Here's an idea for a web site I've been wanting for a long time and haven't found any good examples of it. I've devised a plan to create it myself and reveal everything about it every step of the way - including detailed revenue figures, why certain decisions were made, etc. Everything will be transparent - hopefully it will provide good educational material for those wanting to start an online business. Traditionally, the biggest risk of being so transparent is the fear that competition will try to copy what you do. In my case, I'll be glad if a competitor copies it and does a better job. I just want this service so I can use it myself. SOME BACKGROUND I've been building web sites since 1998. I sold an online business several years ago and I currently run a high traffic site. MY NEED: There are several great "internet marketing" forums I like to follow, but I don't have time to keep up with all of them. Some of the greatest nuggets of information can be found in forums but you have to sift through many boring threads, replies, and oftentimes wrong information to get to the good stuff. How do I stay up to date with the best info coming from these forums without having to follow each one closely? THE IDEA: A weekly digest covering the top internet marketing forums. Kind of like a "cliffs notes" for forums. Every week, visitors get a summary of the best content, latest techniques, and tips coming out of the forums. The site will highlight the specific threads and replies readers should check out and will summarize the ideas, questions and answers that come out of them. REVENUE MODEL: Internet marketing is a big business and there are tons of revenue sharing opportunities. The site will make money by linking to relevant products and services being discussed in the forums. For example, if a topic being covered includes something about Pay-per-click methods, there could be a link to a recommended PPC e-book, etc. The site will also make money by displaying banner ads and Google Adsense ads. MARKETING PLAN: Marketing will be done through the forums themselves, by linking to the latest digest when it comes out. There is a built-in audience already. I'll also try traditional PR tactics to get written up in blogs and other news sources. I believe the digest will be complimentary to the forums and am hoping the forum owners do not block the updates. I feel they will be relevant and useful for all members. I want the digest to be something the forum owners welcome. I feel it will attract a broader audience who would not have become members otherwise. Each weekly digest will link directly to key posts and threads which should drive traffic for new members. ------------- So what do you guys think? Do you like the idea? Would you be interested in following my progress?
The idea is not fully unique but it's a good idea, i think 50% of the process is done by the script, so firstly you need the script/scrapers.
The idea will see success if you truly work to dig out some good content. Any site with good content that is valuable to the visitor will result in success. Best luck to you on your venture.