Plan Your Monetization Mix Before You Build Your Website

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This is a guest post by Sunil of Extra Money Blog.

Plan A & B Everyone wants their own website or blog. That desire is one of the reasons why Lisa’s 2CreateAWebSite.com has become one of the most popular websites on websites.

With the increasing number of automated tools available today, website building has become child’s play as both a 16 and a 60 year old can equally as easily hop online instantly overnight.

That said, if your intention is entrepreneurial in that you have a profit motive in mind, it is critical that you plan your monetization mix before you build your website. Why?

Clarity

Planning leads to clarity, and having clarity helps you focus on the goal. It also ensures that you are building on a foundation that is meant to help you meet your objectives.

For example, you are not going to dig a 500 foot foundation if you want to build a single family colonial home. Similarly you won’t dig a 50 foot foundation if want to erect a 1,000 foot high rise tower.

It is important that you think about the end goal or the objective of your website or blog so that you can plan your approach accordingly.

When I was relatively new to building websites, I attempted my hand at a website on God and Spirituality. Although I was able to generate a decent amount of organic traffic, I hit a dead-end when it came time to monetize my website.

Little did I know that there were barely any vendors out there who were paying for advertisement relevant to my topic. In addition, I couldn’t come up with anything to sell to my readership. Moreover, I wasn’t capturing email addresses and had no way to contact my readers.

This was a classic example of failure resulting from my failure to plan. I also lost a lot of valuable time in the process. It was however a solid learning experience.

Compatibility

Compatibility is another reason why planning your monetization mix is critical before you build. But even without full clarity, many sometimes end up accidentally building high traffic websites similar to what I did, but hit a wall when it comes time to implementing certain systems within their website.

For example, when I build niche websites with the objective of generating revenues from advertisement, affiliate commissions and ebook sales, I know that a basic website will do the trick for me. However, this is not the case if I want to establish a full blown e-commerce business.

In 2005, I started an e-commerce website which I sold in 2007 for $250,000 to the second largest Power Seller on Ebay. Was that an accident? Absolutely not. The website was carefully thought out and built with compatibility in mind.

I knew that a basic site would not give me the functionality to achieve the user experience I wanted. I knew that I needed an online shopping cart, a merchant account to process credit card transactions, a dynamic programming technology like PhP so that I wouldn’t have to manually create 3,000 different web pages (one for each product) as well as a secured socket layer (SSL) certificate to encrypt and protect customer information.

Could I have succeeded had I dived in nose first with a static HTML website? Unlikely. Though possible, the retroactive work would have created more headaches than worth handling.

Clarity and Compatibility in Action

Before I started my Sue the Airline website, I was pretty clear on how I wanted to attract traffic and monetize the website. I wanted to build a website that…

1) ranked high for the keyword(s) I knew people would search for if they wanted to sue an airline company

2) communicated my personal experience in a persuasive manner and

3) sold an e-book I had written to help others do as I did.

Because of clarity, I was able to select the most compatible resources. To get the website to rank high for targeted keywords, I knew I had to go with a static HTML website that can best support my search engine optimization (SEO) and internet marketing strategies.

Moreover, because I knew my main product was going to be an e-book, I had to ensure ClickBank could easily be integrated. Because I had no other intention for the website, I purposely selected a layout that was narrow to keep the reader’s focus targeted on the centralized content.

A more involved example is the establishment of my Bamboo Plant Care website. After confirming profit potential through market and keyword research when planning this website, I was clear on how I was going to make money from it.

I wanted a highly optimized website that made money from four sources, contextual advertisement, affiliate commissions, product sales and donations.

Because I was heavily relying on SEO to drive search traffic to my website, I chose a basic HTML platform to build the website on. Because I wanted to make money displaying contextual ads and selling an e-book, I opted for a three column layout so that I could isolate the ads to the sides and highlight my e-book on one side.

I also knew that I needed a tool to establish a relationship with my readers, so I envisioned some isolated space on the right column of my website for a newsletter opt-in box.

