You can be successful with an online Christian business opportunity. The key is to find a business you are excited about. This makes perfect sense. To be successful, you are going to have to put in some work. The people who advertise “Make Lots of Money Without Working” are not being truthful. And that is definitely not what we are about.
If you really want to develop an online business it will take some time and work on your part. You just can not spend $97, $497, or $997 on some product, load it into your computer, and then sit back and watch the money roll in. But that being said, I do believe you can develop an online Christian business in a reasonable amount of time.
If you are willing to be realistic and invest some time and effort then this is the place to come back to day after day as you build your business. We will guide you through the pitfalls of internet marketing. We will help you build a business for your gain and for the Glory of God.
Today I want to start talking about possible products you can sell on your site. After much research and trial an error on the web, I believe selling information is the best way to get started. In online language these types of products are known as “Info Products”.
Information is a good way to start because it doesn’t take much inventory and you can start developing products quickly. You can test the market to see if people want what you have. If they don’t, then try something else. The last thing you want to do is buy 5000 physical items, stack them in your garage, and then realize there is no market for them.
So lets get started. Below is a partial list of info products you can sell successfully over the internet. (Note: some of this information is from Todd Brown at The Sneak Peak Blog. He is a real good guy)
Audio Interview – a recording of an interview you did with an expert. Most experts will be happy to let you interview them if they can talk about their book.
Audio Monologue – an MP3 (a type of recording we will explain) of you speaking. This could be a “how to do it” subject or maybe reading an inspirational passage.
Audio Roundtable Discussion – a discussion done with recognized experts sharing their views. Maybe a discussion on a book in the Bible.
Audio CD of the Month – You can take one of your audio sessions and put it on CD. This is very cheap and adds a lot of value to your customer because they can take it in the car and listen while driving.
Online Video – if you have a video camera, or access to one, you can create a video and sell it on line. If you are camera shy, ask someone who teaches a Bible class at your church if you can record them.
DVD – if you can create online video (which you can with a little help) then you can easily create DVDs that have a higher perceived value. Again it adds value for your customer.
Multi-media Package (DVD, CD, Transcript) – you could have a monthly package consisting of a DVD, CD, and transcript.
Membership site (multi-media) – customers love a membership site with articles, audios, etc. because it allows them to develop a relationship with you.
Membership site (just videos) - something that’s recently become popular is a membership site with just video content. Again, very personal.
eBook – This is absolutely the best way to get started because there is very little cost. You create a book on your computer and then just down load the file to your customers. Some ideas are:
- a transcript of one of your interviews
- a group of articles (think about a book of articles on a particular subject from other experts)
- user-submitted content (Think Chicken Soup For The Soul)
- a directory listing (for example bible colleges or Christian schools)
- your own content (maybe a book of your Christian short stories, etc.)
As you can see, there is literally no end to the possibilities for an info product business based on Christian values. People are always hungry for more good family oriented content. If you give value to your customers then you will be proud of what you will build. You will want to hold it up to the Light and show the world.
Until next time, our prayers are with you.
