My site - http://www.ipwatchdog.com - has been since 1999. It is targeted to a niche group, namely those who are interested in intellectual property (i.e., patents, copyrights, trademarks). My Google PR is 6 and my search engine ranking for key terms is pretty good, outstanding for some less important, but relevant terms. I am using Google Adwords, I have a lot of relevant content, and I have done a bit of my own optimization. What else can I do? Am I missing anything? I have read about social bookmarking, but I am not sure how to go about that, or if it even makes sense for my site. Should I consider press releases? If yes, which one of the many services is good and/or reputable? Any help is greatly appreciated. Thanks. -Gene
Before diving any deeper into getting traffic, I'd make couple of changes to your website layout/template. 1) The headline is pretty clear, but you might consider adding some solid benefit to the headline. 2) your website template is so wide that it breaks (Firefox) and there's a horizontal scrollbar which is pretty bad. Might consider changing that as well. 3) You start the website content by saying "welcome" and "I'm...". How about instead telling exactly how the user can benefit. Alternatively you could consider bringing the right side FAQ to the left side - it would give a quick idea how people can benefit from your site. 4) You might also think about putting the newsletter to a more prominent place (and perhaps giving free ebook or something for new subscribers) - that way you could use newsletter to get repeat visitors.
Thanks for the suggestions. I used to do a lot more with my newsletter, and I know that is something that I need to get back into. What do you think is better though, a newsletter or a blog? I like the free ebook idea. I am working on quick video answers to questions, but I can put together a free ebook for download without to much trouble. In terms of Firefox, I had no idea that it did that. I will investigate and see what I can come up with. In terms of adding solid benefit to the headline, what exactly are you referring to? I am not sure I follow that. In terms of that start of my website, I understand what you are saying and I go back and forth on that. What makes my site unique in the area is what I personally have to say, so I have tried to give it a more friendly/personal feel. I will try and think of ways to better do this though. If you have any suggestions that would be great. Thanks again for your help. _Gene
Well... it's bit tricky. Newsletter and blog can be complimentary. Like... newsletter could be better if you dont' update so frequently - on the other hand RSS & blog stuff could be good if you update often. Free ebook is good whatever you decide.. Check it out... I'm afraid it might do the same with IE (if you have 1024 wide screen) I'm also bit unsure about this suggestion. Basically I'd like the headline to answer to the question "what is it for me if me (as a reader) check out your site? how do I benefit from it?". Well, the "about/bio" stuff is good, although perhaps it could be on some sub-page instead of the front page (not 100% sure - just a suggestion) It looks professional & such that you "know what you are speaking about", so I have no complains overall. I would simply try to put more effort on getting people to contact you (or subscribe to your newsletter, so you could contact them later).