New Muse: A Change From My Normal Stuff

[aussietom]

Hey Guys,

If you have read a bit of my story (I Have Set My Job Exit Criteria thread), you will know that blogging is my thing.

However, I have decided to spread my eggs to a few baskets and create a new muse that for once isn't a blog (and I'd love a bit of a critique!).

Muse Location: http://www.websitebuildr.com

Synopsis: A free step-by-step video course that teaches small business owners how they can easily create their own website for under $100. I have found that a lot of small businesses do not have websites because they do not have, or are not willing to spend $1000's on having one made. So I have created a simple process that I use all the time - and am working on doing a screen capture course that will allow people to follow me as I create a small business website.

Since the course is still under development once people signup through the website they are sent to this page: http://www.websitebuildr.com/success.html (which tells them that the course is currently under development and is estimated to be ready to start by the end of August.

Making Money: I will be monetizing the course through affiliate links for products that I recommend throughout the course as well as a premium 'I'll set it up for you' paid offer for those without the time (or patience) to do it themselves.

Oh, and since I will be building an email list, I will be taking advantage of that also!

Thoughts?

[FrozenCanuck]

I think your idea of targeting small businesses is a good one, rather than targeting "Internet Marketers" as so many others do.

Yes, for sure, you MUST capture email addresses and then I'd do the following:

1) Send the video tutorials off to them right away
2) Craft a series of emails that go out one-per-week that are massively value added for them, in order to build a relationship as the go-to-guy.

3) Weave in soft-sell recommendations, using affiliate links.


Teach people how to list themselves in Google Local

Teach them the importance of building their own email list (Aweber affiliate program)

Teach them how to publish articles about their niche in order to gain traffic (EzineArticles.com and on their own blog)

...so many things you can show them. Make sure your emails are massively valuable for them.

Of course the biggest thing you can do is POLL them on what they need, and then build your own products (video training, of course) to show them how to do what they tell you they need.

[aussietom]

Aweber was a follow up that I was going to make, but I hadn't thought about the long-term - that is a great idea!

Thankyou so much for taking the time to offer your advice.

[Musetester]

Tom,

I currently use Aweber and simply love the service. If you need a testimonial for this part of your site let me know.