Hey all, I've been reading on here for a while, and finally decided to put up a post. I started a blog about 1.5 years ago, worked on it for 2 months, and then stopped. (just for fun, no SEO, nothing) About 1 month ago, I decided to start again from scratch, as I got bored and wanted a new project. I've been doing some significant reading on here and would certainly like to monetize my website as well. Even making $100 a month or even a year, I would be happy. Right now I'm using Wordpress, which is hosted on my own webserver. (I also happen to work in IT) I'm using the All-In-One SEO plugin, along with WPAds for banners. I've also setup Google Analytics, and I even have Webalizer analyzing my log files as well. My niche is on cars, but more specifically, Subaru's. Subaru has a higher performance model car titled the "Impreza WRX STi". I'm a huge Subaru enthusiast, and happen to own an STi myself. My goal for my blog is to cover all Subaru related material. Do you think this niche is too specific? (Not overall cars, but more-so, just Subaru's?) Unfortunately I was banned from Adsense long ago from clicking on my own banner ad, which literally only happened 2 times. (I was testing a _blank target to open the ad in a new window) I've since appealed, and waiting to hear back from Google. As of now, I'm currently using Adbrite, and Bidvertiser. But I've since signed up with Chitika, and Widgetbucks. (but have not begun to use them yet) I've also signed up with GotLinks.com, and have been exchanging links with others. As for SEO, I pretty much leave that to my All-In-One SEO WP plugin. I'm looking to drive more traffic to my site, and hopefully one day perhaps even make a living from the web. From reading on this site, it seems that success certainly doesn't come easy, but comes easier when your passionate about the subject. (which I am with my current niche/topic) I'm still trying to get a good grasp on things. It seems some people own big sites, with big traffic, and big $$. It also seems there are other who create a high volume of smaller sites, but use advertising programs, and therefore ring in the $$ as well. Which method do you think is best for someone starting out? Thanks, Josh
Be careful with trying to make money from things you are passionate about. Selling what people want most is the smartest idea. Try to target Subaru enthuiasts, the ones who like to buy that type of car and spend money tweaking it. Also decide if you want to go the long road with SEO to grab Google rankings, or focus on bringing immediate traffic through article submissions, blog commenting etc. Also, check out my sig. It's a new method for getting top MSN rankings for competitive keywords in a matter of weeks, catapulting you above marketers who are working hard to please Google.
Hello, As far as I know that SEO plugin only handles on site SEO, you'll also have to bring visitors to your website somehow. That's what link building/article submitting/forum posting/blog commenting are for. You'll definitely need those either you stick with this niche or pick another. Anyway, since your question was basically about your niche, it's a very good nice, and I have no doubt there are a lot of Subaru fans out there that would love to visit a well build, well structured and rich content website. There's no problem at all if you pick just one type of Subaru and talk about it, none at all, but you might want to make it into a category for posts on WP. That means that you'll be initially be posting all your posts in that category (your specific niche) and maybe at some point you'll change your car to a different subaru and you'll want to talk about that too. Also, it's a good niche, because it's not an internet tech niche so if you'll get back into adsense you'll have a pretty high CTR Good luck with your website
Well a very specific niche will bring you loyal subscribers (people who love Subaru cars) but a mixed bag blog like me won't have a good number of loyal RSS subscribers
Awesome, thanks for the comments guys! By the way, my site's URL is: www.stiblog.com Any thoughts on design? What do you think of my advertisement positioning? The theme I'm using came designed with those ad area's.
Doing some keyword research will really help you decide if your niche is too narrow to focus in on. It will also give you some ideas on other keywords and opportunities to drill down on. From looking at Google Keywords I can see a lot of opportunity in that area. (Suburu is actuall a large niche and so are other STI keywords) Good luck. And always build a website around your passion. It makes your job 100% easier.