Question: Do You Have a Product to Sell?
Yesterday I watched this quick 3-minute video by Darren Rowse (aka Problogger) where he tells a great story and brings up a very good point…
This video really got my wheels churning, so I thought I would share it with you and bring the topic up for discussion. This question goes out mainly to those who create blogs, affiliate sites and/or Adsense-based content sites.
Do you have an info product of your own that you sell on your blog or website? If so, what has been your experience with that? If you don’t yet have your own product – have you considered it?
I’d love to hear your thoughts!
I actually have two products that are both a good fit here at ClickNewz, but I barely promote either of them. In fact, I’d guess that the majority of you aren’t even aware of them. One is available “secretly” only after you subscribe by email, the other I’ve rarely ever mentioned at all. Something I may change in the New Year.
Let the discussion begin… 
Best,
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I do have products that I created and market, but I can’t say I’ve had much overall success with sales for any of them.
Professional cover graphics and sales letters may help. You’re welcome to use my forum to request a review:
http://www.selfstartersweeklytips.com/members/
I noticed that your book page says you are an Internet Marketing Consultant, and your company name is SEO Xcellence. That being the case, what do YOU think is the primary issue with your product sales?
Follow me @lynnterry on Twitter.
Actually, I get very few clicks on the book, though the site itself does okay, so I’m really not all that sure, other than the market I’m trying to reach, which is small businesses, don’t want to read a book on the subject, instead just wants to hire someone to do the work for them.
You should ask them!
At the very least, test some variations.
Testing trumps Guessing!
Follow me @lynnterry on Twitter.
I do, which I may start promoting come the New Year.
It’ll require the right approach, though.
Actually, I have a couple more too I’ll need to consider.
In fact, I have an entire act to get together next year!!
Dan
Follow me @DanReinhold on Twitter.
I am currently in the process of developing my products. I started a blog to get traffic first. Once I had some traffic, it becomes more interesting to offer my own product.
Lynn- I am amazed you don’t offer more products of your own. Your knowledge would come in very handy to many people.
Follow me @scottlovingood on Twitter.
I rather prefer Affiliate Marketing, that’s why
I am looking at potentially adding info products to some of my niche affiliate sites, though I really like the low-maintenance operation of not handling customer support…
As for here, I do offer 2 products – both of which do very well. I just don’t promote them “out loud”.
Like I said, something I may reconsider in the upcoming year to make it easier on readers (easier than an easter egg hunt lol).
Follow me @lynnterry on Twitter.
Hi Lynn, Now that you make the note *aff, it is a little clearer about what you represent. I do think that you have developed the kind of relationships with folks that when you say that you are reading something, or buying something, people trust your integrity and feel that you would not mention those things unless you really used them and believed in them yourself. Lets have a contest and see who can find the “needle in the haystack” about the products you market on your blog. Take care, Rhonda
Follow me @spedaffiliate on Twitter.
Thank you Rhonda. Do you mean the affiliate products, or MY two products? I wasn’t sure which you were referring to.
I do work hard at only recommending things I feel confident in. That can be tough sometimes. Even if I am a customer myself, there are times I get surprised by the customer service or future promotions – so then I have to backtrack and say so (which I have no qualms about doing).
Follow me @lynnterry on Twitter.
Yeah! I think it better starts with a good traffic. Given that your product is quality, traffic will really help in the process of developing the product.
I do. I’m also working on creating a new one for this upcoming year. I do a lot of affiliate marketing but I’ve also learned that having your own product gives you an identity plus it’s something of your own so you’re not entirely relying on someone else.
But Darren also brings up an interesting point. People are often more willing to buy something from you if you give them something first. It works on the streets as well as the internet. If someone can get a small sampling of what or who you are and they like what they see, they’re happy to spend money to get more.
True. I really enjoyed the story and how well it relates to blogging. Perfect tie-in don’t you think?
I have several reports & guides I am currently working on, which I’ll be offering my readers in 2010. One of the benefits to this is having an affiliate program, as your affiliates will drive new readers to your products – and ultimately to your blog. Definitely a win/win and a very smart marketing strategy.
Follow me @lynnterry on Twitter.
I’ve had some products, some have sold pretty well, but I don’t like customer service, making banners, promoting, managing affiliates, and more. Software products are the worst for time wasting on the backend.
