Fair warning - my reviews are kinda different. I pull out the bits I LOVED from each module, analyze them, then talk about why they are so cool.

This doesn't suit all people - and nor will Naomi's products. But don't ignore Online Business School based on your perception of my review. If you'd rather a traditional type, check out the one by Ali Hale. She loved it as much as I did.

What is Online Business School

Online Business School is a course by marketing expert, Naomi Dunford. It consists of  modules that are designed to give you a broad overview of the main methods of creating a real business online.

The modules are:

• Affilliate Marketing
• Ebooks and downloads
• Coaching and Consulting
• Physical Products
• Niche Sites
• Service Business.

 Each module consists of two seperate points of information. Naomi provides an audio talking about the main concepts. This is accompanied by a transcript for people like me. The videos were by her husband Jamie and elaborated on the main ideas. Some of my friends found this too basic but they were very high quality.

I only listened to the audios or rather, read the transcripts. I don't watch videos and found that the audios more than sufficed. However, I do like having the option to watch the videos at a later date.

 Affiliate Module

For all practical purposes, affiliate marketing is an online version of commission sales. I find something cool, I tell you about it. If you buy it, I get a cut of the price. This can be an extremely lucrative way to make money on the internet if you know how to do it right.

I love Naomis explanation of this. When I try to explain to people how I'm making so much money via affiliate marketing, they look at me as if I'm doing something wrong. It took me a long time to get over the guilt of getting a commission from reccomending products to others. I've since learnt that its not unethical at all.

This is my favourite module - hence this portion of the review is very indepth. The other modules have just as much information, but they didn't resonate with my at this stage of my business.

Naomi made the comparision between one store that sells on a commission, and one that doesn't. She said that it was best to find a method that fit between the two extremes - don't be pushy just to get a cut, but don't be indifferent either.

I've found a place between them and its comfortable. Most of my money is made via email - people will come to me asking my honest opinion for their situation and I'll give it. I've made a couple of thousand this way and I know I'm helping people in the process.

Know if you’re writing a review or a recommendation. A review is where you’re giving an in-depth analysis of the pros. and the cons. A recommendation is “I bought this and you should, too.

This was the concept that really confused me when I first started reviewing products. I checked out a lot of 'product reviews' on other leading blogs, but it didn't seem like a review at all. You could tell the blogger - even the really trustworthy ones - were basing their recommendations on how well they knew the person, rather than the content itself. There is nothing wrong with that method but it means that you are relying on how much your readership trusts you. This may not work as well if you are a beginner blogger.

Based on my experience, a recommendation often converts better. However this is because those that provide a simple recommendation are usually busy bloggers with a decent audience.

I prefer to do comprehensive reviews. I find people seek out my blog when they are really confused about a decision. I also get a lot of traffic, and sales, when the product creator is having some kind of promotion.

Knowing the difference between a review and a recommendation is vital. Its also important that you study the methods that are working well for people who are successful at both types of promotion.

Email converts 5-6 times better than a blog.

I am not the best person to ask about this. I don't have an email list and I don't include affiliate links in emails unless they are requested. People will ask my advice and I will tell them that a certain product will be able to help them more than I could. Alternately, I will go out of my way to let someone know when I think a new product release would help them improve their business.

Rarely, I get replies asking me for an affiliate link. I don't mind - but its really teaching me the power of email.

If your product is very, very cheap – say, less than $20 – you’ll attract the kind of people who buy info products that cost less than $20, and this is a very demanding group of people. If you’re thinking of making your product roughly ten bucks you might as well making it free and potentially going viral.

I've put up with some of the demanding people when I've done reviews on other sites. Its frustrating and just not worth it. I am doing some entry level products and am going to give them away for free rather than deal with the demands. I'll be pricing the majority of my products above $50 because I find the business audience is more appreciative.

Ebooks and downloads

If you see your product showing up on torrent sites, be flattered that somebody thought it was so good that lots of people would want it and move on. It’s not really worth the administrative hassle.

Here is a little secret - the filesharing industry has moved far beyond torrents. People now upload the content to sites like rapidshare and megaupload and share the content via private communities. Whenever you try and delete the content, it just spreads wider. People will upload it to more sources. People will realize that its popular and spread it across more sites.

It takes more time to report the link than it would take for someone to reupload it. Just let it me. There are a bunch of reasons why people download illegally. They may become your true fans down the track when their circumstances change.

I wouldn’t try to make my entire business model based on ebooks. At the same time, an entire business model based on ebooks, audio downloads, teleseminars and video tutorials probably has a pretty good chance of success. But you can make a decent amount of money at this, as long as you pay attention and treat it like a business.

