Smart Internet Marketing at Guruphobia

I’ve noticed yet another interesting trend as of late.

There are dozens of blogs covering the subject of “How to Make Money From Blogs”.  They teach techniques on how to monetize your blog, how to gain readership, how to engage your blog audience, and so on, and so on, and so on.

However, only a pitiful few ever live up to their promise.  And yes – there is a smell-test issue that is arising here.

The incredible irony is that many of these blogs have been ABANDONED for several months to over half a year (yes, I’ve been monitoring some of them).  A paltry few return after an extended absence, with no explanation whatsoever, while others never ever return.

Hmmmmm……if blogging is so profitable, then WHY aren’t these Blogging Gurus following their own advice and BLOGGING?

My conclusion is: These Gurus’ blogging models aren’t that profitable at all…….otherwise, why stop?

Now don’t get me wrong – blogging can be profitable – evidence the recent sale of blog networks for hefty 6-figure sales.  But I’m not talking about them.

I’m talking about the self-appointed Blog Profiteers.

Granted, sometimes shit happens.

Personal tragedy strikes, life’s priorities interrupt, and sometimes there are other emergencies that intrude upon one’s life.

However, if you are TRULY following your own advice, and engaging your audience, then you certainly owe them a brief explanation for your absence, don’t you?  Especially if you are going to be stepping back from the blog console for months at a time.

Otherwise, people might just draw the wrong conclusion – about your personal blog profit model teachings, about the effectiveness of your methods, or……..about you.

Mr. P

I have bought quite a few big ticket items on Internet Marketing, and I have also purchased some big ticket monthly memberships for various services, forums, topics, and software.  For the most part, I’ve been satisfied with what I’ve purchased.

However, I’ve noticed a disturbing trend lately with what I call the “tier two” gurus who are selling big ticket items or memberships.

Here’s an example.  I became aware of an Internet Marketing related monthly membership site that promised to provide training and techniques about a certain aspect of website building.  The site charged a 3-figure sum PER MONTH to belong to this membership.  The sales letter was a usual hype-fest, and used the “scarcity” trick (“only 75 member slots left!!!”).

The site also had a companion online video that did more pitching and explaining of the service……………and at the very end of the video (as well as on the sales letter) an e-mail address appeared.  The guru earnestly asked viewers to send in their questions, and he would answer them personally.

And you’re damned right I had some questions…………after all, he was asking for a handsome membership fee.  So I took him up on his offer and e-mailed him.  I waited for one day, two days, three days………no answer.  Ok, he might be overwhelmed with new members and new questions.  So I thought I’d cut him some slack, and e-mailed him again.  Then, one day goes by……..two days, three……you get the idea.  So now 6 days after my second e-mail, I’m a bit pissy……..and out of SHEER CURIOSITY, I try to e-mail him a THIRD TIME.  That was 4 weeks ago.

Needless to say, I was more than a bit pissed about this entire episode, and here I am, your DIRECT demographic………with spendable funds, willing to part with 3-figures monthly to belong to your little club.  And because of your disingenuine offer to field and reply “personally” to all e-mails:

• You’ve forever lost me (and my considerable disposable monthly income) as a cash-spinning customer.
• I will express my displeasure at this experience, every chance I get to my similarly well-funded peers and associates.
• And for the guru who introduced you to me in one of your e-mails, I will always regard any further recommendations and introduction you make with suspicion, if not outright cynicism.

All because you made a big deal about your “personal” service and presumed “interest” in your customer’s needs.

And guess what, weeks later I revisited the sales page site, and guess what I saw – “only 75 member slots left!!!”.  So much for scarcity.

Stay far, far away from me, sonny……………you’re now radioactive.

Mr. P