Affiliate Marketing is the winner for the affiliates
Make money from the sale and you are done! Sometimes you even make more than the merchant does and they get the headaches. How can you beat that?
The only product I’ll probably do anymore are subscription based web services sites. Repeat money with minimal hand holding
Or else I sell other people’s products.
I prefer Affiliate Marketing as well, but my favorite product would be short low-cost reports. Easy to create, high conversion rate, low maintenance – and much of the management can easily be outsourced.
SEO and Short Reports are actually my two favorite methods of affiliate marketing…
Follow me @lynnterry on Twitter.
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Yes I did do a self help ebook called “Reach for the Stars” but even after I did what I thought I was suppose to do I got no traffic and as we all know with no traffic you get no sales…
But all is good I’m not sure what it is but I’m sure there is a lesson to be learned from this
More SEO, more guest blogging, more links
You know how they say your lost keys will always be the last place you look for them? It’s the same here – you haven’t done all you’re supposed to do until the traffic & sales are coming in steady.
Follow me @lynnterry on Twitter.
I think it was also Darren who was talking about having your own product to show that you’re one of the “big guys/gals”. And I do agree that having one’s own product gives a more professional impression of the blogger, because it proves that he/she has put time and effort into creating a unique product (assuming that the work is not horribly done).
But when do you think a blogger should consider creating a product of his/her own? Regarding the number of sales that you’re going to make, I’m thinking that if you first build a solid following to your blog and are able to instill anticipation in your readers, the product will be more successful than if it was made available from the very beginning.
It may be more successful later in terms of sales due to your having a readership by then… but as you said, just having a product builds credibility – so my answer to your question would be: as soon as possible.
The product will already be in place when you do get steady traffic, at which time you’ll be busy doing other things (like blogging daily, responding to comments daily, managing your affiliate program, etc).
Your thoughts? Any reason to wait?
Follow me @lynnterry on Twitter.
Thanks for the advice, Lynn. I really can’t say, because I have never launched a product. I’m thinking that it might be better to wait until you get a better idea of what your readers are looking for. Having a killer product (like a great book) right off would be ideal, but guessing what a killer product should look like seems difficult when you first start a new blog without any readership. Maybe we should just wing it and put ourselves out there
Keyword Research & Market Research are both good ways to know exactly what the target market wants and needs.
Follow me @lynnterry on Twitter.
I created my info product first — the e-book Maximum Productivity For Freelance Writers — and put it up for sale a couple of weeks ago.
I’m currently designing the blog and creating an audio book to sell in addition to the e-book. But from Day One, visitors to the blog will have the opportunity to buy my products.
This reminds me of something author Gary Vaynerchuk (Crush It!) said recently on Leo Laporte’s Net At Night podcast: that we are headed into a “thank you economy”. With the Internet, it’s not that hard to acquire a book/song/etc., but if the audience appreciates the labor of the creator, they will purchase out of gratitude. Thus there’s the increasing importance of providing quality and making a social connection.
Follow me @wade_watson on Twitter.
Speaking of Crush It! – have you read it? I keep meaning to get a copy to review, putting that on my list now!
Follow me @lynnterry on Twitter.
Amazon just delivered the Crush It! book to my door yesterday! I bought it to read on vacation next week. Hope it’s good!
Follow me @angienewton on Twitter.
Can’t wait to hear what you think of it. Definitely on my next order!
Follow me @lynnterry on Twitter.
Crush It! is excellent–and two main reasons: Gary makes it clear that you *need* hustle (action), and in markting, care is king! Read it! I am working through Jim Edwards’ and Joe Vitale’s book on creating your own product in 7 days–more of that action/hustle! Working on project, and plan to reinvigorate my site, with a product to sell.
Thanks Pat, I just ordered it yesterday!
Follow me @lynnterry on Twitter.
Crush it is awesome, I’ve been a fan of Gary’s for a long time. He has a song out for the book too (not announced yet really) and the creator of that project is a friend…awesome guys!
http://justcrushit.com/about/
Follow me @cheftony on Twitter.
Pass me a link when it’s out – I look forward to hearing it!
Follow me @lynnterry on Twitter.