I knew I needed tools like ClickBank to sell and distribute my e-book, and Aweber to build a relationship with my readers. Understanding this early was critical and yet another reason why I opted for a simple HTML website built with a three column layout.

I realize that some of these planning points may come off rather simplistic to you and not quite big of a deal, but for a non-techie like myself, every bit can be more headache than warranted.

I am not technically savvy enough to make changes on the fly and have them look right. I’d rather spare myself that hassle and focus on other activities that produce far greater results for me, such as planning out more niche sites, or writing on my blog.

Concluding Thoughts

In my years of playing in the online space, the single best suggestion I have for an aspiring entrepreneur is to give your website some thought before you build it.

Sure, it may evolve into a slightly different butterfly than what you had initially thought or intended, but by doing so you can maximize the possibility that its evolution is consistent with your intended objectives.

Before I conclude, let me reiterate an important point that I started off with. This discussion is only relevant to you if your website’s objective is to make money. If your intention is purely pleasure, feel free to experiment and fly in the direction the wind takes you in.

Sunil is a side gig-preneur who resorted to the Internet despite being in a comfortable six figure salary career in a Fortune 100 institution to pursue his passion online. His Extra Money Blog discusses Entrepreneurship, Internet Marketing, Blogging and Personal Finance. He writes about how successful and hard working professionals can get more out of life whether financial abundance, more freedom of choice or the flexibility to live life on their own terms. You can read more of his work at: www.easyextramoneyonline.com/blog.Related Posts“Why is it So Dang Hard to Make Money Online Today?”Failure to Plan = Planning to Fail Are You Cashing In With ClickBank? [Video]Would You Like $57,000 In One Month?6 Tips For a Profitable 2008Tagged as:make money online, monetization, planning

{ 40 comments… read them below or add one }

TrafficColemanApril 14, 2011 at 8:07 am
Follow on Twitter: @TrafficColeman

You must know your plan of attack before you go out and start building. Without this then you will be clueless about your profitability.

“Black Seo Guy “Signing Off”
TrafficColeman´s last blog … Moving Your Furniture In On Other Bloggers Home Blog

SunilApril 14, 2011 at 11:14 am
Follow on Twitter: @extramoneyblog

And with the growing number of sophisticated “tools” we have at our disposal, predicting relative levels of profitability is much easier during the planning phases.

BrankicaApril 14, 2011 at 9:47 am
Follow on Twitter: @liveurlove

Although everything I read on this blog is always great, I do have to say that this one is a bit different and it resonated with me a lot. Thanks Sunil and Lisa.

I learned at the very beginning how planning is important and although we can love to write about stuff we enjoy (like in your case) those things don’t necessarily bring money. And most websites are built for that.

So although my first website was only partially planned if I can say so, everything else I did later was carefully planned and it delivered as expected
Brankica´s last blog … 50 Traffic Sources You Should Milk Like Crazy

SunilApril 14, 2011 at 11:16 am
Follow on Twitter: @extramoneyblog

You are welcome Brankica – I have spent some time on your blog in the past. You do good work.

lisaApril 14, 2011 at 1:44 pm

Glad you enjoyed it Brankica! Thanks for stopping by!

JordyApril 14, 2011 at 12:25 pm

I feel very inspired after reading your story. This is real “hands-on” wisdom that you have shared with us.

To see the end before the beginning is a powerful concept. Those who believe in God understand that we live in a world that was perfectly designed and monetized to abundantly reproduce.

This concept of having a plan and goal for my website didn’t really sink in until I had built a few sites. My adventures here online started out as a fun hobby and have grown into a flourishing business.

The success of what I am doing now, hinges on exactly what you have shared on monetizing our sites.
Jordy´s last blog … The Urgency Of Business Website SEO

SunilApril 14, 2011 at 1:11 pm
Follow on Twitter: @extramoneyblog

and I bet that your more recent initiatives have been some of the most profitable?

