It has taken many years to work myself to the position of offering a Warrior Special Offer (WSO), which is nothing more than creating a product and using a popular discussion forum to launch it for sale to marketers, entrepreneurs and blogging enthusiasts.
While some confided and told me their fear held them back, I never really thought fear was my problem. I was always certain that people would want my information as long as it was free, but I didn’t think they would pay for it.
Additionally, I was happy because I was helping people by providing access to my tutorials, special reports and videos. I didn’t think it was necessary to build a paid product when I was a successful affiliate marketer.
I was wrong.
Why I Decided To Sell a Product
A while back, Tiffany Lambert offered her mentoring services and I didn’t waste any time securing a spot for her guidance. Once my mentoring started, she gave me several things to address on my blog. The last request was for me to create a product and launch it.
Fixing the blog was easy. Creating a product to sell – well that took a bit of convincing on her part that it was in my best interest to get one made. I tried to give her a song and dance, but she ultimately won the argument.
When I expressed my concern on not being able to launch through JVZoo because I didn’t know how, Tiffany relayed she was already creating How to Launch a WSO on JVZoo, and that this new report would solve my problem.
Again, there was no turning back. This girl seemed to have all the answers, and everything she needed to squash my hopes of procrastinating! I had no choice but to move forward and create a product to sell. 🙂
A Product Is Born
As of May 20, you can now call me a true product creator because I released Infographics KickStart for Internet Marketers as a Warrior Special Offer (WSO) and added my product to JVZoo.
With Infographics KickStart, you get seven done-for-you infographics related to the Internet marketing niche to help drive massive traffic back to your websites and boost social engagement. I offered it on a dime sale to Warriors at less than half the price of what I intend to sell it for from PLR Productions.
You can view the entire set of graphics here – and sign up as an affiliate with the JVZoo affiliate network if you would like to promote the package. Once you have an affiliate account with them, you can send an affiliate request to me.
How I Prepared the Product
After the Video Blogging Challenge, I decided to work on an infographic package. I decided to do this before finishing Podcast KickStart because I knew I could finish the infographics quicker.
Every morning after breakfast, I would sit down and conduct the research for the facts and figures. Additionally, I would need to devise plans and choose color schemes. How did I want all of them to look?
This wasn’t exactly a “dream come true” because I wanted to keep my costs down. This meant I had to design all the pieces without hiring outside help. This was no easy task because I don’t draw by hand and I couldn’t use royalty free images.
Since I intended to move the package to my PLR after the WSO ended, I had to stay away from using royalty images. Most owners do not allow their images for commercial PLR projects and if they do, they limit you on how many copies you can distribute.
I had to find another way to make the infographics visually appealing. This opened up my project to a set of new problems. In the end, I had to learn how to create the images I wanted by watching online tutorials for Photoshop.
As a side note, if you follow online tutorials to create images, you will need to get permission from the tutorial writer to use the images inside a product you want to sell. I doled out money to use a graphic on one of the infographics, even though I created it with Photoshop.
So don’t think you can just follow an online Photoshop tutorial and use the image as you want. Since you followed someone’s tutorial to create something, the graphic is yours, but the rights to use it with a piece you want to sell will require you to contact the writer for permission.
Creating the Affiliate Toolbox
If you’re going to launch a product, you want affiliates to help spread the word. If you don’t give them any marketing materials, they’re not going to be happy campers.
As I uploaded the final zip file to JVZoo, I realized I didn’t have the toolbox ready. An affiliate toolbox offers text ads, email letters, Twitter comments and banners.
I had some Twitter comments, text ads and banner advertisements ready to go, but not very much in the way of emails letters. Still, I only had one affiliate signed up through JVZoo so I decided to work on the rest of the affiliate toolbox after the launch began.
The Results of My First WSO Product Launch
Through email, I learned there was another infographic package being launched with JVZoo on May 21 so I decided to launch this on May 20 even though I knew my affiliate toolbox was not complete.
Within two days – 27 copies sold, but I received other advantages from offering this WSO, such as:
- 16 new buyers opted in to my newsletter.
- 27 new buyers opted to receive notifications about future products.
- 1 new buyer also visited and bought from my PLR store.
- 27 new buyers now know I produce quality PLR article packs.
