Regular readers will know, I’m a lucky guy. I hardly ever had a proper “job” and I stopped working for other people over a decade ago.
I have run a business since 2005. I started in London, UK, providing web and graphic design services for clients but then branched out. Now, in 2019, I live in Thailand selling e-books, video courses, paperbacks, t-shirts, and other products online.
There have been ups and downs though. I’m always trying to evaluate what went wrong and what went right in order to build a better business.
Loosening Udemy’s “grip” on my business
Back in 2015 my business was bringing in around six figures. This was largely because of selling online courses on Udemy. Good? Well, yes and no.
Money comes and goes. Unfortunately, you learn the best lessons about how to make money when you’re losing it.
The worst thing about my years of plenty was that a majority of the money was coming from one source – Udemy. And, even worse, Udemy was on a desperate “race to the bottom” with its prices. You could only sell courses for $10.
If your business is making most of its money from one source, you’ve always got to worry. If something happens to the cash cow, you’re in trouble.
I’m now making more money from my own Teachable school than I am on Udemy and all the other online learning platforms combined.
If you’re interested, you can read: how to sell courses on your site using Teachable which is a great platform for selling courses.
My new course: Selling Notebooks and Low Content Books On Amazon made over five figures on my Teachable site in its launch period alone.
How did I do this?
- I put quality courses on my site for $50-200
- My courses on Udemy are shorter and lower quality without access to private Facebook groups and the like
- I’ve opted out of the $10 discounts on Udemy
- I’ve increased my email subscribers by offering courses in bundles with various partners
So, people get a better deal on my site than on Udemy.
New business: selling notebooks and low content books on Amazon
But I am ten times more excited about my new business of selling notebooks and low content books on Amazon.
I’m really pleased that this new business, only started in May, brought in $3700+ in December alone.
This, of course, was due the pre-Christmas sales hike. But I’m also particularly pleased to see how sales continued post-Christmas as well. This was because I sell a lot of planners and diaries which tend to do well at the turn of the year.
This is with 800 or so titles live. My goal is to have 4000-5000 titles live and bring in $4k-$5k a month by October 2019. The Christmas craziness tends to start mid-November. I’m looking forward to it already!
If you’re interested in starting your own notebook and low content book business check out my new course: Selling Notebooks and Low Content Books On Amazon: GET OVER 55% OFF WITH THIS LINK!
Old business: Merch By Amazon and Print On Demand
I seem to have a love/hate relationship with Merch! The year was frustrating as I continued to upload t-shirt designs but monthly income spluttered between the $250 and $600 mark.
However, with Merch as well, there was a Q4 increase that was encouraging.
On the other hand, Merch By Amazon has huge disadvantages versus Amazon KDP. For example, you can lose your Merch By Amazon account so easily by inadvertently using a trademarked or copyrighted word or expression. Whereas account issues with Amazon KDP are extremely rare.
Get over 50% OFF my new course on Merch By Amazon, an Introduction to Selling Print On Demand Products. The course covers everything about Merch, applying, niche selection, design, and more!
New course ideas
I want to create another online course in the next month but I can’t decide from the following what the course should be about:
- How to design book covers
- How to use Affinity Photo (cheap Adobe Photoshop equivalent)
- How to use Affinity Designer (cheap Adobe Illustrator equivalent)
Please let me know in the comments what you’d like me to do a course on. Maybe you’d like something more specific like “Designing with Affinity Designer for Merch and KDP”, for example.
What do you think?
Taking a break from social media
I take my happiness very seriously! I try to practice meditation, take supplements, exercise regularly, and generally indulge in activities to promote happiness in myself and others.
I tend to naturally avoid negative situations and negative people. I don’t watch TV, I don’t read or listen to news, and I try not to have conversations or thoughts that involve judgments or negativity.
This seemed to be alright before social media took hold! Now I find my newsfeeds awash with hatred, anger, and ego. It’s nobody’s fault really. It’s just that computers have worked out that humans thrive on conflict.
Another thing I didn’t like about social media is that I found myself posting photos of me having a good time in exotic surroundings. Here’s a pic of me living the dream! 🙂
OK, so I thought that increasing my presence on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, etc., would help my business. But what was I really playing at?
