Lee McIntyre’s Honest Marketing Blog

5 Easy Ways To Generate Hot Content Ideas

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You’ve probably often heard me mention often about the importance of building a list and sustaining a great relationship with your subscribers.

As you know, it wasn’t until I started to build my list that I saw my income begin to truly skyrocket!

In the past, I’ve tried the usual methods of trying to make a sale, like driving traffic to affiliate pages, writing and submitting articles, creating Squidoo lenses - you know the drill…and I’d be so thrilled when I’d see that occasional sale show up now and then in my Clickbank account.

But cripes - the work I had to go through….I barely made minimum wage!

Trust me when I say that owning your own popular newsletter makes the process of making sales a whole lot easier.

If you’ve been around here for awhile you know that I’ve worked hard to build a strong relationship with my subscribers.

How did I do that? It’s simple.

At every turn I’ve provided incredible free content and great products which solve problems.

But why don’t more people out there do the same? Well one reason I hear a lot is that people just struggle for top quality content ideas.

So what do you do when it’s time to give your subscribers some fantastic, fresh content that will help them solve yet another problem yet your brain has run dry?

Look below for 4 easy content generation ideas…

1 Get Your Creativity in Full Speed

First of all, try to get your creative juices flowing by taking some time to clear your mind. If your mind is all jumbled with problems or obstacles decide that you’re going to
work on solutions to those later.

I’ve even found that just by spending some time tidying up my desk will help clear my head!

Then go ahead and brainstorm some ideas for awhile.

Now go for a walk, a bike ride, do something fun or different for a while and totally forget about the brainstorming. Come back a few hours or even a day or so later, and you’ll find more often than not that you’ll have many great new ideas come to you effortlessly!

2 Always keep A Small Notepad with You

You never know when a great idea will suddenly pop into your mind. You’re sure you’ll remember it though without writing it down. TRUST me you won’t remember them all!

I don’t know how many times I’ve had wonderful ideas for great content then later tried to recall them and I absolutely couldn’t. How frustrating!

So do yourself a huge favor and carry around a small notebook with you so you wont forget that next suddenly brilliant idea.

I also find that writing my ideas down gets them out of head and allows me to relax better too.

3 Find offline magazines in your niche

Take a visit to your local bookstore, or any store for that matter with a magazine rack.

Take a look at some of the articles in your niche. What kinds of articles are they writing about?

These articles are usually picked for these magazines because of their high topic interest and appeal to your niche. These may trigger many related ideas for your niche. How can you expand upon these articles?

Do you have knowledge that you can use along with some of the ideas in the articles?

Checking out the hot content that makes the press can be a brilliant way to come up with sizzling content ideas of your own!

4 Look through Amazon.com

Look through the most popular book listings in your niche. Take note of the book titles that
seem intriguing or that jump out at you.

This should generate lots of other content ideas. You could even take this a step further and go to your library or local bookstore and search the
book content for additional great ideas.

Look for books that have lots of reviews and a high customer rating. Why? Because if the book is selling then you know this is the kind of hot topic that your audience might appreciate you covering.

5 Look through Niche Forums

Check out many of the forums in your niche, and take note on subjects where there is a lot of activity
and discussion.

You’ll often find extremely valuable content ideas here as people post many of their helpful tips and solutions to problems here.

And don’t just pay attention to the great advice being given by others in your niche….make sure you also look carefully at the questions being asked too.

What problems do people have? What solutions can you provide?

Marketing is all about giving people what they want so spend some time in the forums and listen carefully to the discussions taking place.

And that’s it!

Give these 5 tips a try next time you’re struggling to come up with a knockout idea to give to your subscribers.

And don’t forget to let me know what you think below too..

Popularity: 31% [?]

Free Marketing Classroom Intern Progression

Well the Free Marketing Classroom Intern program is going from strength to strength, and the feedback we’re receiving from those going through the program has been incredible.

Has it all been plain sailing?  Not a chance!

In fact, we’ve had some pretty serious bumps along the way.

So far I’ve now had more than 450 people sign up for week 1 of the program, and the sheer volume of work being submitted each day has caused a few issues here and there.

But dealing with these unexpected problems is what business is all about, and have too many Interns enjoying the program is certainly a nice issue to have!

