I Made $182.64 Profit Last Month

“It’s only after you’ve lost everything, that you’re free to do anything.”
-Tyler Durden, Fight Club

Yep that’s right kids, and no you didn’t read it wrong. Did the stats for last month and profit came out to $182.64.

When most affiliate bloggers make a post about earnings, it’s to boast about how much they made and/or for link-bait. Hey, I did it myself a couple times and it does it’s job. But what most affiliates don’t post about, are the bad months, and the very bad months. And last month just happened to be my worst month in affiliate marketing, ever. Nobody has the balls to admit when they’re struggling. I’ll admit I probably wouldn’t have the balls to post this if I hadn’t turned it back around and was doing awesome now. If I was still in a slump I’d probably just keep it quiet.

So instead of telling you how I earned $300k/month and what I did to get there, I’m going to tell you what I did to let myself slip and have a horrible month. Because affiliate marketing really is a roller coaster ride, there’s ups and downs. The real trick I’ve found out is getting off the rollercoaster and onto something more consistent, which is more longterm niches and getting on the advertiser side of things. Here’s why I bombed out in November :

1) TOO MANY THINGS AT ONCE.

Easily the biggest reason. I had way too many things trying to go at once. And it’s hard with at least 5 affiliate managers IM’ing me every day saying “yo man check out this offer a pub is rocking it doing this”. So I’m like alright I’ll give it a shot. I end up giving 5 offers a shot in 1 week, they all lose money and I have to end up pausing them all because it’s too overwhelming.

So while I had a couple campaigns doing well, losing money on all these new offers I tested just sucked the profit away. Got in way over my head with too much to do and not enough time to actually put an effort into it.

2) Beating a dead horse.

I had a campaign that rocked in October, like $5k profit/day rocked and it was great. But I knew from the start that it would be temporary and it would die for a number of reasons. Well around the last couple days of October, my predictions came true and it did indeed die out. Instead of accepting the fact that it died and moving on, I tried to revive it in November. I jacked bids way up, was completely careless, and ended up losing A LOT of money.

3) Playa got dumped!

I usually don’t involve too many personal things in my blog, but since this was a big contributing factor I might as well mention it. My girlfriend and I were together for almost 3 years and I got canned at the end of October. If anybody has been in a long-term relationship and dumped, it’s HARD. For the longest time (pretty much all of November) I barely had the urge to work. I’d sit down at the computer everyday like I always do for hours, but somehow I’d barely get anything done. Just no desire to do anything really, so when things tanked I just kind of said whatever and didn’t really care.

4) Testing things with actual potential.

This isn’t really a reason you should try to avoid, but it’s a reason for the crappy month. I actually had an offer I knew had potential, so I made the investment to test out a bunch of stuff and right now it’s paid off.

5) Played around with some non-affiliate sites.

I had a couple ideas for sites that could go viral, so I spent a lot of time building them, and then spent a few thousand on sending traffic to them. That hasn’t paid back at all, but I thought the ideas had potential (and they still do). So there’s another $5-10k + Time gone.

6) Dating died for me.

I got back into dating for a few months and it was doing pretty well. Margins were still really low, but it profited decently and I got a ton of Amex points. Then pretty out of the blue I get cut by True. Alright, move to Spicy over at Copeac. Does pretty good again, and then out of the blue my EPC gets cut almost in half. Margins were low to begin, so cutting conversions in half had me losing a pretty penny. I tried to beat the dead horse for a week or so but just ended up losing more and more money. Woot!

After actually typing out all the things went wrong, I’m still actually very surprised I managed to profit at all haha. But looking into the future, and looking into now, I’ve turned things around pretty well. The first 2 days of December have been totally awesome and it’s looking only up from here. So now what did I do to turn it around?

Focused on only 2 projects.
I knew I was getting in way over my head, and knew I had to simplify things. So I had 2 things going for me – the 1 affiliate offer that had potential, and the product I’m working on creating and becoming and advertiser for. I told myself that no matter what, I was going to work on these 2 things exclusively. Well, amazing things happen when you actually listen to yourself and commit to something. I’ve been working on this affiliate offer and it’s doing extremely well and growing fast. Instead of making one landing page for 3 offers and testing them all, I tested multiple pages with this one offer, put more focus on ad copy, and tested a couple different offers. Just focusing hard on ad copy alone, my cost per conversion is about $7 lower and my CTR is almost double. This makes clicks cheaper, quality score rise, and more profit. Then I have the product I’m working on that I’m pretty much outsourcing all the work to, so my work comes in just managing it and planning everything.

