Internet Marketing with Josh SpauldingMaking Money through Ethical Marketing.

48 comments

1. Alejandro Reyes (5 comments.)
   18th June, 2008 at 7:12 pm 

   every time you post josh i listen…you keep providing great content partner!

   i’ve been working on my email marketing campaign & when to send email etc…this totally helps!

2. David Cooper (2 comments.)
   18th June, 2008 at 7:25 pm 

   Hey Josh,

   Thank you for the information. I know when I first started out it really bothered me when someone unsubscribed from my list. Over time I’ve learned that a certain percentage of unsubscribes are going to happen even if you are sending out good quality information. Your thoughts on this?

3. Amin (1 comments.)
   18th June, 2008 at 7:26 pm 

   Josh,

   you make some very valid points. There was a very big thread at the Warror Forum recently where a ‘big name’ actually gave away some information on one of his own promotion stats.

   I don’t want to get into naming names, but this person has a BIG list. The conversion he got was terrible! I mean, pack up and go home terrible. I think it worked out at .02%

   That’s 0.02% - that’s appalling!

   The size of his list means he still made money, of course, but he clearly isn’t servicing the needs of his subscribers, or they’d respond better.

   The old joke about size isn’t everything is actually true in this case.

   Burn and churn is not a good way to treat your subscribers/customers. Even if you make a lot of money from it, it’s not an ethical way to behave - is it?

4. Alex Newell (6 comments.)
   18th June, 2008 at 7:28 pm 

   Big lessons here Josh for all of us.

   There’s a real temptation to send out the pre-written affiliate emails and hope for the best.

   I think that some of it is also about confidence and when you feel more confidence about what you do you come more from your heart.

   Interesting also to read about your thoughts on posting to your blog as against emails and article marketing.

   It’s a bit of a puzzle to get all that right!

   Thanks for throwing light on some issues that have been puzzling me for quite a while.

   Alex

5. John The Geek (5 comments.)
   18th June, 2008 at 7:52 pm 

   Right on, Josh. I’m in the process of revamping my list strategy along those very lines. My list actually responds pretty well, all things considered, but as you said, it’s more about giving than getting. As the saying goes, if you help people get what they want, they’ll help you get what you want.

   Regarding the comment about unsubs, yep, they’re a fact of life. It doesn’t matter how often you send to your list, somebody’s not going to be happy with it. They want more emails, or fewer, or whatever. I’ve built a good part of my list via giveaways and what I’ve found is that many people sign up for the gift, then immediately unsub without hanging around to see what they’ll get from the list. That’s perfectly okay, just an observation.

   Keep up the great work!

   John The Geek

6. Francois du Toit (1 comments.)
   18th June, 2008 at 7:57 pm 

   Hi Josh,

   Good post!

   Fully agree with you that it’s all about helping people.

   In my opinion, you can help people by providing them with quality content as well as by recommending paid resources. (These can be your own products or products that you have personally tested and feel can really benefit your list members)

   Nobody likes being sold to. Many marketers just don’t get it…

   BTW, I think you are doing a great job!

7. Josh Spaulding
   18th June, 2008 at 7:57 pm 

   @ Alejandro - Thanks, glad to have you here and glad I could help!

   @ David - That’s a common concern of many. But it doesn’t matter how helpful you are, people are going to unsubscribe. It’s nothing to take offense to…just natural human behavior So we have similar thoughts on that.

   @ Amin - I must have missed that one, but I can’t say that I’m not surprised! They make alot of sales, but it isn’t because they help people, it’s people they have hundreds of thousands of subscribers and cross-promote to their buddies with hundreds of thousands of subscribers…shear volume is bound to make sales, but if they started off providing value they’d be better off in the long run.

   Very true statements!

   @ Alex - Good point about confidence! That’s more or less what my problem was at first.

   I still use article marketing to get subscribers, I just post the free info to my blog where we can all discuss the post, as apposed to in an email where you can’t.

8. Josh Spaulding
   18th June, 2008 at 8:02 pm 

   @ John The Geek - I’ve been tempted to try some give aways to build my list, but I haven’t done it because of that very concern, as well as the fact that these same people are subscribing to multiple other lists at the same time.

   But, as you mentioned your list is converting, so maybe it’s worth it?