I now work with a number of high profile product creators. People do read ebooks, but they like consuming the information in the method that suits them both. Just look at this - I didn't watch the videos and I just read the transcripts. The transcripts are about 10 pages long - so thats 60  pages of information. But, by making it so darn convenient, Naomi improved the value and the price she can charge.

I have several friends that are making big money. They do this by having a business model based off a variety of information products delivered using different methods.

Coaching and consulting

While there isn’t too big of a difference, generally speaking, coaching is something that is done for customers – as in, real people – and consulting is something done for businesses.

I wasn't aware of this distinction - it will help me when it comes to marketing my services. I appreciated learning this and is it will help me phrase my sales page better.

Remember, coaching is a business and any business that is based on selling your time for an hourly rate is a recipe for burnout. I would NEVER recommend someone becomes a coach and just a coach. It’s simply not sustainable.

I agree with this. I'm feeling burnt out simply by focusing of services. I much prefer charging by task.

In my own business, I try to set my prices at a point where I can comfortably discount services under certain circumstances.

I know this works for her. Many people I know will wait until one of her cool sales to book her for marketing advice. She is totally worth her current rate, but holding a promotion makes her more accessible to those with financial constraints.

Service business

A service business is one in which people pay you for your time. Sometimes there’s a product that comes out at the end, sometimes there isn’t, but essentially you’re hiring yourself and your skills out.

This was an important distinction for me to make. I thought that services basically revolved around consulting via different methods. Knowing this helped me to change my service range and target the prospective buyers in a more effective manner.

Answer questions on LinkedIn, Yahoo Answers and so on. You’d be surprised by how often this can get you on someone’s radar, even if they’re not currently interested in your service.

Two useful methods for me have been providing help on twitter and by commenting on peoples facebook pages. I liken it to leaving a lot of little breadcrumbs - those who like the taste will hunt you down to get the bread.

Get involved in offline networking.

Offline networking has been the most effective method for me. I get a lot of leads, a lot of people talking about me and a lot of feedback on what I'm doing. Many of the great opportunities I've had have directly come from offline networking. Its underestimated but it also has the side benefit of leading to great friendships.

Physical Products

This section had little relevance to me. I have no intention of selling physical products and if I did, I would most likely market them via offline methods. However, I did pick up a number of tips in this module that I could apply to my online business.

Add a personal note that says thank you.

This works awesomely offline. I know because it always turns me into a real evangliest of their product. Paul included a short note when I bought a pair of Injinji socks. I already raved about these (they DO stop blisters) but I now feel emotionally connected to the brand.

This worked similar when I got a review copy of Brand New Day. The assistant sent a nice little note. It was on branded stationary and told me to let her know if she could help. This took no effort from the author but it made me

Here are a few ways you can apply this online:

• Send a personal thank you card in the mail. This may require some hunting to get their address, but is something that
• Send a personal message after point of sale
• Find a way to thank them via their favourite social media platform. This may take more effort, but its also seen by a lot more people.

Take as many form of payments as you can.

This also applies to selling your products and services.

I love paypal. Many times, I will refuse to purchase something because it doesn't have a paypal option. I get paid a lot via paypal and it can be a hassle transferring it back to my bank, only to just transfer it out again.

Make it easy

I buy most things online. There have been many times though when I've been in the shopping cart and gave up because there was too many steps. I don't like creating an account. I don't want to do more then 3 or 4 steps. If you make it difficult, I will take my money to a physical store where the transaction is easier.

Niche sites

I don't dabble in niche sites. There was a lot of useful information, but it just wasn't relevant to my current business goals. This is the module I can see being the most useful to those new to creating an online business.

Most of us - including myself - start out in niche starts. This is where we learn the basics. We figure what we like, what resonates with us and  figure out what direction we want to go in. It is an important part of our learning transition.

Naomi suggested four types of content for niche sites:

• Affiliate marketing
• Contextual advertising, most commonly Google AdSense
• Paid advertising
• Info products and physical products

If you want further information about niche sites, I recommend checking out Cloud Living. This resource is far more comprehensive. However, Online Business School provides a solid overview, as well as really useful information, to compliment what you'll be learning in other modules.

Who is this for?

This is for anyone who is interested in earning an income online. I was worried that I was too advanced, but I was gladly mistaken. I learnt so much.

If the idea of spending $400 on a product scares you, this product is not for you. You may not be in the right mindset to implement many of the things she recommends. I was like this and it is perfectly fine. She has other entry level products as well as a lot of free information. She also does consulting which may provide you with information targeted towards your situation.

Is it worth the price?

I understand that $397 is a lot of money to pay. I've been so broke that I could barely afford to feed myself, so I understand the fear.