If you’re an Intern waiting for progression to the following week this will be processed early on Wednesday.  Week 4 promises to be special and I think you’re going to enjoy!

If you’ve not yet signed up for the program then I’m delighted to tell you that I’m once again reopening entry from my blog.

Here’s the link…

http://www.FreeMarketingClassroom.com

This certainly isn’t for everyone.  But if you’re looking for more FREE training than you can shake a stick at then it might just be for you.

Check it out and let me know what you think….

Popularity: 29% [?]

Taking a Few Days Off

Did you know that it’s just over one year since I received my first ever Clickbank cheque?

It was a sunny day March 07 and I was beaming as some niche blog marketing finally paid off.

It’s also almost one year exactly since I launched my Classroom Management Clickbank product. I was such a newbie when I launched this, and when I go back and read the questions I asked on the Warrior Forum I almost cringe with embarrassment!

I haven’t promoted this site since June 07 but it still brings in the sales though. 

It shocked me to discover that this one little site had helped me earn more than $10,000 in the past year, and that’s with ZERO promotion or effort for months and months.

I’m not bragging about this though, and I really should be making MUCH more money with this site but I just don’t have the time (plus I like the feeling of complete AUTOMATIC income).

Anyway…

It’s been a double tough year which is why I’m taking a few days off. 

I’ve never worked harder than I have over the past 12 months, and now I’m finally in a position to take plenty of time away from the office and still have the money roll in.

I’m having a long weekend and I’ll enjoy every second!

So what exactly will I be doing?

Well today I’m off to the gym to do some excercise and to plenty of swimming.  The switch from teaching to marketing has taken its toll and I’m nowhere near as fit as I was, or should be. I intend to fix this fast.

I always find swimming helps me relax, and so I’m really looking forward to spending a few hours in the pool today.

Tonight I’m off to watch some live comedy with a friend in Manchester.  If ever I feel tired and a touch jaded, then a trip to see some comedy, or maybe the cinema, always works wonders.

And tomorrow? Well tomorrow is going to be a day to remember!

Manchester United have a very important match, and if we win we’re champions. And if we’re champions that means we have to CELEBRATE!

So tomorrow I’m meeting some friends in town for breakfast, before grabbing a comfy seat in one of the sports bars and then celebrating our victory. It could be a LONG and fun day…

And then on Sunday I’m going to lie around recovering from the celebrations!

What really excites me about the weekend ahead is that in 5 minutes I’ll turn off my PC and head out the door.

Yet even though I’m not here someone will still approve blog comments. Someone will still answer tickets.

And despite the fact that I’ll be out having fun, my business will continue to function and grow.

I’ll still make sales, and it’s a comfortable bet that even though I’m not here my business will make me more money than I could possibly spend while having a nice weekend.

That’s the real joy of running an Internet business.

And if you think this is beyond you then check out some of the dates at the top of this post. 

Have I been doing this for years?  Cripes no!

Do I know everything there is to know?  Of course not!

One year ago I was a complete newbie stumbling around not knowing what to believe.  Fast forward 12 months and I’m living the life I always dreamed about.

If you want to follow my progress then dig into the archives of this blog and you’ll get a good idea of the stages I took to build my business.

And if you really want to know how I was able to become a full time marketer in record time then grab your FREE 43 page report at the link below…

http://www.StandingStartProfits.com

In this report I explain how I went from zero to $20,000 a month in less than 161 days, and how you can do the same.

Enjoy the free report!

So that’s me over and out for a few days.  I have a cool FREE video lined up to be sent on Sunday so keep checking back so you don’t miss the good stuff.

Have a great weekend and I’ll speak to you soon….

Popularity: 29% [?]

The Internet Lifestyle Retirement System?

Check out the picture above and you’ll understand why I said ‘WOW’ when I opened up the Internet Lifestyle Retirement System!

I was lucky enough to get sent this badboy a week before launch….and I have to say that it’s absolutely fantastic.

What I really like about the package is that it’s VERY different to all the other home study courses out there.

While other marketers teach the same old boring techniques, Terry’s Internet Lifestyle Retirement System actually does the opposite!

