|
How to Build a Niche Web Site in Nine Simple Steps
by Donna Monday
Maybe you’ve been wondering how to go about setting up a niche web site. Well,
here’s a quick little article that will show you how to create your very own
affiliate web site. Please note: this is the cheat sheet version. There is a
lot more information you should learn about this subject before you get started.
Step 1. Pick a Niche Subject
This may be the hardest part of your web site project. There’s literally tons
of subjects to choose from. People are interested in a variety of things – from
parrots to pilots. You don’t have to necessarily pick something you’re
interested in, but it helps.
You’re more likely to do a better job at building your site when you have some
interest in the subject matter. It’s like taking a high school or college class.
Some subjects are more interesting than others. Make sure you choose something
that a reasonable amount of people are actually searching for online and want
to find out more information about.
Here’s a free tool that will help you check the popularity of specific subjects:
www.nichebot.com
Step 2. Do Keyword Research
This is a part that many people skip. I’ve made that mistake myself and suffered
the consequences – a failed web site. Even though it’s nice to think that you
can write anything you want and have total creative freedom, not using keyword
rich content is a BIG mistake.
I’d rather lose some creative freedom and attract visitors to my site, than
have a lot of flowery prose that zero people will see. You MUST include targeted
keywords in your web site copy. Also, make sure you use your targeted keywords
in the upper third portion of your web site pages. This is also called
optimizing your web site for the search engines. Use the
Overture Keyword Tool
for research.
Note: keywords must be relevant to the THEME (subject) of your site. Be careful
not to over use them. Search engines don’t like keyword SPAM.
Step 3. Get A Domain Name
Having a unique domain name is important, although some don’t agree. However,
a unique domain name makes your site look more professional and trustworthy to
visitors. I use BuyDomains.
They are not the cheapest, but I stick with them because I like their easy
interface and good customer service.
Nameboy is also good.
Step 4. Write Keyword Rich Content
This may be a hard step for those of you who don’t consider yourselves writers.
But, writing web site copy is not as hard as it seems. Just think of it as
having a conversation with a friend about a product or service you’re really
enthusiastic about.
Don’t think you can extol the benefits of your subject? Tune your TV into QVC
or one of the other shopping networks to see how they can spend several
minutes talking about the benefits of all kinds of mundane products. This is
what you’ll be doing for your web site.
Your copy should feature a good balance of friendliness and professionalism.
Remember, you’re passing along useful information to your visitor. Put
yourself in their shoes. What would you want to know about xyz subject if you
were them? Now, write that down. Don’t forget to sprinkle targeted keywords
throughout your copy. I print out a list of them to use for my sites.
If you simply can’t put words onto the page and find yourself staring at a
blank screen, then visit Internet marketing forums like
Willie Crawford’s
for suggestions on finding writers. Or, visit
Elance.
| 
Free Downloads
RSS Feed