I have two digital “story ideas” products available, but I was selling them on a separate domain. I had very limited success using the methods I tried. I got discouraged and haven’t tried again recently. MUST do so.
Deb Gallardo
Follow me @debgallardo on Twitter.
You’ll get back in the swing of things, Deb – I’m sure of it
That “discouragement” usually kicks in right before you hit your stride. Terrible timing, huh? It puts success just out of reach for those who don’t have the follow-through.
Having your products on their own domain is fine. It is actually best if you intend to have an affiliate program for those products. I have my products on other domains as well, so there’s no issue with that.
Follow me @lynnterry on Twitter.
i have an idea for a product and am working on it, i would prefer to write about something based on real world results rather than just theory, i think there is too much junk that is based purely on thoughts and theories, the reality is that everything seems perfect in your head but actually applying it is a whole different ball game
Follow me @locspoc on Twitter.
With an info product, results sell. It’s important to test, perform case studies, and then share those results. There are other ways to create products besides “how to” guides though.
Follow me @lynnterry on Twitter.
Awesome interview!
Thanks for the tips on professional graphics.
Most welcome. If you ever need any sources just let me know. I like Semmy at http://www.myminisitegraphic.com – very inexpensive, good quality and super fast.
Follow me @lynnterry on Twitter.
Hi hi, Lynn. Actually, I have thought many times about making a product. I’ve heard often that having your own product is where the real money is. You do nothing but watch other people make you sales But somehow, even though making products is my forte, it doesn’t give me a sense of satisfaction to think about it.
Probably I’m just like you, someone who enjoys being an affiliate, standing on the front of the battlefield where the action is.
Sometimes it’s not just about the money, but I really feel excited just thinking about being able to make that sale, just watching as traffic and buyers come in, being able to outrank the competition in Google, and smiling happily after all the hard work has paid off. Perhaps I’m a bit ambitious, but I guess it’s just a passion, competing against yourself and others to be able to feel a sense of achievement and accomplishment.
Well, I’m nowhere near as good as you when it comes to being an affiliate. Still got a long way to go, but I’m tryin my best…
Also, multiple income streams are a good thing.
I really enjoy affiliate marketing as well, but there are a lot of perks to having your own products. I originally had services (many years ago!) and then 3 or 4 years ago I began offering digital products across some of my sites. It has definitely made a difference in both marketing and revenue.
With affiliate sites, an info product is a great way to build a niche mailing list. Free reports are a great way to dramatically increase affiliate sales too.
If nothing else, I would highly recommend short reports
Follow me @lynnterry on Twitter.
I don’t have a product of my own yet but yes, I have definitely thought about putting out reports and/or an ebook. I would like to see that happen this year but just want to make sure it’s something interesting and what people want. Lots of ideas for sure.
Love the story about the musician that Darren spoke of with the CD because it reminds me of this guy in Jamaica who comes to sing for the bonfire on the beach at the resort we stay at and he sets out 2 CD’s for purchase and they sell very well (I’m hoping to purchase more as Christmas gifts this year when we return). Doesn’t hurt that his music rocks too! And then as we walked up and down the beach there was another group singing and dancing and they had a CD as well so we purchased that.
Thanks for sharing the video. Definitely made me think and got my wheels churning too.
Follow me @angienewton on Twitter.
I agree – great video that really made me *think*. Short and sweet, but a great story and a very good point!
Your next trip is coming up soon, isn’t it?
Follow me @lynnterry on Twitter.
Oh yes, it’s next week! Can’t wait.
Follow me @angienewton on Twitter.
Darren published a blog post to go with his video, and you can find it here:
http://www.problogger.net/archives/2009/12/08/the-importance-of-having-your-own-product-to-sell/
Definitely worth a read!
Follow me @lynnterry on Twitter.
Hi,
Product discussion seems to have reached a height recently – perhaps Jeff Johnsons ‘Product Launch Formula’ created the buzz eh?
My strategy is to use a front end ‘content websiite’ to drive traffic (via a list sometimes) to individual mini sites with individual products. Since I sell via Clickbank, this is better for affiliates and also conversions with a dedicated ’sales’ page.
My main site for example is content based: http://www.how-to-build-a-website.co.uk/
And here’s an example of one of my sales sites: http://www.sales-conversion.com/
It’s a simple funnel system.