   @ Francois du Toit - Thanks alot! Glad you like my style

9. Matt Magee (1 comments.)
   18th June, 2008 at 8:13 pm 

   Josh,

   You are so right. I am on so many damn lists, and they are all promoting the same things. I have since unsubscribed from quite a few (over 20), but I keep them all in an “unsubscribed” folder in Outlook to remind me how annoying I should strive to NOT be.

   Your content is always top notch and it’s great to know that you are a REAL PERSON. Yes, Josh and I have actually had personal email exchanges. Keep up the good work, buddy.

   And to those that aren’t familiar with Francois above and his ethics and standards, he and Josh are cut from the same mold. Thanks to both of you for caring about your subscribers. Hope all is well in South Africa, Francois, and talk soon, Josh.

   Matt Magee

10. John The Geek (5 comments.)
    18th June, 2008 at 8:26 pm 

    Hi, Josh,

    I didn’t mean to give the impression that a large percentage of giveaway signups unsub immediately, just that it’s noticeable and a bit higher than signups from other sources. Most do stick around for at least a little while and if I lose them after that, that’s on me.

    Giveaways can be an excellent way to get a bunch of people on your list quickly. The key is to give something of value, of course, and treat ‘em well once they’re on the list.

    One thing I’ve found very helpful is *not* using canned emails. I always rewrite them at least to some degree to put something of my own style into them. As it is, people see a zillion copies of the same emails and it’s obvious they’re just regurgitated.

    John The Geek

11. Lowell (2 comments.)
    18th June, 2008 at 8:33 pm 

    Josh,

    Great comments.

    One thing you didn’t mention is letting your personality come through.

    I think it is important for your list to get to know you as a person.

    Lowell

12. Rich Williams (1 comments.)
    18th June, 2008 at 8:38 pm 

    In the short time I’ve subbed your list I couldn’t agree more. Some of the others are emailing me twice a day which more than likely will translate into no sale and a dropped subscription from me.

    Whereas if you release a product I’m curious to check it out becuase of the quality (not quantity) of your output.

    Keep up the good work.

13. Clone golf clubs (1 comments.)
    18th June, 2008 at 8:42 pm 

    josh - who do you use for building your squeeze pages….or who would you recommend.

    Dave

14. Peggy Baron (3 comments.)
    18th June, 2008 at 9:12 pm 

    Hi Josh,
    I agree with Alex about the confidence factor. When I sent out my first email to my first list I was terrified because I knew a couple of big names were on that list.

    Geez, what could I tell them that they didn’t already know??

    It wasn’t until I decided to forget about them and try to send out emails like I was emailing a friend that I got past it and built some confidence.

    John the Geek - I’m in my first giveaway that goes live next Thursday. I’m curious to know how it will turn out and how many I can keep on my list.

    Thanks Josh.

    Peggy

15. Honey Wesley (4 comments.)
    18th June, 2008 at 9:26 pm 

    Josh,
    All I can say is that if more marketers had your attitude, we’d all be a lot better off, and probably wealthier too!

    You’re like a breath of fresh air in a room of stale cigar smoke!

    It breaks my heart to hear the pleas from so many newcomers on some ‘guru’ blogs, because I know their cries for help are not being heard and won’t be answered.

    Thank you for being different from the rest, and giving us such a good example we can model our own business after.

16. Marc
    18th June, 2008 at 11:45 pm 

    Hi Josh,

    You seem to project complete and utter sincerity and I doubt that I will ever unsubscribe from your list.

    Having said this I’d like to point out a blind spot that everyone seems to miss. No two niches are exactly the same. How can having a list be equally profitable across all niches? I’m not in the IM niche but I suspect it’s a great niche for owning a list. But there are plenty of other niches that for a variety of reasons just aren’t worth the effort for list building. No one ever talks about this. They just repeat the same old mantra: ‘The money is in the list’. It would be really cool hearing discussions on which type of niches are well suited for list building and which aren’t.

17. Alec (6 comments.)
    18th June, 2008 at 11:52 pm 

    It seems to be a bit of meme now, the send out helpful information trope.

    The whole “move the free line”. It’s an improvement on the whole rape and pillage internet marketing of last year, but I wonder how sincere

    Perhaps it’s just a passing fad as well.

