At least twice every week I get an email from someone telling me about this great product–or even worse product “idea”–they have and they want to ask me if it will make them money online. In their mind it is the greatest product since [insert great product other than sliced bread here as I think “sliced bread” is trite and I am too lazy to think of some other great product.]

My answer is always the same:

“Your Product Won’t Make a Dime”

It’s a fact: Your product isn’t what makes you money online. Your prospects never see your product until AFTER they buy it and download it. Your product might be the cure for cancer, but your prospects will never see it, use it, experience it until they buy it.

In fact, I know several well-respected internet business owners who put up a mediocre ghost written product to see if it will sell before they actually take the time and expense to create a killer product.

Nope, your product doesn’t make you any money–your sales copy does. But what is your sales copy?

Your sales copy is more than just a sales letter, your copy is everything you are projecting to potential customers: Your blog posts, the look and feel of your site, the navigation and even the load speed. All of these are part of your sales message.

“Your Sales Copy Stinks”

You sales copy stinks, but it’s not your fault. Nobody has told you this before.

People who teach about “how to blog” usually talk about blogging, then selling ads or affiliate products. What they don’t realize is how much non-intentional communication is going on while you are doing your blogging. Do you have a poorly designed site? Does your navigation suck? Do you post about your Star Trek collection on your business blog?

All these tell your potential subscribers and customers something about you–whether good or bad. (And, yes, most of the world thinks it’s a little creepy that you wear your Star Trek uniform to work Mark–even if it is Texas Instruments. And no, it isn’t better because you are a Commander.)

“Hotter than the Maxim Top 100“

I only read Maxim for the articles, though I did hear they occasionally have scantily clad women in there somewhere–and once a year they come out with a list of the top 100.

Your website needs to be on the Maxim top 100 list.

You need a sexy, hot website that lures in your visitors and causes them to trust you. Always remember: People buy from people they believe they know and trust. Your website needs to help them see you, trust you and, ultimately, act on your recommendations.

It does you no good to have thousands of visitors a month–or even a day–if no one acts on your recommendations. There will be no ad sales, no affiliate sales and no personal product sales.

“Begin with the End in Mind”

Just Like that Bald Guy Says

Everything you put into your website needs to have an end in mind. A single goal.

The next time you write a post ask yourself: How can this post take me closer to a sale? Can I use it to add people to my email or RSS list? Can I recommend a product for which I make a commission? Can I create an emotional connection with my readers?

Starting each post with a definite goal in mind will create better results for you. People will begin to act on your recommendations. And when they act on your recommendations it’s that perfect storm baby–they buy the products you recommend.

“Here’s How You Can Begin Right Now”

This one is simple: Write a post, right now, recommending your readers sign up for my email list. How does this help you? Simple: On June 27th every one of those subscribers can be earning you $215.64 when I launch my new private members site. All you gotta do is recommend.

You can get the details here–there’s nothing easier.

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