 AI Generated “Change before you have to.”— Jack Welch
Affiliate marketers looking ahead to 2026 know one thing for certain: the digital landscape is evolving rapidly, and those who embrace change early will emerge as leaders in their field. According to the Shopify Future of Commerce report, 69% of brands plan to increase their investments in digital personalization and technological innovation over the next two years. This means affiliate marketers must stay in sync with what’s coming in order to remain competitive and relevant. We explore five e-commerce trends that will influence affiliate marketing in 2026—and what you can start doing about them today. Yes, we know we are a bit ahead of the game, but 2026 is only six months away, so we thought we would take a peek into the future according to edited Chat GPT and see what might be coming down the line. Please note that we do not receive commission on the platforms mentioned in this article. We also have a PDF Checklist for you, plus a Bonus Checklist (See at the end of this article). 1. Hyper-Personalization with AI and Predictive Analytics The future of e-commerce is personal—ultra-personal. Advanced AI and machine learning will enable brands to deliver product recommendations, email content, and offers tailored to each individual in real time. For affiliate marketers, this means utilizing tools that segment audiences according to their browsing behavior, purchase intent, and preferences. Personalized landing pages, dynamic emails, and targeted content will dramatically increase conversions. Action Tip: You may want to use platforms such as ConvertKit, Get Response, or HubSpot with AI-driven segmentation to tailor your affiliate outreach. 2. Conversational and Voice Commerce Voice commerce is transitioning from novelty to the norm. With over 50% of searches expected to be voice-activated by 2026, marketers need to adjust their content to reflect how people speak rather than how they type. Smart speakers, wearable devices, and AI assistants, such as Alexa or Google Assistant, will facilitate hands-free shopping. Your content needs to be optimized for voice search and maintain a conversational tone. Action Tip: Consider incorporating long-tail, question-based keywords, such as “What is the best running shoe for flat feet?” into your affiliate content. 3. Sustainable and Circular Commerce Sustainability is no longer a niche—it’s mainstream. Increasingly, consumers are seeking to purchase from eco-conscious brands that offer green shipping, reusable packaging, or resale options. As an affiliate, you can align with these values by promoting brands that excel in sustainability. Emphasize eco-friendly features, carbon-neutral delivery, or involvement in circular economies in your content. Action Tip: You may want to seek out affiliate programs that emphasize sustainability messages. 4. Immersive Shopping with AR/VR and Metacommerce Augmented and virtual reality are transforming the way people shop online. From trying on makeup with a smartphone camera to exploring virtual showrooms, immersive commerce is here to stay. We understand that you don’t need expensive technology to get started—many platforms offer AR-ready content or tools for creating virtual product demos. Affiliates can differentiate themselves by incorporating interactive visual experiences into product reviews and blogs. Action Tip: Consider exploring AR tools and Apps to enhance your audience's digital product experience. 5. Omnichannel and Social Commerce Integration E-commerce no longer exists in a single location. Shoppers transition smoothly from Instagram to TikTok to a brand’s website—and they expect your affiliate content to be there with them. Affiliate marketers should incorporate product links directly into social content, live videos, and email campaigns. Review tools like Linktree, LTK (LikeToKnow.it), and Collabs which facilitate easy connections between affiliate products and multiple channels. Action Tip: Begin repurposing blog content into short-form videos for TikTok or Instagram Reels and include trackable affiliate links. Final Thoughts Affiliate marketing is evolving rapidly. Instead of responding to trends after they emerge, the smartest marketers anticipate them before they become mainstream. Begin with small steps. Choose one or two of these trends and try them out. Monitor the data. Pay attention to your audience. And above all, continue learning. By remaining proactive, you won’t just keep up—you’ll stay ahead. What’s Next? If you found this helpful, here’s how to keep moving forward:
The future of e-commerce is knocking. Will you be ready to answer? Thank you for reading. Continue doing your best as you search for your true self. Richard. By seamlessly integrating business, work, and life, we create a virtual tapestry of well-being, skill development, business growth, workplace culture, and leadership, enabling you to become your best self. Note, some links in this video are affiliate links; if you make a purchase, we will earn a commission. We provide FREE weekly learning opportunities for you:
Further Resources Available to you:
0 Comments
 A.I. Generated “It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent that survives. It is the one that is most adaptable to change.” Quote attributed to Charles Darwin - see note below.
