Heeeeeey, and welcome.
I’m Ciaran (Doyle), and I’m about to take you on a pretty interesting journey from the bustling freezing cold streets of London to the steamy alleys of Cambodia, and ultimately, to the world of successful online business and affiliate marketing blogging.
So, grab a cuppa (or a coconut), get comfy, and let me tell you a story!
The High-Flying Days
It’s 2009, and I’m living the dream…
I’m the go-to guy for Google and traffic generation (PPC and SEO) jet-setting around the world, speaking at fancy conferences (like the one below in Dubai and USA), and showing businesses how to make it big online.
I thought I had it all figured out. But to say I was happy… I’m not sure I can.
That smile above… was it real? I’m not sure now, I know I had a few beers that day.
And you know what they say about pride coming before a fall…
Well… I fell, haaaaaard!
The Google ‘Slap’ That Changed Everything
So, fast forward to a cold, dreary London day in February 2010.
I’m sitting at my desk, coffee in hand, dark gloomy clouds in front of me…
When suddenly – BAM!
I open my Adwords account, and sh!t…
What I saw didn’t make me happy, let me say that.
Google had rolled out a massive update, and my thriving affiliate marketing business crumbled overnight.
(This slap taught me the biggest lesson in keeping safe in terms of compliance and also not to keep all eggs in one basket)
NOTE: The Google ‘slap’ refers to sudden penalties or changes in ranking that can devastate online businesses overnight.
When it comes to compliance lessons… this did it… I learned everything I could about Google, I read terms of service, nerd-packed guidelines… and now, even still to this day, they inform my current approach to affiliate marketing and everything I do online.
That night, as I lay in bed staring at the ceiling, thinking “What the f*ck am I going to do…”
I remembered something my first mentor Gareth told me:
“If it won’t matter in 5 years, get over it and move on.”
I’ll tell you honestly… I was crushed, and there was no point in trying to hide it.
Look I’m human, I feel, I get hurt, I get set back…we all do.
But when something bad happens I always look for the silver lining…
So, I did what any sensible person would do – I bought a one-way ticket to Calcutta, India… yep…
Was it me running? I don’t think so…
Was it me escaping?
I think even then I knew I wasn’t for this world… well, this part of the world.
I wanted different, I wanted experiences, happiness, and everything that this world could offer me… that I could keep with me… not just money and unhealthiness.
From London Hustle to Eastern Flow
India was a shock to the system, amazingly beautiful carnage, sight, sounds, smells, smiling faces… a real vibrant assault on the senses.
But that’s another story, one that I will share in the blog over the next while, you don’t want to miss it…
Why am I passing it by now?
Because it was in Cambodia where things really started to shift for me.
I’m zooming through Phnom Penh on the back of a tuk-tuk, dodging fruit carts and livestock, when it hits me – these market sellers, they’re all entrepreneurs too…
But they had this calm, patient approach that was worlds away from my London-born hustle…
This shift in mindset influenced your future business strategies, and directly influenced my future business strategies.
But, this isn’t for everyone… and I’m a big fan of happiness (now more than ever).
So, I was looking for this in a new part of the world.
It was here, away from it all, sitting over a plate of numbing Sichuan hotpot, that I met John.
John was cool, a wise old Singaporean Chinese businessman who became my unexpected mentor.
John was barely five feet tall, but let me tell you, in the world of business, he was a giant.
John worked with some of the biggest advertising and media agencies all over the world and was the point ‘man’ for so many of the Western campaigns emerging in Asia.
Professional Highlights:
Over the years, I’ve had the privilege to lead and contribute to significant projects in the digital marketing world. A break from my narrative focused about us page for Google to get a clearer picture of me and what I do and have done
Here are some key achievements:
Editor-in-Chief of Prestigious Publications:
Led Singaporean business and Cambodian lifestyle magazines like *Les Hommes*, *Ladies*, *Justeen*, and the *Singapore Chamber of Commerce* magazine. Expanded readership and influenced the Asian business landscape.
High-Profile Clients:
Developed successful content marketing strategies for global brands, including Porsche, Pandora, Bering, and ONE Championship, specializing in luxury marketing and sports entertainment.
