1 Week at Wealthy Affiliate
Normally I write part time for Demand Studios (eHow, etc.), which is decent work but I'm always looking for new markets in case that dries up. That's how I stumbled across the WA website.
It's pretty much understood among writers who work for content mills that we would be better off running our own niche websites, and I actually knew quite a bit about the process already. I was familiar with SEO writing, social marketing and blog design. The thing is, there's a lot of risk and a lot of time overhead involved, so it was always really hard to get started, especially because I have two young kids and not much free time.
Anyway, I clicked on the WA link and signed up for the free program. Why not? I'm broke, and I'll try any crazy idea at least once. Half an hour later I was building my first content website. I stayed up way too late, and before morning I had decided to subscribe for a month to check out the premium resources.
So far, I've made good progress. I finished certification courses one and two, and am currently more than halfway through three and four. I built, designed and optimized a website. I created some content (about 15 pages total), published and promoted it as described.
So, how am I doing? Well, my website is listed third in the Google results for my primary keyword phrase. I started tracking my site stats two days ago, and they quickly increased from 8 to 15 to 33 unique hits. My rank on WA also rose much more quickly than I expected, from over 100,000 when I signed up to around 500. I've worked through a lot of the material and I have to admit that I've learned a ton, despite my previous experience. More importantly, though, having a step-by-step program and community like this made it easy for me to get motivated to do the things I knew I should be doing.
But...and this is a big deal...I don't think I've made a single cent yet. I know this is a long game, but I'm not sure how long I can afford to pay for a premium membership on my current content-writer's wages. Also, I've had website traffic better than this before, though not nearly so quickly. What I haven't done is convert it to any significant income. While I don't expect a big payoff quickly, I do hope to see some income in the next three weeks, so I can feel justified in subscribing for another month.
Will it happen? I'm not sure, but I will let you know how my second week goes soon.
Recent Comments
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Congratulations.Keep up the good work and for sure the results you are looking for will come your way.
It is nice to see someone embrace this completely. Yes it takes time to build a following, keep at it. Drop back to the Starter membership if necessary. Many of the tutorials are available at the lower level but are less effectively organized. Once you learn how to navigate the system you can find a huge amount of information here.
Enhance and promote your site. You will see the traffic grow by leaps and bounds.
Participate in forums related to your niche and find the pulse of what people are looking for. Give it to them and direct them to your site for more related information.
You will get there.
Congratulations
wow Honestly I have to say I am very jealous I am not looking forward to the content writ ing it is so hard for me to put my thought in to words, I will watch you and I hope I can learn Good job.
Kymee
Yeah, well, I'm here for the writing, I normally write ten plus articles a week for my job, on topics I don't choose, so this is like a vacation for me :) But we are all starting out with different strengths.
Wow, congratulations on the speed w/ which you implemented a lot of the things you've been learning. With that kind of drive & commitment, you'll definitely do well. I look forward to hearing about your progress over the next few weeks. Good luck!
Great I love go getters .. and please do ask for any help even if it's a pair of eyes and an ear to listen - keep going you'll get on the good foot soon enough I can feel it!
Congratulations. You have done a huge amount in one week and should be proud of your achievements. You say that you understand that it is a long term game - which means you either find a way to pay for premium membership or you revert to the starter membership and access some of the other training materials available. The time span in which people start to make money varies.
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I'm impressed with your writing, this was uplifting and encouraging for me. I will continue to try, but I don't have nearly the experience with this, but you've put this in perspective for me. Thank you and much success in your business!!
Do or not do, there is no try. Yoda
thanks, I'm glad you liked it. But I hear that experience is not needed here, anyway :)
Labman, I will DO, because the power of the tongue can determine how far you go, so I'm positive in saying that I'm going all the way!! Thanks!