Blog Set Up. I’ve just released product #4 of 10 in my 10 products in 2010 goal, and if you’re interested in becoming a blogger, it will be of great interest to you!
If you’re new here, I write my goals publicly on my blog every year, then update regularly with new information. My biggest goal for 2010 was to create 10 products and release them. This was a challenge to myself to learn to create and release products quickly.
So far I’ve released:
- BestBlogs.net (more on Best Blogs in a later post)
- Guest Post Secrets
- One-day in-person workshops
And now, my latest creation: Blog Set Up.
One way to get more customers for your products is to create more customers. Guest Post Secrets is geared toward bloggers, and I have another product (not yet released to the public)–video tutorials on how to set up your blog. What better way to sell these two products than to help people get a blog set up?
As part of an “implementation challenge” at a conference I attended, I set up Blog Set Up from scratch in about 24 hours. On Thursday, May 20, I did keyword research and eventually settled on the domain name blogsetup.us.
The site works like this: You sign up for a HostGator account through us, and we set up your blog for you for free. We get paid by HostGator to refer you as a new customer, so that’s how the site makes money.
Once we’ve set up your blog, we send you an email inviting you to opt in to our Blog Set Up email list, which contains a free helper video on how to set up a custom design for your blog (WordPress calls this a “theme”.) Then, we’ll send you some more cool content in the hope that you will purchase Guest Post Secrets or my as-yet-unreleased blog tutorial videos.
Testing Your New Product
By Friday, May 21, I was ready for my first customer. I mentioned it at the seminar I was at, and five people there signed up.
When you launch a site, you’re not going to get it right the first time. Watch others go through it–and keep quiet. Ask them to run through their thought process out loud. Note any questions they have–those are questions your site needs to address up front.
After watching two people go through the process, I redid a significant portion of the site, then launched an AdWords campaign to drive traffic to it. The AdWords campaign is getting an amazing click-through rate, but people aren’t buying, so one of my next steps is to address that.
The good news is that people who do know me are buying, and the site is just about to crest $1,000 in revenue in its first week!
I also shot two quick video testimonials from people at the seminar whose blogs I set up. I’ll add those to the site over the next few days to show some social proof. (Tip: Video testimonials work far better than text ones. Invest in a camera and record them on the spot, then edit and post them!)
Next Step: Outsource the Work
Right now, I am doing the blog setups, but one of my additional next steps is to find a capable person to outsource this to. I plan to use oDesk to find the person, then use Camtasia to shoot a how-to video with my exact process for setting up a blog, and then watch my new employee go through a setup his/herself. That way I’ll know quickly whether I’ve hired the right person.
Want to Launch a Product Fast? My Tips…
I’m proud: I was able to break through a lot of my own barriers and launch a complete website in just over 24 hours! That’s a new record for me, and makes my 10 products goal for this year much more achievable. This website should also boost my income significantly–especially if I can get the AdWords clickers to actually take action and buy a hosting package. 
There was no way I could have launched Blog Set Up in 24 hours if I had to write all the HTML by hand. So, for quick implementation, I used WordPress as my content management system–even though Blog Set Up is not a “blog”.
I have to give credit to WooThemes and their amazing “Optimize” theme. It looks fantastic on Blog Set Up. Plus, I found a bug in the theme and they were able to fix it just a few hours after I posted on their forum. Optimize was well worth the investment.
Since I’ve had such great support with WooThemes, I find myself buying from them again and again. (erica.biz runs on their Fresh News theme.) I highly recommend WooThemes if you want to launch a site quickly. Check out WooThemes.
Need a blog set up? Have you been procrastinating on getting started with a blog? Take advantage of Blog Set Up today and get your blog set up by our experts!
Have questions about fast product launches, or about Blog Set Up itself? Ask ‘em in the comments and I will answer! Also, feel free to share your own product launch experiences.
P.S. Stealing this product idea would not be a good idea. Find your own product idea.
Recommended Reading:
- oDesk Review. Is outsourcing worth the effort? Here are my thoughts, plus my step-by-step guide to using oDesk to outsource labor.
- What to Do When People Aren’t Buying. Ever get the comment “I’d love to buy your product, but I just can’t afford it”? Or–how about the even more blunt “That seems expensive!” You probably don’t need to lower your price! Read this for what to do instead…
- How to Read People’s Minds… …and create the product they most desire! It would be great if we could read people’s minds. As far as I know, that product doesn’t exist, but these two methods come pretty close.
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27. May 2010 at 2:15 pm
Hi Erica, Great idea. I’ve seen other people do this as one of the services they offer (not as an entire site dedicated to the process). One thing I’ve seen added to sweeten the pot (and your revenue) is to have folks buy the domain name through you with an optional premium theme that has an affiliate link (like Woo Themes). Just thought I’d mentioned that in case you hadn’t already considered those items… You are giving me lots of inspiration.
Thanks, Wendy
27. May 2010 at 2:19 pm
FYI, I was thinking of doing something like this. Still am. But, kudos to you for completely SLIMING me when it comes to speed.
That’s what’s called kicking ass and taking names. 
