Here are a few Wealthy Affiliate tips that I have put together which I hope will be of use especially for new members. These are specifically designed to help you as you begin the training and engage with the online community at WA, which can seem a bit daunting when you’re just starting. Since I have found the training to be more than thorough and the people on here to be extremely genuine and helpful, these are my initial thoughts on how to make the best of the first couple of weeks.

1. Follow the training in order

This may sound a bit simple but I have found myself sometimes trying to skip forward in my eagerness to get started or to jump ahead to know more. However what I’ve learned is that the training is extremely well-structured and is offered in a way that helps you really learn about every aspect in a time-ordered fashion. There are no short cuts and where I have tried to jump ahead, I have discovered that the answer is inevitably found in the training at the point I really needed it. So follow the training and all will be answered.

2. Take the recommended actions
Again another ‘simple’ tip but taking action is the key to your success. Many people will have ideas, some will make decisions based on those ideas, but only a few will take the necessary actions to bring those dreams into reality. And those are the ones reaping the rewards.

3. Make your own notes

Most of the training is available in written form and also video walkthroughs and I have found both to be very useful in getting the information across. I also used a notebook to create some of my own notes on each topic, starting each topic on a new page of the book and noting down the lesson number at the top of the page. This has been invaluable as I could easily refer back to it when I wanted to check over something again and couldn’t remember exactly which lesson it was in. I found everything easily in my notebook. It’s obviously also simple to search online but for basic things like setting up your website, remembering to update the software and enabling keywords etc., it was great to refer to my own notes without having to swap between browser pages all the time.

4. Join in with the community and ask if you need help
Don’t be afraid to ask questions, however simple they may seem. There is always someone online to help you, whether you are using the ‘question’ button found under the pen icon at the top of the page, or joining in the online chat room. There is so much help available here at Wealthy Affiliates from well-meaning and informed people. So if you need help, just ask. As a bonus, this will also boost your ranking as a member, which is also a fun way to chart your activity and progress.

5. Follow some members but be personal

Building up a network is vital as we are all here to create a new life and I have found that establishing relationships with people can really boost your confidence, help you when you get stuck and expand your personal support network. However, I have personally always read the profile of the person I am following and tried to leave a personal comment to reflect that. It’s good to realise that there are human beings behind all the usernames and we all like to be recognised for being unique, so try to engage people by showing a real interest in them and their situation. It will create better relationships in the long run.

6. Answer posts and comments in a timely manner

It’s good to know that the things we write are actually being read. Acknowledging comments with a ‘thank you’ takes a small amount of time but makes us all feel that our input is welcomed and valued. Even a ‘like’ can show that we have read the comment although I do personally try to leave a reply to show I have read the answers people have kindly left.

7. Start an ideas book

This could be electronic or an actual book or notepad but I have found that I have so many ideas flowing now that I don’t want to lose them. Writing things down in a book means that I can retain the idea whilst not having it circulating in my head all day. And I can then come back to it another time to take it further.

8. Begin writing

Commit to writing something each day. It’s part of the actions you need to take to be successful. You don’t need to write ‘War and Peace’ and it doesn’t need to be perfect to start with, but get into the habit of writing a few paragraphs and publishing them either on your webpage or your WA blog every day. And if you don’t feel you are ready to publish them yet, then write them in SiteContent or your blog and save them for later.

9. Be excited but be realistic

There is so much opportunity here and it really is yours for the taking. However the old phrase “Rome wasn’t built in a day” comes to mind because I recognise that there is a lot of work to be done to get up and running before the money starts to flow. The rewards are there and there are many testimonials to that, but Wealthy Affiliates is not a get rich quick scheme. However it is a genuine online business opportunity that you can build in your own time to secure your future.

10. Get some sleep

It’s addictive on here, especially if you are motivated, excited and want to succeed, which most of us do! However not getting enough sleep will slow you down and dampen your creative ideas so be strict, and turn off the computer in time to get some well-deserved rest. There's always tomorrow.

So that’s it – my top 10 tips for new members here at Wealthy Affiliates. I hope you find them useful and wish you all the best in building your online business.