This Is Not Working Out For Me
Aloha Kakou -- Hello Everyone !
Yesterday, 2/12/16, was my 2-month mark as a member with WA -- WooHoo!
It's been Good, Bad, and Ugly --
The Good... the WA "Ohana", or Family -- has been Good; in fact, even better than that -- everyone's been GREAT !! Helpful, Supportive, Encouraging -- and REAL!
The Bad... I'm still stuck on Course 1, Lesson 4 -- so I haven't even created my website yet. Everyone's advice has been to Follow the Training -- Everyone says it will Help. So I stopped spending so much time on the Social Media aspect of WA; went back to Lesson 4... and still couldn't move forward... I felt / I feel completely overwhelmed !!
I'm sooooo NOT Techno-Savvy; I don't know techno terminology; not even the basics...
What is HTML? What is its purpose? How do I apply it in creating my website?
What is URL? What is its purpose? How do I apply it in creating my website?
What's a Link? What is its purpose? How do I apply it in creating my website?
What's a Widget? Plugin? Home Page? Landing Page? And so on, and so forth.
The Ugly... I'd have to "Google" everything, which is VERY Time Consuming; then I'd get even more confused with the definitions, and still no understanding on "How To" do anything! I felt like a Deer-With-No-Eyes (No Eye Deer... get it? No Eye Deer = No Idea... 'kay... ne-VER mind... bah-dum-bump) -- I started Questioning myself:
WTH did I get Myself into? Why Am I Doing this to Myself? Who Do I Think I'm Fooling?!
Which leads me to believe... This is not working out for me.
Not ready to give up, I went to see my Uncle Flynn, who used to work for Microsoft, hoping he could enlighten me... I explained to him the WA Program, thinking he'd offer some advice or guidance... but nooooOOOOOOoooooo... instead, he responded with doubt and apprehension -- but before he elaborated, he asked me to walk him through the Lessons, up to the point where I was stuck at -- which I did (Course 1, Lesson 4).
His immediate response: Why isn't there a Vocabulary Lesson before you get to Creating A Website? I was like, RIGHT? THAT's what I-I-I thought too !! Especially for newbies like me -- I told him there were LIVE Training sessions, and that I had "attended" the one on Terminology (hosted by Jay on 1/22/16)...that I even took "old-school style" hand-written notes: SEO, SEM, PPC, CPC, SERP, CTA, etc., etc. --
I was excited at first, because I was able to follow along... for the most part; but then it got waaaaay too advanced for me... Meta This, Meta That, 404 Error, 301 ReDirect, Canonical Tag, Latent Semantic Indexing -- oi vey!! I Completely Lost My Mind !!
Then he said, that the WA Program seemed to be more Sales & Marketing oriented in its Lessons, as opposed to teaching Techno-Terms and Applications. I was like, S&M is where I HAVE experience and can probably go far in this business -- once I learn the Techno-Terms and Applications... but until then, I'm going nowhere, real fast.
He went on to say that he used to be involved in an Affiliate Marketing Program, which was more Techno/Applications oriented and cost less; he recommended it for me, and said he'd help me. I asked him what happened? Why did he stop? He said it didn't work out for him -- that he didn't make money, so he gave it up...
He went even further to say that WA seems to be comparable to MLM... only the people at the Top are making the money, and that I'm getting ripped off @ $47+ per month; he recommended that I get out of it.
I. Was. MORTIFIED! My Heart Sank; My Hopes and Dreams dashed in a matter of minutes; POP! Goes the sound of my big bubble bursting... What's a Girl To Do?
So I went back to The Good... socializing with the WA Family; I shared my concerns about Techno-Terms and Applications... about other members who started after me, had already gotten a better Rank and had more Followers... but I was advised by a few members, that I shouldn't be concerned about that part of the business right now -- that getting my website up and running is waaaaaay more important at this stage; that I shouldn't feel pressured by how others are doing... and that going at MY Pace is O.K.