Well done. Looks good.
And yeah, building products isn’t as much work sometimes as people think. Dave Navarro is a fan of the “product in a weekend” approach and it works well.
27. May 2010 at 2:21 pm
Erica,
This post on your new product launch is very inspiring. I’m in the middle of creating my own products and developing my business, and it’s so great to hear about your struggles and successes.
You are a rare gem because a lot of people giving business advice just want to go over the positive aspects, and don’t tell you about the pitfalls that they encounter.
You, on the other hand, show that you are in the trenches trying to figure stuff out. You are honest about the process, and allow your readers to learn from your experience.
For that, I applaud you.
Thank you for making my day.
- Jered
27. May 2010 at 2:25 pm
Oops… just read through the copy on your new website. You already thought of those things. Smart!
27. May 2010 at 2:31 pm
Pretty awesome! I love how simple you make it for the customer, and classically procedural so it is easily automated and outsourced. I know there are PLENTY of people out looking for a website, but afraid to take the first step. You pretty much squashed that fear!
27. May 2010 at 2:31 pm
Hey Erica, great job. I am currently setting up a similar site (although I seem to be doing it at a snail’s pace). I don’t know if it will bring in revenue like yours (as it’s not setting up sites for people)…. Anyhow great inspiration to get me jet setting to complete this project.
That’s a great idea for a site. You’ve done well (again).
27. May 2010 at 2:45 pm
Hi Erica,
Congrats on reaching 4 out of 10 products! Do you have a plan on how not to overwhelm yourself promoting 10 products after they are all launched? Thinking of your 10 separate products reminds me of the traditional business advice of only focusing on one start-up at a time. Do you think it’s better to launch 10 products that perform “ok” as opposed to 1 product that performs great?
-Amy
27. May 2010 at 2:48 pm
Hi Erica,
Quick question – When you run a AdWords campaign do you target a different keyword phrase than your domain already covers or is a good idea to completely dominate one phrase?
BTW, after failing with daily to do lists so often, I have started with a weekly list as you mentioned in your webinar promoting your one day workshops. I am so much happier with week long goals. I can choose tasks based on my energy levels and sense of accomplishment. And more importantly – I GET STUFF DONE!
Thanks for all you share,
Tammi
27. May 2010 at 2:53 pm
Hello Erica, thank you for this post, it gave me a new idea of product to sell. I subscribed to your Guest Post Secrets videos, I hope they will help me making this project work !
Flora
27. May 2010 at 3:03 pm
Erica –
As usual – you SO ROCK! Love the newest post, your entire blog and BEST OF LUCK with the new product. Great Idea.
Nigel
27. May 2010 at 3:26 pm
Hi Erica,
Another great post!
You mentioned, “I write my goals publicly on my blog every year…” – And proceed to accomplish them publicly – Love this action/follow through on your side!
As well, I have launched sites in as little as 1-week, but have not attempted 24 hours. However, the issue is narrowing an interest long-enough to research, create, launch, and day-to-day manage (Until the venture is profitable enough that a predictable model can be outsourced).
For myself, it’s the ‘day-to-day management’ portion where the energy, interest quickly escapes. I tend to have a personal interest in every venture, therefore, building an actual business is the objective.
Fundamentally, I think you have touched on a far greater underlying subject – the only reason to start an online business is for the purpose of creating an automated, profitable, re-occurring revenue stream, within as little time as possible. For this, should be the dream of every online Entrepreneur (And, it helps if you are actually interested in building an actual business).
This is good conversation and very inspiring – I love a good challenge!
27. May 2010 at 4:08 pm
Something about the concept has a lingering sleaze factor. A “too good to be true” or “where is the catch” feeling. People who are familiar with your site or other products don’t need to overcome any initial skepticism, so they are buying.
If you can get rid of that “too good to be true” feeling your product will be more successful. Some ideas:
– Charge for the setup to add legitimacy.
– Add a caveat that they must display a one line text ad in the footer: “This block was setup by BlogSetUp.us Get your free setup now!” (or altertatly no text ad line is $XX)
27. May 2010 at 5:15 pm
You are TOO amazing – I want to be just like you when I grow up!
27. May 2010 at 5:26 pm
Great job Erica! A dream without action is still just a dream, so it’s great to see someone taking action, making it happen AND getting results. This is the epitomy of what it’s all about.
Best of luck on completing all 10.
Bryan
27. May 2010 at 11:33 pm
Well done Erica! I find your blog a great read!
28. May 2010 at 12:01 am
Great article!
this post reminds me that it’s actually important to just “do it”, stop thinking, get it out there NOW.
Thanks!
Regards
Ronny
28. May 2010 at 4:44 am
Super effort! All things said and done, you have a product out that has generated 1000 $ so far!! That is great!
I am wondering how much you have spent to get the 1000$ revenue? Any thoughts on that? Revenue, as you very well know, can be a misleading thing…
Good luck with the remaining products.
You have ‘finally’ inspired me
God bless.
28. May 2010 at 8:56 am
Hi Momekh,
I’ve spent $95 so far.