I've spent a lot of money online. This could have saved me a lot more then $400 because of the mistakes I've made. Naomi will give you the rights tips on how to market on a budget. She is really cool like that. Her advice wont lead you astray, nor will it involve spending a lot more money.

The skills you learn will earn considerably more than $400. The material is top notch. It is hard to find information this comprehensive within this price range. Trust me - I've bought and reviewed a lot of products.

Don't hesitate - this product will help you create a thriving online business. 

If you want to make more money, check out Online Business School.

This is the book that pretty much launched my career. I've yet to release a product but I've made thousands of dollars thanks to the information. This book is that good that I had a review of it on Problogger within a week of purchasing. It is, by far, the best resource on successfully writing and launching an ebook.

In this review, I'll be discussing some of my favourite quotes about each of the five modules. If you already know you want to buy, go here to launch the **** out of your ebook.

Module 1: Analyzing the market for your ebook

"I don’t want to search and click and read and try to filter what’s good as opposed to what’s total crap. I want someone who has done this stuff before to organize it and lay it out so I can just get to the good stuff and run with it. I want convenience."

It took me a long time to change my mindset regarding this. I'm now at the stage where I'll just buy something from a select group of product creators.

I prefer to target this market. Its very hard to convince broke bloggers to part with their money, especially when they don't see the ROI potential. I like targeting those who are already willing to spend money on quality products as I just have to figure out how to best target them.

There isn't much I can really talk about regarding this unit without giving all the content away. I didn't get that much out of it but I'm in the (incorrect) mindset of just releasing a product and seeing what happens. I'm here to learn, not profit.

Module 2: Finding and wooing ebook buyers

Finding specific, individual buyers should happen far in advance of your product going on sale.

The main strategy they recommended was creating a blog and this is something I totally agree with. My blog has led to so many opportunities - some of which have been high profile and/or paid. I would recommend consulting with someone regarding setting up your blog if you are unfamiliar with certain concepts as this will decrease the amount of time needed to learn the unspoken rules.

My favourite section was about driving new, targeted readers to your existing blog. My two favourite tips were:

• Guest posting - but also do it on topics one step away from your niche
• Comment prior to making a pitch - this way both the author and the audience will see you as someone with authority

I also enjoy using twitter to make a connection prior to asking for help. I use private methods of communication to show my knowledge to certain people. I thought this unit was also practical for those seeking traffic for their other online projects.

Module 3: Setting up your mailing list

Ok - I'm not going to analyse this. Dave's advice is dependent on you taking all the steps listed in this chapter and I would have trouble writing about it without giving the whole lot away. I will say this.

I found the idea of email marketing daunting before I discovered this ebook. Now, I know exactly how I can use it to launch a product, even if I don't use email marketing for anything else. I've been told that Dave will go going into email marketing more in future products but this is a really solid, actionable primer.

Module 4: Writing your ebook

Keep your outline nearby at all times to write notes on.

I now do outlines of all my work - guest posts, interviews and my own blog posts. I keep it open beside me. I've gotten so many ideas from this and it has allowed me to brainstrom further ideas. This can give me ideas for future posts or products as well as promotional material.

Write more casually

Write like you’re talking, and just let it all come out. Just start a conversation with your readers. Your words will flow more naturally and you’ll be a lot happier with your progress. Your readers will, too.

This was one of my main problems with my early blog posts. It also appears when I try to write ebooks. I call it 'stick-up-the-arse' syndrome where the message is lost due to the excessive formality.

This is something you will naturally have to work on. You'll get there with lots of practice. You have to avoid the other end of the extreme where you are so casual that you alienate readers.

Module 5: Launching it

Getting attention from the blogging superstars

Work your way up through their friends.

If you feel like it’s just too difficult to get a particular person to give you the time of day, find out who their online friends are and focus some attention on building them up. As you do this, you leave the door open to the possibility that person will give you a warm, fuzzy introduction to the reviewer you’re really after.

This may sound sleazy but its totally not. I recognized that to a degree, Dave was doing this with me but I was fine with it because

• I'd endorse anything he developed because its crazy awesome quality for a reasonable price
• He put a lot of effort into the relationship and we've since become good friends.

It didn't really take much effort on his behalf. He would give me review copies of his products. Occasionally DM me words of support on twitter or provide advice on situations. Now I'll do anything for him, which includes connecting him with prominent bloggers and other rising stars. Its a win win situation and helps both of our profiles.

Interview them.

This is another tip that has gotten a lot of attention for me - it has also worked to build my profile in the meantime. It means I now have a small, loyal group of friends ready to promote for me should I ask.

I will be writing about interview tips in future blog posts. If you want any tips in the meantime, feel free to contact me via twitter or the contact form.

Getting people to take the time to review your book.

Recognize their heavy schedule.

