I’ve been spending a lot of time offline lately with this new bath and skincare business. Along the way I’ve been reflecting on the causes of online business and home based internet marketing failures. A quick search in any of the internet marketing forums reveals groups of people frustrated with their inability to make money online.

After some reflection I’ve identified 10 factors or common mistakes contributing to online marketing failure.

1. Unrealistic expectations brought about by hyped up sales letters, marketing gurus, and forums.
2. Products with no REAL value. If you look at the most successful online businesses they sell real things. By that I mean tangible physical goods. Are people making money selling and marketing information? Yes, absolutely, but far fewer; especially ebook hawkers. Not to say that ebooks don’t sell but they certainly have a low value in a consumers mind and the markets are getting more and more saturated.
3. Failure to analyze the market correctly. Poor understanding of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT).
4. Nothing unique to offer.
5. Unwilling to spend the time (or money) or commit fully to success - quit after a few frustrating attempts.
6. No follow through - continually bouncing from one thing to another.
7. Failure to analyze and optimize - doing the same thing and expecting different results.
8. Always looking for a silver bullet or magic pill.
9. Lacking planning and prolonged consistent marketing effort.
10. Wont move from comfort zone.

10 is a nice round number, we could keep going for sure. And as much as this is reiteration to myself the key to success lies in timeless principles such as… Sell great products that are first, best, or different (and that people want). Do to others as you would have them do to you. Communicate often. Believe in yourself. Persevere. Monitor and adjust your attitudes and behaviors. Stay true to yourself and core values.

I reserve the right to change my opinions on any of this next time the wind blows or I have a sudden realization.

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