subject: The Most Fundamental Things To Get Straight Before Plunging Into The Online Marketing World [print this page] Making money online has a great magnetic draw to it. No boss looking over your shoulder, work your own hours, take breaks and vacations any time you want. Of course, it's not easy. Because pretty much anybody can set up a website and start selling something, there's a lot of junk out there. That's why you've got to know what you are getting into before you start. Otherwise you could crash and burn like a recovering alcoholic moving in next door to Discount Liquor World. If you get your head straight, and know what to expect, you'll have a much higher chance of making some serious cash.
If you don't have any idea who you are competing against, then you are going to get slaughtered. It would be like the Bad News Bears playing the New York Yankees. You need to know their strengths, and their weaknesses if you hope to compete in the marketplace. And if you think you've got some niche product that nobody has ever heard of, think again. Remember, this is the Internet, where you can find anything you want. No matter how unique your idea is, chances are there's plenty of people selling it already.
You need to know who you are selling to. You need to know their wants, desires, and fears. You need to know how they are going to use your product, and what their common objections are. Also, when they are shopping around, comparing your product to your competitors, why should they pick yours? What's in it for them? Know these things and you'll have a lot more success.
You need to know your own strengths and weaknesses. Without a good long look in the mirror, you are going to be missing out on a lot of opportunities, and be doing some things that may set you back. There's no room for self deception on the Internet when selling products. Your customers will sniff them out from a mile away.
Just as important, you've got to know the strengths and weaknesses of your competition. This way, you'll be able to capitalize on your own strengths and show your customers why they should buy from you and not them. Unless you know yourself, and know your competition, you won't stand a chance.
When you follow this advice, you'll have a much better chance in the online world. Your products will be more popular, and you'll make a lot more money. Just keep it up, and before you know it you'll be able to retire.