In a world where 70% of digital transformation initiatives fail due to resistance and lack of clarity (Forbes, 2023), the digital pivot is no longer a trendy buzzword—it’s a vital survival strategy. Whether you’re a corporate veteran reinventing your business or a solo entrepreneur navigating from your kitchen table, making a digital pivot involves intentionally shifting your offerings, methods, or business model into the digital space to remain relevant, scalable, and profitable. With technology evolving faster than ever and customer behaviors reshaping daily, the time to move is not "someday"—it's right now. 1. Why the Digital Pivot Is Essential The digital landscape is not an alternative; it's the main stage. The 2020s have made one thing crystal clear: if you're not online, you're falling behind. Consumer behavior has drastically changed: from how people shop to how they learn and connect, digital has become the new default. Digital pivoting isn't merely about having a website; it’s about reimagining how you deliver value, communicate, and operate. The advantage? Reach. Automation. Freedom. You’re no longer limited by location, time zones, or overhead costs. Small businesses and solopreneurs now have access to tools that were previously reserved for enterprise-level players. This digital pivot empowers anyone, with the right mindset and a laptop, to scale big dreams from small spaces. 2. The Process: What It Takes For A Small Business To Pivot The digital pivot isn’t a “flip-the-switch” moment; it’s a strategic shift that happens through awareness, alignment, and action. Here’s how it unfolds: Evaluate Your Current State: Begin by assessing your current business model. What works? What doesn’t? Where are your customers engaging digitally? Reimagine Your Business Model: Consider what aspects of your business you could digitize, automate, or offer online. These might include digital products, a digital storefront, e-learning, subscriptions, or virtual consulting. Invest in Tools and Talent: Embrace free platforms such as Canva and Google. You don’t need to be a tech genius; you need to understand what you want to achieve. Market with Authenticity: Your digital presence should reflect your brand values. Use social media, storytelling, and content to cultivate connections and foster trust. Test, Learn, Refine: Your first launch won’t be perfect. That’s okay. Use feedback to evolve rapidly. Remember: pivoting doesn’t mean abandoning your roots—it means connecting them to the future. 3. Steps to Launch Your Digital Pivot Let’s make it real. Here are five straightforward, impactful steps to initiate your digital pivot: Select Your Digital Offer: Will it be a digital store, eBook, online course, digital service, or community membership? Create a Simple Sales Funnel by utilizing platforms such as GetResponse for emails, and Square, Stripe, or PayPal for processing payments. Create Your Minimum Viable Product (MVP): Don’t overthink it. Launch the simplest version first, then enhance it. Show Up Online: Use Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, or YouTube to share your expertise and encourage engagement. Automate and Scale: Once you notice traction, automate your systems and broaden your offerings. 4. Applying the Pivot as an At-Home Entrepreneur As an at-home entrepreneur, the digital pivot levels the playing field. You can compete with bigger brands by being more agile, personal, and creative. Here’s how to apply it from home: Convert knowledge into products: Turn your expertise into a digital course, eBook, or coaching package. Use affordable, high-impact tools: Platforms like Zoom, Google Meet, and Canva enable you to work efficiently without incurring unnecessary expenses. Work in sprints: Use time-blocking and agile planning to maintain productivity while balancing home life. Think, 90 minutes for project work. Leverage Your Personal Brand: Authenticity sells. Share your journey, values, and genuine moments—it builds trust. Home is no longer a limitation. It’s your launchpad. 5. Conclusion and Call to Action The digital pivot isn’t optional—it’s your bridge to the future. Whether you’re in transition, scaling, or starting anew, you have the tools, talent, and tenacity to thrive in the digital world. The only thing you need now is the decision to move forward. So here’s your challenge: This week, choose one aspect of your business and investigate how it can flourish online. Begin with small steps—but begin. Achieving success in the digital realm isn’t about perfection; it’s about building momentum. Ready to pivot? Subscribe to our newsletter for weekly digital strategies, or book a free 15-minute consult to brainstorm your first digital move. Put “Newsletter” or “consult” in the comments below. Thank you for reading, it’s now time to act. Richard Note: See explanation for quote - https://quoteinvestigator.com/2014/05/04/adapt/ By seamlessly integrating business, work, and life, we create a