If you are like the typical person that wants to make real money online, you probably don't know where to start. If you listen to the advertisements that you read, it makes it seem that generating income using the internet is a breeze. And it can be, if you know where to start. The problem that many "newbies" (ie. individuals new to internet marketing) face is that they begin taking action before really understanding the basics. What ultimately ends up happening is that they do a lot of work with very little (if any) profits to show from it. They then switch from one marketing method to another, never really mastering any and then giving up in frustration.

So what should the first step be for a newbie looking to make real money online?

In a word: knowledge. As a beginner, you should be learning as much as you can about internet marketing. Don't just read an ebook about a specific marketing strategy and then take improper action. This action is premature because you don't have a solid foundation of the basics of internet marketing. Before shelling out any money for expensive marketing products, increase your knowledge as much as you can.

The great thing about the internet is that there is a tremendous wealth of information available. There is a ton of ebooks, forums, blogs, video training tutorials available to teach you the ins and outs of marketing online. Take full advantage of these resources. Soak up as much information as you can so that when you do take action, it will be well-thought and have a higher probability of succeeding.

Now this may go against what many gurus are telling you. But their goals and your goals are not the same. They want to give you a little information for free to get you motivated to take the actions that they desire (ie. buy their expensive product). Your goal is to build a strong foundation of internet marketing knowledge so that you can make intelligent decisions that will result in your desire to make real money online. Don't let the yearning to make fast profits online cloud your judgment and cause you to do too much too soon. Be disciplined in your research. Have the patience to develop a solid understand of the pillars of internet marketing which include: website and blog creation, traffic generation, article marketing, list building, product creation, etc.

For the most part, the path to make real money online isn't a short one. Especially if you'd like the income you generate to be long-term and consistent. The first step in your journey of online income is to learn as much as you can about the many different aspects of internet marketing. Once you have done that, then you can choose a specific marketing tactic to use in order to making money with the internet. Since you already did your research, you'll know which strategy would best suit your skills and personality. As a result, you will raise the chances of making money online, as well as enjoying what you are doing much more.