Comment posted on If You Think Education Is Expensive, Try Ignorance by Ian Belanger
Hey Ana,
I should’ve stated this in my last comment. I would like to be able to buy the training courses and Ebooks, but at this time my budget doesn’t allow for any extra spending.
That is why I am going the free training route. I see how much of a success TGC has become and I strive to get there with my blog, but right now I just can’t spend any money. That is why I appreciate so much the info you provide.
Thanks again Ana and have a great weekend!
Ian Belanger also commented
- Hey Ana,
As someone who is fairly new to the whole IM scene and who has limited resources. I am always looking out for scams.
I am one of those people who would rather spend my time looking for free info, rather than pay for an Ebook, but you are right, it does take longer doing it this way. We all know that time is money, especially when you run your own business.
Trust is the biggest thing, when it comes to buying an Ebook or course, but how do you know who to trust when you are just starting out? This is something I have had to learn on my own, luckily I haven’t had to shell out any cash in the process.
When it comes to finding out who to trust, here is what I have done. Search engines are you best friend. I always type in the name of the Ebook or author with “review or scam” after it and I read as many reviews as I can.
You will always get some bad reviews, even on excellent products, but what I have found is if you do your due diligence and read many reviews, you will find out for yourself which products to buy and which to stay away from. Also look at the authority (PR and alexa ranking) of the site you are reading a review on. This can help you determine to relevancy of the site.
And as always, I read TGC, where I usually find the best info on the net
Thanks Ana for sharing such great info and have a great day!
Recent comments by Ian Belanger
- Title Pleaser: Kill Two Birds with One Stone
Hey Ana,Excellent post!! Again, more stellar info from the queen of traffic generation
I had never thought to go back and optimize titles for the SE’s. I always tried to do it from the start, but what you say makes alot of sense. People won’t read your post unless you have a catchy title and a keyword rich title can sometimes look awkward.
Thanks Ana, now I have another trick up my sleeve.
PS Don’t you just love the CommentLuv plugin, by far the best addition to any blog, I think anyway, Andy is the man. I know whenever I comment on a blog, I always look for commentluv first and if they don’t have it. I recommend they get it in my comment.
All the best Ana and have a great day!
- Search Engine Ranking Tip: Keyword.com or MrSmith.com?
Hey Ana,Yes it absolutely makes sense. Thanks for answering my question.
- Search Engine Ranking Tip: Keyword.com or MrSmith.com?
Hey Ana,I understand why keyword rich domains are so valued and important, but My question is, What about subdomains? My site is ian-belanger.com as you know.
Say I wanted to promote sneakers. How much weight would sneakers.ian-belanger.com hold in googles eyes, because my site has a good ranking (about 350,000 in alexa) but if I went out and bought a new domain it would take a longer time to get it’s ranking up.
Thanks for sharing Ana and have a great day!
- How To Use Forums To Generate Content Ideas
Hey Edwin,Finding new topics to write about is always a problem for new bloggers. Forums are an excellent way to find out what questions people need answers for.
Thanks for sharing your ideas Edwin and have a great day!
- Time is a River and No One Knows Where It Flows? I Do
Hey Ana,Time, something we all need more of. Time management is one of the most important things to learn.
I know I need to do better in that part of my business. I tend to jump around from one thing to another and of course check my email 100 times a day. Things I need to work on.
I had never heard of that tool on ODesk. That seems like an excellent tool to see what you’ve accomplished and to budget your time wisely.
Thanks for sharing this Ana and have a great day!
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I am a wife to a great husband of 13 years (here ya go, now I have to make changes to this sentence once a year), a mother to a beautiful and, no doubt, genius little girl, and a successful internet entrepreneur. I also devoted my life to Jesus Christ many years ago, and He remains my true priority, focus, and hope.
{ 43 comments }
Ana,
) But a degree doesn’t always qualify you. (Yet I still look for it.)