Am I saying, “look at me I’m happy, you can be happy too if you take my courses”?
So, I stopped doing updates like that a year ago. I hardly ever post on Facebook or Twitter now. I do the following to minimize my exposure to the evil newsfeed:
- Installed Chrome extension News Feed Eradicator for Facebook
- Deleted the Facebook app from my phone
- Installed Chrome extension Block the youtube feed
- Don’t use YouTube on my phone
- Hardly look at Twitter or Instagram anymore
I’ve got to say: the above things have made me a happier and more productive person. But maybe my business will suffer as a result.
But I still get the benefits of social media. I’m very active on Facebook groups that are to do with the businesses I’m interested in, for example.
What I’ve learned about writing this blog post
I could have written a whole blog post about any of the following!:
- Pricing strategies on Udemy
- Pricing strategies on my Teachable site
- Email marketing to my Teachable site
- Q4 on Merch and KDP
- How I’m moving forward with my notebook and low content book business
- The evils of the newsfeed and how to avoid them
Maybe I need to blog more. What else would you like me to write about?
Helping people
It’s not about making money! My business makes me happiest when I honestly try to help other people and don’t focus on the money.
I look forward to a happy and productive 2019 with you. Help me to help you and let me know in the comments what you are struggling with right now.
Kent Faver says
Hi Rob – thanks for the thoughts on social media. What does the block the youtube feed do? Blocking the FB news feed looks like something I need.
Kent
Rob Cubbon says
You wanna try them out, Kent. YouTube you don’t get the video suggestions on the right and lots of other things. Facebook you don’t get the newsfeed.
Tricia says
Hi Rob!
I found your Merch course in a bundle of art/creative courses maybe a year ago? Thanks so much for introducing me to Merch! I share some of your hesitancy with Merch. It can be good money but I do rather feel that my account could be gone any day due to me not keeping an eagle eye on trademark and copyright 24/7.
I think that just confirms your advice not to put all your eggs in one basket.
My husband and I are dreaming of working for ourselves one day and quitting the day jobs. Your posts are most appreciated!!!!
One topic I would love to hear more about is living in Thailand or traveling and living the digital nomad life and how you came to move away from the U.K. Where are you in Thailand? We will visit Bangkok in February— would be fun to see you!
I will check out your KDP offerings! Thanks so much for all your info!!!!
Rob Cubbon says
I’m in Chiang Mai at the moment, Tricia. I wrote all about my fun adventures in The New Freedom paperback, Kindle and audiobook.
However, there are no rules. I just try to work things out (badly) as I go along!
I hope this helps. Let me know if you have any questions.
CS Symin says
I find it veryfrustrating that almost ALL online courses, groups, and opportunities for learning require a facebook account. I miss out on a lot because I absolutely refuse to be a part of it (after having a horrid experience involving facebook trolls and identity thieves).. most people don’t even know that your info is shared even after you try to delete your account. So… i am grateful for your in-house platform and willingness to answer questions apart from any facebook group.
In answer to your question what to write about, i could beneffit from your knowledge re why Chrome is your choice (simply availability of add ons?).,… why can’t Firefox/mozilla work? What are the advantages and disadvantages?
I’m grateful for your knowledge and delighted I purchased from you directly… I’m sure more Cubbon courses are in my future.
Rob Cubbon says
Absolutely fair enough that you opt out of Facebook, CS Symin. For me, the Internet promised a democratization of information but unfortunately companies like Google and Facebook are working against that.
Yes, I use Chrome because I need the various plugins, otherwise I’d use Brave browser. Thank you for your kind words about my content.
Nick says
Hi Rob, you can install Chrome extensions on Brave. It’s the best of both worlds!
Rob Cubbon says
I know, Nick, I’ve only just discovered that. Using Brave browser more and more these days!
Darlene says
Hi Rob, love your course on Selling Notebooks. My son did not think much of the course, but when I made him watch the first two vids, he was hooked and finished the course the next day. He even got his first out before I did! He is majoring in Marketing in university and is hoping he’ll make enough to cover the cost of his studies.
