Top 15 Infopreneur FAQ

1. What is an infopreneur?

An infopreneur is an entrepreneur who specializes in information. Infopreneurs provide, promote, and distribute knowledge, usually within a niche market.

2. I’m not good with computers. How can I start this type of business?

A popular option is to use a template-based site building system that walks you through the process step by step. Also known as a content management system (CMS), they are easy to work with and you more or less fill in the blanks of a predesigned style and layout. You could also consider partnering with someone who balances out your skill set or hiring someone to take care of the technical tasks when they come up.

3. Do I need a website?

While having your own website is not essential, it definitely increases your credibility as it promotes you worldwide, 24/7. More importantly, websites can act as a hub to support a diverse combination of revenue sources, most of which can be programmed to function on autopilot.

You will likely benefit much more from having a website than not having one. Because there is no physical shop to browse in, the only way a potential customer gains confidence in you is through the information you provide. Their perception of you is all that matters, and it will make or break your success. You need to establish trust, credibility and desire before someone will give you their credit card details.

Websites can quickly establish your professionalism and expertise and give visitors a free no-risk taste of your style and quality of information. And of course a website provides many different options for you to introduce your products. Due to the ease and low cost involved with setting one up today, there’s no reason not to do it.

4. I don’t know how to build a website and can’t afford to spend thousands of dollars on a web designer. What do you suggest?

While there are a number of good template-based website building systems on the market to choose from, it is important that the company you select is able to help you monetize your website. It is hugely beneficial if they can also assist you during the research phase by providing tools, links and resources. Find out more in the article on Website Development from issue #909 of our free ezine.

There are many site building tools and templates included with inexpensive hosting packages. However, while most of these can definitely help you create a good promotional website, few actually teach you how to build a site designed to generate online income. Pay-per-click options are readily available but it takes an enormous amount of traffic to make any real money and there are much faster and more reliable ways to make money.

5. Can I really make money with this concept?

Yes. BUT...just like any other business, it takes belief, work, and perseverance. It also takes the ability to evaluate your progress and readjust course if necessary. Researching your niche to ensure there is a market demand for your subject is crucial to financial success. Read some examples of infopreneurs - see how they found a need and filled it?

6. Should I quit my job to focus on this full-time?

NO! This type of business typically grows over time, as traffic to your site increases. And remember: the more thorough your research, the more likely you will be successful.

7. I’m not good at sales. Can I still do this?

Definitely. Information marketing is sometimes considered passive selling because you don’t usually have much, if any, communication with your visitors. While this is appealing to many people, you need to ensure your content communicates your intentions clearly because it must sell itself. Ideally you would research a hungry market, find out what they want, and then figure out a way to give it to them digitally. If do this, the chances of your success increase considerably.

8. What is niche marketing?

Niche marketing is the opposite of mass marketing. It means to focus on a very narrow and specific topic or theme. For example, the general subject 'Dog Grooming' has a mass market focus. ‘Poodle Grooming’ narrows it down but 'Toy Poodle Grooming Tips' is a niche market. A niche market's audience may be smaller but it is often far easier to find, research and target because of their specific interest.

9. What is a digital product?

A digital product is something of value that can be emailed or downloaded via the internet. Ebooks and special reports, audio books, videos & DVDs, CD-ROMS, online classes, teleseminars and blogging are some examples. These are typically inexpensive to create and can be immensely profitable.

10. What is digital distribution?

Digital distribution uses the internet to deliver a digital product. With no inventory, manufacturing or shipping costs, the cost of doing business is almost zero.

11. How are digital products distributed?

When an order is placed online, the payment is confirmed and then the product is automatically delivered to the customer via email, digital download, or by mail in the case of hard goods.

12. I can sell hard goods?

Of course. If you have a physical product to sell, mail order or print-on-demand are very common methods to generate income.

13. How can I accept payment?

Mail-order is becoming less common due to advances in ecommerce security and online financial transactions. There are plenty of reputable vendors you can partner with who handle the security of credit card transactions for a small fee or percentage. Seamlessly integrated into your website, sales are processed through the vendor and your money is deposited into your bank account immediately or on a predetermined schedule. It is simple and secure. Welcome to the future.

14. Can I automate the order process?

Absolutely. In addition to credit card processing, many ecommerce vendors are starting to offer digital distribution packages. Automating the order process means you can generate sales 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Once the process is set up, you no longer need to be near your computer to fulfill orders and all sales become a form of residual income.

15. How can I learn to make money online?

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