Nice video. Quite informative share Thanks
Product? My new book, and looking for more social networks, drawing attention to my website has been a challenge but I am coming into my almost 1000 hits in two months. Would like to see more.
Thanks.
Hi Kathy,
If you haven’t seen it yet, read my simple SEO Content tutorial. You can also download this free guide by Dan Thies on getting free search traffic (which is what I do):
http://www.seofaststart.com
If you need any help at all with your site or marketing, I have a great community at my forum that you can tap into as well:
http://www.selfstartersweeklytips.com/members/
Follow me @lynnterry on Twitter.
Yes, I created 2 infoproducts for freelancers this year. Alas, I’ve been too busy with client work to market them properly. Plus, when I started, I had no list – definitely not ideal.
I have a much bigger list in another niche, but no infoproduct for them.
Blah, l know what needs to be done to sell stuff online. I help clients do it every day, but looks like I’ve just been doing all this wrong for myself
Follow me @lexirodrigo on Twitter.
Without a list, JV partners are the way to go. I know you know all of that already, just throwing it out there for anyone else reading along. Let me know how I can help you reach your goals in 2010
Follow me @lynnterry on Twitter.
Aw, thanks Lynn!
In fact, my JV partners brought in probably 90% of the sales. And then I’ve had some sales trickling in through my blog.
I’ve got a couple more infoproducts planned for 2010, so watch out, I’m going to take you up on your offer
Lexi
Follow me @lexirodrigo on Twitter.
Looking forward to it!
Follow me @lynnterry on Twitter.
Darren Rowse is one smart blogger!
He has prompted something in me as well to create a new product in 2010. I have created one info product in the past and it sold alright, however, if I would have done a more consistent job marketing the product I could have gotten much better results.
With what ever I create in 2010, I am committing here and now to not only create the product but too spend time marketing and building a following to go with the product.
Thanks for sharing this awesome video.
Hey Spencer,
Right on! I created one report about 4 years ago… and it is still selling well every single month. I could have kicked myself for not having done it sooner – and for not doing more of it since!
Here’s to a successful year ahead!
If you need any help at all, stop by my forum – it’s an awesome community if you need resources, feedback, have questions, etc:
http://www.selfstartersweeklytips.com/members/
Follow me @lynnterry on Twitter.
I don’t have any info-style products that I have tried to sell, but I would love to get into that so I am keeping my eyes open and seeing what other people are doing. Youtube videos are interesting, I have found some good free tutorials (’singing lessons’ ‘music lessons’ ‘fitness exercises’) that link to a info product and website where you can purchase the complete set of lessons and the booklet etc. You have to be quite confident to do a video to promote your product, though.
There are services that will do that for you, too – create commercial type web videos. We have a guy in the group that does that actually.
Short reports are a good start, and an easy lead-in to creating products. I got my kick-start from Jonathan Leger’s step by step guide: http://www.clicknewz.com/writereports.htm
Follow me @lynnterry on Twitter.
Hi Lynn,
Thanks for the referral. I have 7 reports that I wrote this year, and received very good feedback from marketers in the niches, but my sales page and graphics are….Ugly! Both sources loved the reports, one used as a bonus for his hard cover book. But looking at my sales page graphics made me ill.
The source you mention is going to save my bacon on this one. My question is this: Once the graphic issue is handled, would you suggest giving excerpts as a free download instead of selling the reports outright?
Glad to hear it! Semmy does great work – and fast.
You can offer excerpts or a related resource as a free download to pull visitors into your follow-up series. It really depends on the price point for your products though. If they are low cost (impulse buy) you don’t want to distract them with a freebie. If they are above $37 then offering your product on the backend is worth testing.
Follow me @lynnterry on Twitter.
As I watched Darren’s video it occurred to me that maybe would should be asking about the two musicians goals. Maybe a CD doesn’t fit in with why he was there. Maybe he just wanted to practice and get better for his real performances. Maybe he just does it for fun.
My point – there are opportunity costs involved in everything you do. If you don’t have goals set for every aspect of your business it’s easy to get sidetracked on a project that doesn’t get you where you want to be.
True enough, Neil. An info product does not fit in to every blogger’s model. That said, it can be a great addition for many. But yes, it pays to know your objective and only do things that take you closer to your personal goals with any project.