Sometimes, as a newbie, it is hard to determine what is crap and what is legitimate. When I was new (and I think I still am in many cases) I didn’t buy anything! I finally bought Darren’s eBook, 31 Days to a Better Blog about 2 months ago. That ebook is amazing! Highly suggest it.
And then I bought Kikolani’s. I did it completely blind because I trust her. Actually she sent an email offer to her subscribers and gave a discount, the power of that email list.
But I am a firm believer in only buying products from people I trust and who I believe have the knowledge to back what they sell. I honestly would prefer if the person had a degree in business, marketing or (if it exists) Internet marketing. (opposite of Mavis above,
Anyhow, I am on a tight budget so unfortunately, time is my currency.
~Allie
Allie invites you to read: 7 Posts That Are Staying on RWAHM
Ana,
Great article. I like the distinction you make about time being the cost for doing it the “free” way.
I also really like the heavy (if sarcastic) emphasis you place on DOing what we know to do. It’s funny how often we do not implement what we know to do.
A few years ago, I was contemplating starting a book project. A friend said to me, “What are you afraid of? You know enough….just write the (expletive) thing, already!” That advice was definitely worth the price of admission and I’ll never forget it.
Steve Rice invites you to read: Life is Choose Your Own Adventure
Ana,
It always kills me when someone complains that they do not have the money to spend on starting their online business. I even hear complaints about having to pay for hosting.
Like you said, an online education really is cheap in comparison and so is an online piece of real estate.
Love those guarantees and paying with a credit card, just in case. You never know. I have even purchased things through someone I trusted and it was not the product I thought it would be.
Early on I purchased a service through a well known and trusted person and did not get what was promised. But since then I have had some courses and services that have over delivered. Including ebooks and optin courses.
Sheila Atwood invites you to read: 2 Web Tools You Will Fall For- Hook Line and Sinker
I’ve also been in situations where a product is highly recommended by other blogger, but I didn’t find it working all that well for my blog, Sheila.
One size never fits all; we all know that.
That’s why those money-back guarantees and buying from known entities are priceless - I agree with you. And I am not afraid to use them if what I bought just didn’t cut it.
Nonetheless, paid education or even paid efficiency tools remain a crucial piece of my online success, no question about it.
I also don’t like to pay for “some education” that I can get freely on other sides of the net, not until I’ve made my own information products.
I’ve come to known the value of it. These products really can sometime give you a big leap to what you are doing wrong and what you are doing right.
I’d definitely pay for something that could give me that leap.
Marco Lee invites you to read: The List of Personal Development Blogs with CommentLuv and Why They are Kind of Gay When You Think About it
I am with you, Marco - I always go for the big stuff that makes a big difference.
Hi Ana
I love your number 3 why it is not scam: “The methods in the book require work…” Darn, hate when that happens
Nice posts. There are a lot of stuff out there but if you want to get deeper into different areas of online marketing you might have to spend a little money on it.
Thomas invites you to read: My Google analytics stats for Q1 2011
I am amazed how many lead capture pages say “Our system will do all the work for you!” Yeah, right….
I really trust in education. Maybe because I am a teacher
. Sometimes I think about people who don’t want to pay for education. And I can tell you for sure that they are not in need, they are not poor. They simply don’t give value to learning. Some of my students, after my lessons, do some research on the internet. And sometimes they tell me all the bad information they find; because the net is open and free (good thing) but it means also that people put infos on there just for saying something, just for marketing, just for…money?
I have learned from other people what I know, and I am happy with this. I am creative and I add to all this my personal experience and point of view. But you can do this after you have learned something…not before!
Hugs
Elena@corsidimassaggioayurvedico invites you to read: Entriamo nel mondo degli Attar- il profumo celestiale dell’Attar di Michelia Champaca- delle Magnoliacee
I strongly believe in a solid business foundation, Elena.
And I don’t believe you can build it by hanging around forums and blogs.