StephenApril 14, 2011 at 5:40 pm
Follow on Twitter: @sherbetpenny

Great guest post. As I started out my websites were awful but have slightly improved. But planning is the most important especially if you do want to make money.
Stephen´s last blog … How To Play A Ukulele For Children

SunilApril 15, 2011 at 7:17 pm
Follow on Twitter: @extramoneyblog

Stephen, what is it that you started doing different and how were the results affected?

ShredderApril 14, 2011 at 9:22 pm

Very true post. I started my first site with no real plan. Luckily, I stumbled upon some people who are successful at this business, and they have helped me along.

krishna @New TricksApril 15, 2011 at 4:01 am
Follow on Twitter: @newtricksin

great ! very informative article for me.. thankyou for this great article, its very useful for me . but still some silly doubts in my mind… ?
krishna @New Tricks´s last blog … Free Gprs In Tata Docomo 3G For Mobile And Pc With HighSpeed

SunilApril 15, 2011 at 7:17 pm
Follow on Twitter: @extramoneyblog

what are those doubts? maybe we can work on a blog post covering those?

RobertApril 15, 2011 at 10:08 am
Follow on Twitter: @webtooltester

Very true, a good plan for a website is powerful! However, when starting out many people do not know yet what really counts. So it’s normal and good to make mistakes. But it’s even better to talk to someone who has done something similar to avoid wasting too much time.
In terms of a planning tool I recommend mind mapping as this technique is very easy to understand and to use.

SunilApril 15, 2011 at 7:18 pm
Follow on Twitter: @extramoneyblog

Right on Robert – doing is the best form of learning, and we all make mistakes along the way from which we learn. That said, there is value to getting connected with someone who has been there done that, hence successful and credentialed bloggers. I agree with you.

I mind map all the time, not just for business, but for a lot of other things in life!

annApril 15, 2011 at 1:35 pm
Follow on Twitter: @anngatty

Hi Sunil:
Thanks for the great post that reminds us to plan our work before we work our plan. I must say that when starting my website building, my monetization plan was too sketchy and I did not clearly use the keywords that could drive traffic until I stumbled for a while. Now, I keep making clear monthly plans so I can keep inching forward toward my goals. I really like this blog because it is a great place to go for advice and as a novice webmaster, it isgreat to have a plan but also seek advice from those who have been there and done it before. Thanks again, Lisa and Sunil.
ann´s last blog … Signs of Stress

SunilApril 15, 2011 at 7:19 pm
Follow on Twitter: @extramoneyblog

you are most welcome Ann – would love to hear more about the specific modifications you made and the direct effects on your website/blog.

annApril 16, 2011 at 12:30 pm
Follow on Twitter: @anngatty

Sunil: I took an objective look at the overall goal of my site and what I was trying to provide my readers. Obviously I was trying to also make money, but being very specific about the contribution each page was offering to the overall goal and using keywords that supported each page message was very helpful. Then I match only those affiliate products that we a good fit. Purged the rest. Seems to be working but it is a slow process to write pages that provide valuable information and finding a product that I can endorse and adds value to the page. We will see in a few months how things are going.
ann´s last blog … Signs of Stress

SunilApril 16, 2011 at 2:20 pm
Follow on Twitter: @extramoneyblog

Good move, and I agree with the challenges. A bigger challenge is getting the right pages the exposure they need. SEO is definitely the fundamental pillar to start things off, and back link building, internet marketing and similar efforts are what gets those pages the necessary exposure in my experience.

Dave LucasApril 15, 2011 at 3:47 pm
Follow on Twitter: @davelucas

Sunil & Lisa, I must confess that I just slapped my site up with no real plan… but the blog has been around now for a good while, and I did think about a total re-design, but there’s something about the old “caharacter” that I can’t seem to let go! But just in case, I’ve saved the URL for your article here, and if I do decide in the future to wipe the slate clean and start from scratch, I’ll follow your blueprint! No I’m off to check Sunil’s bolg!
Dave Lucas´s last blog … Revisión del Libro- La Oportunidad Perdida

SunilApril 16, 2011 at 10:58 am
Follow on Twitter: @extramoneyblog

Dave, there is also a lot to be said for simplicity. Many prefer it just that way

Greg LamApril 15, 2011 at 10:09 pm
Follow on Twitter: @gregalam

I started out my site with several potential revenue streams in mind. I don’t know what the exact mix will be, or what will tactics will be the most effective in bringing in money, but that’s what I plan on figuring out with a bit of trial and error.

