Facebook and Fancy Free
Hey - Thanks for coming by - this post is important.
You have to take notice of Facebook.
No - I mean REALLY TAKE NOTICE of Facebook.
Let me make my case
Here is a chart of the traffic during the 2006 challenge...
Now this is what you would call your standard challenge curve -New Years eve resolutions would have a stick rate similar to this. Thats the nature of the beast.
When Dan Raine, Rob and I started to design this years challenge we wanted to take advantage of "Web 2.0" technologies - some of my good mates vomit when I use the term but I think people sort of get what it means...
Anywho
There where a number of strategies in place. We also planned on a few mates of mine emailing for me (the massive advantage that we have is the ability to borrow peoples lists...)
Small Problem - Most of my mates could not mail for various reasons. (Thank you Stomper buds for mailing!!)
Now don't weep for me - we knew that this year would be a lot bigger just on the momentum of the last two years. We fully expected the same "participation curve" and drop. A funny thing happened on the way to the Thirty Day Challenge.
Check this
Holy Cr@p indeed, now before you start screaming - this is Alexa Data, it's crap (and that is true) - it is very useful when your comparing sites with the same set of crap data (Leslie Rhode over at Stomper has just fainted at my abuse of quant data analysis) - it's very useful.
Now good manners stops me from comparing other sites in the Internet Marketing game - but if you did - it might raise an eyebrow or two because we had NO LIST, one major Internet Marketer (did I mention how much I love my Stomper buds!) mailed..
Why then have we got a runway train on our hands - check out this totally flawed data from Alexa (again - good manners stops me from showing you comparo data (which is very useful) against say - the Rich Jerk - (yes I was so "totally bummed" about being banned from last weekends Playboy party, for shame....)
Where did this mass of traffic and snowballing level of sign-ups come from?
Facebook and the other Social Networking sites.
These Stats are not here to show you me at my FIGJAM (look it up in the urban dictionary) best.
Nope - it's time for you to wake up and smell the coffee.
Facebook is a force to be reckoned with. I know for I have seen the glory..... I know, I'll stop.
Seriously - how could have we turned the thirtydaychallenge.com into the biggest Internet marketing event ever without mailing - it can't be done right!
Wrong.
Now don't freak out - this is not Step One on some "Ultimate Facebook Secrets Revealed" launch cycle. We are teaching the basics for free right now at the thirty day challenge
Nope - i'm so blown away by this -I just want to give you the heads up.
Here is what I would do -
1. Sign Up To Facebook
2. Search for "Ed Dale" and "Dan Raine" add us as friends - then you can look at how we are doing it
Easy.
I would not put this off - based on what we have learn't Dan and I (with a little help from our immediate edge peeps) are going to build a million client list - just to show that we can - oh and I can assure you that it WONT be internet marketing based.
One more thing
One of the reasons Facebook is growing out of sight is it's spam free - everything is permission based.
So Spammer types - your going to have to come up with some actual great content...sorry about that.
Lets all get Facebook and Fancy Free.
Ed
PS Thirty Day Challengers - How have you found Facebook - leave me a message on Facebook and tell me what you find it most useful for.
Facebook is my new home base thanks to you, Dan and everyone else working at the thirty day challenge. I have more contacts than I ever have before, and I’m involved with some great groups that will take everything we’ve learned from you onwards after the challenge is over.
Thanks again for everything,
Ken
doublehead
EEK! China has blocked flickr in the last few months. I tried using a proxy and that also isn’t allowing me to see the pictures.
Any chance of hosting the images locally or including them with a future video blog post for 30D challenge?
Cheers.
Yes, I was already getting pretty blown away by facebook! So many new friends and new groups in just a few short days! The potential goes a bit beyond 30 days I would say.
Ed it looks like you are re writing the orthodox wisdom on list building, viral marketing and so on! I WILL drop by at Facebook today!
All the best
alex
Thanks again for the great advice…facebook is proving a huge benefit…
ok ed, you have really done it! you have gone and created a monster! A good one!
