Internet Marketing Newbie Niche Still Very Popular

According to InternetWorldStats.com there are over one and a half billion internet users worldwide. That’s 336.1% growth from 2000 to 2008 with 23.5% penetration by the end of 2008.

With one forth of the world having access to the internet combined with the overall world economy it’s pretty easy to understand why so many are turning to the internet for an income source.

This is hardly scientific but I have been running a small poll on our Tracker Blog asking, ‘Are You Making Money Online?‘. 49.0% admit they have not made a cent while another 33.0% say they haven’t even made enough to cover expenses. With 82% of our poll takers loosing money online while they are trying to earn a profit I have to believe there is a large need for legitimate instructional resources.

It’s sad to see internet marketing newbies slapping together a quick site or blog and filling it with affiliate and PPC ads. With average “click-through” rates of around 1/2% a lot of traffic is needed to go that route yet that seems to be standard procedure.

Why bring it up? I was a little surprised at the numbers and think it may be a huge opportunity for many. I think this trend will keep moving in the same direction for a long time with more and more newbies needing direction. A lot of our subscribers and site visitors are already working the newbie niche and providing an excellent service. It’s just something to think about.

BTW, As a side note I’m not that fond of the term ‘newbie‘ but it seems to be the most accepted name. I mean no disrespect or insult to new internet marketers.

Ok, your turn. What are your thoughts?

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Brian on February 11, 2009 | Filed Under Business

20 Comments

Best Deals Online  on February 12th, 2009

Well, Brian.

I’m one of those newbies who doesn’t make money off my newbie niche. Instead I make my money away from it.

So it’s safe to conclude that “you don’t make money from your blog.” No wonder that the blogosphere is littered with dead blogs run by those who still “assume” they could….

Yan

Best Deals Onlines last blog post..Cisco 7960 IP Phone

Brian  on February 12th, 2009

Hi Yan, I’m a little surprised to hear that because Blog for Beginners
is so popular.

You are still ahead of those in our stats because you are making money online. I’m seeing a lot of people not making any money. Truthfully, I have had members that canceled their membership after a year or more telling me they can’t make money.

It sounds like you and I are in the same boat. I don’t earn anything from my blogs either but we are fortunate enough to have other sources of online income.

I may need to re-think the ‘opportunity’ in the newbie niche. I do think a reasonable membership site would work. I know there are several available but the high membership fees can be out of reach to a lot of people.

Best Deals Online  on February 12th, 2009

Yes, Brian. If averaging $300 from a blog is considered making money, then yes, I am. Otherwise, my primary source of income comes from outside TSB.

The blog is where I build my profile and will continue to do so. I have a couple of great offer to sell it. Pretty tempting but I refused but it’s a nice feeling to know that it has its own market value….;)

Yan

Best Deals Onlines last blog post..Miele Vacuum Bags

Brian  on February 12th, 2009

I wouldn’t really consider you a newbie Yan. You’re a very quick study off to a great start. The newbies I’m referring to are the 49% that have not made a cent. In fact, I bet the entire 82% would love to get anywhere close the $300/month.

What’s your opinion on the newbie niche as an income potential outside of blogging? Ebooks or memberships sites for example. Perhaps a paid online marketing course?

Sheryl Loch  on February 12th, 2009

Hey guys,
It’s been a while that I have thought membership sites will be a big go. The only problem is that so many that have come before have charged big $, and have nothing great. I am constantly amazed at what some people are paying for. Heck, they could have called one of us & we could have told them in 1/2 the time and for allot less $.

As far as making money using your blog – I have! But, I do not just run random ads. I also do not sell ad space. I have made money from my 2 health sites that I am a distributor for. I believe that is because I have posted info about the business & I get key phrases hitting those post.

Sheryl Lochs last blog post..Are You Deep Linking to Improve Your SERP Results

Brian  on February 13th, 2009

Hi Sheryl, I agree about the high prices. Get a half-way popular marketer and the prices go way up. One just hit my inbox last week for $97/month. The problem is those same marketers keep promising the world and delivering junk. Two weeks later they are off with the next big campaign. That’s in general and there are certainly exceptions I’m sure.

Building another membership site with great content and low fees has been one of my goals for a long time.

