Positive Pearl is Turning into Negative Nancy
Hello my fellow Wealthy Affiliate community. I always try to be so positive within this exceptional world of affiliate marketing world, but today I find myself having much difficulty and I thought that maybe just a little self-expression would set me back in gear!
I have been a member of the Wealthy Affiliate community for just over two years now. Wow... I feel that this is an enormous amount of time. I will admit that I tend to re-dedicate myself to my website every couple of months. I cycle. I will work on it every free chance that I have for a couple of months and then I tend to just let it slide for a couple of months.
I am ranked in google for about 50 keywords and have 2 keywords that tend to stay within the top 10 ranks. I am so very proud of this accomplishment. I absolutely LOVE checking my stats and that usually gives me the motivation that I need to get back at it... not today.
I have really been focused on quality content very consistently for the last 10 weeks. I am talking about devoting a minimal of 30 hours per week to it!
However... today I feel as though I am simply and quite frankly wasting my time and I hate feeling this way! My website just doesn't seem to be getting the exposure out there in the internet world that I feel it deserves.
I have over 19,000 visits to my website. It took over 2 years to slowly get those visits. Yet... I have sold literally 3 items for a grand total of about $150 and obtained adsense funds in the amount of $9. And... you all know what I have spent on my membership! It has been TWO years guys... TWO YEARS!!! What am I doing wrong? Is it really worth the continued investment of time, money and energy.
I hear ALL of these success stories of people that have been involved within this community in a matter of months! What is my problem?
I have always held onto the belief that ANY DAY it could happen; that I would just wake up and see that overnight something drastic had occurred and all of my efforts were finally being rewarded. Nope... not happening and I am beginning to feel that it will NEVER happen! )):
I don't want Negative Nancy to defeat Positive Pearl, but I just am questioning this whole process.
ANY words of wisdom OR advice during this little pity party of mine would truly be welcomed. I have NEVER quit at anything throughout my entire life, but I feel myself getting to that point.
I am NOT marketing my website on this blog but I am truly wanting honest comments of feedback to let me know if it is just time to throw in the towel. The feedback that I do receive through site rubix is always so positive yet I feel that I am getting nowhere!
Please HELP! I don't want this journey to be over!
Recent Comments
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To be honnest... some images are hard to look at and do not encourage me to look further... perhaps level of access might help (not big confront)
Uh... just a thought
Thank you for your honesty. I have always had completely mixed reviews on this exact topic. I was going for the WOW factor... but it may not be working!
I think IvyT has hit the nail on the head. Rethinking conversion methods, call to action, enticing 'buy now'.
Omg, even when I understand the anatomy of a promotion, I can still be the one standing up and screaming 'take my money!!!' at the end of a good pitch.
I think all the elements are there, they just need to be re-ordered around a style of writing that appeals to immediacy and great need.
I clicked on your post because your title made me chuckle. Sorry! But you must have some ok skills if your site is bringing in visitors. It's not the end. You brought in me!
I wonder if your site just needs a little more attention to detail on conversion methods? Maybe it's not always obvious that THIS IS THE MOMENT TO BUY, maybe you need some more leadpages, longform promotions, and more exciting calls to action?
Sometimes little tweaks can go a long way. I'll check your site later in the evening and PM you, OK?
We are gong into a long weekend here in oz, and I have so much time to surf! I loved visiting your site. Thanks for sharing. Here are a few suggestions for you.
I think you've got lots of good material to work with. But to make your marketing more compelling:
1. Promote yourself as a personal brand a little more. I love the sound of keeping up to date with Dr Misty. 'Get the lowdown on beautiful feet with Dr Misty, your friendly foot doctor!'
2. See how your writing style might be further polished to incorporate some good lessons from sale copy. Use descriptive writing that helps readers to project into both problem and solution.
3. You stand by your name and your professional credentials. You could invite further engagement with these by styling an open letters section to Dr Mandy, where you intermittently answer questions from the public.
4. Make the site visually irresistible to explore. Visual enticements might come in the form of dynamic post listings with bright pictures.
For ease on the eyes and to encourage more wandering, also see how much smaller your paragraphs can be, ensuring a good amount of white space around all your fields. If you can buy a few good books on the 'grids' concept of design, this will make more sense.
5. How about some interesting 'did you know' articles from the world of feet? And maybe some infographics branded with your site name on the same? These are hot on Pinterest, and a great way to bring in another source of traffic.
6. If you are planning on a regular publishing schedule, you might want to consider an email newsletter too. Add a popup call to action if you do, inviting subscriptions, to make sure that people return!
I can see a well-developed blog easily becoming a way by which your name and business become better known, and as a means for developing even further professional connections and opportunities to write and speak.
You have a fabulous germ of an idea in your blog, and I have no doubt that your consistent efforts and consideration of feedback are going to have a great effect on your professional online presence.
Good morning Ivy and wow!!! Thank you soooo much for all of this advice! I am going to definitely be breaking down all of this information and see just how I can make these incorporations into my site.