You touched on designing book covers on your KDP course but would love to see more in depth info using all platforms. I do have photoshop, illustrator and InDesign. I’ve not heard about Affinity software. Will have to check it out. Is it as good as Adobe versions?
Well done on your KDP sales! I was watching one of Kelli’s YouTube videos and she talked about one guy who had about 750 books on KDP and only made $150 a month. A far cry from your monthly earnings. Her suggestions to help his sales were not very helpful. I do think with your design background, it would help to add a companion course to designing book covers. I’ll be on board for that! I just finished my excel spreadsheet that will produce a weekly planner. The big takeaway from this was to print it in higher quality that the Microsoft vba would allow. I figured out how to bypass this and is good to go. Will have several books out this weekend. Woo Hoo!
Darlene
Rob Cubbon says
Hello Darlene, thank you for your comment.
So glad to hear both you and your son are enjoying the course. I still haven’t got round to doing a course solely on cover design. Sorry!
Crescenzo says
Maybe about cover creator would be helpful, along with more tips to implement book writing creating and selling.
Rob Cubbon says
I hear you, Crescenzo. 🙂
Marty Neary says
Hey Rob,
Good to hear from you & a happy new year !
Congratulations on your notebook success. I did actually create one , but lost interest after it made zero sales.
As for new courses, I’d love to know the best & easiest way to make $50 a day passive income – rather than what I usually see on youtube/facebook i.e how to make £100 a day or $1000 a day.. This would make a huge impact on people’s lives.
Cheers !
Marty
Rob Cubbon says
Happy New Year, Marty. (I’m a bit late there).
I’d love to know the best & easiest way to make $50 a day passive income, as well. If you find out, let me know! That’s what I’m making on KDP but I have 1200 book uploaded!
We’ve just got to try various things and see what works.
Martin Patrick Neary says
Thanks for your reply.
I’m looking at a possibility at the moment, but it’s early days, yet. I will notify yo asap.
Is there anyway to dm you?
Regards,
Marty.
Rob Cubbon says
Hi Martin, email is the best! 🙂
Josh says
Thanks for sharing.
Those Chrome extensions will come in handly enjoy all that extra time
Rob Cubbon says
Thanks, Josh
Marie-Ange says
Hi Rob,
I purchased your notebook and low content book course some time ago before everything was transferred to KDP Amazon. I did not go very far beyond the first section and did not progress as I chose to help a very old friend with Alzheimers and cancer until she passed away in July. I took on the dog who had to be put down 4 months later. All this was exhausting and traumatic and left me very little spare time. Now I am free from all this and I have more time and would like to concentrate on learning how to do the low content books. I wonder whether I should buy your new course on the subject at the discount rate or whether the old course has been sufficiently updated for me to carry on where I left it. I should be grateful if you could advise.
As for future courses and blogging from you, I would like to know more about Teachable and email marketing. I have been encouraged to do Facebook but have got nowhere with it. I am not particular interested in social media of any kinds anyway. But how do you market yourself and your products and services without social media? Thanks Rob.
Marie-Ange
Rob Cubbon says
Hello Marie-Ange, sorry to hear about your troubles. The course you purchased is fine. It’s completely updated to incorporate the CS to KDP migration. I already have a free course on email marketing: https://robcubbon.com/freecourses
Marie-Ange Gonzalez says
Thanks very much Rob. I’ll get onto that.
Joe says
Glad to hear everything is going well.
Book cover course, please!
Thanks
Joe
Rob Cubbon says
I hear you, Joe!
JDarc says
Where can we find your notebooks on Azon?
Rob Cubbon says
Hello JDarc, I don’t give out a main publisher name because, if I did, people will steal all my ideas which would produce unnecessary competition. Instead I did this video which shows you a couple of examples of notebooks that sell on Amazon: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bIQO9p1x-V0 as it happens somebody’s already stolen that idea, copied the cover, the title, everything!!!
Kathleen Poole says
Hi Rob,
Good information. You asked what we would like to learn next.
Did you know that the whole WordPress interface has changed!!!? I couldn’t find a thing. Apparently, there is a plug-in that takes it back to the way it was. If you have a course on the new dashboard along with why they decided to fix something that, to me wasn’t broken, and how to use it, that could be great!