Honestly? I'm not so concerned with Other People doing better than me, per se... what concerns me about Other People doing better than me, is that they started after me and yet they already "Get It"... I'm simply Not Getting It... it makes me feel like maybe I'm just not cut out for this -- maybe it's not my path to follow; maybe I need to be REAL with myself and Admit... This Is Not Working Out For Me --
But I'm Still Here... hanging on to HOPE... writing my 2-Months-into-WA BLOG... procrastinating Lesson 4... yet again... Now What? Heavy Sigh...
Recent Comments
142
My niche is inspiration and motivation and I want you to know that I am here for you. PM me if you like and I will try to coach you through all of this. What you are experiencing is normal at this point and it is crucial to have the support you need to press on. Please read my blogs, and visit my sites. Sometimes friends and relatives can unknowingly sabotage our efforts by basing their comments on their own knowledge and experience. It's best to seek out the support of those who have overcome the very things that you are going through. Advice is good but direction is what you really need now.
It's a good thing to face trials. It's in them that you develop the faith it takes to persevere and achieve the greatness that you know you are capable of.
AWESOME !! Thank you for your response -- the words of encouragement are very much appreciated!
I agree -- Direction is exactly what I need... knowing that I have support from those who have been through the same trials and tribulations means a lot --
Mahalo nui !
Holly
There is no need to know everything to start. Keep it simple. If you know you niche, open wordpress, select a theme or template and write your first article. Pick a topic in your niche that interests you and write 600 to 1000 words. Inserting a couple pictures isn't any harder than inserting into an email or MS Word, so insert a couple and then publish it. Presto, you have a website. A one post website to be sure, but you will have started. Then write a new post every couple of days.
Try to use dome words in the first paragraph and title that people may search for in Google for your niche.
Get some posts under your belt then worry about more advanced stuff. Don't let yourself get frozen into inaction.
Also, my experience has been if you want advice about a business, ask someone who has done it successfully. If you wanted advice on how to run a marathon would you ask someone who has run 10 of them or someone who thought about it once but quit?
Not trying to be harsh, just saying sometimes you just have to dive in and take action
Sincerely,
Xin
Hi Xin
I like what you said above.
I'm a newbie too and had a few frustrating times. In addition to the Affiliate bootcamp training (my niche will be promoting WA) I read Kyles, WaysToAvoidScamsOnline which helped give me some ideas around what a well designed website looks like, easy and enjoyable content, keyword rich domain name. I haven't started my website yet cos I'm still trying to find a suitable and available keyword rich domain name. Happy days....
I wouldn't get too hung up on the domain name. What really counts is creating content.
Best wishes,
Xin
Thank you for your response Xin --
I didn't realize a website could be created through WordPress... I've been simply following the training course -- which doesn't mention that method or procedure in creating a website... or maybe I missed it? I don't even know what WordPress IS, much less, how to use it... don't know what dome words are either, for that matter...
I agree with you about asking someone "in the know" -- which is why I went to see my Uncle who used to work for Microsoft, thinking he would have great advice since he worked in the field of technology for years, and was successful at it; in fact, he is the "go to" guru whenever anyone in the family has computer problems -- his response to my membership in WA was unsolicited and completely unexpected... I was hoping for techno help, not career guidance... but what can I say about that? Nothing much, really; I am just grateful that he took the time to share his knowledge, for a nominal fee of $free.99 --
I also agree that sometimes we have to just Dive Right In... and I used to be that way... in my much younger day... brave, curious... uninhibited... reckless... but as I grew older and experienced Life as it was, I also grew wiser; I have come to realize, there's a lot to be said about doing research and getting information about the water and the location before I dive in; but I'm not going to "dive" into that right now... I do, however, think you've just inspired a (600-1000 words) topic -- lol !
