What Do You Think Is The Hardest Thing About Earning Online?
By re08dz
@re08dz (1941)
Australia
October 20, 2010 1:41am CST
I've been thinking about putting together an email series that goes through step by step setting up an online income. That is one email every few days or once a week etc, that covers building an income online from scratch.
Now before I get too far in this message, this series will more than likely cover building websites/blogs from scratch and niche/affiliate marketing etc (rather than paid to action stuff, cause while I have done that type of thing it's been years)
It'll go from picking a niche, to finding keywords, choosing different income streams, and getting traffic etc.
So while it's still very much in it's planning stages, I'd be interested in learning from those of you who have thought about venturing into this type of online income what your thoughts are:
Why you haven't started yet (what stops you from jumping in and giving it a go: time, lack of knowledge, not wanting to give up what you're doing now etc)?
If you have started this type of thing is there anything in particular you struggle with? (building a website or blog, finding good keywords, promotion etc)
And generally just anything you think you'd like to learn more about when it comes to affiliate marketing, creating niche sites etc.
While I have a general idea of how I want to set this up, knowing certain topics that people are interested, what others find hard when it comes to earning online etc will hopefully help make it more worthwhile to everyone :)
5 people like this
27 responses
@puccagirl (7294)
• Israel
20 Oct 10
I think you should write something about how to stay motivated. I feel that that is a big problem for many people who try to learn online, they simply give up too easily and too quickly.
So that would really be something very, very useful for all kinds of online earners, I think!
1 person likes this
@re08dz (1941)
• Australia
20 Oct 10
Hi,
Thanks for the response. You're right it can be a struggle to stay motivated, particularly if you want to earn this way as sometimes it can seem like you're putting in a lot of effort for little to no reward.
I think I'll certainly add that to the series somehow: what I and others have done or are doing to help keep themselves on track.
Thanks again.
1 person likes this
@inday_lorna1970 (1268)
• United States
23 Oct 10
Usually in the beginning when I was to excited to start doing things, do the best I can but the out come is not as good like here on mylot I become discourage..when I see the result is much better to spend time here on mylot than doing the thing. But I have seen some people they stay on track to what they are doing and they earned good.
What I mean is, like example writing articles.. you submitted to a site then it only earn .05 cents for two weeks or a month when I can earn 12 cents for just an hour here on mylot something like that.. So I spend time to a site where I can earn higher in a short span of time..
@re08dz (1941)
• Australia
23 Oct 10
Hi
In that sense you're right - though I don't write articles for revenue sharing sites (my articles are for me :-) ) but then too another way to look at it is that the article (whether on a revenue sharing site or not) actually becomes a passive income - in the sense that it's always going to be there to earn for you without you having to do anything. Whereas sites like Mylot etc (and I'm not saying they're wrong) to earn you are always going to have to be involved - if you don't post you don't earn etc.
I have actually just started with the first few training sessions in the series - so if either of you are interested the link is in my profile under building your business
@Sanitary (3968)
• Singapore
20 Oct 10
The hardest thing is also the easiest thing to fall prey to scams. Most online earners are looking for free ways to earn online and that's why they are here. If we are required to pay for anything, there's a high possibility of being scam, losing our money. There are legitimate ways to earn online too, but there's a price to pay. No matter how well spread and how many good reviews, testimonial it has in the site, people will be skeptical. With that, how are we ever going to learn when successful people are demanding for some kind of fees.
1 person likes this
@re08dz (1941)
• Australia
21 Oct 10
Hi,
You're right that there are a lot of scams out there, but there are also a lot of places where you can find all the information you need to help you earn online, it just takes some looking. Not all successful people ask for money in return for what they teach - yes they will often throw in paid programs that they suggest you try etc. but you don't have take the suggestion if you don't want to. Rather many throw those ideas (for paid programs etc ) out there for those that are ready to take the next step etc.
More often than not, when it comes to earning online when you start out you don't want to spend any money so you have to do it the hard way, but once you've started earning, then many are prepared to pay for programs that will help speed up the process and that's often what the successful people are selling eg a quicker way to promote your site, a quicker way to build content etc etc. If any of that makes sense :-)
1 person likes this
@moonchild1au (6237)
• Australia
21 Oct 10
For me, one of the hardest things for me is not really knowing what I am doingwhen it comes to affiliate marketing. The other thing is trying to get traffic to my sites whether it be my blog or websites. I would love to know more about how to go about doing this.
