Ever spent a lot of money developing products and ideas that nobody wanted to buy? What a horrendous waste – there are so many ideas that people will spend money on!

With Google AdWords, you should never need to invest more than a few hundred dollars – or in the worst case a few thousand dollars – pursuing an idea that won’t work.

Let’s say you’ve got a product idea. The product itself costs $5,000 to develop, and you’re sure it’s a good idea because it solves a really thorny problem.

So here’s what to do: You write a report, ebook or white paper about how to solve that problem. You create an opt-in page where people can get your report in exchange for their contact information.

Then you ‘buy’ keywords, send people to that page and see how many people you can get to opt in. That’ll give you a gauge of interest.

If you absolutely cannot get anybody to opt-in to your report – or if you can’t find keywords that anyone is searching for – then that’s a good sign you should abandon the project before you throw any more money at it.

When people do opt in, you can send them an email (or even call them on the phone) and ask them what they’re really looking for. If your report is any good, they’ll be happy to talk to you, and you’ll get LOTS of input about the kinds of problems they’re trying to solve.

John Thornely
© John Thornely www.johnthornely.com 2008

To learn more about how YOU can
Profit From The Internet – Fast, visit
www.Internet-Tycoons.com

Selecting a hot niche is all about finding Customers.

I like the fishing simile. In order to be able to catch fish, you have to work out where the fish (customers) are biting, what bait they’re going for (your ‘offer’) and what tackle to use (your website, marketing methods, etc).

But it’s no good just going and sitting by any old pond and using the wrong bait and tackle… if there are no fish, or you’ve got the wrong equipment, you won’t even get a bite!

One way to make sure you’re fishing in the right place is to look at the water and see where the fish are. But that can be a bit hit-and miss if you’re not sure where to look.

Better to watch those who know – by finding out where the other fishermen (your competitors) are and see what they’re catching and what bait and tackle they’re using.

So, you need to search the market to find where there are lots of ‘fish’ and see where they’re biting.

And don’t try to ’fish’ in a market where there are no other ‘fishermen’ – there’s probably a good reason why, and you’ll need to know exactly what you’re doing if you are to succeed!

This all sounds ‘old hat’ stuff, but it’s amazing just how few people do it right! I find I have to keep reminding myself!

Hot Tip: If you want to short-cut your own learning curve and minimize your costs, watch to see who is successful and what ‘bait and tackle’ they’re using. Then copy them!

Hot Tip: And if you talk to real fishermen, they’ll always speak about how to catch fish by describing what the fish do – where they swim, what they like to eat, what tackle works, etc. So, if you’re going fishing, you need to understand the fish and think like they do!

John Thornely
© John Thornely www.johnthornely.com 2008

To learn more about how YOU can
Profit From The Internet – Fast, visit
www.Internet-Tycoons.com

To maximise the profitability of your web business, you need to find a lucrative niche. Here are some suggestions from seasoned marketer Larry Dotson on the key factors to consider:

Why Am I Here?

OK, so here I am at your website — now give me what I’m looking for!

Your business — and your website need to invite visitors from your targeted niche in and give them exactly what they’re looking for.

And just what is it that they’re looking for?

Well, that depends on your niche, of course. But there are some basic human needs that are common across any business.

So here are some ideas to stimulate your thoughts and provide some niche ideas…

People want to save money.

They may want to invest for the future or save for a big purchase. This will make them feel more secure.

On your web site you could publish articles on how to save or invest money or give them free money-management software.

People want to save time.

They may want to work less and spend time enjoying life’s pleasures. This will make them feel more relaxed.

You could install a time-saving bit of software or a navigation bar on your web site that saves them time when they are browsing or searching through your web site.

People want to look better.

They may want to lose weight, tone their body, or improve their facial features. This will make them feel more attractive.

Give away a free e-book on losing weight – it really doesn’t matter who your target audience is – they are all human.

People want to learn something new.

They may want to learn how to change their car oil or build a patio deck. This will make them feel more intelligent.

You could publish a lot of how-to articles on your web site about things your target audience wants to learn.

People want to live longer.

They may want to get in shape, eat better or gain extra energy. This will make them feel healthier.

Publish some exercise and nutrition strategies and checklists on your web site – it really doesn’t matter who your target audience is as most people want to improve their lifestyle.

People want to be comfortable.

They may want to relieve aches and pains or want to sleep in a more comfortable bed. This will make them feel rested.

You could give away a free report on how to naturally relieve aches and pains for certain parts of the body.

People want to be loved.

They may not want to be lonely any more or they might want to start dating again. This will make them feel wanted.

For example, you could provide some singles, dating and relationship chat rooms on your web site. People will be able to meet new people or find out how to improve their current relationship.

People want to be popular.

They may want to be a famous celebrity or be more popular in school. This will make them feel praised and admired.

You could allow people to submit articles or comments to your web site that you would publish for the world to see.

You could also publish profiles or interviews with your web site visitors.

Be Popular—Give Them What They Want

The most effective way to make sure your website is popular is to give people what they want — and in a way that makes them want to tell their friends, so that your site becomes ‘viral’.

There is no more effective form of marketing than word of mouth and personal recommendation. So give them what they want and they’ll tell their friends about it!

Happy hunting!

John Thornely
© John Thornely www.johnthornely.com 2008

To learn more about how YOU can
Profit From The Internet – Fast, visit
www.Internet-Tycoons.com