Learn Your Trade

You’re not going to get anywhere if you don’t know what you’re doing, and there’s just no excuse for doing a bad job because all of your tools to succeed are there for you. If you’re new to Internet Marketing, you would do well to start visiting forums like Webmaster World. Other websites are great sources of information such as Search Engine Roundtable, SEOMoz, PPC Hero and SEO Boy. Of course there are a lot more than that, and you can usually find them if you compile a good Twitter following list. Twitter actually makes this easy with their Lists feature which allows you to follow other people’s lists. I have a great SEM Oracles list that will usually give you some excellent article links and point you in the right direction in terms of who knows what they’re talking about and who is totally full of it.

If you’re looking for something a bit more interactive, try picking up a few webinars on the SEM Oracles list from some really great professionals who have been in the business for years and know their way around the block. You can also attend conferences in an effort to network within your industry, or gain some valuable insight from key presenters who you may not otherwise have the the opportunity to hear from. Buying drinks works really well for this, and it seems to be the consensus within the Internet Marketing Industry that you do not turn down a drink, not from anyone. One of my favorite conferences is Search Engine Strategies New York which is coming up soon. Check it out if you’re on the east coast!

Know Thy Friends and Enemies

The Internet Marketing industry seems a little off in some respects. On one hand you have a collection of super-intelligent, super motivated professionals who, time and time again, prove that their trade is legitimate and that following the rules of search marketing will undeniably benefit businesses of all types. On the other hand, the industry is also filled with lazy, inarticulate free-loaders who won’t hesitate to take short cuts with your strategies while charging you loads of cash and straight up lying to you about what they’re capable of, and what they can actually do for you.

The search marketing community looks out for their own, almost to a fault. It’s hard to get into the various inner-circles, but you can do it via avenues like Twitter, blog comments and conferences. Once you’re in, you can find a wealth of information in those willing to mentor, offer tips to help, even a great source of work if you really show that you know your stuff. Even if you’ve made some great friends, it’s always a good rule of thumb to watch your step. My impression of the search marketing community is that they can be a fickle bunch, loving you one minute and casting you out the next. Of course, most everyone who gets black labeled does seem to deserve it, but this industry can look a lot like a school of sharks if there’s blood in the water.

Work Your Ass Off

Okay. You know your stuff because you’ve proven that your tactics work. You’ve had enough opportunities to test theories, you’ve showcased your knowledge in forums, blog posts, Twitter, maybe even face-to-face with some of the well known presenters out there. What now?

Work it. It’s time to hunker down and get busy. If the clients aren’t coming to you, go out and get the clients. Don’t bullshit anyone about what you can do for them or about how much it will cost. Be honest, do honest work and you’ll find success in whichever corner of Internet Marketing you find yourself in. At first you’ll take whatever jobs come along, and as you find more success you’ll also be able to pick and choose more which types of projects you want to be involved in.

Being successful in the Internet Marketing industry isn’t easy. It takes hard work, dedication and a love for tedious tasks. Don’t let money be a driving factor in your career choice because I guarantee you that it won’t be worth it if you don’t truly love this profession. If I’m being honest, I think you might have to be a little sick to even stay in this field. That said, go forth and optimize!