I’m At a Crossroads. The Problem With The Internet Marketing Niche.

73 | Posted In Life & Mindset by David

I’m at a bit of a crossroads in my business.

No, nothing bad is happening. However, I am looking at the way forward and thinking of making some changes. Some of it has to do with some of my various observations in the internet marketing niche.

One has to evolve, and we can’t keep doing things the “old” way and expect them to keep working. Let me attempt to explain… :)

The Synopsis

Rather than beat around the bush for awhile, let me just state what I’m thinking about.

I’m looking ahead and wondering if I really want to keep being in the business of creating information products. At least related to blogging or making money. And I’m thinking about getting into software development in some fashion.

Why I Got Into This

As most of you guys knows, I was a tech blogger for about a decade well before I started DavidRisley.com. While I don’t post over on PCMech as much as I used to, I’m still very interested in technology. I’m a geek at heart. :)

I also love business and love the drive of creating a successful business. Being that I had done it in the tech world and I clearly enjoyed it, I started DavidRisley.com so that I could talk about this other passion of mine. And, because I am a businessman, it didn’t take me long to move into creating my first information product in this market.

I enjoy helping people, and I REALLY want to help people escape the boring rat race that is a 9-5 job.

Today, I have 5 information products in this “blogging” niche. Well, one of them (Time Master Formula) isn’t really about blogging at all, but still, I was launching it to bloggers primarily.

Why I’m Thinking About Switching Gears

The reality is that there’s only so much I can say. It gets to a point where my customers just need to get off their ass and do something.

Those customers of mine who went off to do great things… they were the hustlers. They’re the ones who get out there and take action. Honestly, my product was just a cog in their system. I don’t take the credit for them making money with their blogs. The REAL credit is because they hustled and made it happen.

The rest don’t do much of anything. And that bothers me. Bigtime. When I have customers who pay me almost $500 for Blog Masters Club and then don’t finish it – much less use it – that bothers me. Some people might be OK with just pocketing the $500 and feeling like the job is done, but I’m not.

The lack of action taking also carries over into the advice being generated in this niche. The advice is good – BUT IT IS ALL THE SAME. How many times do we need to say “build a list” before people go out and build a f**king list?! So, it gets repetitive. It gets boring. And, honestly, I’ve had a harder time coming up with topics for this blog over the last few weeks than I have in the past.

The Internet Marketing And “Make Money Blogging” Niche

The “make money blogging” niche is rather incestuous. What I mean by that is this…

People who talk about making money blogging are usually making their money by talking about that. Now, in many cases, we started in other markets (as I did). But, today, I make more money in this niche than I do in the tech niche. But, what it does is forms this big endless circle. We’re talking about making money, and our readers are interested in making money. While most of our readers don’t do much with the information, the ones who do often try to go into the “make money” market. And that’s insane. :)

It becomes this “circle jerk”. Make money people talking to other make money people, with a whole lot of people reading (and in some cases buying), but few doing anything with the information.

This, of course, leads to distrust. And the shady marketing gimmicks and the “get rich quick” crap in the general internet marketing niche carries over, too. Too many marketers in this niche make this business seem easier than it really is. The whole thing has tarred the phrase “internet marketing”. Today, there is a sense of natural distrust about that, whereas the way I look at it is that it is just marketing that happens to take place online.

“Internet marketing” shouldn’t be about teaching other people how to teach other people how to make money online. :)

It is a game which is wearing thin with me.

Moving Forward

First, let me make something clear. I’m not quitting. I’m not going to take this blog down or anything like that. I haven’t even decided WHAT I’m going to do yet. :)

But, I think it might be time for a change. I think I want to get into something where I can help with immediate solutions. For me, that might end up being in the software and plug-in market. I’ve most definitely been thinking about some plug-in ideas I might want to see to market. :)

Plus, I know a lot of bloggers out there struggle with the techie issues of blogging – and that happens to be something I’m good at. Hell, back in the day, I personally programmed a full content management system that rivaled WordPress. I was using it myself on PCMech up until I switched to WP a couple years ago (WordPress is now FAR better than the one I came up with). So, I know full well how to do stuff like that. And I rather enjoy it, too.

I’ll still be doing things inside the Inner Circle, obviously. If anything, this just means I’ll be even MORE dedicated to the Inner Circle. The passion for helping is always there. Plus, having a membership program like that is always a good thing. :)

However, I’m not yet sure if I’m going to keep on creating new info/training products on a stand-alone basis. Like I said, I have 5 of  them now. Honestly, I’ve said my piece. Most of what I know about this business is now online. To create anything else just seems like repurposing. I’d rather just put it into the Inner Circle.