virtual tapestry of well-being, skill development, business growth, workplace culture, and leadership, enabling you to become your best self. Note, some links in this video are affiliate links; if you make a purchase, we will earn a commission. We provide FREE weekly learning opportunities for you: • Mondays: Free Articles are posted on our FontanieMagazine website https://bit.ly/3WKM9QD • Podcasts available at 8 AM Central Time on: • Mondays: Speaking From The Heart Series - a Christian-based and universal values presentation: https://bit.ly/4a8h4g1 • Wednesdays: Coaching Talks Series – a personal and professional development presentation: https://bit.ly/4jc4u3e • Fridays: Affiliate Marketing Secrets Series – a presentation that is all about affiliate marketing: https://bit.ly/4a9YHao Further Resources Available to you: • Executive Video Coaching: https://bit.ly/4cnqGDV • Bizwoli – Planning and Organizing Your Business: https://bit.ly/3YripHD • Affiliate Marketing With Richard: https://bit.ly/3ZqE18D • FM Storefront: https://bit.ly/4bNfiBs • Facebook: https://bit.ly/3uPyvSa • Pinterest: https://bit.ly/3RSWCrk • Life’s Dimensions, Instagram: https://bit.ly/3W7zYOM • Coaching Opportunity to Gain $10,000 per month: https://bit.ly/3t4cbmO • Michael Cheney: Partner and Profit: https://bit.ly/3ZkY3mI Note: Script and Image A.I. Assisted  A.I. Image “The best investment you can make is in yourself.” – Warren Buffett. In today’s digital age, building an online business isn’t just an option—it’s a necessity for those who seek financial independence and control over their future. According to Statista, global e-commerce sales in 2025 are expected to surpass $4 trillion U.S. dollars, and this figure is expected to grow in the coming years, proving that now is the perfect time to start your own online venture. But how do you go from an idea to a profitable online store? That’s where creating your Ecom Empire comes in. (1) This guide walks you through the essentials—why e-commerce is a game changer, the process of launching an online business, common challenges, and actionable steps to build a thriving e-commerce brand. Why Building an Ecom Empire Is Essential E-commerce has revolutionized the way businesses operate. Here’s why launching your own online business is crucial in today’s economy: Flexibility & Freedom: Unlike traditional brick-and-mortar stores, an online business lets you work from anywhere with an internet connection. Whether you want to build a full-time brand or start a side hustle, e-commerce offers unmatched flexibility. Unlimited Earning Potential: Unlike a 9-to-5 job, an online store doesn’t cap your earnings. With the right products and strategy, your income can grow exponentially. Low Startup Costs: Compared to a physical store, starting an online business requires minimal investment. You can start with a dropshipping model or print-on-demand service, eliminating the need for large inventory purchases. Another option is to create your own digital products and open your own store and sell them so there is no need for inventory. The Process: How to Build Your Ecom Empire Creating a successful e-commerce business requires careful planning and execution. Follow these steps to lay the foundation for success: Choose Your Niche: Identify a profitable niche that aligns with your interests and has a strong demand. Use tools like Google Trends, Amazon Best Sellers, and keyword research to validate your idea. Find Winning Products: Whether it’s handmade crafts, drop-shipped goods, or digital downloads, selecting the right products is key. Platforms like Etsy, Amazon, JVZoo, and Warrior Plus can help you source inventory. Set Up Your Online Store: Build a website using platforms like Weebly, Square, Shopify, or Wix. Your website should have a clean design, compelling product descriptions, and a seamless checkout process. Market Your Brand: Utilize social media, content marketing, email campaigns, and paid advertising (Google Ads, Facebook Ads) to attract customers. Leverage influencer marketing to boost brand awareness. Personally, I do not use paid advertising and grow my social media presence organically. Optimize & Scale: Track sales, analyze customer behavior, and optimize your store for higher conversions. Once profitable, reinvest in marketing and automation to scale your business. The Challenges & How to Overcome Them Building an Ecom Empire isn’t without its hurdles. Here are common challenges and how to tackle them: Finding the Right Audience: Not every product will sell to everyone. Research your ideal customer and tailor your marketing strategy accordingly. Competition & Pricing Wars: The e-commerce market is competitive. Differentiate your brand with superior customer service, unique branding, and value-added products. Traffic & Conversion Struggles: Getting visitors to your website is one thing—getting them to buy is another. Use high-quality product images, persuasive copywriting, and social