He actually teaches you how to create a REAL business that works without you. Heck, he even gives you the video systems that he uses in his own business so you can literally ‘plug and play’.

Here’s the link…

http://www.FunInternetLifestyle.com

I don’t often give out testimonials but this is what I thought of Terry’s product….

“Hi Terry

I read on your blog that you encourage marketers to create a ‘wow’ experience for their products. Well that’s certainly what you’ve accomplished here.

When I opened the package I was pretty shocked by all the value you crammed in…and I have to admit I mumbled ‘wow’ to myself a few times! But the real value wasn’t in the box….it was in the actual content that really did blow me away.

I simply couldn’t put this down and I actually found myself taking notes as I went through each DVD. I especially enjoyed the videos of you sharing fantastic content at the conference, and your list building tips were excellent. In fact, I put one of these puppies into action just yesterday and I tripled my subscription rate!

It’s refreshing to see someone give so much value in a package and then to sell it without the hype. My newsletter readers know that I don’t endorse products lightly but this is one package I feel proud to recommend.

Thank you for a fantastic package!

Want to build a real business and still have a life? Then check out the Internet Lifestyle Retirement System today.

http://www.FunInternetLifestyle.com

Hit the link now and check it out for yourself!

Popularity: 28% [?]

3 Simple Steps to Skyrocket Your Profits Today

Want to discover a quick and simple way to boost your profits by 50% or more? Well buckle up because that’s exactly what I’m about to share with you today.

But first I want to talk about my local pizza restaurant…

You see, they sell a fantastic ‘tuna and sweetcorn’ thin crust pizza and it really does just melt in your mouth.

Heck, it’s probably one of the best pizzas I’ve ever tasted and I’m getting hungry just thinking about it now!

In fact I’ve probably ordered at least a dozen (or more) pizzas from this place in the last year…and I must be one of their best customers by a country mile.

But here’s something to think about…

Every week they put menu leaflets through thousands of houses in the local area. They also give out flyers in town, and place huge ads in the local paper.

Cripes, in comparison to their competitors they’re an absolute marketing machine!

They spend a fortune on advertising, but do you know how many times they’ve contacted me directly as a loyal customer?

Not one! Blimey, talk about leaving some serious money on the table…

Let me explain…

What do you think would happen if these pizza guys rang me one quiet Tuesday evening? If they thanked me for my custom and then offered me a killer special offer?

What would happen if they sent me a nice thank you card together with a coupon for a 20% discount that had to be used inside 7 days?

Well I’d be whipping open my wallet and handing over hard earned cash that’s for sure!

You see, instead of deepening their relationships with EXISTING customers they concentrate far too much on finding NEW ones.

Let me ask you this…

Which piece of marketing do you think would give the pizza shop the biggest return on its investment?

Handing out 1,000 menus to strangers in the street or sending out a time sensitive discount coupon to 100 of its highest spending customers?

Blimey, I’d bet the lot on the fact that contacting its best customers in this way, and making them feel special while offering them a discount, would produce a jumbo sized result!

And this works online too…

Why do so many marketers shuffle around trying to build a big list of new prospects without even a second thought to their EXISTING customers and subscribers?

I haven’t the foggiest why they do this and it really is marketing suicide gone mad!

Let me give you an example….

Last week I sold out my Super List Building Webinar series. I emailed just 4,253 people and I sold out all 25 spots in less than 12 hours, giving me a profit of $4,925.

You can see some screenshots below…

How was I able to do this with such a tiny list and NO affiliates or JV partners? It’s simple.

With everything I do I put a HEAVY emphasis on looking after the needs of those who have ALREADY bought from me, and not just on trying to build a big list of new prospects.

I’d rather have a list of 4,000 where I have deep relationships with my subscribers than a list of 40,000 where people can’t even remember my name.

So what does this mean for YOUR business?

It means that if you stop the maddening hunt for fresh subscribers and instead start looking after those who’ve already placed some trust in you then you’ll massively increase your profits.

I guarantee it.

Want me to get more practicle? Not a problem.

Here’s a quick 3 step plan to applying the theory above to your business today…

1) Overdeliver starting right at the time of the purchase.

Want to make your customers buy from you again? Well simply give them MORE than they expect when they buy from you in the first place!