Getting a grip.
I had to realize that just because I’m glum from being dumped doesn’t mean that life wouldn’t pause with me as well. My house needed to be maintained, I still had bills, and an employee to pay. I already have enough money saved up for quite a few years of that, but when you have a $100 profit month, it still scares you. And I know a bunch of big guys that have plenty of money, but when their biggest stuff starts to dry out, they get worried too…it’s just natural.

Burning and cremating the dead horses. Sure other things out there make a lot of money and other affiliates are doing insane things with them. It was a dead horse for me and instead of going back and trying to bring it back alive, I just burned the horse and spread it’s ashes in the sea. I stopped worrying about what I could be making with these offers, and started accepting what I did make with them. Doing this allowed me to just focus on 1 main offer, which has been paying off great.

Haven’t really posted in a while and just wanted to let you guys know that nobody is invincible, and you really can go from everything, to nothing, back to everything in 1 month. Pretty crazy.


48 Comments

  1. Kevin
    December 3, 2008

    It happens Paul.

    The decision to focus is a step in the right direction. About your ex g/f … is just going to be a matter of time…. so take it easy and make sure you don’t spend a lot of time alone.

    Best wishes,

  2. December 3, 2008

    Sorry to hear about your ex, but it’s good to know that you got a grip continue working hard.
    I love your blog and missed your posts!

  3. Ben
    December 3, 2008

    Great post Paul – fantastic that you are picking yourself up off the tarmac. Hope you kick arse in Dec.

  4. DH
    December 3, 2008

    Thanks for this post Paul. It takes balls to tell the truth like this. Especially in an industry full of haters and immature peeps. If you’re already back on the horse from a breakup with a long term girlfriend after such a short time, my hat’s off to you. Keep it up and post more if you can.

  5. December 3, 2008

    Reason #20: Spending too much time in #cakes

    – Well, at least you’re honest. What can I say.

  6. December 3, 2008

    Thanks for the honest post, makes you more real as a person and a businessman. I have no doubt you will move on to bigger and better things. Great job.

  7. December 3, 2008

    Great post. Get to the gym and the Canadien ballet, you’ll be all set ;)

  8. December 3, 2008

    The ballet is key.

  9. December 3, 2008

    Wow. What an honest post! Hope December treats you better, I’m sure it will.

  10. Yebot
    December 3, 2008

    “In the poker game of life, women are the rake.”

  11. Larry
    December 3, 2008

    Paul–

    Far and a way the best post you’ve ever written. To be honest, I stopped reading your blog as I’ve come to think you of really lacking maturity, but this shows tremendous growth. Overcoming challenges like this is what separates entrepreneurs from the rest of the world. Congrats on re-finding your focus.

  12. December 3, 2008

    Very respectable post. I’m glad you got out of your slump.

  13. Steve
    December 3, 2008

    Man, when my gf and I of 5 years broke up, I went through the same thing. It sucks. Your honesty however is why this is easily my favorite affiliate blog. Good to hear about your turn-around

  14. h
    December 3, 2008

    Inspiring. Thank you.

  15. e.
    December 3, 2008

    thanks for writing this. i’ve had something against you since you made the dick thing pop up on my computer but I related to everything you said in this post- and i needed to hear it happens to someone else too and it isn’t just me

  16. spyderman4g63
    December 3, 2008

    True fucked me also

  17. December 3, 2008

    Legit post for once. $$ GET BERRIES + GET PAID $$

  18. December 3, 2008

    Hey man, much respect for the honesty.

    Funny how we tend to learn the most from our challenges/adversity, not our successes. Sure you’ll be back on top before you know it.

  19. December 3, 2008

    Hey did she pull the whole “It’s not you, it’s me” thing? That happened to me after a long relationship, I struggled for a little bit too, but now that I think back on it’s quite hilarious… Haha

    Great post, you made my day. I made more money than thee uberaffiliate last month!!!! *dances*

    lol

  20. Alex
    December 3, 2008

    i love your blog, you tell it like it is-

  21. December 3, 2008

    Ya, we don’t care about the money, we’re interested in why she dumped you. That’s the juicy stuff.

