I can't see getting much, if any search engine benefit from it. I'd only consider it if it sent a lot of traffic.
That the seller of this script wants, last time I looked, $797!!! So the seller of the script makes out like a bandit. Personally, I just can not see getting a buried word on a page like this. Looks a bit sloppy and so forth.
Hang on he's hyped this masterpiece right up and now he's selling it! Run fast whilst its hot ... http://www.sitepoint.com/marketplace/auction/190? was thinking 419words.com would be popular in a certain country?
As a marketing excercise it is very good, from a moral standppoint it is exploiting the weakest elements of the web. People will see and read the success and shell out $800 for the script when they can not afford it. Sadly it is easy to make money when you have the raw materials (IE a 5k strong set of brainwashed idol worshippers) I am not having a go at Joel, but I will ask if he gets someone else to shave him? The reason I ask is that I couldn't look at myself in the mirror knowing that even ONE SINGLE perons who who couldn't affor it had bought my product. But we are all entitled to our own lives, and from a marketing angle I applaud it.
Thanks everyone for answering my questions about the 500 words concept. Consensus is (Joel included) that the links are virtually worthless for SERPS or PR. As far as driving traffic to your site goes, this would depend on how long the novelty value of the 500 words sites last and how likely any targeted traffic arrives given the mostly obscure nature of the words. Final consensus (Joel included) is that the sites make bucket loads of money for those site owners with the marketing ability to sell many (or all) words on a site.
Hey, you really can't blame him. If he has made over $50,000 in a week doing this like he says, I mean its not like we wouldnt have done the same thing if we thought of it, or at least In would have Although there is no way that script is worth $800
Thanks for bringing these to the forum's attention. Question is, did the software for these two sites pre-date Joel's 500 words page?
I should make it clear that I do not see anything wrong with the concept, it is novelty and as I say, I applaud it. The part I fel strongly about is the terrible cost of the script, and the way in which it is being marketed. This is being marketed as a money making machine and how hot it is etc etc, when the reality is that the success has come from the groupies on the mailing list.
Amazing how quick people are to rush to judgment when it isn't their money-making idea. Just a few facts... 1) I am getting emails from Sizzler buyers that tell me this thing is making them money very quickly in their niches, more than paying for the cost of the software. They all say "thank you". 2) I am getting emails from those who bought words on my 500words.com site, thanking me for the new traffic and telling me that the word link is paying off better than their AdWords campaigns. 3) I am being incredibly up front about who this software is for. On my sales page it says... "If you have a niched mailing list, you can create a LinkSizzler word page that can bring you cash in a flash!" I could have left that out. Instead, when people email me and ask if the Link Sizzler is for them, I ask them if they have a mailing list that would be interested. If they don't, I TELL THEM NOT TO BUY IT! In fact, one gentleman bought it before asking me about it. Turns out he knows nothing about marketing online. I didn't even ask him.. I just TOLD HIM I was giving him a refund. And I did. 4) I shave myself and look in the mirror with great delight at the number of people I am helping make money online. My customers LIKE my product No one is holding a gun to their head. They enjoy buying the words and doing what you might equate to painting their graffitti on my web site. They LOVE the Link Sizzler and are setting up sites as quickly as they can, enjoying the trend and the opportunity to generate revenue. This concept is most certainly a novelty... it is time-sensitive and requires quick movers. Isn't the opportunity to buy a stock the same thing? Most people aren't interested in investing.. they want a tip that will make them a stack of cash overnight. Wasn't the Pet Rock or the Wacky Wallwalker the same concept? They sold gimmicky toys that millions of people didn't need, but were willing to shell out millions of dollars to own. Seriously, how many people here spend time posting all day and talking about marketing online instead of actually DOING it? I'm not accusing anyone, I'm just saying that it is possible to get so caught up in talking about making money online and criticizing others that you insulate yourself from creating your own opportunities. Any success is going to have critics. I don't mind that and expect it. But with all the nonsense posted on this thread, I thought perhaps a response was needed. I expect that some will agree with what I say, and there will be those who will never agree. I hope you succeed in whatever your niche may be... Joel
Quit the sales spiel Joel because that's all that post of yours is – it’s disgusting. It's a shame you have created the leverage you have else this sort of bunk novelty pixel-ripping concept wouldn't get the time of day. I think you underestimate the members of DP, or perhaps I'm wrong, but you certainly can't hypnotize me with your dodgy beard and make me cluck like a chicken while letting you dip your filthy hands in to my pockets. Pete
Ough, really? I've bought 20 niche 500words sites. I've sent 600 emails and sold 2 words so far. I was hoping it will be better. It seems that I will be soon like the poor jerk.
The person who own the script that will get the benefit, the one who buy that crap word links thing wont get any, that's what i am talking about, like said before, it is just a same idea as a pixel site, the person that came after that will lose, the pioneer will win, and it is just a crap thing for newbie, we all know that.
Ever since the dawn of the dancing hampsters I've realized the secret to success is thinking less. You just need one good stupid idea.
Many people who post all day on this forum have the time to do so because they are making good money online. Perhaps Joel has even helped many people get where they are. Personally, I've always found Joel's products good value, but in this case I think he went in a bit hard for himself. Anyway, Joel, it's no good just complaining about DP members being too critical about a product they feel is not delivering value. This forum has so many members who are generous with their time an knowledge that it has become one of the leading forums in its field. While ever DP retains its critical edge, it will be worth belonging to.