But even if people cringe at the new style of marketing and website traffic generation you are into they want to see proof before signing up.
Buddy, the material above just goes to prove why newbies out there would be silly not to sign up.
…WHAT…This stuff really works! yes of course both you and Dan walk the talk! Which is why this has gone viral now. Give yourselves a big pat on the back.
TDC FTW!
I wonder if FIGJAM might be a niche worth looking into?
Cheers,
Nez
Facebook (and u 2) rules, ok?
No idea what FIGJAM means to you but I have the reputation of making some of the best figjam (jelly) in the area.
By the way, a couple of my mates on Facebook wanted some help and I gave it – it is just so easy to use. I am even mates with Sal (and his Dorothy Bat) and NO I don’t understand but I will ask today.
I check my e-mails first thing every morning now Facebook is in that regime. Way to go.
Had a bit of a detour to work on another project last week, so working to catch up here.
Congratulations on an awesome TDC and thanks for the introduction to so much great information, tools and companions!
Live JoyFully!
Judy
FIGJAM – yup, my new sig line – and all down to the thirtyday challenge.
Di
Hey Ed
You’re right on the money about Facebook.
I never looked at it before because I just thought it was MySpace for college-types … I couldn’t have been more wrong … it’s a hell of a lot more than that.
In fact, I reckon FB is going to become the cornerstone to my marketing efforts online in every single niche I’m in.
LOVE IT!
Cheers
Nick
Wow!
Facebook Viral Traffic Stats For The 30 Day Challenge 2007 Are Impressive!
I have seen and read the posts of the knockers and ney sayers.
The 30DC has increased my knowledge and awareness of the power in social networking in a way that has been good business,
but has also given me introduction to some really cool people thanks guys
Holy Crap is an understatement ED,DA,ROB NICK AND TEAM.You have created something remarkable that has changed the game of Internet Marketing.
I for one have been so proud to be through the testing,the late nights,the headaches,the forums,the blogs,the DOWNLOADS and the new tools brought to us through the TDC.One of them being so powerful
FACEBOOK.So easy to use and great fun.
Keep Walking and Talking it up boys- because you “own” the game.(just look at those stats IMPRESSIVE)
Whoopsss Da Thats DAN!
Oh Ed, Dan, Rob and the rest of you marvellous merlin-ers,
have a look at your stats and you’ll forgive me that I checked out of FB yesterday ;( ’cause I got the impression it was a highschool medium mainly and none of my friends might ever think of joining that age group for ‘friends’.
Why doesn’t FB even consider Cental Europe worth a trial? I know, I know my comprehension is low, my main tool being my out of date 2002(!) dictionary and I’m miles behind..with all the FIGJAM phrases..
Perhaps you can motivate FB for a try in the time zones GMT +(++) me getting reinstalled for a beginning .)
Mara
Thanks so much Ed. You guys have certainly lifted the lid on this stuff. Free can yield great results and you are at the cutting edge of this new phase of Internet marketing.
Your TO PAID with true?
You’ve already got somebody writing a 30DayChallenge application to be deep integrated into Facebook, right?
Whoya Ed, Holy Smokes and talk about blowing the lid off. What I have found is that I have been trying to hit the ball, but I was out in left field……. deep, just swinging away – no wonder I couldn’t hit the ball. OMG
So now here I am learning tools, setting up FireFox (BTW FIREFOX TIPS by Mandy Koch
http://infoprofitsavvy.com/videos/FireFoxTips/FireFoxTips.html has made a fabulous difference in my FireFox use, I actually like it now and don’t know how I was working without it) and learning the ropes.
It is all not only eye opening but effective too.
Hooray for the Thirty Day Challenge!
Thanks so much, gsmystic John
Wow, thats really awesome. I know the reason I joined (and stayed with it) is because you are real. Not many “internet guru’s” seem to pull that off.
The comparison chart is funny as hell. The Rich Jerk really annoys me..whether thats his marketing ploy or not..I don’t like assh*les like that.
- Andrew
Well – whip me silly with a wet feather duster – that is definitely a force to be reckoned with. Better get on with it then…….