I’m wondering why you chose basic HTML for SEO purposes. Wouldn’t WordPress have worked just as easily and been just as good for SEO? I code from scratch and also do WordPress, but of late have developed on WordPress exclusively, except for the odd one page site.
Greg Lam´s last blog … Corporation Kit – Should You DIY or Hire a Lawyer

SunilApril 16, 2011 at 10:53 am
Follow on Twitter: @extramoneyblog

Greg – isn’t WP also basic HTML essentially? you ask a good question and I don’t have a good answer except personal preference and comfort level. I have heard it’s easier for many to build niche sites using WP and I will definitely try it in the coming months. what has been your experience like?

Greg LamApril 16, 2011 at 11:19 am
Follow on Twitter: @gregalam

Well, WP uses PHP to generate HTML, as far as I understand. To do basic sites, one doesn’t need to know PHP.

Basically, PHP gets data from a database and uses it to make an HTML page. It is dynamic, which means that you can have the site easily update data on the fly.

A good example of this is when you have a new post for your blog, or a new comment, your blog will show the latest post on the home page and the latest comments in the sidebar as the PHP is querying the database asking for the latest post and comment. A new HTML page doesn’t need to be created to include this new data.

So yes, a WP site will display HTML as its final output, but it using PHP scripts to create it.
Greg Lam´s last blog … Small Business Lawyer – Why and How to Hire One

SunilApril 16, 2011 at 2:23 pm
Follow on Twitter: @extramoneyblog

Greg,

Thanks for the explanation. In your experience, strictly speaking from an SEO perspective, do you think the co-mingling of PHP and HTML impacts the effectiveness of the site/blog?

I started an ecommerce website in 2005 which I sold in 2007. This site was based on PHP technology (database queries for product “calls”). I found it challenging from an SEO perspective to get my product pages the same exposure I am able to give my static HTML pages on all my niche websites.

Greg LamApril 18, 2011 at 12:21 am
Follow on Twitter: @gregalam

Hey Sunil,

I don’t think a WP site would negatively effect SEO. As mentioned, and this is based on my understanding of PHP, is that PHP calls upon a database to dynamically create HTML. So, what the search engines see is SEO.

There are some plugins you can get for WP that will help you easily do SEO stuff. I can’t speak for other sites based on PHP, but for WP I don’t find SEO challenging at all.
Greg Lam´s last blog … Using LogMeIn to Remotely Access Your Computer

Stacey HerbertApril 16, 2011 at 9:33 am
Follow on Twitter: @mylifestylemax

Hi Sunil,
It’s always interesting to read the thought process and strategic plans of others. It helps those of us; who are still trying to decide on a plan of action, make better informed choices. Especially if we are taking the time to listen to credible advice, like the type you find on this blog. Thanks for an interesting read

stacey

SunilApril 16, 2011 at 4:46 pm
Follow on Twitter: @extramoneyblog

you are most welcome Stacey

Andy@StorehouseBuilder.comApril 16, 2011 at 11:36 am

…give your website some thought before you build it.

I agree. I would also add:
1) Know what you want your visitors to do when they get to your website
2) Know how visitors view a webpage (Google “Eyetrack III – What You Most Need to Know”)

SunilApril 16, 2011 at 2:25 pm
Follow on Twitter: @extramoneyblog

Excellent point Andy. Know what the desired action is and implement the necessary call to action!

Ti RobertsApril 16, 2011 at 1:35 pm
Follow on Twitter: @TiRoberts

Well Sunil,

This was a great and extremely informative post. Thanks very much Lisa for featuring him.

