NOTE: This is the 11th teleseminar report from the author of the “Seminars with the Experts” series hosted by Hilary Stewardson.
In January 2006, it all started with a simple four point strategy and the discipline to make it work:
- Write an ebook that people want.
- Put up a website that offers the ebook for sale.
- Drive traffic to the website.
- Rinse and repeat the previous cycle.
Sean Mize used the above formula to establish his internet marketing presence. Nothing special, right? However, his traffic generation method of choice raised eyebrows. Instead of using pay-per-click (PPC), search engine optimization (SEO), or video marketing, Mize turned to article marketing.
By writing five articles a day and submitting them to the best article directories on a consistent basis, Sean Mize’s traffic steadily grew along with his expert status and marketing credibility. After incorporating list building into his marketing equation, Sean’s revenue results took off. His regular release of e-books in the competitive and crowded internet marketing niche, coupled with a laser-focused approach to relationship marketing, has proven popular with his subscribers.
Why article marketing works.
Mize feels that article marketing is misunderstood by most people, and its effectiveness is severely underestimated. In response to those who consider him out of place in today’s fast-paced digital environment, he offers his central premise:
Article marketing is first and foremost a traffic generator. Period.
Commit to optimizing every aspect of your writing (ie niche selection, keywords, headline, body, resource box) so readers will take you seriously and want to come back for more.
Do it yourself, for yourself.
Some consider Sean Mize’s use of article marketing to be stealthy, cold and ruthless. However, no one can deny the results of it. Within two years, Mize claims that 80% of his five-figure list has been created through article marketing. Needless to say, he continues to write for traffic. Yes, it can be time consuming and expensive (eg ghostwriting), but there is no such thing as genuinely “free” traffic.
Mize is skeptical about software tools for generating and submitting articles. He can’t automate article marketing, but if he commits to a well-planned and disciplined approach, the results can be phenomenal. He considers article rewrites for their uniqueness and multiple submissions; Instead of outsourcing, Mize suggests taking the time to do it yourself, then test and track the results to make tactical adjustments.
“Affiliate marketing is a crutch.”
Sure, people can make money, even a steady income, by promoting other people’s products. However, Sean Mize’s philosophy is focused on building Me Inc.; After all, if you’re prepared to devote time and energy (and money) to others, why not capitalize on those resources yourself?
Making your own products establishes credibility like no other business. An original contribution within your chosen niche can build your reputation and income at the same time. Creating digital products in particular is suitable for new entrepreneurs (short start-up time, low overhead, no physical inventory issues, etc.). However, before you embark on serious projects, ask your list subscribers what they are struggling with in their businesses and what you can do to help them move forward.
Sean agrees to the use of ethical bribes, meaning free reports and e-books, to obtain a potential customer’s contact information. However, he reminds us to use “Thank You” pages that offer subscribers a quality product immediately after they sign up for your newsletter. Embrace the concept of product funnels so you and your subscribers can build mutually beneficial relationships.
Two internet marketing curses to avoid.
Mize defines the Internet marketing experience by the amount of revenue a person has generated through legitimate and quantifiable online activity. In fact, if you’re not currently making $10k per month, Sean considers you a beginner!
So how do people graduate to the next level? For starters, Sean suggests you minimize:
1. Information overload. It is a disease that will undermine your productivity and innovation. Seriously, you can’t read every book, join every training program, or follow every expert out there. Therefore, limit your instant messaging and email activity to one session per day. Be tough on the number of lists you subscribe to. Ask yourself: Is this relationship valuable to me? If not, unsubscribe… FAST!
2.Social networks. It is still too early to judge the effectiveness of Web 2.0 as a revenue generator. However, Mize is a healthy skeptic of its usefulness. Without conclusive proof that individual entrepreneurs can use Web 2.0 properly, and its reputation as a tremendous waste of time, it’s best to stick to reliable traffic methods like article marketing that work for your long-term growth.
From article merchandising to a full set of skills.
Once you’ve mastered article marketing-based traffic generation, Sean Mize suggests you take a serious look at the other pillar of internet marketing.
Drafting it is essential for long-term online income. Reports of his imminent death are exaggerated. As a basic internet marketing skill, we all need it. However, hardly anyone really understands it. So even if you plan to outsource, learn to distinguish good copy from bad. Ideally, develop your own skills by buying templates and watching what successful marketers do. Test your results first, then decide if outsourcing is right for you.
Sean has largely eschewed traditional joint ventures (JVs) in favor of ad exchanges with marketers with whom he shares a common perspective. In addition to being a “free” way to get new leads, Mize prefers this networking method to live seminars and conferences. The high cost of attendance and preparation time associated with events should encourage people to proceed with caution when invitations arrive. However, she approves of practical workshops that motivate participants to take action.
Conclusion.
Sean Mize has integrated article marketing, list building, and product building like no other in internet marketing today. Nothing is easy, but if he’s averse to the latest fads and willing to try a legitimate method of generating traffic, follow Mize’s model for success:
- 1. Drive traffic to your capture page with article marketing.
- 2. Build your list and create relationships.
- 3. Create products that satisfy a hungry audience.