I appreciate ALL of this SOOO much today. My plan today is going to be to really evaluate my site and work on implementing this valuable feedback. So... I may be coming back with some questions for ya! lol!
Thanks again and I hope that you have a fabulous day!
Just read your feedback below and thank you soooo much! I am getting busy today on your recommendations!
No worries! I'll write in private about one particular post, with examples of how I might edit it - in private so we don't get duplicate content indexed here. It'll be the sales review page for your laser treatment item. And a few examples of how to use a sales funnel.
But all the suggestions you have here right now should be enough to get you started. :)
Hang in there - it will happen. However, maybe you need to try something different - shake it up. I'm doing exactly that next Monday and joining this group Gogetters Project Final Update Before Lift Off - Are you in with me? We've got this girl!!
I just went and read about the Gogetters! Wow... that sounds truly amazing! I did have a few questions that I did ask. Pending those answers then I am definitely in.
This may have come absolutely at the perfect time for me!
Thanks so much for introducing me to this option. If it is something that I am able to do in the wee hours of the night, then I am in. If there are activities that MUST be performed throughout the day time then I will be hesitant to commit!
It sounds totally awesome. I hope that as long as you can put in the hours and complete assignments that at what time you have to utilize to do that won't matter!
Thanks again so much! I am anxiously awaiting his answers!
Given that we are a worldwide website there will always be someone working at a different time. He did say that it is up to you to set your work times. I'm based in Australia, and as such, would be working when you should be sleeping, so I don't see you working at night a hindrance! It is always day somewhere in the world.
Great point Megan! It is looking as though I am committing! I am so excited!!! Wooohooooo! Let's do this!
First of all, Hang in there. Absolutely awesome website! As with a lot of things in life, a lot of people feel that way right before hitting the gold (if they don't quit digging). I am new on WA but I am a consumer and have sold on Amazon for three years. A couple of things I noticed: On entering the site, I wish I knew that you were a Podiatrist. It would have built credibility immediate. Maybe add a line to your banner at the top "Written by the frugal podiatrist". Secondly, on a few of the Amazon items, I saw a low number of consumer feedbacks. Most consumers don't leave feedback. But one item for example had 1 feedback left, a second had less than 15 feedbacks. That's an indication that the items don't (for whatever reason) sell that well. WIth Amazon, the number of reviews provide social proof to consumers and that has a a big influence on Amazon page conversion rates. Lastly, I'd somehow shorten the number of clicks a person has to make before buying. With each click demanded, there is a fallout rate. Those are some thoughts. Please take them the right way as I'm just trying to help.
I completely and truly appreciate your feedback!
Your recommendation for a way to distinguish myself is a wonderful idea! My project for tomorrow will definitely be to figure that out!
The consumer review idea is also one that I completely over-looked, but after you saying it makes TOTAL sense. I will definitely look at these when I am searching for content ideas in the future. Marvelous!
I do understand your concern over the number of clicks it takes to actually be able to purchase the item. In some of the training it had mentioned to have one page with no external links for every page that does have an external link. If I recall correctly, it was said that if you had external links on every page that google would view this as too salesy and therefore it would hurt your rankings. Do you have any additional thoughts on this?
Again... I truly appreciate your advice and will definitely be incorporating it into my site! Thank you!
You are very welcome. I will have to leave the question of number of external links to the experts here (as I am a newbie to WA and yet to pick a niche). That does make sense though. I'll gladly help with Amazon selling questions though. I learned the ins and outs of what sells on Amazon the hard way (smiles).
Hi, the advice is not so much about external links as it is about balancing informative advice with marketing content. So, they mean, not too many marketing links.
But outbound links to authoritative sources (make sure your blog settings open these in a new window), are an important signifier of the value of your blog. And, as the amount of shareable content you produce increases, you will hopefully begin to see links back to your articles, too.
Just remember, what made the idea of the web special to begin with, was the possibility of links between information. This is a source of information in itself, and is the underpinning MO of web and search engines still.
Don't believe the warnings about outbound links causing you to lose visitors. Having a substantial number of diverse, quality links back in and out, is what helps to rank you and drive traffic to your doorstep.
I just did a search on Quora about Toe Nail Fungus and there is a lot of questions there. I can't post the link here because the link contains parameters for the search, but there were lot's of questions on Toe Nail Fungus alone.
TTFN
Frank
Hi Misty,
I definitely understand your frustration about the results you've been getting for your site. You have a great site, and I've read most of your posts. You are doing a great service for people. And I can tell you've put your heart and soul into it.
Is there any related forums that you can participate in?
I'm also thinking that Quora may be a good place to answer question about anything foot related. Quora is always looking for professionals to answer questions, and these professionals tend to get more up-votes for their participation and answers-which would also lead to more exposure for your site.
These are just a couple of ideas, and I'm sure others will respond with more suggestions.
