Forum Moderators: not2easy
My web site will be covering the same subject matter as this major company with DEEP pockets.
This site has revenue generating programs that are far beyond my reach. As in, they work directly with the products and services that are pertinent to my content. You type in your address, and they will have quotes for the service sent directly to you from multiple companies.
Their site is more "horizontally" structured, covering a few points on a wide range of topics, whereas my site would be more "vertically" structured, covering a vast array of topics, and getting deeper than just FAQ's
Should I compete with them? Or should I keep searching for a type of content that isnt well-covered?
This site's specific purpose will be to generate revenue down the road.
-The MadScientist
If i see a bunch of "ads" or tons of links, or they layout looks a bit cheesey or just thrown together, I don't care how high on the PR lists they are, I go to someone else.
I think sites can be larger, but yours can be smaller/better. I'd invest in top quality writing and set your site apart if possible.
I have a site that is much smaller than competing sites but it does well in terms of ratio of sales. Part of the process is why they chose my site and it's mostly because they liked the design of the site and the writing on it - they don't want the gimmick sites. NOt sure if this helps since I dont know what your sites are about.
I am trying to figure out what "content" will help me generate revenue.
Should I find things to sell, then write reviews, testimonials, etc about these things? The sales create the revenue?
Or, could I have a site that is full of informative content about a particular subject? And, through Adsense, or affiliate programs, if I have good content about a subject, then some people are bound to click the ads?
I am cluelessly frustrated here.
I know what I want- a website that will generate some revenue to supplement my income. But regarding ways to get there, I am lost.
Something is telling me that I will make decent money with a site that does not sell widgets. I dont want the hassle of running an e-commerce site. Is it a safe bet that If I have a site that covers many aspects of widgets, that with AdSense, affiliate programs, PPC, Etc, I will generate revenue? If people are there to learn about widgets, I am thinking that at least some of them will click through, and generate money. I am concerned about selling things, and writing content that will make the people buy things.
I would like a site that people would frequently re-visit for the content that I am providing, and the advertisements would generate the revenue.
Am I crazy? Or on the right track?
-The MadScientist
Have you thought about a topic you enjoy, have knowledge and skills, or would enjoy having knowledge and skills in?
That won't answer all the questions you have, but it will narrow things down some.
From there, you might have multiple ideas you could pursue. Some will be more profitable than others, and some fields will seem more saturated than others.
Overstressing about finding the most profitable niche without competition will only damage your sanity and your perseverance.
E-commerce is a good example that you mentioned. I got into it, didn't really care about the subject matter, just wanted revenue. I learned a lot but I discovered I didn't like it. After a time, I had learned enough that I could probably be somewhat successful if I changed a few things and pursued certain opportunities in the right way. By that time, it didn't matter because it just wasn't "fun".
So I've chosen a field where I have some skills and/or interest. It may take years to be successful, especially since I can only put in a certain amount of time after my day job. But I just might have the patience to do it.
A few years ago I joined Amazon Associates, and made a little money. In Oct. of 2003 I joined AdSense and started making more. I'm about to reach $600/month, which is great for me, since I work on the site only in a very part-time manner.
But money didn't get me into my subject area. What got me into it was having something to say.
