October 28, 2009
It's About Time…
Okay… it's been a looong time since I last posted to my general blog. It's time to get cranking again. I'm not dead 
just very busy working on some new stuff.
Recently I've been working on a handful of very big projects. One of them (the biggest one) is falling apart with the partners. Several months of work going down the drain. Frustrating. It could be good news for you, though… since some of the tools I've developed over the past 6 months will probably now be released to the public instead of to my partners.
But that's not what I'm most excited about right now…
For the past few months I've become increasingly frustrated with "traditional" internet marketing. Soooo many people are jumping into the game. Most of them are not the brightest marketers around. And it seems to be having 2 effects on my traditional IM business. Costs are going up (which has been the trend for awhile) and quality of both products and prospects appear to spiraling downward.
I'm seeing double and triple the refund rates on many of the products I promote as an affiliate. It's frustrating. And combined with higher traffic costs it really eats into my margins.
CPA offers provide some relief, since there aren't refunds… but it just means the networks are shaving more aggressively.
So I'm in the process of making some dramatic changes to my business… and you should probably at least be thinking about these things. Don't misunderstand… the IM Opportunity is still very much in play. I just feel like the focus and tactics required to capture it are making a significant shift. More on that later.
I don't have all the results in on these changes yet… but I'll let you know how it goes.
First, I'm moving almost entirely away from the typical presell-to-affiliate landing page selling process. I'll explain more about what I'm doing and why over the next few days / weeks. Early results are encouraging.
Second, I've all but dropped the "mainstream" traffic sources (AdWords, Search PPC, SEO). I am focusing about 80% of my efforts right now on various content networks (primarily Google content and placement networks) and virtually untapped markets like mobile advertising (specifically the iPhone, for various reasons I'll explain in later posts). I'm also doing some interesting things with contextual ads that is truly wicked-cool. Stay tuned.
I'm also experimenting with a handful of alternative monetization methods. I may share more about those in future posts. I may not. We'll see.
The point of all this?
I think affiliate marketing is shifting. It's been several years since the last major shift in the industry. It's time again.
Too many newbies are coming in and using the same half-dozen marketing strategies that are old, tired, and much less effective than before. Even newer methods like CPV (or PPV if you're a Gauher follower) are becoming saturated and increasingly competitive and expensive.
Those of us who re-think their strategies now and are willing to experience a little pain in testing and experimenting will be well rewarded. 99% of the industry is looking in one direction… and for the handful that are willing to look in another there is tremendous opportunity.
But we have to figure the new stuff out.
That's what I'm working on.
I'd love to get your feedback and questions on new forms of marketing and traffic. Specifically mobile, content networks, CPV, and a couple of other options I'll write more about in the near future.
Also… a little tidbit at the end of my post… I'm in active negotiations with Chris to buy his AdGrenade business. I have some ideas for how I can integrate and extend his technology (which is heavily based on my own code) in products like Image Ad Builder and an upcoming product of mine. I don't know where the discussions will lead… but I'd love to get your feedback on that, as well.
Lastly… I'd love to get some *very* early feedback on what you think of this… I've been toying with the idea for awhile now (based mostly on your requests) of creating a braintrust/mastermind group that is all about emerging technologies and automation in internet marketing. Basically a lab where I share my ideas and, importantly, all technologies and software I am working on. My goal is to create a repository of asymmetric warfare tools and information for internet marketers.
The upside? You'd be in on some seriously slick ideas and tools with regular, live contacts with me and the other braintrust members. And I do some cool things that never make this blog or any other public forum. (This is where I start my evil, mad-scientist laugh that creeps you out… but makes you really want to be on my team.)
The downside? It would not be a cheap, one-time only purchase. It would definitely be membership-based and strictly controlled. It would not be a good fit for someone struggling with basic internet marketing. It also would not be passive. If you're not actively using it to make money I don't want you in the group wasting a spot that could be more productive for everyone. I would expect members to participate and give feedback and contribute ideas.
What do you think? Comment here or send me a private email.
I know… lots of info for a single post. And I violated a basic marketing rule of one idea, one action. But screw it. I haven't posted in a while and I want to get back and get a pulse on where you're at. Feedback?
Spread the word
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19 Comments on It's About Time… »
October 28, 2009
Edgar @ 11:33 pm:
It certainly makes sense, but for those who have a full time job like me, but have been marketing part time on the internet for a while without any huge success, but sustainable monthly profits.. we'll be left out because we may not be able to participate as actively..
October 29, 2009
mharward @ 12:36 am:
@Edgar… that's a good point. I don't mean to imply that there has to be a huge time commitment. It's just been my experience that people waste a huge amount of time and money on information and systems they never use. "Shelfware" is what we call it in the software business.
So when I say "participate" I mean those people who are ready to take action… not just collect more information they don't use.
I learned from Gauher Chaudry's forums (once the best in the IM world, imo) that having users that *do* is way more valuable for *everyone* than just having users that pay.