@re08dz (1941)
• Australia
22 Oct 10
Hi,
I think that's a major struggle for a lot of people, the not knowing where to start to get good targeted traffic to their sites, so they can promote their affiliate marketing efforts etc
The advantage though is that once you learn, for both promotion and affiliate marketing etc you can use the same techniques over and over again for different sites and affiliate products etc. That's something that is definitely going to be in the series :-)
@re08dz (1941)
• Australia
23 Oct 10
Hi again,
Just wanted to let you know I have the first few lessons up and ready to go - there's a link in my profile. If you do decide to follow along I'd love your thoughts on it - whether it makes sense and is easy to follow etc
Thanks again for the response
@moonchild1au (6237)
• Australia
23 Oct 10
I have read through what you have written to date & it is great! I have no doubt that you are going to be helping quite a few people with your series - I have subscribed for the newsletter - I can't wait to start getting updates! Keep up the great work 
@girlaloosh01 (154)
• Philippines
20 Oct 10
For me, the hardest thing about earning online is the time that you consume with it, for it really takes a long time before you reach the goal you want in earning here on the internet. Some people think that earning here is very easy and very fast. But actually, it needs a lot of patience from the user. People who are engaged in this type of work/job should be determined and should acquired several strategies so they will earn a lot. Without patience, failure follows.
@NoWayRo (1061)
• Romania
20 Oct 10
For me, it's definitely keyword research that's the biggest pain.
I like writing - I don't pretend I'm a good writer or anything, it's just something I enjoy doing, but I find myself spending more time in researching keywords than actually writing.
Just yesterday, I started writing an article on a topic I really like, and I had tons of stuff to say about it (in my humble opinion, meaningful and relevant). I researched my keywords and I found the competition very high, way too much for me to have any hope of making it among the top 10 results. So I spent one more hour struggling to find the right combination of words; eventually, I stumbled upon a few where the competition is lower, but this completely changes the angle of my article, and I have to spend one more day in research.
Same as puccagirl said before me, motivation is the biggest issue. I hate it when I write a good piece and nobody ever finds it, while some of the worst stuff I've written makes several dollars per month because I hit a few sensitive keywords. It's very difficult for me to invest time in producing high-quality content, when I could be making the type of search engine spam articles for a good income.
I think the community of online friends and other fellow writers is essential to help me get over these moments. A nice comment or a five star rating on one of my stories brightens the day.
Sorry for the long rant, I feel a bit frustrated with this issue today, need more caffeine to get over it :)
1 person likes this
@inday_lorna1970 (1268)
• United States
23 Oct 10
wow..thanks in advance for doing it for the sake of motivation for everyone. God bless your heart!
@jubalstar (50)
• United States
20 Oct 10
I think the hardest thing to do is just getting started. I am new to all this and actually tried making a blog. Here is the issue I am having. It seems very technical to actually getting started period. I have read so many ways of getting started but cannot seem to understand it. For example, I wish there was an easy step by step process to learn how to drive traffic to my page. I admit, I am not wanting to spend any money at the moment because I want to see if it is even possible to make money. So, I am trying the free way in hopes I can see even the smallest amount of income being generated. I feel once I can see this, it would motivate me to spend a little bit of money to upgrade for better things to come. So, I am interested in the fact you are wanting to make a step by step process from scratch.
@re08dz (1941)
• Australia
21 Oct 10
Hi,
Yes it can be a big step and for many it seems quite daunting. Having said that, while it seems scary starting a blog is actually quite simple. Though you'll want to set it up the right way first (to save hassle down the track and to help promote it easier etc)
While I do have my own hosting etc nowadays - I did start out using all free stuff - from hosting to promoting and other than the hosting I still do it all free now (I've never paid for traffic/promotion etc and I doubt I ever will)
What I'm planning is a series that will cover everything from choosing your topic, setting up a blog and/or a website - then keywords, seo, promoting, income streams etc etc. In other words it will definitely be building an income from the ground up :-)
@GardenGerty (160879)
• United States
20 Oct 10
First off, I would like to be included when you start this. Secondly, I think you have figured out my secret. I like what I am doing as far as three social sites that earn, and find it hard to give them up to get the other stuff done. I even bought (I know, a no no) a program for affiliate marketing. Played at it a week and it sits. I used the excuse that I was waiting for my new laptop before I got started. I also have a blog I have not touched in a year, and it is lonesome. I would need to know how to promote it. I have joined all kinds of writing sites, but do nothing there, either. I just knew I did not want to write for the person I was writing for before, because what I write is worth more than the pocket change he paid. Be sure to let me know when you get started with this.