  22. Steve
    December 3, 2008

    Woah, You actually made money last month? I lost in excess of $20k… Definitely sucks, this is why it’s good to be a penny pincher and always keep good capital… This has happened in the past also, it’s just the way the game goes, gotta stay positive, focus, and test test test!

  23. December 3, 2008

    woo, i’ve made 200$ more then UberAffiliate last month! lol

    That’s harsh bro!, iam happy things are turning around for you!

  24. December 3, 2008

    Hi Paul, Can definitely relate to a lot of things you mentioned in the post. Last month, I ended up spending a considerable amount of time on a campaign that eventually was banned by adwords. So, there goes two weeks of research and work out the window. And as per, other things – I personally feel that diversifying isn’t really a bad thing – but getting into too many things at once can definitely be counter productive. As per your girl friend – we all move on mate. And, I am sure with your experience and expertise – you’d be back on track in no time. Cheers.

  25. Steve
    December 3, 2008

    Just want to add, the drop in EUR hasn’t helped either! This is probably the scariest part.

  26. Lorenzo
    December 3, 2008

    I commend you on your transparency dude, hard to find that in this industry.

  27. December 3, 2008

    Honestly, were you expecting to not fail big guy? I’ve actually been waiting for a post like this man. I aint gonna sugarcoat it. It may seem like shit, but these events are only going to make your thought process and work ethic a lot stronger. You’re gonna pull thru dude. Get your head straight. This post serves more honesty than 99% of the people out there are willing to give. I can already see a change man. This post here serves as a completely different way that I look at you. Once you are back on top, dont ever forget today. As a matter of fact, the more you think about it and remember how shitty it was, the more motivation you are going to have to avoid getting into these situations again.

    Congratulations on getting back to it man,
    Ruck

  28. December 3, 2008

    Wow, Paul… thank you so much for being real and laying out the truth the way you did. What you did by telling us about your worst month ever totally inspired me and reminded me that it’s not all gravy all the time for you big dogs. ;-) RE: your ex, my heart goes out to you… it’s so hard when a long term relationship ends. Stay strong and keep your head up!

  29. December 3, 2008

    Oh man, rough month. Thanks for sharing the story with us though. All too often, all we here are the positive stories. It takes ones like this to keep us all grounded.

  30. December 3, 2008

    I’m not exactly an affiliate promoter… but I do “park” domains. I had two days in November that seriously made me feel as if I’ve been a domainer for like a week. Last month was such a piece of crap I couldn’t believe it…

    My revenue from November 1st compared to November 30th showed a 73.2% decrease. Overall revenue compared to May? About a 60% decrease.

    Tough times.

  31. John
    December 3, 2008

    Im sorry to hear of your relationship ending and its obvious to see how it can be a contributing factor.

    But pleased to read that you turned things around, and respect the fact that you opened up and tell how things are for real.

  32. Pat
    December 3, 2008

    I hear you Paul. Life can throw you some curve balls. This year I’ve grossed about $130,000 with about ½ profit with only promoting 2 offers. I knew they would come to an end eventually and sure enough last month the 2nd one ended. So now I’m down to only $1,500 per month for mostly advertising revenues.

    The problem now is that I’m very ill and have no interest in spending time working on the computer. I use to go home and spend hours every evening. But now by the time I get home from work I’m exhausted. The doctors haven’t been able to diagnose me for the past year, which is extremely frustrating and worrisome. My condition has gotten worse with extreme fatigue! Not only that, but my current job may be in jeopardy due to me being gone a lot because I’m sick. Not to mention they are about the lay off a few people. I won’t get into details about my medical problems but I’ve lost 40 lbs. for no reason over the past year, so it’s pretty serious. Regardless, this has thought me that to have your own business, you better not get sick and you better be in the right frame of mind.

    Years ago I too got dumped after 4 years (out of the blue) and it was the most intense emotional pain I ever encountered. It took me 1 year to get over it. She did me a favor because today I’m married to a woman whom I have a far better relationship with. The break up was a blessing in disguise. However, at the time I was absolutely devastated. I really surprised how much it hurt and how long it took to get over. So Paul I know what you are going through!