Anyway, I’d Love To Hear Your Thoughts…

I haven’t exactly figured this whole thing out yet. But, one thing I do know…

I’ve got to mix it up a bit. Risley-man doesn’t want to be a one-trick pony. :)

Suggestions? Thoughts?

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  • http://www.downthewriterspath.com Vikk Simmons

    Well, that’s true. How many books have you bought and not read? :)

  • Beersmith

    David
      I came to the same conclusion last Spring…I had a “marketing” blog going, but I decided to focus on making software products in a hobby focused niche that provide real value rather than pure information products (that are often ignored).   I was able to take the techniques I learned on internet marketing and apply it to the software and do much better than the crowded “get rich quick” market.  Also I get more satisfaction – as I’m helping people who are passionate about a hobby and not just getting rich blogging.

    Brad

  • Monja

    David, 
    you are right – there is just so much you can say about “make money online” – but some people buy products “just because” – e.g. i love reading about internet marketing and although a lot is said again and again i think i might get the one or other idea in mind just reading a book :-)
    but beside that – you are right – wether you take action or not is the key to success or failure

  • http://www.highflyingladies.com High Flying Ladies

    absolutely loved this post. i get tired from all the bloggers writing the same things about making money online so I am glad one of those is finally getting tired of it himself :-) . But honestly, I was actually really inspired by what you said about most people never acting on your advice. I know it’s frustrating for you, but for me as a newbie in the field, I think that is fantastic for those who want to go out and actualy do something. It means there is not as much competition as I thought there would be. I feel really good about my prospects after reading this post!

  • http://davidrisley.com David Risley

    There’s not much “competition” online. As long as you have a unique angle, you’re golden. :-)

  • Whitney Black

    David, you continue to shock me with your realness.  You are the most down to earth, real blogger/internet marketer i’ve ever seen man.  We all appreciate your honesty.  And I agree, the I.M. niche is very saturated.  Thanks for the awesome words man!

  • http://lloydchristten.com/ Lloydchristten

    Awesome information….This is a Great deal of Value….

  • http://davidrisley.com David Risley

    Thanks, dude. :-)

  • http://www.annikamartins.com Annika

    Really admire your guts. Calling a spade a spade is often far easier said than done, but you ran headfirst into that sucker and I for one, salute you. 

    No idea what this Inner Circle deal is but I will definitely be inquiring now. 

    Thanks for reminding us that every now and again, we all need to pause, reassess and adjust.

  • http://www.blast4trafficnow.net Michael @Blast4TrafficNow

    Hi David,
    This is my first time to comment on your blog.
    You’ve thought me honesty and transparency with your post.

    I think I got here right on time, because I’m seriously
    thinking of switching on to another niche aside “make money online.”

    All your points are valid, and I believe you’ll definitely succeed
    in the tech niche. Iphone apps are hot dear, why not venture into
    it?

  • Susanfrench2010

    Boy oh boy, David.  it seems as if you found my letters and read each one out loud.  See, I told you that I knew there was a reason I loved you.  (Certainly your wife doesn’t have to worry: I’ll be 70 in January.)

    The reason I stay close to you is that you are so authentic, first of all.  You have great information.  You graciously share your ideas for free and it looks like you have some wonderful membership products.

    You are truly unique in this slithery cyberworld.  I am at the same crossroads, but having to do with my own niche.  Perhaps you have some suggestions about that in your own past posts.  I’ll take a look.

    Whatever you decide, you have a loyal fan and appreciater in me.

    Always the best,

    Susan French

  • https://plus.google.com/115316758002043362605 Ted Kolovos

    David said “When I have customers who pay me almost $500 for Blog Masters Club and then don’t finish it – much less use it – that bothers me”

    >>Good point.  I think this is very common and not just in the IM world.  How many people do you think bought Guy Kawasaki’s recent book Enchantment and implemented any of the advice he has in there much less even finish reading it?  Umm probably less than .5% of the buyers.

    Some of those people bought all of his books (paid several hundred bucks) and didn’t take action.

    Did they get ripped off?  Of course not!

    Did they feel bad?  Nope, they sure didn’t!

    In fact, when Guy recently came to Washington D.C. for a free event, guess how many of those people showed up? …………..yeah…tons of them !!!

    Most of those people will never be a Guy Kawasaki.  But they will keep buying his stuff as long as he puts it out.

