Ten steps to internet business success – step 10. In the 9 steps so far you have learned a reliable and repeatable system for making money online. Step 10 is about getting traffic to your site.
This is not a GRQ scheme. You will need to take action. You will need to do a reasonable amount of work over several weeks. If you’re prepared for that, this series is for you.
If you haven’t already, you must first read all the steps in order. Each step contains varying degrees of work for you to do. Some you’ll be able to complete in the same day, some will take more time over several days or a couple of weeks. You can overlap some tasks so read all steps first then begin back at step 1. Once the ebook is ready it will contain all these steps, additional hints and tips and a few bonus items. If you need to, go back and read step 1, step 2, step 3, step 4, step 5, step 6, step 7, step 8, step 9.
Just to recap and then the final step – almost. The approach … identify a real problem lots of people are experiencing right now then find a quality solution you can sell them. Research supply and demand figures as well existing solutions then apply a series of steps to begin promoting the product to your target market.
The previous 9 steps were:
Step 1: Have a clear vision of what you want to achieve and by when
Step 2: Identify a real human need that many people have regularly
Step 3: Search for existing solutions/cures/helpful advice
Step 4: Measure the demand for solutions to this need
Step 5: Perform a reality check
Step 6: Do some serious research
Step 7: Prepare the solution to the problem – the product
Step 8: Prepare your website to capture leads
Step 9: Collect email addresses and send follow-up emails
Internet Business Success in 10 Steps (step 10)
10. Getting free traffic. You have the bait on the hook so all you need now are the fish – people to visit your website. It’s not as difficult as some make it out to be. It can be really troublesome if you do it the wrong way, so read carefully.
There are many different way of getting free traffic. Here are three.
- paid traffic – advertising
- referral – from articles, forums, blogs, links from other sites, web 2.0 exposure
- search engines
You will start by targeting the last two bullet points. You don’t really want to start buying traffic, not at first. That might come later but for now you will be working on getting free traffic. Read this post from an online blogging friend of mine about more free traffic. It’s worthwhile reading the comments also as there are some great tips there as well.
If you have the time, click on the link above and then come back here when you’re done 
It’s not essential but certainly worth your while to read another perspective on traffic. If there’s one thing I would like you to learn today, it’s that no one has it all worked out. Read widely and do not rely on information from only one source – and that includes me
Referral traffic
Start by searching for blogs, forums, Twitter lists, etc that mention the keywords you have chosen. Visit those sites and make yourself known, answer questions, leave comments, Tweet about your chosen topic BUT don’t promote the solution, not here anyway. At all times, leave the address of the website you created in step 8 in the signature block or URL field if it’s a blog.
Whatever you do, add quality content/comments to other web sites and your contributions are likely to get published and you get a link back to your squeeze page. Be sure to pick relevant sites related to your keyword(s).
Always give the URL of your squeeze page, or the first page if you use the reverse squeeze page technique. If you followed all the steps so far, the URL will be the home page of your domain.
This activity is to get people visiting your site as well as putting it on Google’s radar. Most blogs and forums are crawled by Google more than once daily and any comments or posts you make will be found quickly. Aim to get your link published on 5 different sites each day for at least 10 days.
As you are repeating the blog and forum comment/posting activity you are also going to write some articles.
Article/search traffic
Use your research to write ten articles of around 300 words each. Each article should focus on one keyword only from the list you created in step 2. To help put it in perspective, here’s an article I published on ezinearticles.com – http://ezinearticles.com/?Get-Your-Blog-Noticed—Stand-Out-From-the-Competition.
I have a few articles on that site and I’m getting between 10% and 30% click through rate to my target sites. That’s free traffic
Create accounts at ezinearticles.com, hubpages.com and squidoo.com. Your task for the next ten days is to post articles (ezine), create hub pages and lenses (squidoo).
You are going to use a variation of each article to submit to each site. A quick way to do this is to open three plain text editor windows for the article you’re going to write.
In the first window start by typing the first paragraph of the article. Read these article writing tips to help you get the format correct.