@GardenGerty (160879)
• United States
24 Oct 10
I am going to have to do that tomorrow afternoon. I will do it though.
@re08dz (1941)
• Australia
21 Oct 10
Hi,
And lol - yes I think that's a big stumbling block for a lot of people, they have one or two things that they know work for them and worry that if they take on anything else they might lose out on what they already have (even if, in the back of their mind, they know they have the chance to earn more if they take the leap etc)
You know there's nothing wrong with paying for programs (though I'm not sure what type of affiliate marketing program you'd pay for) as long as you've done your research and are prepared to work it. I admit I've bought into one thing that was the best money I ever spent so I'll never say never when it comes to that type of thing.
Promoting your blog is a lot easier than what many think - and with certain techniques you do it once and it just keeps on working for ever for you (if you haven't done so already - go to stumbleupon right now and stumble it - depending on your blog you'll get several hits quickly, but you may also find yourself getting many return visitors) and take a look at your post headings - if possible (if they're not already - re-word them to make them a bit more keyword/phrase friendly)
I do a lot of writing myself (for myself) and have decided that I'd much rather earn that way than writing for others :-)
I'm hoping to get a general outline of what I want ready over the weekend, if that's the case I'll let you know.
1 person likes this
@re08dz (1941)
• Australia
23 Oct 10
Hi,
Just wanted to quickly let you know I have the first few lessons online (you can find a link in my profile under building your business from scratch) and I'd be really appreciative if you can give it a quick look over for me - make sure it makes sense and it's easy enough to follow along with - hate to think I typed all that up but no one can make heads or tails of it :-)
1 person likes this
@34momma (13882)
• United States
21 Oct 10
I am one of the lucky few who moves despite fear. the one thing that keeps people from making money online is fear!! they are scared to not making money, there are scared of wasting their time, they are scared that they will try and fail. if you are going to do an email series, then you need to teach people now to over come fear!
you can tell them what key words to pick, give them a easy to build website, but if they are to damn scared of failing none of that matters!!!
@few00cent (2183)
• India
20 Oct 10
I haven't started my own website due to economy problem...I can't fund my e-processor like paypal or alertpay with my local currency as they are disabled to my country..the hardest thing about earning online is getting the program which works for you and one which could generate residual income..some already reached there goal but many like me still switching from one program to another..most of the earning site ask to work more and they pay less..some scam us by fetching money from us.
@re08dz (1941)
• Australia
21 Oct 10
Hi,
There's plenty of places you could use that provide free hosting to get you started with you own website.
My advice also would be to find just one two programs and stick with them - give them a chance to work for you - it seems too many people try something for a short period and then move on, never really giving anything a real chance to work. Remember too though that like real life - to earn a decent income online you will have to work for it - you'll have to put in some time and effort and have some patience - while you can earn a good income without investing any money it does take time.
@abbey19 (3106)
• Gold Coast, Australia
21 Oct 10
Hey re08dz!
I think the hardest thing about earning online, is just getting started! I am guilty of keeping my thoughts and ideas in my head instead of just jumping and and doing it! I know I need to put my thoughts into action but I don't know where to start. So what if it doesn't work - learn from it and start again; keep trying and stay determined and positive. We just have to start.
I have a couple of thoughts on niches, but need to learn more - especially about keywords, affiliate marketing etc., so I for one would be very interested in your email series.
@re08dz (1941)
• Australia
21 Oct 10
Hi,
Yep, it's amazing really how many put off actually starting - I mentioned in a response earlier that all too often people worry that by starting something new they may miss out on what they already have (though you can most certainly have and use more than one method to earn online)
That's actually why I'm wanting to get this series up and running - I think for a lot of people if they had someone to work with/steps to take that would set it up from the beginning they'd be happy to go along with it. Knowing and doing this type of thing, while scary can really be quite simple 'specially if you take it in small doses - that is not expect to know everything, have to have everything set up all at once, rather do it slowly and go at your own pace.