- I gained 14 affiliates to help spread the word about my products.
- I gained testimonials from satisfied buyers.
- I am building a relationship with 27 more individuals than I was before.
- I know I can write sales copy that prompts people to buy.
- I learned a method that works to sell informational products.
- My self-confidence level is higher now than it was before the launch.
Profit and Loss Statement
As of today, there were 29 sales (minus my test), which equals 28 sales total from new buyers. Deduct what I paid out to affiliates and other expenses, here are the numbers so far:
Sales: $236.61
Affiliate Payments: – $107.79
Proofreader: – $50
WSO Listing: -$20
Image Permission: -$15
————————————–
Profit to Date: $43.82
Note: I made an additional $6 when a gentleman bought Infographics KickStart and found out I had more PLR at PLR Productions. 🙂
You might be frowning at the numbers, but promotions aren’t over yet. I have other affiliates advertising this for me on Monday (May 26). They are running their own dime sale right now and it would not be fair to expect them to promote my product at the same time.
Additionally, the price will go from $10 up to $21 because the dime sale I ran was only good until the product reached $10. Once another sale goes through, the price doubles. Additionally, I can sell this product from my PLR store too.
This is just the beginning! There’s more profit potential just around the corner! Besides, any promotion that does not put you in the red is a good deal!
My Final Judgment
Making money is good, but you cannot put a price on all of the other things I managed to achieve during this launch! I have renewed confidence and now there are more “fans” out there that understand I care about them and their businesses.
How cool is that?
Let me finish off this post by saying, “Don’t let your fears or misjudgments about your content” prevent you from taking a step forward with your Internet career. If I did this, you could do it too!
I designed a few graphic files and placed them together, which I sold as a packaged product that could help people get more traffic, boost their exposure and improve social engagement.
In turn, I acquired experience that will allow me to help more individuals in the future! I can provide that help through my newsletters, blog and by releasing future products. To me, there’s nothing more satisfying! Now it’s your turn!
Have you launched your first WSO yet? Leave a comment below and let me know!
Thanks for reading,
– Bonnie
P.S. Did you enjoy this message? If so, please share it with your friends so they can benefit from schmoozing. Then, if you want to get more messages like this one, connect with me via my social links below or hop aboard my notification list. I would like to keep in touch.
It’s great to see you trying the WSO. Your sales page is beautiful! Congrats!
Thanks Crystal! At the end of the WSO dimesale, we made $526 or thereabouts. Turned out to be a nice first WSO. I cannot wait to put out another one. In fact, I am working on it now. 🙂
Have you offered a WSO yet?
That is a great WSO! wow!
haven’t yet, but I do have a PLR pack I’m working on now and I am considering doing it with that. I’ll be launching a new PLR Store soon and when I list the WSO I’d like to have at least a few packs in the store for sale. I ended up having to sell exclusive rights to the PLR I had so I’m starting over.
If you’re going to do a WSO with your new PLR store, I would suggest making all the packs related. 🙂 That way, you can do a WSO on the entire lot at once!
Might be worth offering one of your packs FREE during the WSO so prospects can download it to get a feel for the quality that you provide. (Or… at least a sample article if you don’t want to give away an entire 5-pack.)
You sold exclusive rights to your PLR? If I am not being too forward — why did you do that? 🙂
Those are both great ideas! Thank you.
And no worries, I don’t mind sharing. I sold them some time ago before I got a pay per hour online job for a more reliable income while I build up other income sources. We had some unexpected expenses and I had to figure out something. At the time I only had a few packs and wasn’t selling much. It’s not something I’ll ever do again, but thankful I had the option at the time.
That has been a good while back, and now I have Download Guard and am setting up this PLR store to be automated rather than having to hand deliver.
I did have to start over, but now I feel like I know more and will be better at it. You live and learn. 🙂
That makes perfect sense to me, Crystal! Thanks for sharing!
I started out with Download Guard, but soon switched over to WooCommerce because it works well with WP Affiliate Pro. Download Guard was nice, but it didn’t have an affiliate program and I was tired of using jROX. Now everything for my PLR store is under WP plugins, which I like much better (and it all looks like it belongs together) too!