    Anyway, right now I have no desire to make any money online because I’m worried sh*tless about my health. I’ve dreamed about quitting my job to work my own business, but now that I’m sick that desire has temporarily died.

    To all the want-to-be-entrepreneurs, make your physical and mental health a priority. If that goes, your business will suffer.

  33. December 3, 2008

    Well, Paul,… be patient :D

    There are always bad times in our life. Just don’t let it stress you out. There are still a lot a lot a lot of others way to make money online. I believe that you could go high again in the next month.

    Just like you say >> you really can go from everything, to nothing, back to everything in 1 month.

    And just like you say >> Pretty crazy.. :D

  34. Marco
    December 3, 2008

    KEEP YOUR HEAD UP… I’m sure someone as smart as yourself P will do just fine in the future. Don’t forget to keep diversifying the income streams though doggy.

    Cheers!

  35. simon
    December 3, 2008

    hey Paul
    remember that
    Women are not people. They are devices built by our Lord Jesus Christ for our entertainment.
    Peter Griffin
    hahaha
    see you :)

  36. December 3, 2008

    Hey buddy,

    I know the fell of this dumping shit. and it sucks. but what don’t brake ya it makes you stronger. s*it i see you on facebook too much more then usual.lol.

    you’ll get back on track. I’m not worrying.

    Hrvoje

  37. Bryan
    December 3, 2008

    “nobody is invincible, and you really can go from everything, to nothing, back to everything in 1 month.”
    This is life.
    We have learned a lot from you, man.
    Take care!

  38. December 3, 2008

    Damn very nice post. I give you a lot of respect for sharing some of the stuff you did in this post and being genuine. Very few people would ever admit their failures and own up to them like that.

  39. December 3, 2008

    Great post, with any business you will have great months and some that are not so great. With the economy the way it is today I also get a little nervous when business is down. All you can do is keep moving forward.
    Thanks again for the great post.

  40. December 3, 2008

    Paul, could have been worse – she could have dumped you AFTER Affiliate Summit Vegas.

  41. December 3, 2008

    Paul, sorry to hear about your g/f and it sucks to have a bad month.

    There are many fish in the sea, I am sure you’ll recover quickly.

    That goes for both girlfriends and affiliate offers.

    I threw a couple sites/offers on the pyre this last month, as well. Sometimes you need to burn up some of the old stuff to make room for new, better stuff. Most marketers need a reality check once and awhile… it was good of you to make this post and let others know that this is how things are sometimes. Great post.

    – Michael
    HalfHourWorkWeek.com

  42. ben
    December 3, 2008

    Good look to your ex girl finding a better guy. Most guys your age are doing what, making 8 bucks an hour at Starbucks? lol

  43. December 3, 2008

    excellent post. you never hear about the bad times, which im glad you talk about. i am actually profitting right now and think im invinsible…after reading your post i realize im not and i have to be very careful in the decision i make.

    and…ive been in a long relationship and got dumped…it SUCKS…no motivation for anything…just remember that there are plenty of fish in the sea…corny quote but its so true…you’ll look back and realize how much of a better GF you have now…than before.

    keep rockin it.

  44. December 3, 2008

    Loved reading this post – I read so many internet marketing blogs and it can get nauseating at times seeing people try to sell themselves. This made good reading, just seeing someone be honest.

  45. December 3, 2008

    Great post! Thanks for being so real. You seem like you know what you’re doing so no doubt you will turn it around.

    All the best,
    Lisa

  46. Matt
    December 3, 2008

    Whoa dude. Thats gotta be the most honest blog post i’ve seen online. Your human, oh well, shit happens. You’ll move on to bigger and better things.

  47. December 4, 2008

    Every profit is good, so don’t worry. In your case i would put your 3rd reason on the first place. I had similar situation, and it’s the thing that makes your life STOPPED and go downhills. But when you come back to normal, and realize that life must go on, everything will be fine. The best way to forget her is throw every thing that connects you with her, and to start communicate with others, and if possible, to find new one, which is, i know, hardest at the moment, but would kill the problem in roots ;)…

  48. December 4, 2008

    Great post, when I saw the title I thought I had subscribed to some newbies RSS reader.

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