Now in the 2nd and 3rd text editor windows, re-write the same paragraph but change some words and the order of the words to say something similar but like it was written by different people. Continue with each paragraph until you have completed all 3 variations of the article, each of around 300 words.
This is called by various names but it is basically “article spinning”. You can buy software to do it for you but nothing beats the human brain at this. After a few articles using this technique you’ll be well practiced at it and the 3 variations wont take that much longer than writing just one article.
This technique will seem strange at first but once you get the hang of it you’ll fly through the process. Once you’re done, submit one each to the above 3 sites. One article, one hubpage, one lens. Three pages from one article idea.
Be sure to put some time and effort into writing your bio and how you link back to your squeeze page. That’s what it’s all about, getting that link to your squeeze page published far and wide.
Key point: Be sure to lightly sprinkle the exact keyword (phrase) through the article. This needs to be the exact same phrase used once per 75 words. In a 300 word article you’ll want to use the phrase 4 to 5 times. Be creative if the key phrase is difficult to form into a sentence, make it a heading, sub-heading or include it in a bullet point.
Each of these sites (ezine, hub, squidoo) has high exposure to the search engines and the links you are allowed to place in your articles should all point directly to your squeeze page, giving your site credibility. Your articles will begin to appear in search results for the keywords you’ve written into each article.
Aim to write at least one article – 3 variations – a day and post them to those three sites above. After 10 days you will have 30 back links – 10 articles on 3 sites – directing traffic to your squeeze page. In addition to that, Google will see those links as giving your site a degree of credibility, especially from ezinearticles due to the high standard of article required.
After you have completed this task, and as time permits, research more related keywords and write and then post more articles to those three sites. Each article gives you three more links directing traffic to your squeeze page.
If you’re starting to groan at the thought of all this work, remember way back in step 1, I said – “Consistent application of focused effort will lead to your success.” If you’re not sure about all this, go back and review step 1.
Bonus: In the e-book that will be produced containing these 10 steps – and heaps of extras – there will be some tips to help automate a few tedious tasks. Why do all the hard work when you can set up a couple of simple systems and get others to do most of the work for you! All will be revealed in the e-book, along with a more thorough treatment of each step.
CONCLUSION
And that is it for now. You’ve decided to get serious about making money online (step 1), picked a common problem experienced by people (step 2), found a quality product that addresses that problem (step 3), done initial research on supply and demand (step 4), performed a reality check on it all (step 5), completed in-depth research on problem and existing solutions (step6) , prepared your chosen solution/product (step 7), created a domain using the right keywords and set up a squeeze page your website (step 8), written the emails and created the autoresponder series (step 9) and built incoming links through blog/forum comments and article submissions (step 10).
You will now get targeted traffic hitting your site. They will sign up, get sent the email series and a certain percentage of them will buy the product.
Make a note of how many people hit your site, how many sign up and how many end up buying. These figures are valuable to you. Monitor and record this data regularly. Write more articles and get more blog/forum comments published. See how the data changes. Check where your traffic is coming from and concentrate on building more links from those sources/keywords.
Up above I said “now for the final step … almost”. That is because you usually can’t retire on the earnings from one website you created over several weeks. You will need a few more. It’s called setting up multiple streams of income. Some of these websites will pull in thousands a month for you over time. Some might do far less, some a whole lot more. It will depend on a mix of variables based on problem, solution, supply, demand and the wording of your autoresponder series and squeeze page.
Now go back and repeat steps 1 to 10 for a brand new concept. Yes, that’s right, do it all again and you’ll be on your way to enjoying online business success. It is hard work and there are no silver bullets. Consistent application of focused effort will lead to your success. Spending a fortune on the next “get rich quick” scheme will ensure the success of those who create the schemes.
You make the choice. Work hard now and enjoy the compounding benefits over the next few years or spend all your money on the next get rich quick scheme – and there’s a new one every week – and instead build the online success of others while your bank account goes down.
Over to you. What do you think of the series? Share your thoughts below and help others at the same time.
