We hope you’ve enjoyed the mega-week we’ve had here on ProBlogger talking about creating products – everything from what reconnaissance you should do prior to choosing a product, all the way through to your product’s launch phases. If you have any questions, feel free to ask them here.
What we’d like to ask you, however, is about your experience with creating products. What have you made? Did you learn the hard way what works and what doesn’t? Have you dabbled in creating out-of-the box ideas, or have you stuck mostly to the tried-and-true eBook? What have your readers responded to, and what was your favourite thing to create? You are most welcome to share your experiences here with us.
For those of you who haven’t created a product yet and would like to (or for those who are looking for something different to create), our homework challenge for you for this theme week is to take 10 or 15 minutes to brainstorm a couple of products you could create for your blog and your readers. You can either think of five things you can create straight away (printables, eBooks) right through to long-term goals (e-courses and beyond). Spend a bit of time fleshing out what each would contain, who would be the ideal reader, and a tentative timeframe for getting them running. We’d love to hear what you come up with.
I’ve made tractor maintenance dad’s. So basically a video version of a workshop manual (as people find this much easier to follow than a printed manual).
These have been specific to a model of tractor, so although successful, the market is limited.
Therefore will create broader topics for future products. Eg. How to paint a tractor, which will be relevant to all makes and models of tractor.
I think I would find a video much easier to follow!
I’ve sold webinars, ebooks, advertising, ecourses, membership sites, and coaching. I’ve made lots of money and little money with a variety of offers. Memberships sites and ecourses are the most fun. Ebooks and webinars are the genesis of more money per customer.
Regardless, the idea is the same… make an offer to someone to make a purchase. People follow, subscribe, and participate because they value the things you have to share. Care more. Share more. And don’t hesitate to ask for a purchase.
You sound like you’ve been busy! Love your advice.
I think it’s all about starting small and improving from there. A lot of people don’t bever start, so thats half the battle.
Also, focusing on what other people want, because the harsh reality is “no one cares about you.”
I made a product called “Use the net to catch an audience” where I talk about this stuff.
So true, you’re ahead of half the pack if you just get something out there!
Just reading and made a small plan but nothing more to be frank, still need more time and money.
A problem many people have.
I started monetizing my food blog using Google Adsense, 6 Months later I found that this type of method is not going to work for my blog and I have to think of other ways. So I created a starter kit (en eBook) for my readers.
Sent it to my list (500 at that time), But instead of selling it, I put a survey (CPA) to fill up before anyone could download the eBook. I was quite successful and was an eye opener that my blog also can make some money to keep it growing.
I am happy to have found tons of great advises at Problogger. and Maybe I’ll share my story on this blog someday. :-)
I love reading everyone’s comments – I tried selling an eBook directly through my site, but found I got more exposure by exclusively on Amazon through their Kindle program. Anyone with a tablet, smart phone can download the Kindle app for free and read my book there. The exposure to Amazon’s eyeballs has helped the book grow – not to mention bring great new visitors to my site.
So timely! I just launched my first product (online program) last week. Over 500 women have signed up…and counting. I’m completely blown away by the response. It’s a personal shopping/virtual style program for women who want to rediscover style. The biggest hurdles have been dealing with tech glitches along the way. But I’ve learned so much for my next round.
I love that creating my own program removes the pressure to constantly be worried about affiliate sales, ads and sponsored posts. It gives me MUCH more freedom to create content that really inspires me and my readers.
I soft launched my first ebook a couple of weeks ago. The primary purpose is to use it as a carrot to entice readers to sign up for my newsletter.
Secondary to that is to just have practise creating an ebook! It was great: I published for free via smashwords.com and they’re in the process of distributing it to major retailers. I used edited content from my blog to create a narrative, which meant I didn’t have to write too much new content. It also means it acts as a catch up for new visitors to my blog (a personal humorous parenting blog).
The third benefit (I hope) is that it will drive new readers to my blog from retailers. Fourth, and not as important to me for this book, is that it might generate some revenue!
I’m still waiting for it to appear at Australian retailers before I start ‘ properly’ marketing it.
I’ve written a small ebook – and published it. The second one is about to go to press next week.
And I’ve written and published online courses for small business owners.
I’m finding it easier as I write more.
Releasing a first small book was probably good for me, as it gave me the confidence to write the second one. And now the content that is in the second one is being repurposed into a new online course and live seminar.
I have made many products over the years, i made a line of clipart that has sold over $1 million dollars over the last 20 years. I have over 20 books that sell on amazon and are now doing very nicely, print on demand is amazing. I have also done cafepress and zazzel products, they sell, not a lot but they sell. Google adsense works nicely on my sites for some extra income. I have tried to make an online course and has either never worked or the one I did make hasn’t sold. My best successes come from actual products that someone can buy and use.