proof (reviews, testimonials) to boost sales. Managing Inventory & Shipping: Dropshipping can help you avoid inventory issues, but for those managing stock, there are tools that can streamline logistics. How This Applies to At-Home Entrepreneurs For at-home entrepreneurs, an e-commerce business is one of the most practical ways to generate income. Whether you’re a stay-at-home parent, a freelancer, or someone looking for an additional income stream, e-commerce allows you to work on your own terms. With a laptop, an internet connection, and a well-planned strategy, you can build a business that generates revenue while you sleep. At-home entrepreneurs can leverage social media, organic traffic, and word-of-mouth marketing to grow without heavy ad spending. Plus, with automation tools, customer service chatbots, and print-on-demand services, running an e-commerce business has never been easier. Conclusion & Call to Action Building your Ecom Empire isn’t just about making money—it’s about creating freedom, flexibility, and financial security. The time to start is now. With e-commerce on the rise, those who take action today will reap the benefits tomorrow. If you’re ready to launch your online business, take the first step: Choose your niche, find your products, and start building today! Don’t let fear or doubt hold you back—the digital economy is waiting for you to claim your place in it. Are you ready to build your Ecom Empire? Share your business idea in the comments below or connect with us for more e-commerce tips! Thank you for reading and continue becoming the best you can be. Richard (1) Statista: https://www.statista.com/topics/871/online-shopping/#topicOverview By seamlessly integrating business, work, and life, we weave a virtual tapestry of well-being, skills development, business growth, workplace culture, and leadership so that you can become the best you can be. Thank you for subscribing! Please note that some of the links in this video are affiliate links, and I may earn a commission if you make a purchase. Podcasts Available at 8 AM Central Time on: • Mondays: Speaking From The Heart Series: https://bit.ly/4a8h4g1 • Wednesdays: Coaching Talks Series: https://bit.ly/4jc4u3e • Fridays; Affiliate Marketing Secrets Series: https://bit.ly/4a9YHao Richard Fontanie, Eternal Unfolding: A journey that turned into a different kind of love story - https://amzn.to/3y2xJza Note if you purchase the Coaching Opportunity below we will receive a commission Coaching Opportunity: https://bit.ly/3t4cbmO Free FM Articles: https://bit.ly/3WKM9QD Executive Coaching: https://bit.ly/4cnqGDV Bizwoli: https://bit.ly/3YripHD Affiliate Marketing With Richard: https://bit.ly/3ZqE18D FM Storefront: https://bit.ly/4bNfiBs Facebook: https://bit.ly/3uPyvSa Pinterest: https://bit.ly/3RSWCrk Life’s Dimensions, Instagram: https://bit.ly/3W7zYOM Note: Script and Image A.I. Assisted  In today's digital age, the allure of Internet marketing and e-business opportunities has attracted countless individuals seeking financial freedom and success. However, amid the promise of quick riches and success stories, a prevalent problem must be addressed. This article aims to shed light on the truth behind the Internet marketing world and confront some of its misconceptions. Here are four areas where you must be careful: The Salesperson Trap: Most internet marketers, often self-proclaimed "gurus," have a vested interest in selling their products and services. While this is understandable from a business perspective, it can lead to a problematic scenario for aspiring entrepreneurs. As they promote these products, the focus shifts away from building a legitimate business and turns individuals into mere salespeople. Selling becomes the sole priority, while actual entrepreneurial skills take a backseat. Not all “gurus” fall into this category, but many do. So be warned. The Lack of Proper Guidance: Mentors and coaches who guide newcomers often don’t address the intricacies of an e-business process. Many "gurus" claim to offer insights, but only a few genuinely show aspiring entrepreneurs how to grow their ventures into fully-fledged e-businesses. The Mystery of Product Development: One crucial aspect of running a successful e-business is developing products or services that cater to a target audience's needs. Unfortunately, few marketing experts delve into this aspect, leaving entrepreneurs at a loss when creating something of value. Trevor Carr is an exception here, as you cannot go wrong if you take his Breakthrough Program. You can count on him to guide you in developing your products or services. The Elusive Money-Making Tools: While wealth and financial independence are enticing, finding genuine tools and strategies to achieve these goals is often elusive. Only a few internet marketers provide legitimate resources to help budding entrepreneurs progress to profitability. The Business Approach to E-business In contrast to the prevailing hype, this article emphasizes that venturing into e-business should be approached as a serious business endeavor. It is not a realm for dabblers or those seeking quick fixes. Building a successful e-business requires dedication, discipline, and hard work. So let’s sort out what is needed for you to succeed as a businessperson in online entrepreneurship. Solutions: Three Essential Elements of Developing Your E-business There are three things you need to know about developing a business. 