How to Start an Automated Online Business
Passive Income Strategies, Tools, and Scaling Secrets from Robert Plank
When I was in college, I made $2,000 while eating dinner… then another $2,000 while at the gym. And no, I wasn’t checking my phone or closing deals—I had already set up an automated system that did the work for me.
The best part? Anyone can do this if they know the right steps.
But let’s be real—right now, you’re stuck. You’ve heard about passive income, online businesses, and making money in your sleep. Maybe you’ve even tried to launch something—a blog, a course, an eBook—but it didn’t take off.
So let me ask you this: What if you could start an automated online business that actually makes money—without spending months (or years) guessing what works?
Most people overcomplicate online business. They build something first, then try to find buyers. They chase trends, create endless content, and hope their next big idea finally clicks. But here’s the truth:
"The internet doesn’t pay you for effort. It pays you for solving problems."
The good news? There’s a better way. Follow my system to launch a business that runs itself and generates revenue even while you sleep.
The Foundation: Choosing a Niche That Practically Prints Money
Most people think making money online starts with a brilliant idea. The truth? Your success isn’t about what you want to sell—it’s about what people are already willing to pay for.
If you’ve ever felt frustrated because you don’t know where to start or what to sell, that’s because you’re doing it backward. Instead of asking, "What should I create?" you need to ask:
"What problem can I solve that people are already searching for?"
I figured this out early on. I didn’t start with some grand vision—I started by solving real problems. When people asked how to back up their websites, I built Backup Creator. When they needed help setting up membership sites, I created Membership Cube. Instead of guessing, I listened.
"Every single website that makes money is delivering a solution to someone’s problem."
How to Find Your Money-Making Niche
Look at your own skills or interests. What do people ask you for advice on?
Identify common pain points. What problems do people struggle with in that space?
Check if people are already paying for solutions. Are there books, courses, or software being sold?
If people aren’t actively searching for a solution, it’s not a business—it’s a hobby.
"If you can solve a specific problem with a clear solution, you have a business."
The Sales Secret: Sell It Before You Build It
Most people get this part completely wrong. They spend months (sometimes years) creating the perfect product—writing, designing, tweaking—only to launch and hear… nothing. No sales. No traction.
The reason? They built something first and then looked for buyers.
I figured out a better way. Instead of guessing what people wanted, I sold the idea before I even built the product.
"People kept asking me for the same things over and over. At some point, I realized: Why am I waiting? If they’re already willing to pay, I should just sell it first—then build it."
How to Sell Before You Build
Listen for demand. If multiple people are asking for the same thing, that’s your signal.
Pre-sell the solution. Instead of building first, set up a simple sales page and start taking orders.
Deliver and refine. Once you have buyers, create the product while incorporating their feedback.
"I made $2,000 in an hour, and then another $2,000 after I went to the gym. Why? Because I had already set up the system."
Traffic on Demand: Build a List That Pays You Forever
You’ve found a profitable niche. You’ve pre-sold your offer. But now you might be wondering:
“How do I keep making sales without constantly hunting for new customers?”
The answer? Build a list.
"A list is traffic on demand. If Amazon wants more money, they contact their list. If I want more sales, I email my list. It’s that simple."
How to Build Your First Email List
Set up an opt-in page. A simple page where people enter their name and email in exchange for something valuable.
Offer a lead magnet. This could be a free guide, a video, or even an email series—just something that solves a quick problem.
Use an email autoresponder. A tool like AWeber or GetResponse will send emails automatically.
Send them to a sales page. Once they’re on your list, introduce them to your offer and how it helps them.
"I’ve had people join my email list in 2004 and buy from me in 2012. If I didn’t have a list, that sale never would have happened."
Automate the Delivery: Turning One-Time Work Into Passive Income
"I made $2,000 in an hour, and then another $2,000 after I went to the gym. Why? Because my system was already in place."
Instead of sending files manually, I use a membership site where customers log in and access their purchases anytime. No refunds. No support headaches. Just passive income.
Why Slow Down? Scaling Beyond One Product
Most entrepreneurs build one thing and stop. But my approach is different—I scale without working more hours by leveraging automation and repurposing what already works.
Repurpose content into multiple offers (turn a course into an eBook, bundle smaller products together)
License or white-label your products (let others sell your software for passive income)
Build recurring revenue streams (memberships, software-as-a-service, affiliate commissions)
"Most people hit their first online income goal and stop. I don’t want that for you. I want you to keep pushing, keep expanding, and keep making this work."
Your Automated Business Starts Now
You already know what works. Now it’s time to take action.
💡 Your next step: Drop a comment below—what’s one niche or idea you could turn into an automated business? Let’s talk about it. 🚀