Government Projects:
Managed nation branding initiatives for Cambodia, showcasing the country to the world. Oversaw campaigns for USAID’s digital growth initiative, merging strategic thinking with digital expertise to drive social change.
Exclusive Digital Marketing Expert for USAID:
Applied my expertise to support NGOs like WaterShed, Transparency International plus many others in rural Cambodia, crafting hybrid digital campaigns that addressed the region’s unique challenges.
Conference Speaker and Industry Leader:
Presented at major global conferences, sharing insights on traffic generation and online business strategies. My diverse experience, from high-stakes digital marketing projects to government collaborations, has shaped the comprehensive approach I bring to blogging and affiliate marketing today.
Learning the Art of Strategic ‘Oil Giving’
Under John’s guidance, I dove into the intricate world of the Asian Ad business and magazines.
But so much more than being a writer…
With John, it wasn’t just about writing—that was merely a vehicle to something more profound…
We’re talking about smart deals in dimly lit Chinese restaurants, where the air hung heavy with the scent of star anise and the unspoken currency of opportunity…
This is just how business was done.
John taught me ‘打点’ (dǎ diǎn)—strategic oil giving: knowing when to grease the wheels with the right gesture or connection.
It was this art of subtle influence and cultivated relationships that would later become the cornerstone of my blogging strategy. “Strategic oil giving” means in a practical sense for blogging and online business… In blogging, this translates to creating valuable content that helps readers without expecting immediate returns… the value you bring without asking for anything in return… relies on what we call the ‘Law of Reciprocity’.
It’s like how you get free training from me, or from time to time, I’ll send something of immense value, giving you an edge… why? Because it’s good business practice….
Like the Red Chinese Envelope you get on special occasions, or Eidy, or Christmas gifts, etc…
We landed some big fish, government bodies, large multinationals, banks, fashion houses, car brands (Porsche), sports companies (One Championship), you name it, we had dealings…
Editorial Leadership:
I found myself at the helm of several influential publications. As Editor-in-Chief, I steered the editorial direction of prestigious magazines, including Singaporean business publications and Cambodian lifestyle magazines, including Les Hommes, Ladies, Justeen, and the Singapore Chamber Of Commerce. Les Hommes became a go-to source for luxury and lifestyle content under my leadership… was it easy no, did I learn… wow so much!
Over my tenure there we expanded our reach not only nationally, but also our inroads to a pan-Asian market, which helped with the Singaporean connection, further establishing our authority as a company that delivered the goods.
This experience allowed me to shape conversations that influenced the Asian business landscape and dive deep into cultural nuances across diverse markets.
This audience growth, and successful multinational campaigns, demonstrated the impact of your work. leading to people noticing what I did…
Government Projects:
My role evolved to include managing government tourist websites, putting me at the forefront of national branding. I was responsible for showcasing Cambodia to the world, a task that demanded diplomatic finesse, cultural sensitivity, and strategic thinking.
High-Profile Clients:
Working with John, we landed some big fish. I had the privilege of crafting content marketing strategies for global giants like Porsche and ONE Championship.
These experiences honed my skills in luxury marketing and sports entertainment promotion.
As my expertise grew, so did my reputation. I became known as the go-to expert for complex digital marketing initiatives in Cambodia.
In the later stages of my time in Cambodia, I became the exclusive digital marketing expert for USAID’s digital growth initiative in the country. I was the only individual in Cambodia with the specific skill set and experience to manage these complex, high-stakes events.
This unique position required me to apply my digital marketing expertise to the challenges of international development, crafting messages that could drive social change and promote economic growth. How does one target small non non-connected communities in rural Cambodia to bring in the change that is much needed… this is what I put in place… real NGOs, real problem-solving.
One USAID campaign stands out. We were tasked with helping NGOs in the country increase their digital presence across rural Cambodia. Given the limited digital infrastructure, we developed a hybrid approach, combining targeted online content with traditional thinking.
But success came at a price – late nights, endless glasses of baijiu (trust me, that stuff is lethal), and a lifestyle that was slowly burning me out.