And I don't think you're being harsh... maybe a little bit intrepid... but "harsh" is not what comes to mind --
Again, thank you for your response; I do appreciate Your time and effort --
I am at my son's swimming meet. When I get home I will reply with a couple of links to videos which will step you through creating a website in a couple of minutes. Kyle has some training. I think this will help get you started.
Sincerely,
Xin
Hi,
This will step you through creating a website and accessing it in WordPress and some WordPress basics. It is a good starting point for you at this point, I think. Create a Website in Under 30 Seconds The Basics of WordPress - Part 1: Functionality Features Hope this helps.
Sincerely,
Xin
Hi there, I have been in WA about the same amount of time as you have and I too feel overwhelmed at times. There is a lot of information to digest, valuable information that will benefit you and your business from now on. Don't feel pressured to keep up with anyone else, learn at your own pace and if you have to Goggle the terms to understand them......Google on......but keep pushing on! Good luck and stay the course! -Tracy
Mahalo Tracy !
'preciate you taking the time to respond, relate to my situation, and share words of encouragement; every little bit helps !!
Holly
I'm also deciphering what I need to learn first but in the video lesson plan it walks right through the 3-click website creation. It'll work out, and you'll be surprised how easy it is to get your website.
1.Scroll to the left hand 'Site Rubix' Box and click it open.
2. Another box will open with several options. You'll want the left hand
column and click 'site builder.' and it will show you step by step, and a basic site can be created in a couple of minutes or less, 3 clicks.
Howzit (which means "wassup?" in Hawaii) --
My niche is "Everything Kauai"... Things To Do, Places To Go, People To See --
The name of the website will be similar to my User Name:
Ask Ms Kauai
I'm hoping to make commissions on referring traffic, and sales on products I've made myself.
Any advice or guidance on the techno stuff is more than welcomed --
Hey Holly - thanks for being so open about your doubts and fears. And please believe me when I say I can relate to all of them! I'm pretty new here, too, and just the other day I was thinking how overwhelming the tech end of this is.
It's easy to feel frustrated and discouraged, especially when you don't have a background in online business. I think that just means we'll progress at a slower rate, that's all. If we keep gathering the pieces, they will eventually all come together and the bigger picture will make sense.
I suggest you take a break tonight and do something you enjoy. Then tomorrow, check back in to Lesson 4 with fresh eyes and hopefully more energy. Learn what you can, and apply it. Then, even if it doesn't make total sense, move on to Lesson 5 and so on.
Good for you for hanging in - keep it up!
Heather :)
Thank you !
It helps to hear from someone who is walking in the same shoes; it makes it easier for me to believe in your ability to relate to my situation and trust your recommendations --
Mahalo,
Holly
Hi there, aloha! I've been here for about 3 months and I too felt overwhelmed, i too have very little back ground in this industry and too need to reference material from the training. Just so you know I'm only on course 2 lesson 10. Not too far ahead of you. :)
I have to say I was going to pack it in, but thought I just want to accomplish one step at a time. Now my website is coming together. And it's MUCH easier now than at the beginning.
Hang in there, you can do it.
If you need help I'll do my best to help.
James
Keep smiling!!!!!
Thank you for sharing your story... and for the words of encouragement -- it really helps, and I appreciate it --
Mahalo,
Holly
So sorry to hear you are having a difficult time of it. Firstly, what is your niche? Or are you going down the "promote wealthy affiliate" route?
I am a huge sceptic, but I can't agree that WA is like MLM. You don't *have* to promote WA (I don't). You can use the green training to work for your own niche, there are also other resources out there (not WA) that I can share with you by PM if you are having problems finding a niche. WA is a great training resource (and a web hosting platform). That's what you are paying for, not to be part of MLM type marketing.
Setting up the website is hard, but I promise you, it does get easier. I am a total moron when it comes to technical things, but if you don't understand, do ask questions, so many people are happy to help :) I hope it gets better for you.
Mahalo for your feedback... reeeeally appreciate it !
