure does pay off, at least in ranking already. Now money is the next factor
Leslie´s last blog ..My Last Site Auction Last Month
Twitter: kruby
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February 3rd, 2010 at 9:04 pm
Hi Ruth,
Great blog you have here
It would be interesting to see the results of your new 3 sites. What I’m thinking is that during the first month setting up the new sites would be exciting, but how will you manage to product content, keep them updated and relevant as time goes on?
How long are you anticipating that it will take before you start earning any money. My point being is that it’s easy to set the blogs up initially, but if you don’t earn any money for six months or more wouldn’t the ROI not be worth it? Why wouldn’t you concentrate on one or two and devote 100% to those sites, rather than spliting your efforts? Just wondering.
Thanks,
Karen
Twitter: webcareergirl
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February 3rd, 2010 at 9:50 pm
Karen – Thanks for visiting and leaving your comment
Basically, the plan is for a limited amount of content, so I am definitely not just writing new content for these blogs indefinitely – that helps to reduce the risk significantly. The XFactor and 5 Dollar Formula models are very small sites (a few pages maybe 5-10) and then the Niche Blogger model has 30-60 short posts. Once these run out I use a plugin called ‘Old Post Promoter’ which does not repost your old posts, but simply moves them back up to the top, and helps keep the sites somewhat fresh.
So my plan is to use this month as a ‘tester’ – complete all that’s laid out in the action plans, which should be very doable, then afterwards I will use what I’ve learnt to concentrate my efforts exactly where they need to be. And even if the sites are only earning a small amount, I’ll just leave them and give them a boost if it’s worth my time.
Honestly, my ROI might not be great, I don’t know yet, but I am hoping this will help me in the long term
Twitter: sarabarrett
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February 4th, 2010 at 9:19 am
Ruth,
I am scared to even mention how many or worse; how much I have spent on ebooks this past year. Each month some other enticing ebook was calling my name and I have no resistance. i wanted to make money fast and each new book promised just that! At least in my mind they did.
I’m not familiar with the 5 dollar formula but it sounds interesting.
Good luck with your goals this month. It sounds like laying out your plan of attack will certainly help you achieve them.
Sara´s last blog ..Week 1 Of Full Speed Ahead – Mid-Week Update
Twitter: webcareergirl
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February 4th, 2010 at 5:04 pm
Sara – I know how you feel! But I see now that you’ve really got into the flow of things, and I am definitely thinking you’re going to succeed
February 4th, 2010 at 10:41 am
I have the same problem as you! I’ve purchased A LOT of systems. The one thing I’ve followed through with is eHow – I have over 200 articles in the system and my residual income is very nice. Can you imagine if I stuck with other things for as long as I have eHow? I’ve been on the site for two years. I’ve also determined that this year will be different. My strategy for this year involves squidoo, ehow, niche blogs, larger blogs, and now perhaps smaller adsense sites thanks to this post.
Katherine´s last blog ..Make Money Online Bootcamp – But Don’t Forget the Rewards!
Twitter: webcareergirl
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February 4th, 2010 at 5:05 pm
Katherine – I know, I always imagine the same thing, and if we’d stuck at it I’m sure we’d be in a good place now. But I guess it’s all part of the learning process to pick the systems we *really* like the sound of. Good luck on your strategy this year!
February 4th, 2010 at 8:07 pm
Yesterday was “Day 1″ for me using the X-Factor method. I’ve decided to really give this one a chance as the reviews are rather convincing. Even went as far as purchasing XSitePro2 to transition away from wordpress blogs. I’m very curious to see how your efforts turns out!
Twitter: webcareergirl
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February 8th, 2010 at 12:32 pm
Mace – Good to see you around again. Good luck with your own X Factor challenge! Let us know how it goes.
Twitter: ShaneRQR
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February 5th, 2010 at 5:15 pm
Very cool idea for a challenge!
I think not following through on these systems is an extremely common phenomenon. Just look at how many of these things are sold every day!
I think part of it lies with how these products are marketed: The sales-page always promises fast and easy riches and the more prone someone is to go for that type of promise, the less likely they are to follow through when they find out that whatever the system is, it involves a lot of work (it always does).
The other factor is efficiency. I test a lot of these products. Some are just rubbish. Not many, though. Most of them work, but the question is, how much effort do you have to put in to get a decent return?
For example, you can make money “quickly” by creating at least 10 squidoo lenses ever day for the next three months, fill them with great content and eye-grabbing images and insert some amazon affiliate offers.
Bingo! By the end of three months, you’ll definitely be making money…
Sorry for rambling on like this.
Good luck with your challenge!
Cheers,
Shane
Shane´s last blog ..twittollower: A Lesson in Marketing and Product Pricing
Twitter: webcareergirl
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February 8th, 2010 at 12:34 pm
Shane – No need to apologise for rambling! You are true, I imagine a huge portion of the people who buy into the systems just never follow them to the end. You’re right that salespages make people feel as though they don’t need to put as much effort in to make it work. I’m just going to try and get out of that mindset. I know I need to work hard, and I know it takes time. Thanks for your insight and the good luck!
Twitter: 7somewhere
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February 7th, 2010 at 2:53 pm
Hi Ruth – I found your site via Sara’s Noteworthy blog as I was searching out other people who have followed the XFactor strategy.
I have to confess to being guilty of picking up a course and then not following through with the actions. I hope to do differently this year and think the Xfactor strategy is a good one to follow.I like the mindset of being a publisher and it is so refreshing to think of providing valuable content rather than just throwing up spam sites!
Good luck with your efforts – I’ll be following you to see how you get on.
Clare´s last blog ..Advertise Your Online Business with Flyers
Twitter: webcareergirl
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February 8th, 2010 at 12:39 pm
Clare – Thanks for visiting my site and leaving your comment (I’m interested to follow your own X Factor journey on your blog now too). You are very right about that part of the X Factor course, that also gives me comfort to think you’re not just churning out rubbish. Good luck to you too!