ONLINE MARKETING BOOT CAMP

This third installment of a series focuses on building a successful online business.

According to Gabrielle, the e-commerce road from rags to riches can be traversed by anyone with a combination of passion and a rational plan. She provides a comprehensive tour of the tools required, starting with the 10 basic pillars of her SassyZenGirl method, a cutesy name that belies the genuinely sensible counsel the book dispenses. The author begins by describing the pillars, which include identifying a problem one is capable of solving, finding a relevant market to exploit (and a niche submarket within it), and crafting a focused message for a specific target audience. None of this, of course, breaks any new ground, but for the novice e-entrepreneur, this advice is as helpful as it is sound. Gabrielle also describes 15 marketing strategies, providing a surfeit of actionable information (for example, how to use Facebook ads and crowdsourcing campaigns to test the viability of a product). In addition, she breaks down the fundamentals of copywriting and the “Psychology of Persuasion,” both of which emphasize the power of emotional appeals over aridly rational ones. Gabrielle’s previous volumes in her business series are Influencer Fast Track (2018) and Passive Income Freedom (2019). Unfortunately, the author’s writing in this installment often reads like an infomercial: “Kick your excuses in the butt once and for all—and just...Get-it-DONE!” Paragraphs are often only a sentence long and Gabrielle sees opportunities for exclamation points everywhere. In addition, she heavily relies on the clichés of New Agey psychology, encouraging readers to transform their “ ‘awesomeness’ into an abundant,  fulfilling life.” But for those who overlook the prose’s chirpy style, the author delivers intelligent recommendations conveyed with consistent clarity.

Prudent, if familiar, advice that should help aspiring internet entrepreneurs.