It’s amazing how my delima’s are always answered in unexpected ways.

My SBI site is only two months old. I haven’t built many pages yet, however, the traffic is increasing at a steady pace. Actually a lot quicker than I thought it would have.

Just last night I was thinking that I should go ahead and put up some Adsense because, as a newbie site builder, I have this feeling of scarcity.

I wanted to go against what was suggested and monetize my site even though it may not be completely ready for that step yet.

I’m glad you posted this because it’s help me slow down and continue to focus on building quality content for my site instead of jumping the gun.

I do know that I want to monetize my site with adsense and through clickbank. However, I must admit, I haven’t given my full monetize plan any deep thought beyond that point.

Thanks again for this post. It’s helped me greatly

Regards,

Ti Roberts

SunilApril 16, 2011 at 2:30 pm
Follow on Twitter: @extramoneyblog

Ti – now is a great time to be contemplating long term goals while you give your website some time to simmer in cyberspace.

Nipon @ tospider.comApril 17, 2011 at 8:10 am
Follow on Twitter: @tospider

sunil has some added some points that every blogger should mind
Nipon @ tospider.com´s last blog … Spice C 3300 Price in India Rs 1-500

SteveApril 17, 2011 at 10:16 am

Simple amount of planning will go a long way in increasing your site’s ranking and visibility….
I also believe that the content is KING!!!…you have to get your content right and delivered to your visitors in best possible form so that it can be understood easily…

Palani@Online SurveysApril 19, 2011 at 5:07 am

Yes, absolutely,Planning is most important thing before starting any business.Nice posting. Seo is the best way to increase traffic. once you build the website you must concentrate that how to increase traffic.

OntahyaApril 19, 2011 at 12:24 pm
Follow on Twitter: @#!/OntahyaRoss

Hi Guys:)
This question is for Lisa, Sunil, or anyone who has any thoughts/suggestions
I read your blog post made by one of your guest (sunil) Plan Your Monetization Mix Before You Build Your Website… i download ur free ebook and it said that if a niche is low in competion but high in searches then thats a good thing but when i read sunil free ebook his said to choose a topic with average competion.. im a lil confused she the topic have low competion or average? one last thing what do you think of qoute sites as niche websites? do you think they will have trouble reading the site being that it has quotes particular motivational quotes… Very interested to know your thoughts sorry for the long question…

Praveen @ Geeks4shareApril 20, 2011 at 10:08 am
Follow on Twitter: @http://www.twitter.com/geeks4share

Awesome Article mate. Enjoyed reading it, Cheers
Praveen @ Geeks4share´s last blog … 8 Tips For Writing An Amazing Killer Blog Post

TonyApril 20, 2011 at 3:33 pm
Follow on Twitter: @techdaring

I have plan that develop my blog to earning from Google Adsense.
Tony´s last blog … Twitter May Acquire TweetDeck

DannyApril 20, 2011 at 6:08 pm
Follow on Twitter: @rickhart1

My website generates over 2 million visits annually and now delivers me a full-time income.

Tips for Online Success:

1. Be yourself, don’t copy anyone
2. Don’t let big brands bully you, they all started where you are now!
3. SEO, SEO, SEO
4. Remember to make money
5. Seriously, read Lisa’s blog

(I’ve left out my website link because the last time I posted it here it was deemed to be spam)

JerrickApril 20, 2011 at 10:32 pm
Follow on Twitter: @Exabytes_SG

Nice monetiztion mix. But is sound more like business model and goal to create a website. Ofcourse you need lot of contingency plan to gain traffic and not only focus on SEO.

Delena SilverfoxApril 21, 2011 at 3:11 am
Follow on Twitter: @AboriginalMama

I’m still learning about planning, compatibility, and all the different tools and monetized aspects of a website or blog. It all seems pretty intense and overwhelming for a beginner, but this post helped make sense of things!

Delena
Delena Silverfox´s last blog … epc Belfast