@ least you’re not in denial anymore about your crackbook addiction… we’re here to help ed!
I will take a look at facebook, I joined the thirty day challenge to learn as much as I can.
I have been disappointed that so much of the info is on video- I feel as though I’m missing all the good stuff.
Do you have a print version for hearing impaired?
Dear Ed,
The Thirty Day Challenge — with its training, videos, humor, tools, and camaraderie — is a wonderful, brilliant gift. Thank you.
Facebook is a wonderful link that I use every day and learn to use better every day.
As per your suggestion above, I’ve asked you and Dan
to be friends — but you already are.
It’s true folks, thanks Ed, FB rules no doubt about it.
I can hardly wait to see what happens over the next few months there and the effect it’s going to have.
PM
WOW! I’ve got a full plate right now so signed up to follow along as I could. Now I’m hooked. Anyone who
doesn’t add this to their marketing toolbox is crazy. Thank you!
I’m in the challenge — hate to rain on the parade but I don’t “get” facebook. I hope there will be a training video explaining how it works to our advantage.
Hi The Pink Thong Crew – sorry play it once a day to motivate me… (Follow the words http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2eX0_EEvUWE )
That graph is impressive, if I wasn’t a 30DC trainee I would suspect it was a Photoshop edit but given what I have learnt -FREE of charge- I have one thing to say – IT’S THE CONTENT STUPID
Tanksalot
Ed,
August is the first month I have had over 1000 unique visitors a day. I am very close to 5000 page views a day. All of my affiliate programs have not worked for me. Only adsense is working. What am I doing wrong?
About the rich jerk party: You’ve noticed he doesn’t invite the best in IM and pickup world? He banned Style, Ed Dale, Gehl…
And his book is CRAP (yea I ripped it not bought it)
All the stuff you can find on free forums you can find there.
This information we learn here is 100x more valuable.
I don’t want to act like some frustrated chunk right now but I’ll tell that Dale information is 100x more worth than Kellix information. That’s pure fact.
Hi Ed,
U have really done a remarkable job, and greatest of all U havae helped ppl like me.
Let the blessings roll…
Vijay
When my daughers started college, Facebook was “it”. I dismissed it as another “electronic STD” (my term). Imagine my amazement when Ed said, get on Facebook. Well I did. Still don’t see how to get the big friend result since it is harder than myspace to float around. By Ed and Dan know their biz and I am a faithful 30DC disciple, so see you on Facebook (never thought I’d say that to anyone – my daughters are still laughing).
Dearly Beloved Ed:
Thank you so much for opening my eyes to FACEBOOK. I was not looking there before.
Remain blessed and a blessing.
Regards,
Olakunle Solomon Fatoye.
Hi Ed,
This 30 day challenge is GREAT! I have made a video every single day on youtube.com. If you have a chance look up my recent one based on the STAR WARS theme. It’s called: “FURRY HAT WARS!”
http://youtube.com/furryhatguy
Tom The Furry Hat Guy
@leitopi
Check out Mike Mindel’s blog and Jonathan Attias’ Undies Resources
Mike’s Blog:
http://www.webventurer.com/blog/thirty-day-challenge-3/
Jonathan:
http://www.undiesresources.com/
It’s all there.
HTH
Nick
Ed,
Yes, you are good really good and I don’t have to ask you.
I knew you’d wind up with the world’s biggest list, but not that big.
I bet you wish Gary was still around to see this
Happy Trails
Hey Ed . . . would it surprise you that I onw the domain http://www.figjamer.com . . . stay tuned for that one.
Trevor ‘ToeCracker’ Crook
PS. I have another one with fijam in it but can’t quite say that one!
You all are so awesome, are you sure you are not a tazmanian devil, lol. Wow, the Land of Oz has some very creative folks, that is why I like to visit.
Paula
Holy Buckets of Sh!T Batman!!! Facebook is kickin the cr@p outta myspace!!! lol
Hi Ed
I was invited to the the 30 Day Challenge late so am desparately trying to catch up
Never checked out social networking sites such as Facebook before, so many thanks for that.