Pheak Tol  on February 13th, 2009

Hey Brian,

good post…i’m one of the people that don’t make money on my blog, but other sources for that matter.

the newbie niche is a good way to build up your presence and reputation online as an authorative figure that is well versed in the field of MMO (or other niches) but i honestly think a lot of bloggers out there that makes money online have other sources as well besides their personal blog. I’m not sure but that’s just my assumption.

Making money online is now one of the hobbies for the new generation coming up because they’re more surrounded by computers, the Internet and technology. I knew when i was in high school we had text books, but nowadays they provide apple school laptops as replacements.

Pheak Tols last blog post..Are You Lonely? Internet Dating Exposed

Brian  on February 14th, 2009

Hi Pheak, I agree about making money with blogs. We know that some do alright and few do very well but making money from blogging alone is not that common. I’m talking about money that we can live on.

You are in the same boat as most of my ad tracking members. I would like to figure out a way to help them turn a profit. Most of the cancellations we get are from people giving up on making money. Helping them would be helping myself as well.

Best Deals Online  on February 15th, 2009

Brian

In my opinion ‘newbie’ niche is pretty huge. More and more people are turning to internet for an alternative of source of income stream.

Anything that could help them shave a big part of their learning curve would certainly be of their interests.

We already know the “how” i.e. membership, online coaching. The question is the “what”.

That said, blogging is nothing more than a platform to build your profile and credibility. Money? There is little to be made.

Though I love the idea of membership for its recurring income, I’m only focusing on niche sites, site flipping and freelance copywriting at the moment.

Brian, if you have any good idea for partnership, feel me to drop me an email. I’m open for opportunities and I believe you are too.

Yan

Best Deals Onlines last blog post..Star Trac S-TRx Treadmill

Brian  on February 15th, 2009

I’ll definitely keep you in mine Yan. I have a great membership script. The real challenge is proven and reliable content and resources. Just one of many ideas floating around my head.

Steve | Trade Show Guru  on February 17th, 2009

Hey Brian,
I think it is a HUGE niche, but I think most people (at least that I see) make money in it by taking advantage of the “newbies”. One might say that “it’s a free country” and people choose to hand their hard-earned money over to these gurus and experts, but making money that way would just leave a bad taste in my mouth. I guess I’m hindered by my ethics. Now, if there was a way to provide all these people with something of true value, that would be different. ~ Steve, the ethical trade show guru

Steve | Trade Show Gurus last blog post..Do Trade Show Giveaway Pens Work?

Brian  on February 17th, 2009

Hi Steve, well said. You have good ethics. My reply went so long I turned it into a whole new post. Here’s the post: The Truth Hurts

20 Travel Tips From Our Commenters | Enduring Wanderlust  on February 19th, 2009

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Sire  on February 28th, 2009

I have decided that there are way to many people trying to corner the newbie market, I know I was one of them, so I have decided to take a new tangent on my blogs, my main one is aimed at being more entertaining as well as throwing in some tips and tricks every now and again. After all, there is nothing wrong with sharing things that you learn along the way.

Sires last blog post..In Search Of Fame And Glory

Brian  on February 28th, 2009

Well Sire, I think you have the perfect mix of tips and tricks with entertainment posts on WassupBlog. I will say that not everyone could pull that off though. You have a unique story telling talent that probably should be attempted by everyone.

Sire  on March 1st, 2009

You are so kind for saying so Brian, and for that link, now where did you say I should slip that twenty? :D

Sires last blog post..Of Web Hosts And Blogger Friends.

Brian  on March 1st, 2009

Since it was a long term contract with weekly links I guess we should setup a PayPal payment subscription. :)

Richard from Chandeliers  on March 11th, 2009

nice post, i agree that not too many people are making money online, but its not like its very easy to do, it takes time and effort, and some people use the internet casually.

Fred Lotgering  on April 17th, 2009

Great stats. lot if room for newbies to make money. Most newbies don’t, I didn’t when I was a newbie. Until some coached me how to work a blog. So I still feel a newbie but I do see and experience the value of blogs, direct and even much more indirect.

Fred

Fred Lotgerings last blog post..List Building with GiveAways

Amy  on February 2nd, 2010

I’m making my living online.. but not on the Internet Marketing niche.. way too saturated these days. I just let other folks do the research, then apply it to other, less saturated niches. Seems to be working. It’s not that hard if you do it right, either.

Thanks!
Amy
Amy´s last blog ..Stop Snoring Exercises For You To Think About My ComLuv Profile