Good luck with getting your PLR store stocked! I’ll be doing more RESELL PLR, so maybe I can help fill your store. hehe
Yay for you Bonnie! Congratulations! The button with the offer on the right hand side looks awesome!
Thanks Paula. 🙂 How is business doing for you? I don’t get to see much of you lately. You must be busy busy!
Congratulations on the success of your launch, Bonnie! That’s exciting.
I sell digital collage sheets and printable wall art through my Etsy shop, but that’s nothing I could offer on WF, ha ha.
LMAO… I’m sure you could come up with something to sell as a WSO, Becky!
Congrats!
Im generally a lurker not a commenter but this post is inspirational and $43 is just the beginning and you now know you can do it again and again and grow your list so sales multiply.
I am so glad you came out of hiding, Ash. I love to meet new people and make new friends!
Yes, $43 is just the beginning. The WSO is over, but the product is still for sale. Slightly higher in price, but sales are still coming in. I will do an update tomorrow for a full report after one week!
Are you currently selling products?
No, I was going to buy Tiffanys product but I thought it would just distract me as I want to focus on one project until I see results instead of trying too many things at once and getting nowhere but I will do in the future.
It sounds as if you’re trying a different method of making money online – is this correct?
What are you trying, if you don’t mind me asking. 🙂
Im building up a Halloween site, I was adding posts pretty much every other day for a period of time but I haven’t been online in the last month or so to do anything even check emails so I haven’t been working on that but whenever I do get the time thats what I am focusing on.
Awe, sorry to hear you’re behind. We are hosting an article writing challenge for June. You’re invited to join us! 🙂
Wow Bonnie, I bought that package and just blown away with what I got for such a low price, and I’ve not even started on what I bought it for (the graphics). I used just ONE of the bonus packs to schedule a whole week of blog posts for when I’m going to be very busy one way. Will use two others for my main holiday later in the year. I shall certainly be promoting your PLR – first time I’ve ever used PLR articles with so few changes.
The launch was so professional it looked as if you do it all the time!
Thanks for a great product. Joy
Thanks Joy, coming from you that really means so much to me! I’m glad to hear that you’ve already put the PLR to good use. So many people buy but then let it get stale on their hard drive. Nice to hear this isn’t the case with you!
Enjoy it!
This is the first time I’m hearing about WSO (except for the Winnipeg Symphany Orchestra 🙂 ) Thanks for the details. I don’t sell any products right now, but you never know!
Can I ask why you don’t sell any products?
I don’t really know, I’ve never really thought about it. I started my blog as an outlet to write and to hopefully gain more work as a freelance writer.
How are you doing as a freelance writer online, Salma? Are you getting new clients easily?
I’m so proud of you Bonnie! The infographics look fantastic. This is just the beginning. You’ve got a product that can KEEP earning you money and you know that if you keep making more you’ll keep making sales. I know a lot of people who didn’t even break even on their first WSOs.
I’m sorry I couldn’t jump on this one as an affiliate during the launch but I’ll definitely be there on the next one.
Awe, thanks Amanda!
Yes, I’m already getting requests for a new infographic package! ROFL — Seems so strange to me that I would think nobody would pay for my graphics and now they’re requesting more!
That’s okay dear… I know your personal life is keeping you pretty busy right now!
Well, it’s three simple things.
1. Everyone needs graphics. It’s been proven they get more shares than text or links.
2. Most bloggers are writers, not designers.
3. Your infographics and social graphics simply look great!
I got a few emails from people saying they would have picked up your pack if it was in their niche and to let them know when you released more.
I never thought about that (and I should have because it’s never about US, but about THEM) – so I will make it a point to make more.
Oh really? What niche are they in, Amanda? 🙂
Some of the big ones on my list are health and fitness (some weight loss, some not), parenting, time management, as well as a lot of the physical product niches.
Ah, that helps. Are they into infographics or are they more inclined to buy a big batch of “social media quotes” and stuff of that nature?
I could easily whip up facts and figures for smaller sized (403 x 403) social media graphics — and possibly some “highlight size” images for Facebook. That would go much faster than infographics. Of course, I could do the smaller sized infographics too. (The 800 x 1400) size… but generally I make the infographic as long as it needs to be to convey the right information. 🙂
Take a poll and let me know. I wouldn’t mind doing a specific bundle just for the health/fitness niche. Time Management falls under a different category as does parenting.