Ideally I want to set it up so that every few days/once a week etc - I'll go through the next step you need to take - so you only have to spend enough time to do that one thing (so still giving people a chance to work on what they do now) yet still being able to build your new business.
1 person likes this
@re08dz (1941)
• Australia
23 Oct 10
Hi
Just wanted to let you know I've got the first couple of steps in the series up and ready to go (you can find a link to it in my profile under building your business from scratch) and I'd really appreciate getting a few people to give it a once over for me to make sure it makes sense.
I still have a long way to go with it - the first few lessons really only cover the things like finding the right niche and making sure you're not going to beat your head against a wall cause there's too many others doing the same thing etc but I'd hate to think I just did all that typing but no one can actually follow what I'm saying :-)
1 person likes this
I'll get back to you asap.
@katkat (2378)
• Philippines
21 Oct 10
Keyword research, writing articles and planning are the hardest part for me specially writing articles. After setting a site the hardest part is getting traffic. SEO and link building is the final stage you will go through to have organic traffic from search engines. It will take some time to earn.
@re08dz (1941)
• Australia
21 Oct 10
Hi,
You're right that it takes time to earn - it certainly won't happen overnight. One big factor though is to set your blog etc up right to start with - get things like the right keywords as categories etc, simple things like setting permalinks etc (for a wordpress blog) - doing that simple small stuff at the very beginning can make it a whole lot easier down the track when it comes to promotion - getting targeted traffic etc from the search engines.
1 person likes this
@kmaram (2533)
• Philippines
20 Oct 10
I'm in money making site for almost a year now. And there are times i thought to stop what i am doing. I can't say that I earned a huge amount here because i joined some sites that are not stable. But i am learning from my experiences here and hopefully i will earn more. I've learned so many things now including my blog, i thought i have to create a post only but now i realized that i should make my blog a top above all. But ofcourse this is not an easy thing to do. You need to make your blog stable and have high traffics. Anyway, i am talking to much just beware about joining any sites not all are legit. Check first and ask other's before joining, goddluck.
@jubalstar (50)
• United States
20 Oct 10
Let me ask you this, How are you able to make your blog stable and what is the best way for you to generate more traffic to your blog? But the most important question is how do you create a blog and get your blog well knowned?
1 person likes this
@sauravmillion (929)
• India
20 Oct 10
The only thing which I find difficult in online earning is getting faithful and honest referrals.It will take time to build them.Like you have mentioned that your plan is in initial stage.All it needs is followers because they are the one who will help you in future.Well for my part.I haven't came across such a wonderful plan.So I can't help you here.Anyways have a nice day
@re08dz (1941)
• Australia
21 Oct 10
Hi,
While I don't need to build a downline/have referrals etc to help me earn online, I do understand what you're saying. What you'll want to do is just make sure you yourself are always honest when you're promoting anything. By you yourself building trust with others you will get there eventually.
@inday_lorna1970 (1268)
• United States
23 Oct 10
yeah right trust the hardest thing to build nowadays!
@daveyboy54 (518)
• United States
21 Oct 10
Sorry to disagree with you but currently I've earned over $100 this month from sites that are absolutely free to join. One site by itself offers people an opportunity to earn $300 a month. So earning or making money online is far from ridiculous. You should give it a try before you knock it.
1 person likes this
@whyaskq (7523)
• Singapore
22 Oct 10
The hardest thing I feel is avoiding being scammed. I know earning online is tough and hard work. I also know because it is tough and hard, many people become creative enough to con the innocent. In summary, I find the hardest thing about earning online is being hardworking.
@nheansocheath (308)
• Cambodia
28 Oct 10
The hardest thing is that I cannot withdraw the money that I earn through paypal since my paypay doesn't support sending money to my country!!
@aerous (13434)
• Philippines
22 Oct 10
It seems that doing those things is very easy. But they not easy as you think, my friend. You can't do that without many friends to support you I think?
@llbo1981 (1237)
• China
24 Oct 10
For me,the hardest thing about earning money online is spend so much time and receive so little money from earning money online.It is the actually situation about earning online.So many people spend so much time,but at last they get so little even nothing.