1) you must work on your business, 2) you must organize your business, and 3) you must work in your business. 1. Work On Your Business: To establish a solid foundation for your e-business, working on the business itself, not just in it, is crucial. This means stepping back from day-to-day operations and focusing on the broader vision and strategy. Here are some key aspects to consider when working on your business: a) Define Clear Goals: Set specific, measurable goals aligning with your long-term vision. Outline the milestones you aim to achieve and the strategies to attain them. b) Market Research: Conduct thorough market research to understand your target audience, identify their pain points, and discover opportunities for your products or services. c) Competitive Analysis: Analyze your competitors to gain insights into their strengths and weaknesses. Differentiate your business by offering unique value propositions. d) Build a Strong Brand: Develop a compelling brand identity that resonates with your target customers. A strong brand presence can help build trust and credibility in the digital marketplace. e) Create Scalable Systems: Establish efficient processes and systems that can scale as your business grows. Automation and delegation can play a vital role in streamlining operations. 2. Organize Your Business: A well-organized e-business is better equipped to handle challenges and opportunities. Organizing your business involves structuring it to foster efficiency, productivity, and adaptability. Consider the following steps to manage your e-business effectively: a) Develop a Business Plan: Craft a comprehensive e-business plan outlining your vision, mission, goals, target market, and revenue generation strategies. This document will serve as a roadmap for your business's growth. b) Team Building: As your business expands, you may need to build a team of skilled individuals who can contribute to different aspects of your venture. Surround yourself with talented people who share your vision. c) Streamline Processes: Identify areas of inefficiency and streamline processes to optimize productivity. This may involve adopting new tools or technology to enhance workflow. d) Financial Management: Keep a close eye on your finances and maintain proper accounting practices. This will help you make informed decisions and ensure the financial health of your business. e) Legal Considerations: Understand the legal and regulatory requirements relevant to your e-business. Protect your intellectual property and ensure compliance with local laws. 3. Work In Your Business: While working on your business focuses on strategy and growth, working in your business involves executing day-to-day operations. As an entrepreneur, you need to strike a balance between both aspects. Here's how you can effectively work in your e-business: a) Product Development: Actively develop products or services that align with your market research and customer needs. Ensure consistent quality and innovation. b) Customer Engagement: Build strong customer relationships by providing excellent customer service and addressing their feedback. Engage with your audience through social media, emails, and other communication channels. c) Marketing and Sales: Implement marketing strategies to promote your products or services. Embrace digital marketing techniques like SEO, content marketing, and social media advertising to reach your target audience. d) Monitor Performance: Regularly track and analyze key performance indicators (KPIs) to gauge the success of your business initiatives. Use data-driven insights to make informed decisions. e) Continuous Improvement: Embrace a culture of continuous improvement, seeking ways to enhance your offerings and processes. Stay updated with industry trends and adapt to changes in the market. By understanding and implementing these three essential elements – working on your business, organizing your business, and working in your company – you can lay a strong foundation for sustainable growth and success in the dynamic e-business world. Note: Many people who get into this business are affiliates, sometimes known as associates. If this is you, that is ok, just know that you are not running an e-business. You are a commissioned salesperson. You don’t develop products but sell other people's products, and you receive a commission in return. You need to understand those products, review them, offer bonuses, and often sell them using the creator’s