My intention is to have a small band of devastatingly effective marketers who live the lifestyles they desire. My experience says it takes more than just being willing to whip out a credit card to make that happen. It takes committed action.
The amount of time isn't nearly as important as the attitude and willingness to actually do something. I believe that energy and desire is real and meaningful and makes a difference… even in an online community. (I'm also a little bit odd that way… but it certainly works for me.)
Honestly… I'd rather have someone who is committed and doesn't know a thing about internet marketing than someone who buys everything and knows everything but doesn't *do* anything (or expects to push a magic button and have everything done for them).
I really believe that it's not a lack of knowledge that keeps you from having what you say you want… it's a lack of committed action and quality tools that keeps most people stuck.
And I believe you can give a committed person crappy tools and lousy information and they'll still beat a knowledgeable person with good tools… but no commitment.
Now… give that same committed person the *right* knowledge and *quality* tools? Watch out… man (or woman) on fire! And that's *my* goal.
Seriously… I'd love to host a party with my braintrust somewhere in Hawaii next year where cost isn't an issue for anyone and it's 5-stars top to bottom. That happens with commitment and involvement. That's the braintrust I want.
Dave @ 10:02 am:
Excellent thoughts Matt. What caught my eye in your post was the focusing on "alternative" traffic sources. Man I can't say enough about these. I work in a really competitive market and these alternative sources are transforming our business.
Adwords (Search) and SEO still work for us, but are increasingly getting crowded with what I call stupid money.
Vik @ 12:16 pm:
Interesting thought. But, what's to prevent someone from your brain trust to go out and release your information as a paid course to the world and saturate those alternate traffic sources? For example, PPV was a relatively unknown traffic source until someone made a course out of it. Do you plan to have your members sign an NDA?
mharward @ 1:00 pm:
@Vik… I can't keep people from doing that. Even an NDA isn't of much use once the cat's out of the bag.
However, what I can do is (which I'm very good at) is find marketing methods and traffic sources where I can gain a disproportionate advantage because of the technology and tools I use. I can always cut off a user's access to the technology / software.
That's always been a large part of my success. Gain a small advantage and automate the heck out of it for a massive advantage that's not easily attacked.
Can people still rip me off? Sure. If I worry too much about that I'll never do anything. Marketing is inherently public. There's nothing I can do about that. I can be stealthy, though (which I am). And I can push the envelope (which I do). That provides a decent deterrent for most people.
I also know that no matter what I do the methods I'm experimenting with today will be commonplace in 2 years. First mover is a *huge* advantage in this game. I made several hundred thousand dollars in PPV before most people had even heard of it.
Now? Everyone knows about it and I don't get the same profits. But I'm glad I didn't let it stop me in the beginning.
October 30, 2009
Bobcat @ 7:25 am:
I agree. There seems to be an influx of people that talk a good game but lack results. It seems like most people are too busy reading forums/blogs/twitter/facebook or what ever and they forget to actually launch their "million" dollar idea. I think a lot of people are hearing the big numbers a few people are making and thinking its that easy. Internet Marketing is a job, you have to put in the work, some how people forget that. It seems like all the successful people in this job or any have one thing in common. They are unwilling to fail. Sure campaigns may go bust and you may lose some money. The question is when this happens what do you do. Learn from it an go on or pack up and go home?
Ok, enough of my rant. I would love to talk more about automation and new traffic sources.
GEOFF @ 9:36 am:
Glad to see you back posting on your blog.
Yes i think this mastermind group would be a fantastic idea.
With having great tools and sharing new ideas is what takes us forward in the future for great success.
Im with you on google content network and placement targeting is whats working well for me with some ppv traffic.
But we should never keep all traffic sources to one place as if one gets harder to profit from then our business is wiped out keep traffic from various places.
Colby @ 10:37 am:
Count me in! (oh…sorry… Glad you're back!)
I've collected an arsenal of tools that have been very effective in helping me with my IM/AM business. And, I have to admit, after over a year of scratching my head, I can honestly say I was very, VERY happy when I found your blog here. I like the way you think. I like the way you scheme, and manipulate (automate) the mundane so that the most effective use of your time is achieved. SSP, LU, and IAB are now some of my most used tools. I'm SO-O-O-O wishing you'd turn IAB into a more robust program that would put KWRS to shame. Dreamin' perhaps.
Anyway… Keep me at the top of your list. I'm interested in anything you do.
Taylor @ 3:05 pm:
Hi Matt, welcome back, glad to see you posting again. I would love to be in your group, I am a workaholic, retired from Silicon Valley at 38, am now 51 (gasp) and have too many shiny things to play with and no clear direction to follow.
My problem is I like to do so many IM things, none are getting done well. Did all the Gauher courses, Domain flipping, SEO affiliate stuff, JV launches, you name it I probably messed with it.
I work at my computer 10 hours a day, 6 days a week. Point me in the right direction, give me the tools, I'll give you results. Piece of cake.
~Thanks, Taylor
Alvin @ 5:43 pm:
Matt, are we related???
