Wanna See My First Niche Site?
Hello WA'ers!
I haven't written a blog in awhile, and I decided on a whim to come back and post a goodie for anyone who's struggling to build up their first niche site.
Normally people are very protective of their niche sites or whatever, but I don't feel like I really need to be at this point and it's more valuable for me to show this to everyone at WA because someday I may want to launch my own product and this is a good way of being transparent and working on that whole trust angle (full disclosure!)
I really can't stand blatant dishonesty, so sometimes I tell it like it is even when I know I'll end up losing some people. Hey, the ones that stick around are usually my kind of people anyway.
So without further ado, my very first profitable niche site is here:
http://www.bonsaitreeforsale.org
I had been working on it for a very long time, and I'm probably too much of a perfectionist in many ways. Not every site has to be absolutely perfect or even nearly perfect to be profitable. I've thought about selling this site a few times and I never do because it's my first profitable site. It has sentimental value, and not to mention actual monetary value! This thing made me $31.58 today. Woohoo!
So that's pretty exciting, but it really took me awhile to get to this point, and I know some of you out there just don't "get it" yet, it takes time. I overcomplicated the whole process and must admit fear was an obstacle when I started out. Fear and laziness.
When you find your balance and can start working on just one thing at a time and see it through then you're on your way.
I don't have much else to add at the moment, but feel this could be a mutually beneficial thing to show the site that started me making money online.
P.S. If anyone is struggling with something, I enjoy helping those I can so you're invited to email me at mcguire.ian@gmail.com with your questions. I find that I'm still learning a lot and questions spark thoughts I never would've had, so ask away!
Recent Comments
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I remember you Andy, how have you been getting along? Thanks for the comments, and the more friends the better.
Hey Ian,
Great website. I remember you helped me a bit when I built my first website back in 2010. Don't know if you remember. Cheers for sharing it with all of us. Keep up the good work.
I loved the site. Very easy to navigate and nice all the way around. You did a great job and congrats on your sale. Best Wishes to You. I added you as a buddy hope you don't mind.
It has high days up to 40 or so, and even some 0 dollar days. Most days average between 10 to 15. I think a few tweaks would improve conversions.
All commissions are directly from the one merchant, but I've considered placing an eBook link as well, but for now I like the simplicity and focus. I don't want the visitor to get lost.
The theme is commercial and it's called Thesis. It has good SEO out of the box and is diverse, but can take some elbow grease to customize. I'm happy with it.
The contact form does get me spammed a bit, mostly offers to boost my rankings (I'm #1 at Google for my chosen phrases already).
I could add more personal info but I realize most people just want the bonsai trees so I didn't bother.
Thanks for the valuable feedback!
I think the site is striking in its simplicity and directness. I like it and am wondering if the same approach would work well in other niches. I think I have too many distractions in my site at http://www.classicalguitartdh.com! This has also earned me money but not consistently. Is the $31.58 a typical day?
That's very impressive, way to go! Does all of your income form the site come from affiliate commissions from that one vendor? Is $30/ day an average for you there? Thanks for sharing and congrats on your success!
Very handsome site Ian. Clean, airy, relaxing, easy to navigate. I love the look of it and the green text, and am glad it's taken off for you. I see you have a contact page, but you didn't provide much about yourself, such as your name, pen name, who you are. I always thought I had to provide some personal introduction in my sites so people could relate to me and trust. Hmmmm...maybe not.
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Congratulations! Your site is lovely. And you are so right, fear is a ig obstacle, but the best way to shut it up is to take action (and the fact that you're making money doesn't hurt either). Cheers!