marketing strategies, e.g., emails, sales pages, images, etc. Some internet marketers are good at selling but not creating products or running an e-business. And that is ok too. E-businesses need strong and effective salespeople. One more point for you to consider is that there is a difference between marketing and selling. Marketing is all about educating your potential customers about your products. Selling is about closing the deal and adding value for your customers. When you run an e-business, you need to consider both functions. Conclusion That’s all for now. Running an e-business isn’t as easy as people will tell you when you first get into it. Many moving parts require agility, persistence, and focus. As you develop your e-business, you will gradually move to fill the boxes with people, whether they are on contract or directly reporting to you. If you want help planning and organizing your e-business successfully, consider our Bizwoli System. The Bizwoli System will take you to the next level of your e-business. You may wish to talk to me first before closing off the Bizwoli System, I offer a free consultation about the program. You can find it in the link provided. You can also follow our Scaling Up Your e-business podcasts. Thank you for reading, folks. Keep well, stay safe, and continue becoming the best version of yourself. Richard, Richard Fontanie  To be honest you don’t need any of the following if you are an Affiliate Marketer, however an Internet Marketer should have at least six basic tools: an Autoresponder, a Website Domain, a Freelance Platform, a Payment Processor, Webhosting Service and Social Media Platforms. This article outlines what each does, why it is important, how it works and how to get started. Let’s begin. 1. Autoresponder What is it? In a nutshell an autoresponder is a service which allows you to automatically send out emails to several if not hundreds of people, or to several groups of people either at the same time or in a sequence. Why is it important? Autoresponders are like having your own personal assistant. It gives you a way to automatically:
How does it work? You will be able to automatically send out emails in a sequence, for example you have an 8 part training course and you want to send out one module at a time. You can set it up so that modules go at the appropriate time and date. You can set up ways to capture potential customer names and email addresses for instance by offering a free eBook, Mindmap or resource file. However,
How to get started? To get started you will first have to sign up to an autoresponder service. I use www.Getresponse.com and www.Mailchimp.com (free but limited for the up to 1000 on your list). Another Autoresponder my colleagues use is www.Aweber.com 2. Domain Register What is it? If you are going to establish a website or any other web service, you will need to have Domain name. A domain register services is a company that handles the reservation of a domain name as well as an assignment of an IP address for that name. Why is it important? A domain name registration gives your business an online presence, legitimacy and brand recognition. If you are interested in reaching out to clients throughout the world or even within your community then a website is of critical importance. And you can only achieve a website by registering your domain. How do they work? Domain names are alphanumeric aliases to access websites – for example the Fontanie Magazine domain name is Fontaniemanagazine.com and it’s IP address is 71.17.38.236. It is easy to register a Domain name. However you don’t own the Domain name. You are just leasing it to use. As long as you continue to pay the registration fee you can keep using it. How to get started: The Domain Name Registration Firm I use is www.Godaddy.ca 3. Freelance Platform What is it? Freelancers work for themselves and contract their services out. They could be a writer, photographer, or an expert in any field. A variety of companies, organizations and government agencies hire freelancers. Why is it important? Freelancing is not only important for companies who do not have a particular expertise in-house but also for freelancers themselves. Operating a freelance business allows you to be your own boss, manage your own time, choose which projects you would like to work on and can promote work/life balance. Most freelancers work from home either full-time or part-time. How does it work? The jobs vary from short term to long term or part-time and full-time projects. It is projected that there will be in the neighborhood of 86 million freelancers by 2028. As a self-employed individual the freelancer is responsible for all administration such as billing clients, setting work hours, time tracking, paying their own taxes. How to get started: Personally I do not use use Freelance Platforms but Freelancers often use www.Fiverr.com , www.Upwork.com www.Elance.com 4. Payment Processor What is it? Simply put a