I agree with your students: a lot of free info online is garbage, as well as some of the paid info as well.
However, making mistakes is all a part of building a business as well; if one ends up buying a bad product, it’s still a learning experience, isn’t it?
Ciao!
Ana | Traffic Generation invites you to read: Link Building Tip- How to Do It the Smart Way
My view - most IM products are pure junk. I’ve only kept 1 out of the last 20 I’ve reviewed (good thing about ClickBank). What frustrates me is that the newbies that buy this stuff will actually think the strategies work, and they will waste a ton of time and money and end up with nothing.
My suggestion - if you’re interested in blogging read solid blogs (like this one, ProBlogger and Copyblogger ), and invest your money in quality software and platforms like Scribe and Thesis.
Best,
Scott
Scott | Self Improvement Tips invites you to read: Simple Ways to Greatness – A Practical Guide
I am with you, Scott.
I buy ebooks, courses, and tools created by well-known online “entities”. That way you know you are buying into quality, and should there be a problem, there’s always a return policy you can trust.
From my experience, maybe 1 out of 20 courses actually brings something new and useful. There’s no way to find that good one unless you buy them all. I call that a bad investment. The info in that course will leak on the internet anyway in a few weeks.
Everything i know i’ve learned from blogs and forums, i’ve never payed for something like that.
Maria Pavel invites you to read: CNA Training In Delaware
I suppose you and I have 2 different approaches, Maria: slow, steady, and free and quick, efficient, and requires investment.
It all depends on what is worth more to you: time or money.
Ana
Ana | Traffic Generation invites you to read: Title Pleaser- Kill Two Birds with One Stone
If you’re up to date with the new trends, then i admit you should buy stuff like these. But since i still have a lot to learn… let’s just say i can afford to wait.
Maria Pavel invites you to read: CNA Certification
I giggle (sometimes outwardly)v at those that balk at the “high prices” that go all the way to $197.
These folks obviously haven’t met any old-timers, some of the original “guru’s” whose courses START at $1997.
Dennis Edell@ Direct Sales Marketing invites you to read: How Do You Feel About Multiple Comments on One Post via One Commenter
No pain, no gain.
I’ve bought a few of those in my online lifetime and definitely got my money’s worth.
Care to share which?
Dennis Edell@ Direct Sales Marketing invites you to read: How Do You Feel About Multiple Comments on One Post via One Commenter
A couple of more or less recent ones were both by Ryan Deiss:
Perpetual Traffic Formula (loved it) and Rank Mogul.
Never heard of either, got any links?
Dennis Edell@ Direct Sales Marketing invites you to read: How Do You Feel About Multiple Comments on One Post via One Commenter
The first one is closed; the second one is RankMogul.com - I don’t have an aff link.
Basically buying ebooks or taking online course is recommended.. However, it is difficult to determine whether ebooks useful or not until really purchasing it. That’s why knowing exactly the author (reliable or not) is the key.. Besides, we can browse to find in dept information of the ebooks or courses from various sources.. The point: ebooks or online courses are still needed..
zamahsari invites you to read: HTC Thunderbolt 4G For Verizon Review
Agreed. That’s why I usually buy products by and through people I know only.
I would only make purchases online if I know and trust the person/ website. At least check the BBB online service for some peace of mind.
It’s funny that people get uptight about spending their money on a digital product for example, but have no problem spending countless hours trying to find the information for “free” online.
It would be easier to buy an Ebook where all of the information gathering and organizing is already done for you.
Justin | Mazzastick invites you to read: Are You Being Fairly Compensated For Your Work
I think there are so many legitimate products out there I want to try, Justin, running into a scheme might be almost impossible.
I always buy from or through bloggers I trust. And I will always pay someone to do my work for me if I can.
Hi Ana,
You make sense, of course.
Since my background is in education I believe that getting the best you can afford should be a priority no matter what it is you’re doing.