I’m ashamed to say I still don’t get the full potential of these as far as IM is concerned.
Well, if at first you don’t succeed…
Kind regards
Nav
G’Day Ed,
Dead set, thats the difference between Mates and Buddies (stomper) Mates are there for one reason “because we’re mates”.
Facebook ~ 3 weeks ago zero friends today over 330 growing daily and the best thing they all act like mates.
Cheers mate,
Hi Ed,
You’re totally right about Facebook. It’s huge and growing all the time. I still can’t get my head around just how much potential there is here.
Paul
Hi Ed,
I absolutely can’t live without Facebook. At first I thought it was only for kids in high school and college — but quickly found out that people 30+ are using it as well. I started using it for the 30dc and refer to it often (like 20x per day — I know real productive!) to communicate with other team members, and participate in groups with different interests. An excellent business tool. I’ve also found old friends as well!
LOVE IT and LOVE THE 30 Day Challenge. I’ll be going through 30dc withdrawals when its over!
Much success to you ED! You deserve it!
Joyce
Just DITTO-ING Nick the Greek (who said:
Hey Ed
You’re right on the money about Facebook.
I never looked at it before because I just thought it was MySpace for college-types … I couldn’t have been more wrong … it’s a hell of a lot more than that.
In fact, I reckon FB is going to become the cornerstone to my marketing efforts online in every single niche I’m in.
LOVE IT!
Cheers
Nick
)
So, just ditto’ing that completely…it is NOT just “my space for kids to hook up and hang out”.
Kelly the Irish.
Here is something I don’t understand.
“launches of garbage like the rich jerk”
“crappy phony videos like sal the site stealer”
How is it that these “internet gurus” can pump phony rip off rubbish like this and wind up with zero negative comments out of 700+ unique SE results?
What is the secret of “rich jerk SE SPAM”?
How can Mike Filsame put out a disgusting piece of unbelievably obvious crap like Sal the site stealer and not get one negative review on the social networking sites or NOT ONE NEGATIVE RESULT ON GOOGLE. It would seem that these “gurus” really do have a secret – what is the mysterious power and influence they have over google?
Here is something I don’t understand.
“launches of garbage like the rich jerk”
“crappy phony videos like sal the site stealer”
How is it that these “internet gurus” can pump phony rip off rubbish like this and wind up with zero negative comments out of 700+ unique SE results?
What is the secret of “rich jerk SE SPAM”?
How can Mike Filsame put out a disgusting piece of unbelievably obvious crap like Sal the site stealer and not get one negative review on the social networking sites or NOT ONE NEGATIVE RESULT ON GOOGLE. It would seem that these “gurus” really do have a secret – what is the mysterious power and influence they have over google?
I gotta check, hope this could be a great helpo for everybody…
Thank You very much
I gotta check, hope this could be a great help for everybody…
Thank You very much
I am a little bit late, but it doesn’t matter… I am Going to sign up for facebook right now.
Does what happens in the Facebook stay in the Facebook?
http://albumoftheday.com/facebook/
also these articles:
CIA Gets in Your Face(book)
http://www.wired.com/techbiz/it/news/2007/01/72545
The Facebook.com: Big Brother with a smile
http://www.prisonplanet.com/articles/june2005/090605thefacebook.htm
Big Brothers, Big Facebook: Your Orwellian Community
http://www.commongroundcommonsense.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=34949
So needless to say, don’t ever bother asking me if I have a Facebook page. Same reasons I don’t do Myspace.
Just wanted to extend a great big thank you to Ed Dale, Dan Raine and the whole TDC gang. The information you have provided throughout, and beyond, the Thirty Day Challenge has taught me so much I can’t believe you taught all of this for free!
I absolutely love Facebook!
Not only have I met a ton of terrific people but I have been able to use Facebook to promote my blogs and my Network Marketing business.
Facebook is brilliant!
No more list building for me, not when I have Facebook as my main marketing tool.
Thanks again Ed, you are definitely my hero!
Kelley at The Newbie Centre