I digg your thinking (our thinking)
Great post, with some mature info….
This post should be available only to those in the soon to be mastermind group as it contains some valuable stuff.
I have recently found your blog and used some of your tools - they rock!
Your mastermind group idea has another fan!
I'm no guru but been burned by a few…
I've worked harder (12-16hr days) than I have ever worked building by AM business. Its not pretty I know, but I started just knowing how to send an email but I've evolved into a online ninja that eats grenades! The big effort now will lay a solid foundation for years to come.
I agree with your far to many newbie comment. (many will get burned and head back to bkcareers.com/jobsearch.aspx)
If Warren Buffet worked in our field he would of already dropped the mainstream traffic sources and be raking it in with the alternative sources.
Wish I could say more but it is 00:37gmt and i have some campaigns to optimize!
Soon,
Alvin
October 31, 2009
Jesse Skeens @ 8:47 am:
Hi agree with what you're saying here. Too many uncreative people saturating techniques, partly due to people selling off these techniques to the masses at every opportunity.
Certainly agree the way forward is with new ideas and keeping these as safe as possible.
Will be checking back to see how your group idea progresses.
tomartomartini @ 10:56 am:
SEO niche{ i dont like the word niche=what i mean is 100000
phrase match KW + 200 SEARCHES a day}marketing is still a doer…..
but its all about tools…so i use market samurai together with the KW blueprint tool[ commission blueprint2 by Steve clayton ]and it requires a high ticket item $30+ … im comfortable doing this as i find it natural to do and brings in constant revenue each month also its a distraction from PPC— content networks & content and placement networks specifically is for me where the bigger money is and this is my focus but only at this time ,,,,
Costs are going up…i used to get $2 for every Uk pound,now i get $1.6o and by june2010 it looks like $1.20-
cripes!
im a tools person[totally addicted];no original thinking on my part;i just focus on implementation and markets…so singapore korea brazil all buoyant economies .
thanx for your blog points
November 1, 2009
Edgar @ 10:07 pm:
Thanks Matt for your reply. Automation is definitely what I need now.. So want to quit my job to focus on IM but circumstances don't permit me to. Just hope the monthly fees won't be overwhelming… I hate to miss this opportunity.
November 3, 2009
Charles Gaudet @ 10:06 am:
Hi Matt!
Yes, please count me in on your mastermind.
Also, if you're ever looking for a good read - consider "The Age of the Unthinkable: Why the New World Disorder Constantly Surprises Us And What We Can Do About It" By: Joshua Cooper Ramo
The general take (and I'm not finished with the book yet) is that the world of the past, thrived and succeeded using the old saying "don't reinvent the wheel" and "if it's not broken, don't fix it" - but, that was easier said in a day where technology and information wasn't as interconnected, complex, widespread and evolving as it is today.
He made several references in the book about how the new world leaders (from political to entrepreneurs) are being born out of a revolutionary paradigm shift - a new way of thinking (adaptive, collaborative, creative & proactive).
Your blog entry marked exactly when I believe Ramo is talking about in his book … the sheep are all competing for the same pasture while the shepherds are already planning ahead for greener fields.
Thank you!
Keep on Rockn'!
Charlie
November 4, 2009
Terence @ 5:17 am:
Matt,
Great to see you're out of your cave again. Missed you guy!
And congrats on the 40th. I can still give you twenty though! Big 4 0 ? Nah. Trivial!
On the question of Brains Trust - have you thought about or done anything with 'kooaba' yet?
Terence.
Ritesh @ 2:12 pm:
Happy 40th and Thanks for sharing your insights and thoughts!
Re- your Nov.4 post: Never figured you for a Mercedes S-class guy, I'm a Porsche man myself
Couldn't agree more with your mindset about taking action and avoiding shelfwares.
Would be very interested in joining your mastermind group whenever you're ready. If you need any help laying the groundwork for getting it up and running, please let me know.
Enjoy your Halloween and best from Silicon Valley.
November 6, 2009
Wes @ 3:08 am:
Matt…
I'd love to be apart of any mastermind that you're doing. I've been using ur tools for some time now and they're nothing but the best. Count me in.
Happy 40! I'm sure you'll do great and amazing things in the next 10.
- Wes
Will @ 6:10 pm:
Hi Matt,
I'm a new member of Gauher's PPVF2, and your post was slightly disheartening to read about the CPV market.
I may not be able to make the buckets of money in CPV that you are used to with your applied programming skills and top tier automations, but I intend to ride in your wake and pick up the slack of what you leave behind, and if I can net 10k a month, I'm golden.
And a big Thank You for your contributions in the PPVF forum.
Aloha,
Will
November 7, 2009
Joe @ 1:25 am:
Hey Matt,
Thanks for the great content - as always! I'm a developer/IM'er myself and have been riding PPV (courtesy of Gauher) full-time for about a year. Your mastermind concept sounds brilliant…count me in for Hawaii!
- Joe