    So what’s my point you say?

    Well there will always be a small percentage of people that read a book or take a course, or listen to a speech or attend training that actually take action on most of the stuff they’ve learned.  BUT (and this is important) even the ones that don’t take action still ENJOY it and they probably learned something too (even if they don’t implement it)!

    I’m relatively new to your site, but from what I’ve seen so far, your material is clearly a cut above the rest.  Scratch that.  It is several levels above the rest!  There is so much crap out there.  Even if some people are giving the same advice (built a list, etc.), it is the delivery of the information that matters.

    There are lots of people on your list that were probably on “other lists” before but once they found yours they started actually learning something.  Even though you know this already, it is probably nice to hear it from somebody so there! :)

    oh and btw, when you said “honestly, I’ve had a harder time coming up with topics for this blog over the last few weeks than I have in the past.” that can be remedied with some quality guest posts that make even more impact to your audience.  The great thing about that is that you can perhaps awaken a different segment of your readers that you didn’t know existed.  Contact me on Google+ if you’d like to talk about it.

  • Ramajon

    I,ve recently closed a 20 year business and have moved seamlessly into a new career without even missing a step. In my creation process I speak with a lot of people about their dreams goals and aspirations. It never ceases to amaze me how few people actually have dreams or passions that can drive them to do anything. If they do have a passionate desire, they rarely have a clue about how to create it. As you can see, my niche is developing before my very eyes. You seem to be able to relate low or no cost ways to market our ideas and I personally appreciate that more than I can express. The reason you are feel a need for change is the simple fact that most people don’t want to do anything and if they do they are paralized in the starting process. So before you move on, please please help by using your vehicle to jump start the creation process. Helping people to do anything is a whole lot more rewarding than to continue to watch the paralasis that most of us live in. Thanks for sharing your insights
    and integrity!

  • Hamster

    Sure David,
    take a break from hamster wheel blogging. Branching your business off to
    software and plugins? Sure why not.

     

    What do you
    think does the market need another Adsense theme, sales page theme, product
    review theme, SEO theme, affiliate theme, membership theme, or autoblogging theme?

     

    How about
    another list building popup plugin, link cloaking plugin, advertising plugin,
    link building plugin, or auto commenting plugin. Did I miss something?

     

    What did
    you forecast in your business plan and what’s your exit strategy? I’m sure
    you’ll figure it out.

  • Susanfrench2010

    I’m sorry.  Maybe I’m coming in in the middle of a conversation, but that sounds sarcastic and mocking to me. 

    David’s voice is only of the very few who will share himself at this level, with inner thoughts, doubts, questions.  For me, his honesty is a life-saver and always makes me feel better to know that I am not alone in my very-human feelings.

    Any journey hits rough patches.  Sometimes those rough patches pass and sometimes they are messages we have to heed.  

    David doesn’t owe anyone his reasons, thoughts or feelings.  I feel honored to be allowed to be a part of an honest conversation for a damned change.

    David.  Whatever path you take, I’m on your side.  

    Susan

  • http://virtuousgiant.com Nathan Hangen

    I happen to know of one you might like :)

  • http://www.probloggingsuccess.com Jane | Problogging Success

    Oh well, I’m shocked as well impressed. I admire your concern on people paying $500 and not using the course for full. I don’t think more than 95% internet marketers won’t bother after getting the $500 in their Paypal account.

    Your new plan ahead sounds good and promising. And you’ll still be helping bloggers and internet marketers with plugins and software – they need all these geeky stuff to survive!

  • http://vagabondians.com Glenn Dixon

    My wife swears that she was the first to use the term ‘circle jerk’ regarding the whole make money online crowd. I think it was me. Either way, we both agree with you! 

    Pivoting your focus can be a good thing!

  • http://twitter.com/leonaldrich Leon Aldrich

    I wrote a well thought out suggestive post to support my mentor-friend David, but it got lost when DISQUS made me sign in & or validate.

  • Anonymous

    Definitely not alone. Definitely.

  • Judy Toa

    Ditto PJ.  :D

    Seriously though, I’m about where you are on this internet marketing thing, too. I think it’s too saturated and only a few people succeed in it. Like you, I’m going to ‘wait it out’ and see what happens, by blogging everyday.

    Great article. Thanks.

  • http://wobserver.com/ Jan

    Very honest post about your niche. I’ve also the impression that things are made easier than they really are. It’s a bit like during the gold rush when those who sold the tools where the real winners.

  • http://davidrisley.com David Risley

    Definitely some similarities.

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