payment processor relays information from your customer’s credit or debt card to your bank or vise versa. Why is it important? If you don’t have a method to receive and make payments you can’t process any monetary transactions, which is the life-blood of any business. The process of receiving money from customers and using that money to pay for products or services is crucial for businesses. How does it work? One of the roles of the payment processor is to make sure there is enough money in the customer’s account to cover the cost of the purchase. If there is, the transaction goes through. Every time you use your credit card and pay a bill the payment processor goes to work. How to get started. In the internet marketing world payment processors often include such firms as www.PayPal.com, www.Square.com, and www.Stripe.com Btw I use all three. 5. Web hosting Service What is it? In a nutshell a web hosting service is an on-line service that enables you to publish your website or web application on the internet. Why is it important? A web hosting service is a crucial element in the design and building of your website. It must be dependable and reputable if you want your end users to have a pleasant experience. You can link an email account to your site’s domain but it is not necessarily required. If you want to link your website to an email service it is better if you consider cloud based services. This is advisable because if your website goes down for some reason you still have ways to connect with your customers. Separate email services allow you to let your customers know for instance, that your hosting service is down and then provide them with updates. How does it work? Web hosting meets the different needs of websites and customers. They could include Shared hosting, Dedicated hosting, VPS Hosting. Cloud hosting, and Reseller hosting. The different types of webhosting relate to the kind of technology used for the server, the level of management provided and the services offered. Many Web Hosting Services will also register your Domain for your Website. How to get started. I host Fontanie Magazine on www.Weebly.com for an annual fee. I have also used Google web hosting, which by the way is a free service at www.Sites.Google.com. Other paid hosting services I recommend are www.HostGator.com and www.Bluehost.com. Social Media Platforms What are they? Social Media platforms are platforms that are used for communication, including but not limited to social networking and blogging whereby users develop online communities to share information, ideas, photos, personal messages and other content. They could include, but not limited to, YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Tic Toc, LinkedIn, Pinterest, and Instagram. Why are they important? Social media platforms from a business perspective allow you to advertise your brand, create a personal brand, drive business value, measure social change, find potential employees and freelancers. It is used to market products to a worldwide audience. How do they work? One of the most interesting things about social media is that it is constantly changing, updating and revising according to how users view and consume content. You should consider how to link your website and other tools with social media to expand your reach. Given today’s proliferation of social media tools it is best not to rely on one tool but to expand your base with several. Just remember though that social media is not a megaphone to shout out your wares so use it do more than just promote your own products and service. How to get started. Use social media platforms as a way to develop meaningful connections with your customers, like asking them questions, engaging them in product development, finding out what matters to them, sharing news and posts that motivate and expand their minds, and above all strengthening your brand and building trust through human connection. In Conclusion The six basic tools outlined in this article are essential for the internet marketer. The best way to develop the tools in your business is not to develop them all at once but to develop a plan to integrate them into your business over time. Complete an internet marketing plan with specific “tool” goals and action plans. If you need any help in sorting out and organizing what to do let me know by clicking the button below for a free consultation. As always folks keep well, stay safe and always become the best version of yourself. Thank you for reading, Richard Fontanie  What happens when you develop a product, get approval from JVZoo, Warrior Plus, ClickBank or put it on your website but yet to have made a sale? Or maybe you saw something that sells well in one market, so you try it in your market and nada. No sale. You think you have a good product, you worked hard at it and after all you got approval. But approval doesn’t mean that you make sales. So, what could be the problem? Well, here are a few hints.