I am working on an e-book version of this post series that will include some or all of the following:
- a pack of autoresponder email templates
- squeeze page templates
- reverse squeeze page templates
- e-book creation templates for those who want to go down that path
- maybe even some video guides for some of the intense parts of the process
It will be available soon. Be sure to sign up for blog updates so that you’re notified when the e-book is ready. Regular readers will get it at a huge discount by getting in quick.
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Hey Michael,
I like what you said about not getting all your information from one source.
Looking around for different points of view is intelligent learning however one must draw the line and start doing and only buy what is needed like hosting, auto responder, etc..
Buy only if you truly need it for your business. There will be more learning as you are doing.
You are truly a giver. Great information and thanks for the mention so that interested people can get different view points and learn more.
I’m sure your eBook will be a huge success.
You really went above and beyond and unlike some others, you tell it like it is. Catch you later Michael,
Terry Conti
Terry Conti´s last [type] ..Don’t Lose Precious Free Traffic!
Thanks Terry. I try to tell it like it is. I read several opinions on any new thing I discover if I am serious about trying it out. I also wanted to lay it out as a reasonably difficult and demanding job – to make money online – as it isn’t as simple as buying a product, pressing a few buttons and waiting for the cash to start rolling in.
You’re welcome on the link. I like linking to quality work others have published. Michael.
Hi Michael,
Thank you for the astonishing amount of information that you have presented in the series.
The two final paragraphs are pure gold.
On another matter, I really like you blog which has a clean, uncluttered look to it. Perhaps you might want to give some tips on blog layout. Mine is a mess. Just a thought.
Best regards, Brian.
Hi Brian,
Thanks for your kind feedback. Success is mostly about adding value to the things we do daily. When it becomes a habit it would be difficult to not be successful. I like your persistence and perseverance article. You’ve included a few good quotes that sum it up really well.
I think your blog is a little cluttered from the abundance of ads. I’m not sure what is taught in the JTMC but that’s what I thought when I first scanned down the page. Check your stats and remove a few of the least clicked ads, at least until you’re getting regular hits on the remaining ads. The sign-up form overlaps the background panel and there are two sign-up forms. Which one do you want people to fill out and submit? The sub-title – small white lettering in your top header image – is not easy to read. Make it a little bigger, bolder and use a better color contrast. One way that always helps me with a design is to determine my MWR = Most Wanted Response. What do you most want people to do? Click on an ad? Read your blog posts? Click through to a related article? Sign up? Once you answer that question you’ll be better able to prioritize your layout, font size and color and positioning of key elements. I hope that has helped a little
I like the design philosophy of using lots of white space and keeping everything simple. It helps me to keep things in order and it make it easier to navigate.
Michael.
Michael,
Thanks for taking the time to give a carefully considered reply.
I am going to incorporate some if not all of your suggestions into my blog.
I can see from your blog the sheer amount of effort that you are putting into it.
If anyone thinks that Internet Marketing is easy, they need to check out your blog and see how it is really done.
Thanks again
Talk soon, Brian
Twitter: bryanmch
says:
Hi Michael,
Excellent conclusion to the series.
As I said before has the makings to be a best seller.
It is a must read for anyone starting out or as a refresher course.
You use interlinking very effectively …I am told this is good for SEO.
Great work mate.
Cheers
Bryan
Bryan McHeyzer´s last [type] ..Comment on Why Backlink by admin
Hi Bryan, I do hope so. It will all be in the e-book, plus more. Interlinking was something I thought about as I wrote the posts. I find it a little tedious to go back and dig up old posts to set up interlinking so I did it as I went this time
Google looks upon it favorably I heard because it shows that posts are interrelated by keywords.
Twitter: icebluebanana
says:
Great series Michael. And, this post in particular is easy to understand and clear about some very important concepts for niche sites.
I also really like that you stress the amount of work it takes to get a site off the ground.
Stay focused and organized and work like you mean it.
Thanks again. Have a great day!
mark´s last [type] ..5 Pieces Of Paper You Should Keep In Your Pocket
Thanks Mark. I wrote a saying elsewhere on the site that says “If a plan is the roadway to success then action is the vehicle that will take you there.” Having a spread of maps (e-books and courses) that show how to be successful online is fine but without acting on the directions in those maps nothing is going to change.