I’ll let you know what I find out. I know a lot of people are specifically looking for quote graphics but especially for health/fitness I bet infographics would do really well too.
I also wanted to give you an idea for your affiliate tookbox for next time. It’s something I do with some of my article packs. I’ve gotten good success giving affiliates a small freebie to include when emailing their lists. It helps the readers get a better look at your work and helps the affiliates get better open rates on their email.
What kind of freebies do you usually include for your affiliates, Amanda?
So quote graphics AND infographics for the health/fitness niche?
I have not launched a WSO and unfortunately, I’m not able to at this time. I’m definitely behind the eight ball with IM and wish that things were different for me. My focus right now is family, moving (again) several states away, and taking care of a special needs youngin’ while his parents work. I truly wish I had gotten more involved in IM when life was different just a few years ago, but it is what it is. I’m very proud of you with the challenges you have had and I know, KNOW, that as you keep moving forward the income is going to following.
Thanks Edie, but I don’t want you to give up yet! There will be time in your future when all things will line up “just right” and you’ll be able to get back into the saddle again!
Bonnie, I don’t understand all this stuff, but good for you for being creative and an entrepreneur.
I launched a product, Lily and chose to do it from inside a “marketing forum” for more exposure rather than just on my own. (That’s basically what the post was about – to reveal the success.)
Are you selling anything online right now?
I’ve never heard of a WSO, but it sounds like a fantastic concept. Thanks for outlining the process and providing resources.
You’re welcome Sojourner! Are you selling goods and/or services online?
I recently launched my first product and can relate to a lot of what you shared. Yes, people may look at the amount of money you made and think its not worth it. The truth is there is no price on the knowledge and experience gained. Now you have an opportunity to improve and I am sure in hindsight, there are things you would do differently. Thanks for sharing your journey 🙂
You definitely hit the nail on the head, Alecia! 🙂
How did your product launch go? Did you do one through JVZoo too?
I went through JVZoo. In my mind it was a success. Not as many sales as initially hoped for however it was a memorable experience. My Laptop crashed, Aweber was down and that half a bottle of day old champagne was pretty handy while I was trouble shooting with tech support for my laptop. Lots of crucial lessons learned and preparing for my next one now that I am wiser. As long as you are willing to learn from your lessons and don’t mind day old champagne then you can only get better 🙂 Are you planning to do another one soon? Would you launch like on clickbank or paydotcom?
Everything takes time, Alecia.
While I didn’t suffer the same kind of setbacks you did during the WSO, I wouldn’t have minded having a glass of day old champagne. 🙂
Yes, I am planning on doing another WSO. First, I need to finish the new product. 🙂
I will probably launch another product through JVZoo only because I now have a list of people who want to know when my next product comes out AND I have a handful of affiliates there too.
Why? Are you going to launch your product through Clickbank?
The two challenging parts for me was product research and writing the sales letter. I must say I much better now at writing the sales letter. I am think of launching the same product on Clickbank. Clickbank appeals to a different group of people compared to JVZoo.
What was the most challenge part of the process for you?
I’m not sure I follow you as far as “Clickbank appeals to a different group of people compared to JVZoo” because to me, it’s the idea of choosing the right affiliates. You can find affiliates that fit the bill on either affiliate network, IMHO. The question is — are you approaching the right people to help promote your product?
Certain people will cater to the type of “buyer” you want. If your affiliates are sending promotions to the right audience, it doesn’t matter where your product is listed. The listing network is where you’re housing the product information so affiliates can sign up to promote it.
I don’t quite understand why you feel going to Clickbank will make a difference in the sales. Could you elaborate on why you think this way?
The most challenging part of the process was my “mind” to be truthful. I didn’t believe anyone would PAY for my product. I’ve been giving away rock solid information for more than 15 years. I never charged for it. 🙂
So the mindset was my biggest obstacle. Writing a sales letter is nothing more than stressing the benefits. Tell people what you have. Why you think they need it and what it will do for them. Then, tell them how to get it.
Congratulations Bonnie! I am so happy for you and am super pleased by your success.
I’ve always known you had the ability to put out a product, but when I saw your graphics, it looked as if you’d been doing this for years.
