Just a quick update to anyone still accessing this site that we are both still alive and well and both still working full time online.
We’ve been having a great time working on things we really enjoy, rather than on things just to make money. I think that is the key to success with working online. When people come into affiliate marketing it really is because of the money more than anything else and because of that, there is the tendency to focus on things that you don’t really enjoy doing. We did that at the start and had websites on all sorts of topics, most that we had no knowledge about or any real interest in.
It worked, but only because we came up with a method that worked and put a hell of a lot of time and effort into it. But, to be honest, I don’t want to work on things I don’t enjoy anymore. If I am going to work from home, then I want to enjoy working from home and not make it another chore that I have to do. I may as well be back in a regular 9 to 5 job if that’s the case.
So for the past 6 months or so, we have focused on just two topics…ASMR (just Google it for more info, but basically it is a form of relaxation) and more recently, crafts.
I experience ASMR hence why I have started to create videos around that. Wanda doesn’t experience it, but loves making the videos for it, plus she has a great voice for it, which people love.
The craft part is something we both really enjoy…really, really enjoy. So we have created a website and a YouTube channel and started to create craft tutorial and review videos. That’s still in the early stages.
In terms of affiliate marketing, we have become completely relaxed with it. Google has had so many changes, that it is hard to keep up. One of the latest that I saw was the ‘HTTPs and SSL certificate for better ranking’ nonsense.
We’ve given up worrying about Google and their many changes to improve search engine results. I don’t even want to try to keep up with them anymore…and we don’t have to. What we are doing is working, albeit, it will take time, but we can see the progression already.
So now we just use Google…we blend in and use their tools to get what we want, and in a sense, this is all Google wants anyway. They want their tools to be used but only if the quality is there and it isn’t done using black hat techniques or manipulations of the system. If you can’t beat them, join them, as they say! There’s no point constantly trying to outdo them because it just becomes a constant effort.
Google will fall eventually because they are really only about the money these days, which is a shame because they started out in a whole different direction. If they can’t even get Google Plus to work, something is wrong and even those outside of the internet marketing game are starting to dislike them which is not a good sign.
So what does this mean for us? It means that we don’t do any keyword research anymore, we don’t actively back link, we don’t write articles around keywords, we don’t create new websites on topics we aren’t interested in and we very rarely read affiliate marketing news or follow Google changes or read blogs that talk about internet marketing. And as for our product sites, we just work on them when they need updating and no more than that. They still make us money!
It also means that we have closed our Affiliate Tools HQ membership site to new members. We actually enjoyed it, but the more content we added, the more difficult it became to keep it updated. And finding new quality content to add was always a struggle. (We still have members in there that joined up when we first opened the site!)
As for this website, I will probably continue to add posts but they will only be when I feel there is something worth writing about.
So that’s the update. Would be great to hear from our old followers to see what you have been up to.
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I was just thinking about yall and wondering what had become of you two so I’m so glad you updated us! I gave up on Google a long time ago. I too decided to just work on what I love. So far it’s worked, in at least I have a large audience and mailing list. Just waiting for the income to catch up with it!
So good to hear from you Cathy. It’s great to hear that you are doing what you love. I really think that’s the key to REAL ongoing success online.
I hope you can keep us updated.
Well look! A new post here! It’s nice to hear from you ladies.
I still visit your site from time to time, especially when I’m feeling overworked and unmotivated. I always click on your “Get Motivated” tab and read most of those posts, particularly the Amazon income report articles. I’ve only been a follower since early this year, so I’m not what you would call an old follower, but I really have learned a great deal from you two.
Affiliate marketing is still alive and well. After reading most of your posts on here, I am aware of how you view Google, especially after your sites were hit with the infamous update in late 2012. I understand why you (and many others) feel this way, and probably will forever (as apparent with your post here). One example being your citing of the SSL certs helping rankings, which right now is just a speculation and nothing too major to worry about. I know that ‘keeping up with Goggle’ seems a bit daunting and that you will probably hold some bitter tastes in your mouths for the time-being, but for me it’s as easy as reading a few blogs here and there in the morning while drinking some coffee before I start working. What I’m trying to get at is that organic rankings and running a legitimate site is still possible, which I am currently doing — it’s just a bit of a different approach nowadays. Who knows, maybe they’ll pull a fast one with a new algorithmic change and I’ll be back here with a different attitude — but that is my point. It very well could happen.
Anyways, I digress, as you know both know what you’re doing and I’m glad to hear that you’re able to be running an online business with your new crafts project, particularly one that you enjoy. What I’m trying to get at here is what I’ve learned from you two and how it continues to help me everyday, which I’d like to thank you for: This internet\affiliate marketing biz is not forever, and in that case never etched in stone. Google changes, the internet changes, SEO changes — ultimately everything changes. Which is why diversification is key, as well as not putting all of your eggs into one basket (which I’m still attempting to master). I’m not going to quit my day job (just yet?). You’ve also helped set a bar that is high (in a sense there is no height — the ceiling is as high as we’d like to make it). If it wasn’t for your guys’ advice on this blog, I’da stopped after just a few sales. But seeing your income reports and reading your articles with words of encouragement truly shows that with the internet marketing world there are no limits but the ones we choose for ourselves.
C-ya guys!
Thanks Sean. I’m glad we’ve been able to help you with your online business. Motivation is what kept us going too. We were students of James Martell in the early days, and he would keep us motivated with his successes and those of his students.
Working from home is definitely doable. It’s not easy but if you work at it then the rewards are many. I love this lifestyle and being able to work when and where I want. I hope you can eventually give up your day job. It can be a risk but it is worth it.
The best post ever read in recent months. no hype, only words from heart and feeling from soul. I guess every affiliaters who suffer from the frustration by SEO all share the same feeling. Do something valuable, do something really are interested in is the only way to continue success.
Thank you for thinking of us, and to reassure us! Good luck and good luck!
Hey Paula,
Glad to see you guys are alive and well. I have been dropping by to see how you guys were doing. I know the Google updates have left many frustrated and wondering how to make changes to their businesses. I believe if you love what you are doing people will find you organically. You won’t have to force anything. Glad to see you guys are still making money online. I appreciate you updating all of us on your current projects. I hope you guys continue to do well online!
Thanks Samuel. You’ve been visiting us for quite a few years now. Hope things are going well for you and your online business.
great to hear from you! i love doing what im doing and your site really helps me a lot! thank you so much!!
You used famous hosting servers, there’s a lot of hosting server you could use with good service and cheaper price, i only pay $90 for one year domain and hosting
That’s the best way to enjoy life ” Do what makes you happy” when you’re happy you will be satisfied. Nice post I love it.