The Wake-Up Call
It all came to a head when John suffered a major heart attack. My mentor was in a serious condition and when the fog of alcohol cleared, it hit me…
I saw my future flash before my eyes – overworked, overstressed, and heading for an early grave.
This wasn’t the freedom or happiness I’d set out to find.
The Pivot to Blogging
That’s when it hit me, I wasn’t cut out for this, I was after something that I’d been seeking my whole life…
I had built up these specific skills from all my work over the years… brought into blogging from the editorial and marketing experience, like content strategy, audience research, and high-stakes digital campaign management.
These lessons weren’t just about business. They were about life, about finding balance, about learning how to share stories that mattered, in a way that produced profit…. all helping me become the business person I am today.
This “oil giving” philosophy has helped grow my blogging business and how you can benefit from adopting a similar mindset.
And what better way to share my lessons through a medium I was baptized in fire with… writing, and blogging?
I had picked this up as the Editor in Chief for part of John’s Media Empire, writing and planning for some of the biggest websites and magazines in Cambodia and Asia.
I started applying everything I’d learned:
- Turn readers into profits (with a little ‘strategic oil giving’, of course)
I coupled this with what I had learned before Google slapped me and BOOM…
I had an affiliate blogging business worth thousands each and every single month.
Did it happen immediately?
No… it didn’t… I did a bit of soul searching obviously, traveled extensively, and came to the realization of what I must do.
I imagine it’s kind of like the path that you are on right now.
If I could guess, you are probably like me, sick and tired of the work, the long hours, the commutes, the poor health…
And you are looking for a way out.
Where I Am Today
The journey from alcohol-fueled, valium-munching burnout to achieving freedom through blogging, emphasizes the fulfillment I now feel each and every day. Let me be super real for a moment… ‘Gratitude’ is my superpower. This image below, centered with the most important person in my life is what fuels me… surrounded by my freedom… to be, do, have, and experience life.
Now, I’m not going to sit here and tell you I became an overnight blogging sensation. It took work, lots of it…
But now… even in these (what some call tumultuous) times, I thrive… why?
But by applying these principles I learned from John, working with big brands, shaping the digital landscape in certain parts of Asia – and a few sneaky tricks I picked up along the way… You see… when you deal with companies and government bodies that are worth billions, your game has to be elevated… or you wither and die.
For me… I’ve built a blogging empire that gives me the freedom I always dreamed of. I even get time to write about what I loved… hardships I’ve overcome… the battle against my brain being one… which is why I wrote “Your Brain Hates Opportunities”… because it was as much for me, as helping others who have brains that just won’t do what we want it to…
Today, I split my time between writing, running ads, mentoring aspiring entrepreneurs and bloggers, and yes, I travel A LOT!
My blog has been featured in top digital marketing publications, and I’ve even published this book on How to Find Opportunities for Success Online that hit the Amazon bestseller list.
But you know what? The best part isn’t the accolades or the income (though those are nice).
It’s the emails I get from readers and students who’ve found their own path to freedom through what I teach.
My favorites are when someone who is a skeptic does a complete turnaround like this one below…
That’s what gets me up in the morning (well, that and a strong cup of coffee, even though I am trying to limit it)
My Current Ventures
My journey has led me to create and be involved in several exciting businesses:
1. The Blog Profit Path: This is my flagship course where I teach aspiring bloggers how to turn their passion into profit. It’s not just about writing – it’s about creating a sustainable business that gives you the freedom to live life on your terms. My course not only covers writing but also dives deep into SEO, affiliate strategies, and AI-driven content optimization… the whole shebang. You can check out my reviews here…
2. Insider Secrets Mastery Workshops: A joint venture with some of the top minds in affiliate marketing, where we run intensive, hands-on workshops where I share the latest AI techniques that are working right now. We dive deep into strategy, AI use in business, link building, and more.
3. Digital Nomad Mentorship Program: This program is close to my heart. I guide aspiring digital nomads through the process of building an online business that can be run from anywhere in the world. It’s not just about the business – it’s about the lifestyle.