18. Rick Sittel
    18th June, 2008 at 11:56 pm 

    A lot of us are on so many lists that we really don’t have time to read everything we’re sent. The way I weed my lists down is when 10 of them send me the same exact (copy/paste) sales pitch for some “new launch” product that they haven’t bothered to try before recommending, I unsubscribe from all 10 of them. My learning time is valuable and if they don’t respect it, adios. I open yours first Josh because you treat me with respect.

19. Peggy Baron (3 comments.)
    19th June, 2008 at 12:18 am 

    Marc, Here’s a post on the WF where someone named Cosmokid discusses when she does and doesn’t build a list: http://www.warriorforum.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=233706

    Peggy

20. Ottawa Business (2 comments.)
    19th June, 2008 at 12:34 am 

    Josh, whenever I get an email from you I always look at it immediately and enjoy your complete honesty in your posts. Just lately I have been unsubscribing from most of my so called gurus who continue to send me sales pitch after sales pitch letting me know about the new latest thing that will make me rich overnight without doing any work, while you are a breath of fresh air and tell it like it actually is.

    I have been retraining myself for the past two years after being online since 2001, and have gained a lot of knowledge from your posts and I find that your honesty has helped keep me sane while I readjust to the new concepts of online marketing. You have taught me how to market any website without getting delisted from big G and I now for the first time in a while, can now feel comfortable building new sites due in part to your ebook. When I was green behind the ears I was spamming Google without even knowing it and I am still paying for my mistakes today, after I have been online since 2001. Because I am not very technical I find it hard to grasp a lot of the techniques that I should by now be ahead of, but I am still struggling. Anyway don’t change a thing you are one of the few honest people in the online marketing business and keep up the good work, keep it coming as I will not be unscubscribing any time soon…

    Thanks,
    Brian

21. John Tan (2 comments.)
    19th June, 2008 at 12:43 am 

    Hi Josh,

    Finally there is someone who think and work the same way like I do.

    Whatever I do now, I always seek to help people in the first place instead of chasing after money.

    John Tan

22. Honey Wesley (4 comments.)
    19th June, 2008 at 1:46 am 

    To John the Geek,

    I’d really like to know how the giveaway turns out for you…I’ve wondered for some time now if that would be a good way to start a list…something I have yet to implement.

    Thanks,
    Honey

23. UltimateMotorbikes (1 comments.)
    19th June, 2008 at 2:23 am 

    Thanks again Josh for providing consistently good info and worthwhile reading.

    Every time you send something through to my inbox, it’s great, for I know instantly that I’m going to receive some really good down to earth commonsense guidelines that can really assist me - it really is, always a pleasure to hear from you and the fact that you take time too, out of your schedule to answer a personal question by email, that really does mean a lot and goes a long way.

    May you have a fantastic summer and I look forward as always to hearing from you again shortly.

    All the best!

    Mark
    Cornwall UK

24. GoldsGold (1 comments.)
    19th June, 2008 at 2:30 am 

    Just quickly, reading Brian, just a few replies up, from ‘Ottawa Business’, he hits the nail bang on the head - that’s exactly my situation too.

    You really are a breath of fresh air Josh to a lot of the complete twaddle and con artists out there.

    Thanks so much again, for sending through your info.

    Your work by many of us really is appreciated big time, you are one of the few people online that I know I can trust, your way with words speaks volumes about your good heart and intentions.

    Good on you!

25. John The Geek (5 comments.)
    19th June, 2008 at 2:57 am 

    Hi, Honey,

    I’ve been doing giveaways since the fall of 2007 first with an interview product that I had created last August and lately with an ebook I wrote a month or so ago. From a total of 50 giveaways in that time period, I’ve got about 1650 people still subscribed. 982 people have unsubbed in that same time period, so the total confirmed signups is about 2632. That doesn’t count people who never confirmed.

    Those numbers have to be evaluated in light of several factors: the quality of the products I gave away, the appeal of the products, and my treatment of my list members since they signed up.

    The interview product was the first thing I ever did, so it’s a little rough. It’s also a pretty narrowly targeted item and doesn’t promise people they’ll be able to retire next week. The ebook is much better, but again, is pretty specialized and doesn’t have universal appeal.

    My unsub rate is probably higher than average due to my learning curve in list relations, and the fact that these folks got on the list from a freebie and are not as “hot” in terms of buying as others might be.

