How to run a network of websites on a shoestring?
Yes, online competition is tough at this time – it was much easier to start websites a few years back as web guru repeat all the time. Those days are gone.
But there is the other side of the medal – it is much easier, cheaper and less time consuming to launch and run websites nowadays.
As I am set to start my own network of websites (in fact I run a few websites, but I am going to make them a kind of network with hired staff, interlinked and co-promoted) I have made a list of things required to start a website and an approximate amount of money you need for each online projects. What are the aspects to take into consideration?
- Get a reseller hosting account, think of getting cheaper domains with no .com extensions
- Ideas. Each website should have an initial concept and mission. Time proves that you are likely to change that concept with the time. But you need it from the start anyway. Here is the place to get some inspiration
- Coding. Start with some free CMS (content management system). In my case I prefer WordPress. Install the essential plug-ins. Add more features with time (forums, galleries, etc)
- Design, usability, website architecture. Choose any free template from thousands of available. Would like to make it unique? Just make a few changes. Outsource it (check the list of freelance websites) to install and get modified. I know that I can get it done (incl. coding) for 50.00$.
- Content. Hire a foreign copywriter. For instance, a person from Eastern Europe with a University degree will cost you 200-250.00$ per month (full-time). Good level of English guaranteed.
- Marketing. I see no sense to start a massive SEO campaign with every new website. Natural SEO, social marketing optimization, networking via forums and blogs, promotion via my other network websites. Probably, a bit of PPC. This work is done by copywriters (I have developed a sort of training kit for them – I plan to regularly update it according to the latest trends in the online business).
- Monetization. CPC (AdSense (aff) on top), Amazon (incl. Omakasa), ClickBank, CPM (Casale or at least ValueClick), text-link-ads (aff), CPA (AzoogleAds (aff), CJ, LinkShare), Chitika (aff) (also CPC), some indie programs. Select the affiliate networks that fit best for every website in question, add codes, bleding, etc to the pages.
Let’s make our calculations – how much does it cost to run a website per month if you follow the above plan? So, expect to spend max 150.00$ per project per month (I know from my experience that it is possible for a copywriter to take care of two projects properly).
Summary: What are your responsibilities in this business model?
- Administration, it is obvious – staff hiring and training, interaction with all member sof the team (incl. designers and coders), task delegation, analysis of the results, etc.
- Idea generation – it is also up to you. It does not mean that you generate one =idea for a web site and forget about it – you should regularly think of new ideas to improve the website (though your staff should help you with time).
- Monetization is also your area of responsibilities – you should keep control of finances, test what works and what fails.
[tags]website network, seo, internet marketing, affiliate marketing, blogs, make money online, home based job, earn your living online[/tags]
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