Follow me @lynnterry on Twitter.
I do have products and some in the works. I also do affiliate sales on my site. I just keep working it and enjoy the process.
Thanks.
Lynn Lane
Same here
Follow me @lynnterry on Twitter.
Great post, great timing..
For me, it’s been a long “journey” of learning, and realizing that I know a lot more than many (certainly much, much more to learn) but that my knowledge can be valuable product to a lot of people. I certainly realize that nothing is easy, and as a brick and mortar business owner, I realize the work that goes in, and please, if you’re LUCKY ENOUGH to be able to earn a living on the internet full time, consider yourself blessed people!!
As a 23 year veteran Chef and restauranteur, believe me, the hours and time away from family are really , really tough, and is pushing my quest for a full time internet business hard for 2010. Not really the “get rich” side of it, but really the lifestyle design.
Really liking the flavor of your site, and seeing somewhat how you monetize, inspiring me to move forward on a couple domains I own and make something happen first quarter of 2010.
Also, nowadays there are so many ways to make recordings, podcasts, screencasts and such…it’s a great time on the internet!
Follow me @cheftony on Twitter.
I agree Tony, and I’m with you on the lifestyle design. I have very strategically created the lifestyle that I wanted for myself and my children… and it has definitely been a dream come true. I’m grateful for the opportunities the internet opened up for me as a single mother with no formal education and very few options.
Both of my children are now working for me as well, and my son used the internet to take college level courses and learn programming – starting at the age of 12. Opportunity indeed!
Follow me @lynnterry on Twitter.
Lynn, that was a very interesting video! I might just record a video answer. Here’s the short answer. I do offer my coaching services on my blog, but I don’t sell any of my own infoproducts on my blog yet. I am working on an ebook right now which I hope to release sometime this week. I’ll definitely keep you posted.
Follow me @deannatroupe on Twitter.
Do keep us posted DeAnna – I look forward to hearing more!
Follow me @lynnterry on Twitter.
Do you have a product to sell? Yes i do.
Myself!
Follow me @chastill on Twitter.
LOL and how much do you charge for that?
Follow me @lynnterry on Twitter.
I meant as a professional in online marketing a person you would want to work with and learn from. I dont sell,solicit or advertise myself in any shape,form or fashion that way. Thats not my area. LOL
Follow me @chastill on Twitter.
hehe
Follow me @lynnterry on Twitter.
LOL
Follow me @chastill on Twitter.
I’m now developing my new website http://sizzle4health.com which is for the health and wellness industry. I will still continue to offer value and articles etc.
The products I have to sell are not mine but the companies. I’d be interested to know what people think about selling natural health products on a blog.
I’ve been involved with social and attraction marketing for 18 months and have not been advertsing products as such. Whilst I believe in give before you get and the whole philosphy attracting people to you and your site it can take for ever before someone asks about your products.
Could we be doing them a diservice by not offering them products?
Follow me @JudithsAtkinson on Twitter.
Hi Judith,
To address your first question, a blog is just a platform. If people are searching for and buying natural health products online, they will sell as well from a blog as they will from any other platform. The answer is in the keywords.
You definitely don’t want to hide your products. You want to keep the process simple and transparent. Again, it’s all in the keywords you target, and how. Two posts that go into detail about that are:
http://www.clicknewz.com/2174/affiliate-marketing-tips-traffic-sales/
and:
http://www.clicknewz.com/2077/seo-content-choosing-keywords-phrases/
Follow me @lynnterry on Twitter.
We do not sell products, however we do provide services. We found it to be a roller coaster ride week over week. Just like you, we havent done a great job marketing the service or spend any extensive time explaining the benefits of the service. As they say, pre-selling is the most crucial part.
Follow me @ArticleDirec on Twitter.
Services ARE products
My products actually sell very well – I just don’t actively promote them here at my blog. But they are marketed and have been doing very well for years now.
Definitely put a marketing plan together, including your pre-sell strategy
Follow me @lynnterry on Twitter.
Thanks Lynn, That has really helped clarify my thoughts. Just started nmy new plan so I will really get into the key words this time.
Follow me @JudithsAtkinson on Twitter.
I agree, keywords are so important. You have to start with everything in mind