I think many lazy people keep on buying more programs in the ridiculous hope that one day they will indeed find that program that does the work for them. Poor fools!
~Marcus
Marcus Baker invites you to read: Release Your Spirit to Find Your Because
Agreed on both points, Marcus - education is a must and buying education won’t make you educated.
Ana | Traffic Generation invites you to read: Duplicate Content Phantom- Don’t Be Duped- Be Informed
Wow, Ana. This post is almost an eBook in the making in itself and it is priceless. I totally concur with the distinction you make between “what is” and “what is not” a scam. Truth to be told, many people buy eBooks with the objective on becoming rich overnight, preferably without doing anything, or very little for that matter. They almost are looking for reasons to be scammed, lol. Great post, speed link bound for sure
DiTesco invites you to read: How Well Do You Optimize Your Content For Search Engines
Thanks, Francisco!
Tired of some bloggers complaining that building a business costs money - duh!
I’m familiar with the scam books in those books content is how to create your facebook fan page then go to some black hat forum online there pay for 100000 fake accounts lolz then you will start earning money so I only trust from real life people and only buys books from book store and Happy birthday always keep smiling like a devil huhu
Sonu invites you to read: Google Page Speed Online – New tool to Improve Page Speed on desktop and mobile devices
Thanks for my birthday wishes, Sonu - although I do prefer to smile like an angel.
I always buy from reputable people and only through other bloggers’ affiliate links - it gives me a bit more confidence that the product has been pre-screened in some way.
Ana
Ana | Traffic Generation invites you to read: Search Engine Ranking Tip- Keywordcom or MrSmithcom
First thing first- Happy Birthday Ana! Wish you many more of such.
I’ve been scammed before. I know how frustrating that is. Nowadays, I don’t buy ebooks again. I buy “tools”. Things I need to increase sales or increase traffic or things that’ll generally help my business in one way or another.
Going on a speeding spree is generally not a good idea. If I buy a “tool”, I make sure everything I need in such tool fully utilized. I’ve bought small ebooks with awesome content and then, i’ve got my fair share of volumes of books with common content.
Knowing what you need and want is very important. It’ll help you in life and business.
Tim
First of all, THANK YOU, Tim!
I do love tools. Anything that makes my life easier and my business more productive. Plus, I love playing around with possibilities that tools create - it’s my passion, although I never find much time for it.
I’ve recently bought a couple of great ebooks (like the one Kristi Hines just wrote) and some extremely useful courses.
My point of course was that internet marketing tools/courses/books are not a plague, like so many make them out to be.
Ana
Ana | Traffic Generation invites you to read: How Many Unindexed Posts Does Your Blog Have
Hi Ana,
I think I too usually like to spend time on reading some fantastic blogs including yours and search forums to learn marketing tips.
Plus point here is that you can ask your doubts and you’ll be answered very soon and on ebook it won’t be possible so that’s the main reason I don’t like to read ebook much.
Riya @ Couponseasy invites you to read: HostGator Coupon Codes- Latest Promo Discount Vouchers Daily Updated
You see, Riya, ebooks and courses give you a successful foundation for your business, whereas free info like what you find on TGC are tips that will only enhance it.
Without that foundations, bloggers run like chickens with their heads off, and it’s a sad and funny image at the same time.
Education is a must. Time is money. Success lies in those two truths.
Ana | Traffic Generation invites you to read: Article Spinning- You Spin Me Right ‘round- Baby- Right ‘round
Hi Ana-
I like the old saying, “You get what you pay for.” For those who argue that most info can be found online free, they are absolutely right-no matter the industry.
But who wants to spend hours searching, bookmarking, printing, and compiling?
How many precious hours of your time is consumed w the hunt? And what is your time worth on a hourly basis? More importantly, how disorganized do you feel from all this work-which is probably a pretty disjointed endeavor, at best.
It takes a very short while to put in your due diligence to determine if the source is credible. And if it’s a marketing, or SEO ebook in question, just ask Ana’s opinion-hehe;).
