I’ve begun to learn Google Adwords, which is absolutely new to me. These early experiences got me thinking about how people learn marketing especially Internet marketing. Or learn anything for that matter.
I taught 4th and 5th grade and 8th grade English for nine years, so the learning process / experience is something I’m keenly aware of. This Google Adwords experience got me thinking about YOU.
How would you teach your son or daughter to learn marketing?
How Are You Learning Marketing?
I’d like to give you a few tips about how to approach learning something new, but especially Internet marketing. This should really help you. I haven’t seen anyone else even touch this subject.
First Thing
Determine WHAT it is you’re trying to learn and WHY.
I’m want to learn Google Adwords because I want to get more eyeballs on my offers. I want to understand Google Adwords so that I can help other marketers do the same. I feel Google Adwords (and all things Google i.e. Google Plus, YouTube, Search, etc.) will become more and more relevant to marketers (as if they weren’t already, but I mean EVEN MORE moving forward). Also, I feel that Google has the best tools and the best platform for Internet marketing, and we all know that marketing on the Internet isn’t going anywhere.
Now that that is clear, my task is to learn it.
Next Thing
Now it’s time to gather, evaluate and assess the content with which you’re going to learn what it is you seek to learn.
In my example of learning Google Adwords, I’ve pulled in a few different resources, and categorized them.
Here’s How I Categorize the Content Used To Learn Marketing
Introductory content
Introductory content is for marketers who are new to the subject.
This content typically includes step-by-step instructions on how to get started with Google Adwords and its fundamentals. After consuming intro content, I should be able to execute the basic marketing tactics related to Google Adwords.
Time Frame: 2 weeks to one month at an hour a day, five days a week.
Intermediate content
Intermediate content is for marketers who are familiar with the subject, but have only basic experience executing strategies and tactics on the topic.
This content typically covers the fundamentals and reveals more complex functions and examples. After consuming it, I should feel comfortable building my first campaign with Google Adwords. I should remain at this intermediate phase until I have successfully executed the strategies and tactics that earn me a profit using Google Adwords.
Time Frame: 2 – 12 months at an hour to 90 minutes a day, five days a week (and likely longer because I expect that the struggle will be worth the effort and I will become passionate about using the platform)
Advanced content
Advanced content is for marketers who are, or want to be, experts on the subject.
As a result of consuming this content, I should be able to walk others through the introductory and intermediate phases of Google Adwords. Also, I should understand the advanced features of Google Adwords, and help others develop competency with Google Adwords. After consuming the advanced content for Google Adwords, I should feel ready to not only to successfully execute strategies and tactics, but also to teach others how to be successful.
Time Frame: One to two years.
Get Super Clear About How You Set Out To Learn Marketing
Notice how I got really clear with myself about my goals and desired outcomes for learning Google Adwords.
Now you do the same for YOU for the aspect of marketing you seek to learn.
If you do, you will understand EXACTLY what you’re trying to do, and as a result, eliminate overwhelm before you even get started.
Also, notice that I highlighted how long I anticipate this will take. This is important because you’re setting realistic expectations. I know that I won’t reach “Expert” status with Google Adwords this year, BUT… I certainly can become a profitable intermediate.
Finally, be sure that you set aside learning time and doing time.
Schedule it in. I’m setting aside an hour to 90 minutes a day of personal Google Adwords study and implementing time, five days a week.
Your Turn
Share in the comments what you’re setting out to learn. What do you think about this process? Can you do this?
Hi Ann & Eric
I am in the process of doing this now.
Oh, I cannot say I am a Google Adwords expert, but I have learned it to a level that has helped me tremendously in all my online writing.
I am currently taking a challenge of learning something new – Squidoo.
Have dabbled with it over the years but never stuck with it to master it ’till now. I was one of those back in 2009 that got caught in info overload not realizing the benefits of learning patiently, and with one tool at a time.
Multi-tasking is okay to a degree, but will never replace one-piece production methods.
I am purposed to learn how to market my home business with Squidoo by creating awareness through solid content.
My rank is currently #990 in Business; Work, #47,844 overall.
Things to learn involve creating multiple lenses, being liked by Giant Squid lenses, etc.
Basic steps which involve
1. Strong titles,
2. Great content,
3. Be active in Squidoo community
4. Create relationship and Buzz , and
5. Monetize the lens a little here and there with add on’s from Amazon or your own stuff such as ebooks, etc.
But, as you said above, these all take time and are being spaced out everyday per task. Not at all one time which was key for me to realize.
I took this on because I am breaking myself of being impatient and believe with patient learning and mastering one thing, I can see Squidoo, as well as any other platform, can become a hub of traffic for the value I want to give.
But I just need to be there long enough to learn it and use it to become a benefit for others. Network marketing and internet marketing possesses multitudes of ADHD individuals that bounce around never achieving success.
I do not plan on being one of them.
Thanks for all you guys do,
Joe
I really enjoyed this because learning new things can be overwhelming for some . It can emotionally paralyze people from moving further in any career or personal venture. I feel like there is too much to learn especially on the internet and that can be also an overwhelming feeling.Breaking down the task and focusing strictly on what you need to learn is probably the best thing we all can do.
thanks for another great informational blog