Thank You.
Rob Cubbon says
I know, Kathleen, I know. However, I’m not doing so much with WordPress these days. Sorry!
Dragan Ruzic says
Hi Rob!
Please write about the pricing strategies on Teachable.
I’m finding it hard to decide between Teachable and Thinkific..
Thanks!!
Rob Cubbon says
There isn’t much to choose between Teachable and Thinkific, Dragan. I don’t have too many pricing strategies. The new course is $199. The early bird offer was around $49 and I run 50% discounts occasionally. I hope this helps. Let me know if you have any questions.
Kathy says
Hi Rob,
I would very much like to learn what you suggested:-
“Designing with Affinity Designer for Merch and KDP”
Thanks 🙂
Kathy
Rob Cubbon says
Noted, Kathy, thank you.
Wontae kim says
Hi Rob! I took your course “selling notebooks on amazon” last year.
I thought your blog postings were very authentic and made me buy your course.
You helped me a lot.
Thank you very much!
Rob Cubbon says
Thank you very much for your kind words, Wontae
Brayanth A. says
Hi Rob! The post about this topic inspires me. You are living the dream. Thank you for the advice, and the energy.
Rob Cubbon says
Thank you for your kind words, Brayanth
Amelia Ethan says
Hi Rob,
It’s really a pleasure to read about your goals as i have similar goals and I’m struggling to archive them. I have just discovered your blog and would love to read your upcoming posts. Thanks
Rob Cubbon says
Thank you, Amelia, I wish you the best in the future. If you enrol on one of my free courses here: https://robcubbon.com/freecourses you will be then informed of every subsequent post and much more!
Iain says
Well hullo Rob,
I missed you from Facebook, but only realised just now you were gone…
So if I need a bit of your positivity and expertise, I’d better take a couple of your courses!
On one of your WordPress courses I took a few years back, what you did explaining Inspect Element was brilliant. A huge help.
All the best, Iain
Rob Cubbon says
Thank you, Iain, I don’t do so much on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, etc., these days. So you have to keep subscribed! 🙂
Stefan Hyltoft says
Hey Rob,
How do you generate traffic to your self-hosted course site?
Rob Cubbon says
Hello Stefan,
Organic via Google, organic via YouTube, collecting email addresses, and emailing prospects regularly giving them value.
I hope this helps,
Rob
Anthony Gore says
Hi rob, I’d be interested to hear more about how you transitioned from udemy to teachable. How did your customers feel about the price increase? How did you make up for the loss of udemy search traffic?
Rob Cubbon says
Hello Anthony, almost the same as the answer to Stefan,
I get sales to my site via organic via Google, organic via YouTube, collecting email addresses, and emailing prospects regularly giving them value.
The customers are different (mostly) so they don’t know about the price increase. And I never put the same courses on Udemy as the ones on my site. The courses on my site are always better (have more videos, private Facebook groups, etc.) than the ones I put on Udemy.
I hope this helps.
Brad Chase says
Hi Rob-
I purchased your Udemy course and started building books. I really like the idea and can’t wait for my first one to sell!
Having put together a 8 of these so far I am really impressed with your number of 1500+. Will you share how you get to that number? Do you make various sizes of the same book, change books just a little, or have you publish that many completely different books?
Thanks!
Brad
Rob Cubbon says
Hi Brad, they are mostly different books but many have scaled designs (so one design that can be rolled out to multiple niches). I had 30-40 live before I started getting sales. I hope this helps.
Gardfield says
Hey Rob,
I think a course on “Book Cover Design” would be great. Covering both e-books and paperback/hard cover books.
I have published only one book so far in Amazon, but I realize how important is to use the right elements (size, fonts, colors, blurb, layout) to catch the attention of potential customers while browsing the store.
Thanks for sharing your experience,
G.
Rob Cubbon says
Hello Gardfield,
Thank you for your message.
Yes, it’s important is to use the right elements (size, fonts, colors, blurb, layout) to catch the attention of potential customers, but this can be repeated on multiple titles.
Studio paghe Milano says
Interesting