Methinks the easiest way to build a list nowadays is to write up a report and name it “The Death Of”, followed by whatever-it-is they’re talking about.
A while ago, it was Scott Boulch’s Death of Adsense report and now Mike Filsame’s written a new report titled, The Death Of Internet Marketing. Yawwwn!! I can just see another one on it’s way titled “The Death of Google Adwords.”
So what do I think about the latest report? Well, though well-written, you’ll find it says little that’s new. Especially if you’ve been keeping your ear to the ground and are aware of the changes that have been taking place online. And you don’t do that by confining your reading to newsletters from your favourite IM gurus.
No, you gotta read the mainstream marketing newsletters, like Marketing Vox, IAB Smartbrief, and if you live in India, Agencyfaqs and Aloo Techie. These are essential reading for smart internet marketers.
So what does the latest report state that we already know?
1. Internet marketing is saturated
Yeah, duh-uh!! I mean, aren’t we just soooo sick of getting the same old mails from all the lists we’re subscribed to? Too many gurus, too many products, too many JVs, too few clickthroughs. Little surprise then that I’ve unsubscribed from most of them. And opted out of doing JVs altogether.
2. The NICHE is where the money is
And that’s supposed to be news? At least he gives due credit to the book that started it, The Long Tail: Why the Future of Business Is Selling Less of More
3. Web 2.0 is the new internet
User-generated content created by online communities (blogs, wikis, social networks, forums) is crucial for a business to grow online . These websites pull in loads of repeat traffic through unique content and viral marketing. YouTube is the most cited example. (While you’re there check out the video my brother made of my 2-year old nephew, Shane, banging away on his Dad’s drum kit. Ain’t he adorable?!)
Few people have the vision to understand how important it is to create an online community around you or your business. I hope you’re not one of them. I recommended this strategy to a client of mine almost a year ago, advising him to create a social networking site around his niche. We started with great enthusiasm but other priorities killed the initiative.
However, I did end up learning a lot about how social networks function and got the opportunity to test out some scripts. If you do want to start your own social networking site, the software I recommend is the AlstraSoft E-Friends online social networking software. It’s one of the best scripts I’ve tried. Of course, you’ll need a programmer to customise it for your site. And don’t start another “me-too” network. Try something new. Create a community around a niche no one has discovered.
As for me, I’ve spent the better part of the last six months nurturing a lively community of single women on the Ryze business nework, since I didn’t have the time or resources to start my own networking site. I’ve also started a blogging portal where I share revenue with bloggers whose blogs I help promote. I also share my take on spiritual and relationship issues with readers on my Soul Kadee blog.
And you know what? I LOVE what I do! Because it allows me to help people in so many ways. And for me, being of service is what my life is all about. 
Going back to Mike’s report, he does go on to give some good ideas for creating businesses that will generate loyalty with customers and affiliates, as well as some important tips for keeping your business out of trouble with the authorities. And since the Death Of Internet Marketing report is free, I suggest you read it (and help Mike build his list while you’re at it ;-), of course).
Tags: the long tail, web 2.0, user generated content, Online Community, YouTube