    I hope that’s helpful for you.

    John The Geek

26. ComputerDoc (5 comments.)
    19th June, 2008 at 3:54 am 

    Josh,

    I have found that you follow this approach in every venture that you are involved in. Even in the eBooks that I have purchased, I have found very valuable freebies. That’s why I feel that I get more than my money’s worth in our dealings.

    Where do you find the free items to offer? Are they actual products or just great ideas like the ones presented in this post?

27. ComputerDoc (5 comments.)
    19th June, 2008 at 3:58 am 

    Josh,

    By the way, there is a famous list marketer that I was tempted to offer to tell why I would never by anything from him for $47.

    He always come up with something to offer that is either outdated or generally available and he says it’s only $10. Just do it he says it’s so cheap.

    It’s obvious where his interests lie. What a pain.

28. Honey Wesley (4 comments.)
    19th June, 2008 at 5:06 am 

    One final question to John (I promise!) How would I get started participating in giveaways? How do you know when one’s coming up? Is there a schedule somewhere?

    Okay, so three final questions…

    Honey

29. Vern (17 comments.)
    19th June, 2008 at 7:11 am 

    Hi Josh,

    You’re right on the tab, buddy. Here’s one thing I totally agree now… you don’t need a really big list to start making some profits online. You also blasted those gurus out of their CEO seats by telling people straight off it’s because of all the cross promotion online.

    Nothing wrong with that but when people lose their focus and real purpose anymore and think about only the profits… it’s amazing how their style of helping their list changes pretty fast.

    I mean, ok, I know what you mean as well. I’m on these big name marketer lists (I’m still studying them) and observe how they carry out some promotions. They do have clever strategies in product launches and how they bring the message across to the readers. So, if I were to subscribe I’d normally look for an indication on what I could benefit directly in regards to my business whenever I subscribe.

    Long live customer relationships.

    Vern
    aka Traffic Meister

30. The Mad Webmaster (3 comments.)
    19th June, 2008 at 9:39 am 

    Good Post Josh!

    The days of hit and run along with “get em while you can” are over.

    The problem is that most of us are stuck with the fall out of the “hit and run” artist.

    Like my mom use to say “you have to give to get”. I guess she was right, huh?

    Good topic Josh.

    Paul
    “The Mad Webmaster”

31. Internet Marketing Blog
    19th June, 2008 at 10:42 am 

    Thanks for a good and informative post. Keep it up!

32. advantages of solar energy
    19th June, 2008 at 11:55 am 

    Good post Josh. Your one of two lists i still subscribe to. The other being John Leger. You both seem to offer more advice and help then the others who just send out crappy email after crappy email. Thanks for doing what you do because you have taught me a few things!!

33. Helder (1 comments.)
    19th June, 2008 at 12:39 pm 

    You’re so right Josh, i only keep subscribed to people who share information, good information, not the ones who simply sell, that’s a good lesson to all of us.

34. John The Geek (5 comments.)
    19th June, 2008 at 2:03 pm 

    Hi, Honey,

    If you’d like to contact me directly, I’ll be happy to give you what info I can on giveaways. I have a list of the current ones that I can send you. Once you get into a few of them, you’ll get notices of new ones all the time.

    Just go to my site http://JohnTheGeek.com and use the contact link at the bottom of the page to get in touch with me.

    Take care,

    John The Geek

35. Neil MacDonald (4 comments.)
    19th June, 2008 at 2:48 pm 

    Once again down to earth advice. I too get tired of the push, push, push of some people. Not from you.

    Keep up the good advice.

    Neil

36. Josh Spaulding
    19th June, 2008 at 8:03 pm 

    @ Matt Magee - Great to hear from you. Thanks for the very kind compliments. You’d think some of these guys would understand people don’t want their 7 promo’s a week ya know… I guess what’s obvious to us isn’t obvious to everyone.

    @ John the Geek - Thanks for the info. That’s something to consider. A buddy of mine, Mo does alot of giveaways as well. I’ll have to test a few of them out see the results myself.

    @ Lowell - Very true. I call that being “real” I can’t stand fake people…it’s my biggest bet peeve! Be yourself and you’ll be better off not only in business, but in all aspects of life.

    @ Rich - Glad to have you as a subscriber. Thanks for the nice words.