$70: Optimize theme from WooThemes
$15: AdWords account (I had a $100 credit, but had to put $15 in to get the account activated)
$10: Domain registration
-Erica
28. May 2010 at 6:30 am
Good job with coming out with another product.
Not sure why you are telling people not to “steal” this idea. I’ve seen other companies offer this exact same product in the past so it isn’t original.
28. May 2010 at 8:45 am
Yep, I have too. The problem is that lately I’ve found sites ripping off my blog content wholesale with no attribution. I’ve managed to get their sites taken down, but it’s still time consuming. I’m concerned that someone will do the same here–not just the same concept, but same design, same wording, etc. like people have been doing with my blog posts. That’s the concern that makes me not want to share these sites.
-Erica
28. May 2010 at 7:13 am
Erica
Another great post! I like this one especially because I’m thinking about creating another blog and you offer some great resources and ideas.
I look forward to more great ideas!
Rick
28. May 2010 at 9:35 am
Erica, once again you have outdone yourself with your complete openness and transparency. It is unbelievably valuable for new guys like me to be able to see how an established blogger does it.
I was saddened to hear about people ripping off your ideas. I hope it doesn’t discourage you from being so open with your information as I am really learning a lot from you.
Best of luck in this new venture. I’m going to check out the site now.
28. May 2010 at 10:40 am
Hi Erica,
Love your blog! I find your posts very inspiring and helpful.
Congratulations on setting your site up and getting customers so quickly! I think this is a brilliant idea. You really have a knack for building businesses.
I too have seen this business concept before, with Holly Manns. But as you stated with your hosting company, competition is everywhere, it just depends on how you do things differently to better serve your customers.
I noticed in your post that you are using PPC Adwords to help get the word out about your new biz. PPC is something I have never fully understood how to use properly.
Just a thought… I was thinking if you were looking for an idea for a new blog post, that “how to use PPC effectively” could be an idea. I know I would really appreciate it!
Have a great weekend!!!
Darlene
28. May 2010 at 10:48 am
You are a great inspiration for overcoming procastination and getting it “out there”!
But the rip-off part, unless you really mean word-for-word and template, this is already done and offered with many twists all over the internet. Not a new idea but a nice implementation anyway.
28. May 2010 at 11:46 am
Hi Erica, very interesting concept. Do you have any way for people to participate if they already have Hostgator? I have used them for over a year so I can’t be considered a new customer
I know what you mean about people plagarizing your stuff. I found someone using a chart that took me a couple of hours to research and make. Fortunately, they eventually agreed to put a link to my website.
28. May 2010 at 11:52 am
Hi Erica,
When you run a AdWords campaign do you target a different keyword phrase than your domain already covers or is a good idea to completely dominate one phrase?
Regards,
Tammi
28. May 2010 at 4:00 pm
Awesome, Erica. I love your empire-building strategy of having each website and product leverage all of the others. You go, girl!
29. May 2010 at 8:58 am
Congratulation Erica,
nice network you build there for yourself. Just out of curiosity, do you think it is better to sell many small products, or try to great one bigger product? And why?
Greetings,
Markus
29. May 2010 at 5:28 pm
Erica,
Congratulations to you! I’m hoping to start develop a mix of web/video products in the fall, and hope to finish one a month (if I’m lucky).
Thanks for inspiring us!
29. May 2010 at 8:27 pm
Hi Erica,
Just a quick update –
After re-reading this post, you have inspired me to take action on a few projects that have been residing on the back burner.
I am now in the process of launching not one, but two new sites (One “Fast Food” style Websites for small businesses and the other a professional Association).
Although, I have a regular non-related business during the day, the idea is that the new will both function with autonomy, once established (Going back to read your post on Outsourcing). I had a little free time (Holiday weekend), so what better time to garner the momentum and launch two new ventures!
PS. Don’t worry about the naysayers/copycats – for they will fall by the wayside. You will continue to crush them with your creativity, generosity and sincerity – EVERY TIME. Thank you for always providing such valuable and insightful content in this community!
30. May 2010 at 6:50 pm
Wow.. that’s amazing! I hope you can meet your target there. I believe you manage your time well to produce various products such as Guest Post Secrets – I found some positive comments on your product.
And I agree with you – WooThemes should get a big applause! Their themes are great!
8. June 2010 at 10:43 am
Wow, you’ve kicked me into action. I’m here visiting in Spain to give a talk at an international conference. While, I was intimidated by the big name folks presenting here; thinking who in the world would want to know about my topic area. I learned that even internationally there is a great need for more knowledge/hand holding in my topic area. I was thinking someone should do something about this. Now That I’ve read your post, I’m ready to grab what I’ve done so far and put it up, and already have several ideas for products I can launch through my site. Thank you!
30. July 2010 at 12:18 pm
I remember you doing a webinar on the Google Adwords Keyword Tool, and showing us how you chose blog set up (or blog setup) as your target keyword. Now I have a question, how many daily visitors are you getting from Google with your chosen keyword? Of course, you don’t have to answer this question. I just want to know how accurate the keyword tool is. Thanks in advance!