My brush with Google death, paid links and the affect on the little guy

Discussion in 'Search Engine Optimization' started by PokerDIY, Nov 26, 2008.

  1. #1
    I've blogged about how Paid Links how directly affected my Ad Revenue Stream as a small-time site webmaster and the predicament I now face - alienate Google or my Advertisers - either way I am going to lose money!

    I am lookling for feedback and ideas on how to move forward with advertising and if I have missed anything.
     
    PokerDIY, Nov 26, 2008 IP
  2. scottwood1986

    scottwood1986 Active Member

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    #2
    Hey really like the post, and the site in general!

    Did you code that site yourself it seems quite complex!?

    It must be a pain to balance your ability to maintain your PR, whilst at the same time linking without "no follow" to your clients.
     
    scottwood1986, Nov 26, 2008 IP
  3. PokerDIY

    PokerDIY Well-Known Member

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    #3
    Thanks for the compliments!

    I work on PokerDIY almost full time (I am a developer at heart) which is why it may seem complex. The prime function is recording your poker league scores (here's my poker league, you'll notice I am top, but only if you sort on 20+ average games ;)

    PR: Yes... this has been a VERY sudden (as in one day it was there, and the next my whole ad revenue world is in chaos!) development. I am still dealing with the advertisers expectations... some are understanding and some less so...
     
    PokerDIY, Nov 26, 2008 IP
  4. scottwood1986

    scottwood1986 Active Member

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    #4
    I am an SEO first off and just starting out with the basics of web design - so its always good to look at such projects for ideas and inspiration :) Also, I love a bit of poker myself, im one of those mass multi tabling online players that grinds out the cash games lol! I used to play a regular home game with my friends but that has died down a bit unfortunately!

    Just out of interest - What are your revenue and visitor numbers like to be able to work full time? It seems a really well established site.

    Scott
     
    scottwood1986, Nov 26, 2008 IP
  5. PokerDIY

    PokerDIY Well-Known Member

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    #5
    I think everyone dabbles with poker these days!

    Revenue is not that good (especially not now) but I am in it for the long run. Traffic is good - over 1000 visitors a day, 90k page views a month. I rank in the top 10 for a LOT of search terms ("find poker") etc. and am proud of my SEO skills (self-taught ;)

    The biggest limitation is the UI/design. It really holds PokerDIY back - a visitor gets to it and thinks it is tacky or not as professional as it could be. Any suggestions would be appreciated!

    I am working on some cool projects like an iphone version of the site (just shows your profile and scores) and a facebook app (you can already put your poker league widget on your own site or facebook profile). But yes, I am working hard on the UI but my design skills suck!
     
    PokerDIY, Nov 26, 2008 IP
  6. PokerDIY

    PokerDIY Well-Known Member

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    #6
    ps - it would help if I could run Adsense but as per my top blog post apparently PokerDIY is a gambling site, although you don't gamble or play poker on it at all!
     
    PokerDIY, Nov 26, 2008 IP
  7. uyma

    uyma Well-Known Member

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    #7
    It is also useful to have keyword/s in your URL, folder names and file names. But it looks spammy.
    -Prof. design
    -Excellent content
    -You should find sponsor if your goal is really big.
    Good job..
     
    uyma, Nov 26, 2008 IP
  8. PokerDIY

    PokerDIY Well-Known Member

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    #8
    Interesting point re. the URLs - the platform I use (DotNetNuke.com) have just worked hard to move from the old Tab=21?Default.aspx style) to this FriendlyURL style, but I can see your point when the URL is as big as this one (I assure you that was not my intention ;)

    Thanks for the comments too - you have probably hit the nail on the head.
     
    PokerDIY, Nov 26, 2008 IP