You’ve shown so many of us, that it’s not about what you can’t do, but what you can do. You have grown! When you didn’t know how to do something, you took it upon yourself to learn, which is how we grow.
Seriously, your graphics appear as if you could be developing graphics for other internet marketers, I mean the kind Rich was making for Tiff and some of us.
I can understand your desire to help others and have a platform in which you can do that, but there is NOTHING wrong with making money by doing it.
Offer free info, but have paid products too – balance. Keep in mind that people sign up and attend universities and colleges everyday. They have no problem paying for their education, just as people who want to know what you’re teaching or selling will.
You are so deserving of this Bonnie. It’s your reward for all your hard work, efforts, and for helping countless others.
Stand, bow, and be proud! Wishing you continued success now and in the future.
I haven’t been doing infographics for years, but I have been working with Photoshop for the last 15 AND I was a print broker. Add to those facts that I am also an article writer who knows how to research to uncover ideas for articles and you soon have a recipe for a great infographic. LOL
Yes – Cynthia, I can make graphics like the kind that Rich made, and to be honest, I had several people from Tiff’s community ask me what I would charge. Heck, I had people asking me what I would charge for a single infographic when they learned that I was putting several together for a product.
But you know what? I don’t want to sit here designing “niche website templates” or custom infographics all day. I’d rather help people LEARN how to do it themselves so they wouldn’t need to hire me! 🙂
Believe it or not, I tried to hire a designer for Infographics KickStart. But after 2 days, I asked for a refund and did it myself. ROFLMAO
I knew what I wanted it to look like, but either I couldn’t communicate it properly to this person or he just wasn’t in the right mindset. Not sure what it was. Knowing I had to launch the WSO in 24 hours, I settled down and pulled an all-nighter to design it.
Oh yes, the perfectionist strikes again. hehe
Great post, Bonnie! Thanks so much for sharing your process and experience. As someone who is just beginning to offer products, your story is inspiring and insightful. It seems to me the effects are cumulative in terms of your reach expanding with each offering, in building your community and over time as well. Looking forward to reading more of your posts.
Thanks Beth. The cumulative effects are something to look forward to, aren’t they? 🙂
As the amount of people added to my notification lists, newsletter and affiliate count rise – this will definitely help in terms of spreading the word quicker. (Each person has their own sphere of influence and adding just 1 more person to my list means I gain access to their friends & associates by word of mouth).
Sounds very promising! It excites me to know I will be able to help THAT many more people in the near future!
I’m impressed. I continue to lack guidance in what to do next, and lack of trust that I know what to do. Thank you for this. I’m so excited for you.
Thanks Christy. What do you need help with? I would love to talk to you so we can get you unstuck!
Well Bonnie, all I’ve got to say is that your fears that anyone would buy your products was unfounded. And most of all: Your products are so professional and good looking. It’s funny how we can be our own worst critics.
I agree it’s not about the money( those contacts you made are worth more than what it appears) Just think how this is going to multiply and you can’t put a price on believing in yourself.
Congratulations on your success.
This is true, Sandy. When you’re an over-achieving perfectionist – time is not on your side either! 🙂
I love the extra numbers more than the money at this point. If I can reach more people and build my community, that is most important to me right now.
Congratulations Bonnie! I’m so exited for you and you’re right, it’s not always about the immediate sale, but all the residual stuff happening like newsletter subscribers, other sales, affiliates, etc is all worth it!
Oh yes ma’am! I cannot wait to get rolling with another WSO – if you can believe it! I would love to build the subscriber numbers and everything else as I did in this launch. Saying I was super excited at the possibilities would be an understatement at this point. 😉
Well done Bonnie – What a great result from your first WSO. Roll on the next product right?
My own WSO ends tomorrow. I will also collate the info like you have here and share what I learned too.
I think we have both started a very exciting journey and I hope that plenty more people jump onboard soon.
Congrats again 🙂
Thanks Victoria – your support means a lot to me!
Yes, a rolling stone gathers no moss! hehe
I intend to build these numbers. Earning more money through the efforts is a PLUS, but you can’t put a price on building a large community and helping 10 times the amount of people I do now. THAT is the exciting part!
I am interested in learning how your WSO did too!