    @ Dave - I use Sean Lowery for all of my mini-sites/graphics over at http://www.graphicsquick.com/

    @ Peggy - Very true. I was on the same boat at one point in time. Confidence is the beginning of success, without it you’ll never get anywhere!

    @ Honey - Thanks for all of the very kind words. I’m glad I’m able to help

    @ Marc - You do have a point. There are particular niches that just can’t be monetized (long-term) with a list. For instance potential home buyers. Once they buy a house they don’t want your email.

    However, I know from experience list building is not only profitable in IM. It’s all about retaining your visitors. Big name brick and mortars do it without most people even realizing it. Babies R Us asks for your email every single time you go to the cash register.

    I get coupons via email from PetSmart, Borders etc. on a nearly weekly basis.

    They’re being smart marketers!

    @ Alec - Why question it? Are there fakers out there? Sure. I help people all I can because it’s a two-way street. I help people…they trust me…they buy my products. It may sound bad but it’s the truth!

    I don’t help people JUST because I know I’ll make money doing it, I honestly do it because it’s the right thing to do, but I really don’t know why anyone would look at it like that.

    To each his own!

    @ Rick - Thanks alot, that means alot. I’m glad I’ve been able to earned your trust!

    @ Peggy - She’s correct in that you don’t HAVE to have a list to make money, but I can guarantee you’re leaving alot of money on the table if you don’t!

    @ Brian - Well I’m glad I had a small part in reforming you from the dark side lol Seriously though, thanks for the very kind words and hang in there. Just some quick FYI from what I’ve seen, most people who have been going at it for several years, but still not finding “real” success, are concentrating on too many small things. I don’t know your situation, but you may possible need to concentrate solely on one or two things, which could be a blog and/or list? and just forget about everything else that isn’t making you any money.

    @ John Tan - Great to hear that I’ve seen some of your graphics as well, good job!

    @ Mark & GoldsGold - Thanks for the very kind words. Glad to help!

    @ ComputerDoc - Thanks alot. The only items I give away are 100% unique, created by myself.

    Well thanks for not naming names, don’t need to start a fire here But I know exactly what you mean. When I first started online these people seriously made me sick! I’ve always made sure I was never like them!

    @ Vern - The funny thing is that they still preach “I produce a quality, helpful list” lol uhhu Helpful if you want to buy something everyday

    @ Paul - Very true. Just be yourself, study different techniques (in in the IM niche) learn everything you can about your niche and then start giving that proven info to others. It’s really that simple.

    @ Advantages - Thanks for the support and I’m glad I could help!

    @ Helder & Neil - Thanks, glad I could help!

37. Mark Sierra at MeAndMyDrum (2 comments.)
    20th June, 2008 at 3:51 am 

    I’ve subscribed to some lists that just don’t seem to get it. They’re helpful in a way in that they’re teaching me what NOT to do. They’re the ones who write me practically everyday, which, for the most part, wouldn’t be so bad if they weren’t trying to sell me something ALL the time or push the same product ALL the time.

    I like your approach, Josh. Six days is what I’ll be adopting, too, when I start my list because it sounds like that’s a very reasonable frequency.

    My main concern in all this, which I’m sure is one for all of us who want to build lists, is finding the content and products to distribute/promote. Even now, before my list has started, I’m thinking of what products I can promote. But that list is going to run out at some point. But then, I tend to over think things and the ideas may come easier if I just allow them to.

38. Juhani Tontti (5 comments.)
    20th June, 2008 at 4:36 am 

    Josh!

    Good strategic post. The name of the game is not to sell but to help. Your own posts are very good examples of this, you share your own experiences and not the usual internet business repetitions.

    By the way, you say that you get most of your sales from your own reports. I don`t wonder that because they are your own, unique branded products, which are useful and easy to read.

    Regards

    Juhani Tontti

39. Brian Gidda (7 comments.)
    20th June, 2008 at 8:51 am 

    I purchased Josh’s AMD original report some time ago. In my view, it’s the finest report around on gaining traffic by article marketing…

    It was his ability to explain things simply and clearly that led me to trust him…

    Nowadays, when he recommends a product, I always take a serious look at it… because of the trust factor

    Josh is really leading the way here… whether the aim is to be an affiliate marketer, sell info reports or sell physical products on your own site… there’s one magical ingredient that must be present…trust!