Customers who bought my list building webinar course paid for 6 sessions.

Is that what they’ll get? No way!

You see, I wanted to give a nice thank you surprise, which is why immediately after purchase they were told they would get a bonus week for free!

Give your customers an unexpected valuable bonus as soon as they buy from you and you’ll increase your profits starting today.

2) Add a buyers autoresponder message sequence

As soon as someone buys from you they should be placed onto an autoresponder sequence for buyers only.

If you fill this with messages thanking the customer for their purchase and encouraging them to ‘consume’ the product then you’ll massively boost your profits.

Why? Because if your customers see that you care for them even AFTER they’ve made their purchase then they’ll be more likely to buy from you again in the future.

So encourage your customers to use your product. Give them tips and hints.

Give them unexpected bonuses that add yet more value. Tell them real life success stories.

Place a heavy emphasis on getting your customers to enjoy your product and they’ll reward you with more purchases in the future.

Do you currently sell a product? Do you have an autoresponder just for buyers? If not, add one today. It will be quicker to setup than you might think.

This one tip has been responsible for adding thousands to my monthly income. And that isn’t hype.

3) Offer special deals to the buyers of your product

As well as packing your autoresponder sequence full of useful help you should also include some links to related products.

Remember the story about my local pizza place? Remember how I would have responded if they’d have offered me a customer only special?

Well apply this lesson online and your profits will skyrocket!

If a customer buys product A then offer them a discount for product B. Make them feel special and let them know that the discount is only available to buyers of your product.

Want to turbo charge this tip?

Then make sure that the products you promote in this way are more expensive AND contain more value than the product you sold in the first place.

Recommending products at the backend that increase in price AND value really is the way to building the business that you dream of step by step.

Don’t have any products like this to promote at the backend? Not a problem!

Simply find someone else who does and promote this as an affiliate (hint: if you really want to take this up a notch then negotiate a discount on this product so your customers MUST buy through your link).

Okay, there you have it…

Building a big list of prospects should never be the goal of any business. The goal is to build a list of CUSTOMERS who you develop deep relationships with and who want to buy from you again and again.

Why spend time and money building a massive list of cold prospects when instead you could be profiting wildly by markting to the HOT prospects who’ve already trusted you enough to buy from you in the first place?

These people are the lifeblood of your business. Treat them as such and your business will boom.

Follow the 3 steps above starting today and you WILL increase your profits. Just remember to come back here and tell me your success stories when you do!

(Don’t forget to leave your comments below…it’s always great hearing from my readers!)

Popularity: 35% [?]

From My Survey and this Made Me Laugh

I’m currently surveying the members over at Standing Start Profits so that I can strive to make the site even better (it’s alredy so good that 95% of the people taking the survey said that they expected to stay forever!)

Anyway, one of the questions was “what other other sites are you a member of?”

One person listed 7 other sites together with their affiliate link, a brief review of each one, and then a call to action for me to join!

Talk about trying to squeeze your affiliate link in wherever you can….and good on them I say!

I’ve never been ’sold’ to before during a survey I was running, but you’ve got to admire that level of enthusiasm haven’t you?

It almost makes me want to join one of the other sites just so they can grab an affiliate commission!

Popularity: 26% [?]

Remember When I Told You to Focus?

You know how I’m always banging on about how concentrating on just one task at a time will lead to higher profits?

Yeah well today I’m doing the exact opposite!

I’m sat at my desk trying to write the next issue of my newsletter, but keep getting distracted. I was hoping to send this tonight but right now that looks ambitious.

Last week I was sent a DVD box set to review and I just can’t stop watching the content!

You can see some of the DVDs that keep grabbing my attention in the picture below…

I’ve not really seen many marketing box sets in the past, and the two that I have looked through were rubbish. (really rubbish to be honest!)

So when this set was sent to me I was expecting this to be pretty pants too!

I’ve been taken aback a little because these DVDs are actually excellent, and I’ve already discovered lots of cool new marketing ideas.

Which is where the problem comes in because I keep watching instead of writing my newsletter!

Anyway, I’ll complete my newsletter now and then I’ll post a full review of the product when I’ve had time to go through the last 4 DVDs.