Something most people dont know on the internet right now is that I'm really busy. Its nothing we can control - offline, there is a lot of family stuff to deal with and if its not consuming my free time, its consuming my thinking space. As such - my online stuff has suffered. I haven't been able to meet commitments. I'm well behind on product reviews.

One of the people that is on the top of my list is Barbara Ling. She has sent gentle reminders, words of support and well wishes. She has made sure I stayed in her mind and by no means has she pressured me. I'll be willing to work with her in the future due to the respect she has earned in the past month.

Go after the up‐and‐comers.

Getting a review from a blogger with 10,000 subscribers may be tough – but the ones with 500‐1000 may be easier (and may actually have a more responsive audience). Consider targeting a number of up‐and‐comers who are kind of a big deal, but not too big to give you some TLC.

Many people are recognizing me as an up-and-comer. They know that I have a lot of sway in several niches. The benefit of targeting people like me is that I'm able to devote more time into reviewing products and supporting people because I don't have the huge time constraints. I'll give a lot of TLC to those who take the initiative. I also continue to support Dave as my blog expands.

Have a considerable discount during pre launch sales

I accidentally stumbled across this product. Someone tweeted an article on The Launch Coach and I was that impressed, I checked out his sales page. I had no intention of buying it at $97 but I clicked on the buy button to see if he offered an affiliate program.

It was there that I saw the price was $47. I later found out that this was due to a promotion he was running with Naomi from Ittybiz, but I didn't know who either person was at the time. I assumed it was a mistake and wanted to make a decision as soon as possible.

The day that I bought it I was staying at my mums. I'd phoned up the night before, severely depressed, and was staying for a break. I'd just earned a decent affiliate commision. I couldn't sleep as I was tormenting myself over the decision to buy. I woke up at, bought it, and haven't looked back since. I've earned Dave thousands of dollars and its all because of one prelaunch sale.

So - who is this for?

If you intend to release an ebook, free or paid, you should check out this ebook. Its THAT good. It will give you the skills needed to spread the ideas a lot further than you could do by yourself.

I particularly recommend this to businesses looking at creating promotional ebooks. This is something that many people have spoken to me about and they really appreciated the resources shared in this book.

Advanced bloggers may not get as much out of it but Navarro has a product line that allows you to make a lot of money regardless of your status.

Why should I buy when there is so much free SEO information?

This is the first question I get when I tell people about SEO School. They've read the SEO tips and can't justify on spending more than $10 on an ebook. Quite frankly, a lot of the SEO information out there is by amatuers. Anyone can write and publish an article, which means a lot of misinformation is spread amongst certain communities. This can make it really hard to know what information to trust.

There is also a lot of information that you really don't need to optimize a basic website. You could spend hours learning information that may never apply to your website.

Thats why I love SEO School. Naomi knows her stuff and doesn't try to cash in by giving information you don't need. I think thats pretty awesome.

Why should I listen to Naomi?

Disclosure: I think Naomi is pretty darn awesome. She rocks it at Ittybiz and creates awesome products faster than I can save for them.

Naomi knows her stuff when it comes to online business, period. She understands sales funnels. She gets product launches. She has people paying her hundreds of dollars for an hour of her time.

She knows massively complex stuff but was skill kind enough to release a really affordable product on SEO. That shows that she is willing to listen to what her market wants - which can be helpful to you down the track.

What is Seo School?

SEO school is seperated into six main sections.

1. The pyschology of search
2. What to rank for
3. In-page optimization
4. Off-page seo
5. Creativity and common sense
6. For bloggers only
7. The future of google

The material is really easy to understand. She does swear occasionally which may offend some readers. I enjoy the tone it adds.

What I loved:

Its written in a friendly tone

I've read too many ebooks where they try to sound too formal. I've found this to be a real problem with the paid products in the SEO industry. Many load their products with industry specific jargon which is great if you are in a specific industry, but not if you just want basic SEO advice.

However - this tone can get a little too friendly. She swears a lot. My inner rebel loves this, however this may put you off. If you want a taster, check out the style of her writing at Ittybiz.

She had a specific section for bloggers only

I loved this section as I'd struggled to understand how to apply these techniques to my blog. Some of the stuff I loved learning was:

• How the related posts plugin can help improve SEO
• How including your post in multiple categories can be bad
• Comment strategy tips.

Would I recommend this?

Definitely!

This is the first product I would recommend. Its awesome. You should definitely check it out.

However, I know that Naomis style isn't for everyone. There are two other products that I have read - SEO Secrets and WordPress SEO secrets. WordPress SEO secrets is more useful if you specifically want to stick with wordpress, but I would purchase the basic option. SEO Secrets costs $80, but covers incredibly complex information that may help you down the track.