Right now, I'm going to go share a post or two of yours to my social networks :) I have a few friends that do manis and pedis, nail art and such, so I know that they'd share information related to nail problems with their clients.
TTFN
Frank
Thank you for understanding my frustration Frank. I appreciate your kind comments.
I was just kind of at my wits end today, but I seem to have found a new sense of motivation.
I hadn't even thought of forums before. I will definitely be looking into Quora. That sounds like something that I would really enjoy all the while helping my site out too! Thank you for that wonderful idea.
You soooo didn't have to share my posts, but that was very kind of you to do and I sincerely appreciate you reaching out to help!
Thanks again for everything!
Great advice and help, Frank!
Misty I'll share your site (or posts) in my social networks too.
~ Julia
That totally wasn't necessary Jewelia, but thank you so much! You don't know how much I truly appreciate all of you!
I did check out Quora and this may definitely benefit my site. I do have a question for ya as I am totally unfamiliar with it.
1. When answering questions, can you simply answer with a one liner and then link your site OR must you write an article simply for this site.
It still takes me some time to write an article that I feel confident presenting. If I did have to write an entire article, I am wondering if that would take to much time away from my contribution to my website.
If I were to copy and paste information from my website... would that hurt me with google rankings? Would it appear to be duplicate material and make my website not unique?
These may sound like silly questions... just trying to figure it all out!
This was my response to this question on live chat... What are your thoughts?
"If you are doing putting your website link on forums to try and build back links, I wouldn't recommend it. Google updated their algorithims quite recently and they have punished many people for that"
I really don't know what the problem is. Your site looks wonderful to me - I can see why you are getting very good feedback. The problem you are helping people to cure is very common. I've been there myself. I got scared several years ago seeing that my nails were thickening and changing color. I've been searching all the information I could find on the topic. I hope Kyle will look and give you an advice. If your site does not bring you revenue, then I am concerned...
I wish you'll get some helpful feedback, and it's something very little that we are overlooking, and it's easy enough to fix. All the best to you and good luck!
~ Julia
Thank you so much for your kind words Jewelia! I have a renewed sense of faith now lol! I am just going to keep giving it my all and hopefully one day I will reap the rewards! (:
Are you finding that you are ranking within the first few pages of google but STILL just not getting those conversions?
I did years ago when I had a photo with my blogs. I think the photo did the trick. I never bother to look for it now a days.
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Building this business is an every week thing, not every couple of months when you feel like it. I'm sorry if I'm being harsh with my words, but that's the reality of building a blog. If you're not active on it, search engines will start to not rank it and let your site slide down the rankings.
I've been at my online business at least mon-fri for 16 months. The training works! My income is now monthly, consistent, and grows each month, and I'm in a terribly more competitive niche than you are. I have over 320 posts on my blog with traffic hitting 500+ sessions a day.
Your niche is great and I bet will not need as many posts as I do to make even more money than I do in a shorter time, if you are doing your keyword research right and doing all the things you should be doing for each post.
Why it works for some and why it doesn't is simple, some work at it everyday, and some don't.
Some also find the successful members and ask them questions, see what they're doing that you're not.
You simply cannot just build it for couple months, then take off a couple months and keep it going like that. If you want this to be a thriving business, you need to work on it on a consistent basis.
I hope this will help you! :)
Grace
I completely appreciate your honesty here. I am really beginning to realize this fact.
Before... I validated this by excuses. My medical practice, my children and their busy activities, my husband and housework. Kind of overwhelming sometimes.
But actually... I have now committed to the Gogetters which starts in just over a week. Definitely NO MORE EXCUSES!
Thanks again so much!
This is wonderful to hear and you will have lots of encouragement/motivation to commit to it every week at least. :)
But having a medical practice could get in the way! LOL. Gosh, why do you need to do this if you have a medical practice? :)
Thank you!
Well... I eventually want to retire lol and the sooner the better! I am in private practice and with insurances going the way that they are... let's just say that I don't make even close to what I used to. I will leave it at that to avoid my blood pressure escalating lol!
Gee, you must be in the States too then. Lol. Yeah I can imagine, insurance is awful... as bad as taxes. :)
Well, this is a good plan to have then so dedicate a full year of hard work on your site, and you'll see a huge difference... Maybe even do Jay's videos too to make sure you're doing everything you need for SEO for your posts.
Building content is key because more keywords, more traffic, more traffic, more sales. Have you looked at Dylan's strategy?? He's awesome, he can build a site in 6 months and pocket $2K. His 7th month was $4K (for xmas).
Look at his blogs, they are full of awesome info and then look at his training he made (latest I think) on how he does his strategy that was explained in his blogs.
Good luck to you!
Grace
Yes maam! I am in Texas!
I will check out both Jay's and Dylan's information. Thanks so much for this recommendation!
Sorry, forgot to give you Dylan's info: https://my.wealthyaffiliate.com/dylanrieger
Thanks so much again!