It’s brilliant so far but I have one MAJOR issue…

Why the heck do marketers insist on prouncing the work niche as n-i-t-c-h? Clearly it’s a n-e-e-s-c-h, and if the author of this course says it wrong one more time I may not be able to sit through the next DVD!

Of course, if that’s my only issue with the content I suppose you could see I’m pretty happy with what I’m watching.

Anyway, my newsletter is calling…

Popularity: 25% [?]

Kylie Minogue and Standing Start Profits?

I’m currently running a survey amongst the members over at Standing Start Profits.

Why?  Because I want to listen to my members and provide the best value possible that’s why!

I had to chuckle at this response though….

Question: “What could we do to make Standing Start Profits even better?”

Answer:  “The only way Standing Start Profits could be improved would involve sending Kylie Minogue round to each members home to teach them one on one while sat on the members lap!(George Clooney for the girls!)”

Well I do like to listen to my members but I’m thinking that a joint venture with Kylie is probably out of my grasp!!

Here are the some more answers to the same question about how we can improve our site….

“Are you kidding? Not possible”

 ”Can’t imagine”

“That would honestly take some thinking!”

“Invent a time machine and give me access to this site 3 years ago”

Are you a member yet?  If not you’re going to want to check out the current special below

Click HERE to check out details of the $10 special

I’ll see you on the other side soon!

Popularity: 22% [?]

Want to Read the Password Protected Post?

Do you want to know the EXACT reasons why I decided to offer the 6 part list building webinar that sold out in 12 hours?

Want to know how I’m planning to use this course to create another product with no extra work?

Then you need to check out the password protected post below….

This is a special post only made available to Standing Start Profits members. Why? Because I like to look after my members with the best content around that’s why!

The good news is that I’m running a special that means you can gain access to all the exciting content on the inside for just $10 during your first month. It’s then $19.95 for each additional month and you can cancel at any time. Absolutely no contracts.

For just $10 you’re going to get access to an absolute boatload of resources (see the video tour at the link below) AND you get access to the password protected post below too.

(the password is a sticky in the mentoring forums)

Here’s what you need to do to join today…

Step 1# Check out the details by clicking the link below (make sure you watch the video tour)

http://www.lee-mcintyre.com/mentoring/standingstartprofits

Step 2# Claim your $10 month by clicking the link below

http://www.lee-mcintyre.com/special/ssp

And that’s it! (Do this now though as I never leave these specials running for long)

Enjoy the site and I’ll see you on the other side!

Popularity: 22% [?]

Protected: How I Earned $4,925 in 12 Hours Before I’d Even Made The Product!

Popularity: 23% [?]

The List Building Masterclass is Now Sold Out

Well that didn’t take long did it?

The list building masterclass is now completely sold out and I’d like to thank everyone for the trust shown in me.

I can give you my personal guarantee that I’ll make this a webinar series to remember!

If you missed out then I’m very sorry.  We’re completely full and there can be no exceptions.

I will though be running similar courses in the future so do keep checking back!

Now roll on May 1st so that we can get this bad boy on the road…. 

Popularity: 21% [?]

Creating Your Own Product Doesn’t Need To Be Rocket Science

I’m sure that if you have been online for any amount of time, you will have realized that having your own product is one of the best ways to grow your business and establish yourself in your niche.

But many people are so overwhelmed with the prospect of creating something of their own, that they just freeze up and don’t know where to start. They think it will be too hard, and that they don’t have enough knowledge on a subject to make anything worthwhile.

If this is you, you need to get over that fear and just jump in and get started!

Do you think that all of the other marketers out there with their own products in multiple niches knew everything about the topic they created their product around? Cripes no!

Many of them will have paid a ghostwriter to create the product for them. Some may have taken some good PLR material they obtained and added some of their own research to it.

And just as many will have done some research and put their own product together from what they learned.

What I want to emphasize with this post is to just get out and start getting your product done.

If you have found a niche you are interested in, and you feel that there is a good market judging by your research, just go for it!

There is just tons of crazy information available that you can use to put a solid product together – on the internet and through books at your library, as well as by interviewing experts in the niche.