Linda @talktherapybiz.com invites you to read: 7 Bloggers I Want To Share My Couch With…
All of the above, Linda, are questions constantly asked by my readers.
And this is my answer to them.
“You get what you paid for” - so true.
Have a great weekend!
Ana | Traffic Generation invites you to read: Duplicate Content Phantom- Don’t Be Duped- Be Informed
Hey Ana,
As someone who is fairly new to the whole IM scene and who has limited resources. I am always looking out for scams.
I am one of those people who would rather spend my time looking for free info, rather than pay for an Ebook, but you are right, it does take longer doing it this way. We all know that time is money, especially when you run your own business.
Trust is the biggest thing, when it comes to buying an Ebook or course, but how do you know who to trust when you are just starting out? This is something I have had to learn on my own, luckily I haven’t had to shell out any cash in the process.
When it comes to finding out who to trust, here is what I have done. Search engines are you best friend. I always type in the name of the Ebook or author with “review or scam” after it and I read as many reviews as I can.
You will always get some bad reviews, even on excellent products, but what I have found is if you do your due diligence and read many reviews, you will find out for yourself which products to buy and which to stay away from. Also look at the authority (PR and alexa ranking) of the site you are reading a review on. This can help you determine to relevancy of the site.
And as always, I read TGC, where I usually find the best info on the net
Thanks Ana for sharing such great info and have a great day!
Ian Belanger invites you to read: Overcoming Procrastination With A March Madness Bracket And Newton’s Law Of Motion Really
First of all, thank you, Ian.
Secondly, I do understand what it feels like to have all your assets in pizza coupons, don’t get me wrong.
However, would you rather have a Traffic Generation Cafe up and running and bringing you income within 6 months by buying a couple of courses and learning how to do it right to start with OR take a couple of years of working your buns off “getting there” on free info and still wonder why you don’t make any money online?
That’s the situation I was in last summer and you know what I chose.
Only when I decided to invest in myself and my education I turned from 2 years of failures to a success.
And as far as recommendations go, yes, I always recommend ONLY the products that I feel are the best for my business.
But even then, there were some instances when other marketers tried those products that I love and hated them and told me that in no uncertain terms.
So, one size doesn’t fit all in any industry, including ours.
But yes, I do try!
Have a great weekend, Ian.
Ana | Traffic Generation invites you to read: Link Building Tip- How to Do It the Smart Way
Hey Ana,
I should’ve stated this in my last comment. I would like to be able to buy the training courses and Ebooks, but at this time my budget doesn’t allow for any extra spending.
That is why I am going the free training route. I see how much of a success TGC has become and I strive to get there with my blog, but right now I just can’t spend any money. That is why I appreciate so much the info you provide.
Thanks again Ana and have a great weekend!
Ian Belanger invites you to read: Qualities Of A Leader How To Convey Leadership
I understand. I hope you get there sooner than later!
Hey Ana,
I hate being scammed too - never been though. I’m not in the habit of just buying a new course/ebook because it’s there, regardless of the price tag.
However, when I’m looking for a specific course, I’d do my due diligence and pay for what I believe would benefit me and my business in the long run.
Education is the key to success. I believe in self-education more than anything else - “it will make you a fortune whereas formal education will make you a living” ~ Jim Rohn.
Thanks for sharing your insights, Ana. And I loved your post about the marketing tools/programmes to stay away from
Warmly,
Mavis
Mavis Nong invites you to read: Big Announcement – I Finished the Blogging Challenge 2 Weeks Early!
As you can tell, Mavis - I am all for education.
If I want to learn more about a new traffic generation method - I read about it first. I learn, I study, and yes, I pay if I need to.
That’s probably why TGC was a success - I didn’t want for it to take years to develop; so I learned from the best.
Ana | Traffic Generation invites you to read: Content Writing vs Link Building- Chicken or the Egg
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