4. Affiliate Success Accelerator: A joint venture with some of the top minds in affiliate marketing. We provide cutting-edge strategies, tools, and support to help affiliate marketers scale their businesses rapidly.
The Future of Blogging: My Vision
As someone who’s been in the trenches of digital marketing for over a decade, I’ve seen a lot of changes.
But I believe we’re on the cusp of a blogging renaissance. Here’s where I see the future heading:
1. Niche Expertise Will Reign Supreme: With AI-generated content flooding the internet, genuine expertise will become more valuable than ever. Successful bloggers will be those who can offer unique insights and real-world experience. I want you to start thinking… and get it into your head – MICRO NICHE.
2. Community Building Will Be Key: The most successful blogs will be those that foster genuine communities. It’s not just about traffic – it’s about engagement and building a tribe of loyal followers. Think… who are my people… what they want… and then… give it to them in your own unique way.
3. Diversification of Income Streams: Successful bloggers will move beyond just ad revenue and affiliate marketing. We’ll see more bloggers creating their own products, offering services, and building personal brands… like this right here, the Blog Profit Path.
4. The Rise of Multimedia Blogging: Text-only blogs will become a thing of the past. The future is in multimedia content – think blog posts with embedded videos, podcasts, interactive infographics like this AI for Blogging, and more.
5. Ethical and Sustainable Blogging: As consumers become more conscious, there will be a shift towards more ethical and sustainable blogging practices. This includes transparent affiliate relationships, eco-friendly hosting, and socially responsible content. You will notice I have multiple affiliate disclosures on my pages… here’s an example of one:
Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
6. AI as a Tool, Not a Replacement: While AI will play a bigger role in content creation and SEO, it won’t replace human bloggers. Instead, successful bloggers will learn to leverage AI tools to enhance their creativity and productivity… like I show you in the Blog Profit Path. Here’s a tip… write like you talk… this is the future of AI blogging and even ChatGPT Search SEO.
7. Hyper-Personalization: With advancements in data analytics, blogs will be able to offer more personalized experiences to their readers, delivering content that’s tailored to individual interests and needs. Start by analyzing your audience’s behavior using tools like Google Analytics to deliver more tailored content.
8. Blogging is NOT JUST BLOGGING: Blogging has dramatically changed. As a blogger today it’s not simply about writing, you need to have a diverse range of marketing skills across a broad range of topics. We call this in the industry a T Shaped Marketer. A T-shaped marketer is someone who’s really good at 1-3 main areas of marketing. Like, maybe you’re awesome at content marketing. You’ve got a track record of doing great stuff with your content and organic strategies… but you also have a wide breadth of knowledge across the whole marketing gamut.
This is what we teach at the Blog Profit Path.
The future of blogging is bright, but it’s going to look different from what we’ve known. It’s not just about adapting to these changes – it’s about leading the charge. And that’s exactly what I’m here to help you do.
Are you ready to be part of the blogging future? Let’s create something amazing together!
Remember, the future belongs to those who prepare for it today. Let’s start preparing!
What’s Next for You?
If you’ve read this far, chances are you’re itching to start your own blogging journey. Well, you’re in the right place! Whether you’re looking to escape the 9-5 grind, share your passion with the world, or just earn some extra cash on the side, I’m here to help.
Check out my blog for tips and tricks, join The Blog Profit Path for in-depth guidance, or hey, just drop me a line to say hi. After all, every great adventure starts with a single step – or in our case, a single post.
Ready to write your own success story? Let’s get blogging!
Want to know more? Check out my latest blog posts, YouTube channel, or connect with me on X.com and LinkedIn. And remember, in the words of my old friend John, “In business and blogging, always be generous with your oil!”
Keep at it,
Get in contact if you need help. Enjoy the work… live a life of freedom, and smile as much as you can every single day
Ciaran ‘Living Free‘ Doyle
PS: Whether you’re just starting or looking to level up your blog, I’m here to help.
401 Biscayne Blvd, Miami, FL 33132, United States
+1 972 330 4582
Contact me easily at: cd@ciarandoyle.com