Go to some of the forums in your niche and see what people are asking questions about. Ask your own questions. Then, take note of the answers and use the knowledge you are gathering to put into your own product.

Having your own product is one of the best ways to make money online – and if you are serious about building a business, you need to step out of your comfort zone and just get your own product put together.

It doesn’t need to be a literary masterpiece, and it doesn’t need to be a grand slam home run product like the heavily hyped guru products.

If you have ten small products that you have put together over time and have them out there making even just a bit of money each day, you’ll be making as much as the big guru product.

The best thing is, without the big hype associated with your product – you won’t have to keep the momentum up to keep selling it.

Keep your head down, and keep working to put out good quality products that can work for you for the years ahead, and you will see the results you are hoping for.

Don’t get overwhelmed with the prospect of putting out the best and most unique product ever – put out your own product, that offers good information and that you are proud to put your name on.

Then you will start seeing the money come in, and your hard work will pay off.

Popularity: 19% [?]

List Building Masterclass is Live (only 25 spots)

I have something very special for you today…

You see, for months people have been asking me if I could work with them to build a super profitable list.

Heck, when I finally gave in and offered a mentoring program it then went and sold out in less than 3 hours!

Well don’t worry because today I’m going to be giving 25 lucky people the opportunity to work with me while they build their list for free.

http://www.lee-mcintyre.com/special/listbuilding

Having a profitable list really is the key to online success which is why I’m excited to be offering this opportunity today.

You’ll have to be quick though…

This email is going out to my entire list and I expect it to sell out fast.

(remember that my mentoring program sold out in less than 3 hours!)

If you want in you’ll have to hit the link and check this out now and I’ll see you on the other side!

http://www.lee-mcintyre.com/special/listbuilding

Popularity: 21% [?]

3 Important List Building Rules and an Important Announcement

Hit play to listen to a free video discussing 3 important list building rules you really need to learn today.

And don’t forget to pencil tomorrow Friday 18th April 11am EST into your diary as I have something very special indeed coming your way!

(more to follow)

Did you enjoy the video? Let me know in the comments below…

Popularity: 26% [?]

Do You Offer a Service and Can I Send You Some Business Please?

Here at Lee-McIntyre.com I’m always trying to offer the best service possible to those who take an interest in my business.

Currently my business consists of…

4,300 newsletter readers

650+ members of Standing Start Profits

380 interns

17 coaching clients

And I want to do what I can to offer them the best deals possible.

Which is where you come in…

Do you offer a service of some kind? Are you a graphics designer or a PHP whizz? Are you an expert proof reader or a great writer?

Well if so then I want to hear from you!

You see, I’m always getting requests from my members for recommendations for good service professionals. In fact, this is one of the top 5 questions that I get asked by my mentoring clients.

Right now I have so many loyal newsletter readers that I want to offer them the most value possible.

The members at Standing Start Profits show great trust in me so I want to look after them too

And I also want to give my Interns an unexpected surprise by giving them access to some deep discounts on great services.

In short, I would like to build a database of great service providers who are willing to offer a big discount exclusive to my members.

Is that you? Then get in touch!

Here’s what I need…

1) I need a complete description of the services you currently offer plus an explanation of why we should use your services and not those belonging to someone else.

If you have samples, examples, or positive feedback then you’ll also want to include these too. Please no hype.

2) I need an explanation of your current pricing and the SPECIAL pricing you’ll be offering to my members.

I’m not running the yellow pages here. I’ll only feature you in you can offer my loyal members a big discount (and in return I’ll send you lots of business)

3) Details on how to sample your work. There’s no getting around this point. I’ll only recommend any service I have some positive personal experience of.

This means you must be prepared to offer a free sample to someone in my team before we add you to the database. The sample might be used by me, or more likely by one of my moderators or a high performing Intern.

(I like to look after my members as much as I can).

You can get in touch by opening a ticket here.

I should also say that I have ZERO interest in any kind of affiliate fee. I just want to offer the best services at the best prices to my members. And that’s it.

If you currently offer an affiliate fee please lower the special price that you offer to my members as I’d rather they had it than me.

I’ll speak to you soon!

(EDIT: Please read the post above and only contact me about ’services’. Not ebooks or other products. Just services please!!)

Popularity: 17% [?]