Your latest post is a good one. Michael
Twitter: adorerealty
says:
Number 10 is not impossible but it is a challenge nonetheless… PPC is OK for short-term marketing for a blog, but if you niche is competitive those clicks can get pricey, better have a firm ROI. I like your out line or SEO to drive traffic, it’s very doable.
Hey David, they are all going to be a challenge as each step requires dedication to the original vision and regular action to make it happen. I am working through the steps building a site so that I can showcase it in the e-book. It isn’t like taking candy from a baby – as they say – it’s more like taking tying a rattlesnake in a bow.
Your tips are valuable to set up or increase the online business. but i think that we have to follow all the steps like a life cycle to keep consistency in business.
Twitter: rfcamat
says:
Well written tips on generating traffic. I want to add that writing more articles for your site can generate more traffic from the search engine.
Absolutely Raymund. As I mentioned in the other comment, my ezine articles have been getting very good click-throughs – up to 30% – and I am reasonably happy with that. I’m off to write a couple more
Now these days online business is become most acceptable business. Even every business need online business to develop your business and to promote their business products in recent time. I think referral traffic techniques are the best of them. E zine articles are really best articles because it’s language is very simple and easy to understand by users.
Hi Jack, I have been getting a really good hit rate on the few articles I have published so that is one method I have in my plan to put more time and effort into. Referral traffic is qualified traffic as the visitor has already indicated an interest in the topic by clicking through to your site.
Hey Michael,
Identifying “real human needs” is I think my favorite on your list. Too many bloggers and other people making money online just walk pass this very critical point. It is not enough to identify a “keyword” that earns!
Eric
Hi Eric,
It has become one of my key operating principles. Without a need there is little or no demand. It is possible to create demand without need but it requires high pressure sales – hence the long sales letter pages selling everything from “golf swing tips” to the “magic solution to being rich”. In any case, keep pursuing the need and there will always be a market ready to buy.
Thanks for taking the time to comment.
Michael.
This a very informative and well written article on online business. I agree getting good traffic must be the final but important step of any online business. Thanks for writing good post.
Thank you very much. I love the post. It’s very helpful and practical. Hope we all learn effective advice to make money with online business. Please visit (???). Sign up and check out a free video series that guide you how to generate backlinks, strategies for using social network, what you need to avoid when posting blogs, how forums can lead to sales and customers! Good Luck!
Maybe the greatest way of getting free traffic for any blog/website is articles submission.
The methods will cost you nothing but be prepared to spend at least a few hours.
Even free articles agregrators could generate really nice traf.
IMHO of course
Peter@Watch movies online´s last [type] ..Something Borrowed
All good things will take time or money, or both. Submitting articles has been one of the best uses of my time when generating traffic. It does take time and this has to be counted as an actual cost in your business model.
Hey Mate – great checklist here – Points number 1 & 2 especially – should be the centre of any new business venture in my opinion.
Great Tips here. One thing that I have found great for successful business online is to do a lot of A B Testing.
If you want to make money online, you need to make sure that before you open your business, you got all the strategy that will help you stand out from the rest. This is not an easy competition because you are not alone. Many of your kind are dreaming to be at the top.
It is always amazing how much one can learn, once they study people who do and have accomplished what they themselves aspire too. I have been reading this blog for sometime now.I think referral traffic techniques are the best of them. E zine articles are really best articles because it’s language is very simple and easy to understand by users. Thank you for making such valuable information available and keep these insightful posts coming..
“10. Getting free traffic.” – this is the best step of all for me.. thanks!
Wow! looks very effective. your post really informative. Each steps have a great information for us to understand what you are pointing. Now, I m sure for the success of my business online.Thank you for this valuable post you shared.
Great article. I have found the best way to make money is to Buy and Sell Domains
I am loving your series on 10 steps to internet business success. Serious research prior to jumping into business is very very important. I could not agree more.