I see webpages differently now
WA has taught me to see web pages differently now.
I have to research quite a bit to write the rich-quality content I need to find on the Web. What I find doing this research, however, surprises me.
I find thin and poorly constructed articles, anemic of content.
Yes, apparently they are keyword-rich. They rank in the top 5 of Google or I would not have gone to the site myself in search of information. But, instead of content-rich, useful material, I find a lot of weak, opinionated pieces that don't really serve much (at least in area specific to my site).
These days, I actually explore the advertisements on the site. (I used to ignore them completely!) Who are they affiliated with? What are they selling -- or trying to? Why does the site leave me so ... disappointed?
I am using this disappointment to guide me in what to do with my own site. I realize now that, in fact, I do NOT want merely a keyword rich site because that will attract a person ONE time. And frankly, I want most of my audience to return again and again. Especially if what Kyle says is true (and I believe it is) that customer's don't buy the first, second, third time round. They buy after building a relationship, or at least after feeling some confidence in the site owner-operators.
Building a quality site that satisfies myself is taking time-- I'm sure now that I do not agree with the advice to push out niche sites as quickly as you can, quality notwithstanding; because, in the long haul, I doubt a lot of "customers" bookmark the page with a desire to return, and ultimately that's my real goal.
So yes, WA has taught me to see sites differently now, I just didn't expect to be ... disappointed once the man behind the curtain was revealed.
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Isn't it amazing how different websites look once you've learned what to look for? Sometimes I check out the source code to see more of what's under the hood. (Firefox makes it easy - hit control & u)
Especially if I'm trying to figure out how they did something really neat.
Yes ranking does make one wonder about the ranking system. After reading some of these "high ranking sites"
And Bill ... your comment makes me chuckle. ...
In fact, all these comments have caused me to soften a bit, so I got up and made a plate of fresh asparagus and feel better now :-)
I know what you mean. I pick them apart now AND understand how much work goes into them. I've visited websites several times before I purchased anything. It's all the in numbers.
And you are right, too. Some of these are a genuine investment of time and attention to detail and are amazing.
Tom, you're welcome. The thanks goes to all of you for bothering to read my little rant ;-) .
If I am completely sincere, I'm frustrated I can't crank out the quality I admire and desire *faster!! But, then I have to laugh at myself. I sound like I'm passing through a Drive-thru window. ... It's like DBSTAR said below, quality construction of all kinds take time. And, it's clear, plenty of patience as well.
This is a great learning tool! Interesting way to observe. I think I'm going to pay more attention to other sites from now on.
I immediately know when I am turned off by a site, but don't always analyze why... it's a good way to discover what works and what doesn't...
Yes, I am finding the same.
But I want *you in particular to know something: I commented on your page and signed up for your Project SWAG newsletter not because I was supporting a fellow WA member and doing a WA-good deed. I really love your page! The concept, the content, the layout ... the purpose behind it all. It's really cool. I still think you're amazing, seriously.
Ok...enough gushing. Back to the plow, (haha)
Thank you so, so much, Emme!
That really means a lot to me!
I think I've finally started figuring out how to work Aweber and tried sending out my first Project SWAG email yesterday. However, I'm not sure it worked ;-/ Did you get an email from me yesterday evening?
Sorry for your disappointment, but now you see the need for quality, content rich sites, and you will fill at least one of them in time!
It is well spent time! I like to think of a good website as an architecturally beautiful building, a gothic cathedral and not a hastly built red-brick block. Aim for the best you can do, and it will last.
Thank you for that supportive comment. I recognize I can be a little (too) demanding, which can, in fact, be like shooting myself in the foot as I take perhaps too long to publish, too long to attract quality affiliates ... But, yes, I believe it is best to proceed with patient determination toward quality worthy of the long-term, like an architecturally beautiful building, as you said :-)
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Hi Emme,
yes that is true, don't just try to sell at the first stage, A real customer will back and ford for at least 6 - 10 times , like kyle said, building relationship with them is great benefits in the long haul.
Great Post.
VO