I chose to do the green training program -- My niche is "Everything Kauai"... Things To Do, Places To Go, People To See --
The name of the website will be similar to my User Name:
Ask Ms Kauai
I'm hoping to make commissions on referring traffic to:
- Amazon.com to purchase a guidebook;
- an Activities Agency which has an Affiliate Program;
- Local companies (friends/family) that would pay me cash for referring business (ie: weddings, local made products, and private tour guides)
Eventually, I want to promote WA and make referral commissions on that... but that's waaaaay down the road, once I learn about the business; then I can effectively promote it.
So you see, finding a niche, product sales, writing content... are parts of the business that I find motivating; techno stuff? Not so much --
It takes time, If you are new to this it can seem overwhelming but the community here will be happy to help you out, I would research the words you do not understand, Ask the live chat, Ask questions on the community page, I will be more than happy to help, Keep going and it will pay off in the long run.
Mahalo Matteo !!
That was Quick -- sheesh !!
Your response is exactly why I prefer to immerse myself in the Socializing part of this business... the encouragement, the support... makes me feel good about myself -- not bad or ugly...
What's the Community Page?
Thanks again,
Holly
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Oh dear me I've walked in your shoes. About A year ago I went to WordPress and decided to make my own website. I stumbled I fumbled and I cried a lot. I had also looked into affiliate marketing after I joined a very bad company. Wealthy affiliate is not a company where someone at the top makes all the money and the little guys at the bottom make nothing. It doesn't work that way. No one has pressured me to produce since I came here. There is no one standing over me with a whip telling me what to do. If someone above me were gaining from me gaining that would be the case. I know this because I've been through it before. Please put that out of your mind. My suggestion for you is to go into YouTube. There you will find tons and tons and tons of tutorials on every aspect of web building you can get. There will be one on a plug-in then one on a widget etc etc. YouTube has all the answers to any questions that you have.
Wealthy affiliate is wonderful and also has the answers but you have to take it step-by-step over the long term. I used the instructions from Kyle on wealthy affiliate to get my website for set up and get going. Then I set up my website design from scratch following a YouTube video. It was amazing. I took more training from Kyle. Then I use the YouTube video to finish it off. Please feel free to look at my website and ask questions. I even have a posting on my site with the YouTube video I used. I will be more than happy to help you in anyway that I can. My site http://freelancewithcopyhound.com
In any case do not give up!!!! My site is up and running with thousands of visitors per month but I am still taking Kyles training. It is there to help you. We are all here to help. You don't have to be the rabbit to succeed. Remember the tortoise ends up winning the race.
Thank you sooooo much for that response !! Brought tears to my eyes... seriously !!
And thank you for using the Tortoise/Hare story as an Analogy to illustrate my situation... that is exactly what I've been thinking -- I'm a tortoise, watching everybody whiz on by --
It really helps to be reminded by someone "outside looking in", who's been there, done that, and can relate to my experiences... it helps me realize that I'm not alone in being "TUNed" -- Technologically UN-inclined; it's just the kind of encouragement I need right now, and makes me feel very hopeful -- Thank You !
And thank you for the advice regarding the training and the YouTube tutorials; I will "stay the course", FINISH the race... and remind myself that I'm not racing against time or anyone else; in fact, I'm not even in a race... but rather, I'm on a Journey... learning along the way... following a path that has been paved by others, who may or may not have been in the same boat, but certainly have made it easier for me to get to my Destination.
Mahalo nui loa -- thank you very much!
Holly
Hey there - your analogy of the tortoise and the hare was one of the very first blogs I wrote here at WA and I was VERY comfortable comparing myself with the SLOW AND STEADY tortoise (that I STILL AM!) and am ALSO CREEPING ALONG at an EXTREMELY SLOW rate in my mind. But SLOW AND STEADY WINS THE RACE!!!!! We are ALL in this together and can help each other succeed, so DO MOT GIVE UP!!!!
You've got it now sister. You will make it. Blessings to you.