    Without it, nothing much happens…

40. Hendry Lee (7 comments.)
    20th June, 2008 at 5:11 pm 

    Sounds so common sense, but unfortunately that’s not common practice. Right on.

    With behavioral targeting and other new features in email marketing, marketers can kick the strategy up a notch.

    I’m happy Aweber provides some of the features now, although I won’t be using it for quite some time yet.

41. Earn Money on Home PC Computer (1 comments.)
    20th June, 2008 at 5:55 pm 

    Josh,

    If I had 6000 subscribers I would be jumping for joy.
    I know it is going to take me a while to get that sort of number.
    I always appreciate emails that give advice without selling.

    Barb

42. Dennis Edell (36 comments.)
    21st June, 2008 at 2:36 am 

    i cant tell you how many “sales lists” I’ve unsubbed from, even though all their products were to “help me” LOL

    Luckily I have started correctly. Thanks for the reminder Josh

    BTW, in regards o “knowing your audience” as you stated above, be careful with phrases like “only 6000″

43. Cect 168 Phones from Karyn (5 comments.)
    24th June, 2008 at 7:41 pm 

    Your advice is very good, but it seems very specific to the “make money online” arena. Do you have any suggestions for those of us who work in other niches, more consumer-oriented marketers?
    In my case, for instance … I’m not sure I have so much to say about cell phone models that my site visitors would want to hear from very often. And of course, cell phones aren’t a very frequent purchase for most people; there’s not very much repeat traffic.

44. Josh Spaulding
    24th June, 2008 at 8:53 pm 

    @ Mark - I know what you mean lol Alot of good “backwards advice” out there.

    I NEVER run out of products to promote. I have people asking me to promote their product everyday and have to turn down 99% of them.

    If I don’t have a new product of my own to promote I just find one I like on an interesting subject and promote it. If I don’t like it I don’t promote it.

    @ Juhani - Thanks, glad you enjoyed it. I don’t get most of my sales through my reports, I get most of my subscriptions (leads) through my reports.

    @ Brian - Thanks, glad you enjoyed it…the initial versions did very well, but AMD 2008 is jumping to an excellent start!

    Very well said and I appreciate your kind words!

    @ Barb - You’ll get there, believe me! I remember when I would be glad to get 50 daily visitors, now I get thousands. I remember when I would be glad to have 50 subscribers, now I have nearly 7,000. Glad you’ve enjoyed the emails, just keep on keepin on and you’ll get there

    @ Dennis - Good advice, thanks for that

    @ Karyn - This type of effective email marketing campaign can be carried out with any niche. I just use the IM niche as an example because it is the primary niche I target.

45. Honey Wesley (4 comments.)
    24th June, 2008 at 10:59 pm 

    @Karen,

    Not to butt in, but to offer a suggestion. With almost any niche, sometimes you have to think outside the box.

    While cell phone buyers might not be interested in buying another cell phone for quite some time, how about other things associated with cell phones?

    Just thinking off the top of my head here, but you could find and offer deals on, hands-free equipment, cell phone cases, ring-tones, reverse number look-up ebooks, (on Clickbank and they’re hot!) just to name a few. There are probably others you can come up with that I’d never think of, simply because you’re more familiar with the industry.

    Whenever you sell something, ask yourself, what else would a person who bought this be interested in?

    Hope that helps!

    Honey

46. Cect 168 Phones from Karyn (5 comments.)
    25th June, 2008 at 4:48 am 

    @ Honey … thank you, that’s a good idea. I’ve been so focused on getting potential buyers to click through my site and make a purchase that I really haven’t looked at building relationships. At the very least, I’ll start experimenting with list-building in the near future.

47. Josh Spaulding
    27th June, 2008 at 9:27 pm 

    @ Honey - Thanks for the addon there… good advice.

    @ Karyn - If it’s a little, mini-site made for adsense it’ll be hard to build a relationship, but if you’re trying to build an authoritative site building relationships is key!!! You’d be surprised how powerful it is

48. Review Riches (1 comments.)
    8th July, 2008 at 9:35 am 

    Ya, we have to learn about email marketing which helps to earn money.Giveaways can be an excellent way to get a bunch of people on your list quickly.
    the point you have said is really worth buddy.