When some Webmasters set out to build their websites, they have a lot of big ideas.
They want forums, profiles, user interactivity and all the Web 2.0 features that make a website look cool and fun to visit.
Nothing wrong with having goals to build the baddest site on the planet, but it’s important to think realistically and put things into perspective.
Unless you are a skilled programmer, have a good understanding of Net marketing and possess a ton of money for promotions, then I would not suggest that a new Webmaster begin by creating an interactive Website that targets a large audience.
You can’t assume that if you build it, they will come. You have to know how to bring people to you.
And unfortunately, the average new Webmaster doesn’t know much about building traffic.
Getting ranked high in Google, having the top article on digg.com and getting thousands of visitors per day doesn’t happen just because you’ve launched a “cool” site.
Internet Marketing is a complex subject, and it’s getting more complex as the Net matures.
Start small. Target a small group of people by providing valuable information they would find interesting. Then as your site gains popularity, look into launching forums and other user interactive tools to support your audience.
Here’s an Example…
Say you love video games. While I know it would be cool to create the Net’s largest video game networking site, you have to take this in small steps.
1) Start by focusing on one video game niche (Role Playing, for example.) Build a simple site that offers reviews and the latest news on games in this niche.
2) Learn the basics of SEO (search engine optimization) and start generating traffic from people searching for these games. Your reviews are important because that content will help the search engines find your site.
3) Once you start building an audience, install a forum or a simple chat room to get your visitors talking.
4) As your audience grows, now it’s time to think about expanding and developing more advanced applications where your visitors can interact on new levels.
Useful content builds traffic, not Web applications (unless you have deep pockets for advertising.) So you might as well start out small, learn the basics of free SEO and then launch your fancy website when you have the traffic to support it.
Nothing worse than learning how to build a complex, MySpace-like site (or paying a programmer big dollars to do it) and your site goes virtually unnoticed.
{ 21 comments… read them below or add one }
Great advice Lisa!
I agree with you entirely. I’ve been so tempted to put a forum on my blog, but have had to accept that I need to fine tune it’s focus and build more traffic before it’s worthwhile. In the meantime I just enjoy hanging out and adding value to other networks.
I REALLY love the concept of your site by the way. I’ll certainly be checking out your forum site.
Good work!
Lisa,
I read your whole website but am still unsure which host to use. I have 2 websites up and running through godaddy’s website tonight but was used for small sales and rarely keep up with them now. I am looking to build a site like 2create a website with probably 20 pages or so, maybe 100 pics and 25 videos. I plan to have adsense on there and market for traffic. Which host would best suit me. I would like a blog too. What do you think?
Hi John,
Try http://www.hostgator.com
Good Morning Lisa,
Can you please explain the term reseller has it’s relates to
the internet and web hosting. I’m confused.
HAVE A BLESSED DAY AND THANKS
RODNEY
Thanks Lisa. I checked out the link. Looks good. Which package would you recommend. Now that I think of it, we will probably have more like 35-40 videos through you tube on our site. Hatchling? Baby? Swamp?. Do you use host gator for any of your sites? Thanks again!
John Madden
Hi John,
I’m using the Baby. Remember when you use YouTube you are not using the space on your server. The video is hosted on YouTube. That’s a huge advantage because it doesn’t take up space on your server. Also remember, you can always expand to a larger package with no effort.
Awesome. Thanks Lisa!
John Madden
are you sure i can have a website?
mbabazi,
I’m not sure about your question. Anyone can have a website.
Hi Lisa, I am an Indian now living and working in Thailand. I saw your video on you tube, and then came to your website, You have done a great job i must say, a lot of important information i received from you. I am very eager to have my own website and excited about it too, But as i am very new, the first time for this job, i would like to have some guidance from you. How should I choose the topic of my website? is my first question. I read the articles on your website on this topic, it gave me an idea but still I am not sure what topic to choose on. Secondly, How can I get the contents on my website interesting and different from others. i would like to tell you that i thought of the idea that my website should have a forum were people should come and discuss and share their thoughts. What are the steps i should follow and take. Please give me some suggestions and some idea on how should i precede. You can email me at pappu_srkr@live.com
I will eagerly wait for your reply. Thank You and happy new Year 2009.
Hi Lisa,
Your website is awesome! You have so much information. I am a beginner in creating a website and I am already overwhelmed with all I will have to do to create one.
I already know my topics. I have always had a passion for talking so why not do it for fun and possibly make money doing it.
I would like to get started with this ASAP but all the technical stuff is a little challenging to me. I don’t know anyone one who can sit and walk me through all the procedures of building my site so do you have any suggestions on relieving some of my anxiety and tension?
There is a lot of information to read and to consider but I know that it will have been worth it once my site is up and running.
Thanks again for your help!
Gloria
Hello Lisa,
I am from south east Asia, honestly i feel fall in love to your article in the first time when I read all off your article, its really encouraging people to be realistic in this kind of business and the same time you teach people to reach their goal, Thanks and keep it good work.
Cheers,
this site will be about all the fan come together all info of demii lovato and her email and number all the stuff u want to know about demi there will be pictures of her her tour list and her boyfriend and more……
Hi Lisa,
I,m very new about this. So can you guide me from the Scratch. And please advice me how to register and till i manage the job.
Thanks Lisa.
Kiaora Lisa,
I am here to ask for a help from you, I have no idea what topic to choose? i am a student at People Potential in whangarei, New Zealand. Is it okay if you could give me some suggestion of topic please. It would be really great if you could help me out here. This is why i am here to learn how create a website with my class. Other then that, i like the way how you set your steps-by-step and good understanding suggestions. Please email me.
thanks heaps warm heart..
Hello, Lisa laid-off agian from another go know where job I site infront of my computer applying for for yet another adventurus position as a collector and I thought about how terrible the economy is and how I will never make the money I need to honestly support my family I typed in how to build a money making website and BAM there you where I am not computer literate really but have a campassion for children I am a full time student majoring in psychology working on mastering in child psychology I would really like to build a website I am not sure how to begin it is so overwhelming Please help me and God Bless you.
Dear Lisa
I am considering creating a website I have read your web page and it is very encouraging. I have already chosen the topic I am interested in and have a lot of information on it as its something I already have a deep passion for. I want to know the best route to go I want to be able to add pictures and have a blog but also I want my users to be able to add pictures as well. I am not really sure where to go from here and love the idea of talking to a person like you that is very knowledgeable in this area.
Thanks Brian
hello
thanks to share lot of information about AdSense
i like it .
NEVER MIND
Follow on Twitter: @ayushhgoyal
Hi lisa
I went through all your site….its a great one …it actually motivated me to have a website
but I was thinking if i can apply all your techniques to a BLOG? I dont know if i can maintain a website but can surely do a blog. So can i poceed with a blog or have to make a site ?
looking forward for a reply (ayushhgoyal#gmail.com)
pls do reply
Follow on Twitter: @lizabautista
Hi Lisa,
I’ve been researching over and over and over and over and over since May of last year to find something helpful I could use to be able to start an “online business” or simply just how to make money online. I fall into the category of “working mom” and frankly my passion is being what I am, a mother. I’m seriously considering SBI since I know nothing about the technicalities of even starting a website let alone maintaining one. I needed to express to you that I AM SO THANKFUL I found you. I’ve already started watching some of your videos and I love the concept where I can actually “watch” how to start up this business. I’ve already learned alot from you and am excited to learn more. There is just so much to learn and I am now determined, with your help, to succeed in my dream of having an online business. I love it. Thank you!