1. Do you have an audience for your product? Contrary to public opinion people don’t buy for your reason’s they buy for their reasons. A corollary to this is ‘we don’t sell anything, people buy.’ Unless we understand why people might want our product, we won’t sell anything. We can market the heck out of it, but people will still not purchase. No matter how much we have invested both personally and professionally, if you don’t have an audience for your product you are not going to sell it. This can be an emotional let down but it will be a lessoned well learned as we move onto the next product. 2. Are you solving a problem that people want solved? I learned this many years ago when I had an excellent tool for measuring knowledge worker’s effectiveness along eight distinct processes. The product was tested worked well and I used it to assess over 200 individuals with specific reference to their openness to learning. I knew it worked. But when I went to sell it, I found some disturbing results. I didn’t sell one Profile. Not one. When I did a bit of research, I found that:
3. Are you using the right keywords? Keywords are words or phrases that people type into search engines to find what they are looking for. For example, if you were searching to buy an eBook on goal setting, you might type something like, ‘SMART goals,’ ‘aspirational goals,’ ‘personal goals,’ ‘goals that work’ ‘how to write goals,’ into Google or YouTube. Even though your phrases consist of more than one word, it is still considered as a keyword. 4. Are you presenting with emotion? People buy for emotional reasons. This is related to people having a problem that needs a solution. For example, they may be frustrated, stressed, discouraged, anxious, or concerned. These emotions point to ‘pain points’ so your copy needs to address ways that alleviate the pressures or the ‘pain’ they are feeling. 5. Do you appreciate the difference between marketing and selling? Marketing is about educating your audience about your product and what it can do for them. Selling is closing the deal. Often we don’t prepare the marketplace for the product and just expect that people will buy. This is particularly true when you are introducing something new to the marketplace. Number 2 above is a perfect example of this. I tried to sell before the market was ready for my ‘great’ solution. 6. Do you know the difference between relationship selling and transactional selling? The latter is straight forward selling, for example. “I have a headache (my problem) do you sell aspirins (solution)?” “Yes, they are right over there on the second shelf.” This is a simple quick sell. A relational sell is long term and a bit more complicated. Most internet marketers have a list that they have nurtured for a long time before selling anything. They have developed a relationship with their customers or ‘buyers’ even though they haven’t met them. In other words, they warm up their customers before selling a product. This is particularly true if you are selling using Facebook. Using Facebook is all about relationship selling and requires much preparation before attempting a sell, even then the call to action is often soft rather than a hard sell. My experience is that friends buy on Facebook only if I have known them before hand or I have become friends with people I never met after a lot of likes, loves, and comments. Really you can’t do ‘transactional selling’ on Facebook unless you are prepared to spend a lot of money on ads and even then it is iffy. 7. Have you done your market research? Here we need to clearly understand who we are marketing and selling to. Your product might be the best thing ‘since sliced bread’ but if you don’t have a market for it you won’t sell it.
8. How do you Brand your product? There are many things about branding that are important, but here are a few points that filter to the top.
9. Don’t get discouraged. Keep to your vision. Keep working on your goals. And, keep developing products based on lessons learned. There are very few internet marketers who have succeeded the first time and many internet marketers give up just before they find their own ‘secret sauce.’ Statistics show that 90% or more don’t make it. And many of those that don’t make it fail to realize that they are within an inch of making it. Again, based on my real-life experience, I have developed over 50 training products and delivered some of them once because a company wanted it. I thought ‘boy this is a good training program for others.” Unfortunately, they didn’t go anywhere. Yes, this can be discouraging but don’t let it get you down. Affirm yourself that you are on the right tract, continue to share your experiences with others and they will help you, find an experienced coach who will guide you. Build on your experience, tweak your product or begin another based on what you have learned. The bottom line, internet marketing as a solopreneur can be a lonely undertaking but it needn’t be because those with more positive experiences are willing to help. By the way whatever happened to that Profile product I tried to sell in #2 above. I regrouped. I did more work in preparing the marketplace, repackaged it, and in the meantime used the product in my own practice. Owners began to see how it could be used in their company and after a couple of years they began to buy. Funny how that works eh? If you wish to receive a free eBook on Branding CLICK HERE. As always, keep well, stay safe and become the person you were meant to be! Your personal growth and development matters. Thanks for reading, Richard. |
Business Categories
All
Archives
May 2025
Best Product Development Program
|
RSS Feed