There is one big secret of Internet marketing. Here it is. There are no secrets.

Hit the delete button each time you receive an email from someone who promises you instant riches online. The reason is obvious. If the senders’ earnings claims are accurate…a big if…they probably come as a result of selling business opportunities or tips of questionable value to inexperienced would be entrepreneurs.

I am not just guessing. For years, I have offered a free website promotion course to webmasters. As a result, I have closely investigated numerous information programs and pieces of software. A few offer decent advice or assistance at reasonable cost. Most do not.

Even if you aren’t getting emails from “get rich quick” gurus daily, as I am, they aren’t hard to find; just do a search on Google, Yahoo, and MSN. You’ll find lots of websites with large homes, larger promises, and exotic cars. But what they’re selling is almost surely nothing more than empty promises.

But, there is Internet Marketing information out there that can help you earn a living online, and maybe even do far better than that. Here is a good summary of it, and it won’t cost you a dime.

1. You do not need a formally constructed business plan unless you seek investors, but you do need a plan. Better to move forward slowly than to spend months making up for mistakes.

2. Almost nobody builds a successful business without putting in time and effort.

3. Your best bet is to select a product or service people require. If that is not possible, offer something they think they need or something they are likely to want badly.

4. Tell the truth. All of us are more inclined to buy from those we trust.

5. Your website and other promotional copy must respect people’s time. Who wants to read a repetitive 700 word sales pitch?

6. If possible, overcome buyers’ reluctance with a legitimate guarantee.

7. Don’t be afraid to spend money on autoresponders, link building software, organizers, and other products that allow you to accomplish important tasks more quickly.

8. Devote at least 20 hours a week to promoting your website unless and until you hire someone else to do so.

It would be nice if there were 5 steps you could take to guarantee success. Unfortunately, that’s just the stuff of dreams. But, if you develop a thoughtful business plan, work hard, and market your business aggressively, I like your chances.