Teen Domainer » Domaining Resources

How Often to Update Your Website

TeenDomainer — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 15:00:24 +0000

One of the most popular questions and comments I get is how often should I update my website? The answer is it totally depends on the industry and site you are looking to maintain. Some ultra competitive areas might need an article a day or week while smaller areas only take a new article every month or so.

On most of my minisites I tend to update them every one to three month with a new article or two. Many times I do not just add the article I will add a picture, update them theme, add a widget. The goal is just to change things up and see if you generate any results like an increase in traffic or revenue.

With a large number of sites it is often hard to remember to update posts, so I use the scheduled post feature in wordpress and I am able to set up a few post to automatically be posted to the site over any length of time.

Normally if I add a great article I will begin to see the results in about two weeks with traffic coming in from the search engines. It always helps to do a small link-building effort around the new article. If my rankings have already dropped I know that I waited too long to update my sites and that I need to get a new one up soon.

If you are looking for ideas for a topic for your next article look at the most popular pages on your current site and also look at the analytics and see exactly what people are searching for to find your site, if there is nothing there try some of my favorite keyword tools.

If you need any help or have questions about updating your site please ask away and have a great weekend!

Alternatives to the Google Adwords Keyword Tool

TeenDomainer — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 14:48:29 +0000

The Google Adwords Keyword tool is one of the most useful tools on the web. I almost always have it open in one of my many tabs in chrome. I have begin to also use a few other tools when doing researching for article, domain names, and competitor research. Keyword research is so useful in many parts of domaining and development.

The google adwords keyword is of course only limited to google's data so there are other tools you can use to see other types of data.

SEMRush Keyword Tool

I really love the SEM Rush website and if you have not already checked it out you really need to. One of my favorite parts of the site is being able to research what terms companies are advertising for via PPC. I use this information when I am trying to pitch them domain. Their keyword tool is limited in the free version, but is much easier to read and provides more data than the google tool. From a simple keyword search you can see the CPC, trends, and also the top organic and paid results to see who you will be competing against or who you should be selling you name too. You can also export the results easily.

SEO Book Keyword Tool / Wordtracker

SEO Book also has a great keyword tool that utilizes wordtracker and gives you combined search data from Google, Bing, and Yahoo. We all sometimes that there are tons of people searching on places other than google. In many cases Yahoo and Bing rank exact match domain better than google so their visitors will be easier to grab. It provides the wordtracker estimate, plus the google and the yahoo + bing combined. This is just more data to look at, because the more you know the better decisions you will be able to make. Like SEM Rush you can also export the results easily. You do need to register for a free account to use the tool at SEO Book.

LSI Keyword Tool

This is not your traditional keyword tool, it is completely free and what is does is you search a term and it will scan the first number of results in google and see what other words and phrases come up most often. I really like this tool because it can give you different results that normal keyword tools might miss.

None of these replace the Google Adwords tool, but make great additions to your tool bench.

Simple Guide to Writing SEO Friendly Articles

TeenDomainer — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 14:57:51 +0000

Recently I was trying to explain basic search engine optimization practices for writers to a friend and freelancer and I could not find a good guide on the internet so I figured I would put something quick together. I am by no means an SEO expert, I just wanted to share what I think could help many writers.

First and foremost content is for the visitors so write it for them not the search engine spiders. As long as you write quality content that provide value to the visitors the rankings will come. That being said there are a few things you can do to help yourself out.

Beyond Keyword Density

There is always a huge debate over how many time the keyword should be used per article, and my view is that main keyword should be used however many time it naturally comes up. If the exact keyword is used over 4% that would sound bad, I like to keep the density under 2%. Keyword density is no longer very important to search engines, because now search engines can identify related keywords and phrases. But, it is still an easy way to check an article and there are many tools to do so with.

All content writers should use the SEM Rush Keyword Search, Google Keyword tool, and LSI Keyword Tool to find keywords to add to their articles. All they have to do is type in their keyword and find a few related terms to use. Pick some with high search number and a few low hanging fruit terms with only a few searches. Then just add them naturally into the writing and the article will be more targeted and useful.

Using Sub Headings

When starting a new section give it a sub heading. People one the web love to skim content. Search engines also place more weight on headings so make sure they are relevant and contain an important phrase.

Be Bold

As with sub headings, bolding important keyword makes it easier for people just to skip to a part they want to read. Search engines also place more importance on bold text. So bold a few keywords and important facts of the article.

Stand out with Images

If each freelancer I worked with added an image they found from a free stock photo site, I would love them forever. It would save me a ton of time and would really make them stand out from the rest. Readers love images and it makes the site and article look much better.

Include a Meta Description

Another thing that all writers should include is a description with their article. A meta description is the box that comes up under the page title on google each results. It is only 160 characters long and should include the keywords on the page and tell visitors what they will find on the page and why they should click on your link.

Learning to Link

If a freelancer knows the site they are writing for well they should start to link out to older content on the site. If a keyword comes up that you know has been covered in the past, link out to the old article. Also if there is relevant link to another site it is fine to include it as long as it adds value.

What else would you like freelance writers to know when writing for you?

More Lead Generation in 2012

TeenDomainer — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 15:49:29 +0000

One of my major plans for 2012 is going to be to add a new type of monetization to my network of sites. I have currently use adsense, various affiliate programs from sites like CJ.com and ShareASale.com, direct ad deals, and now I want to add more lead generation. I began to look for names that I thought would make solid lead sites last year, but I could never find the right programs. I just settled for adsense and affiliate programs on the sites and they still made money, but I always knew they could make more. I have found that lead programs on average pay out much more that simple adsense.

For my construction and service names I found a program which I am in the process of implementing on a few of my sites. On my rental names I found a private program that I added three days ago and from the early results it looks like it is going to take one name and double the income daily.

If you have a name in a certain space do what I did and search "the name buying leads" on Google and you will find sites that buy and sell leads in your market. Many of the sites only talk about selling leads to businesses, so just send them an email asking if they would like to buy leads and many of them will love to have more leads to sell.

Adding lead gen forms also does not mean you necessarily need to remove adsense and other offers. On some sites you will be able to keep earning money from adsense while also earning from leads. You might want to test and see which one is going to make the most money per visitor for you. There are a few wordpress plugins that let you easily AB test themes. The more I read about lead generation the more I see it is so much about tweaking and testing every little thing.

My last adventure with leads is going to be to try and sell them directly. I have a local Florida domain name FloridaTunaFishing.com which should be easy to rank well for. Then after I collect the leads I am going to try and sell them to local fishing guides. I know at first I might have to give a few away, but I think that with some hard work the site could really take off and expand into a whole network.

A Great Holiday Season With Product Domains and Amazon Associates

TeenDomainer — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 16:10:27 +0000

For product domain owners like myself the holiday season is always a little extra special. With millions of people online searching for gifts I always see traffic and advertising revenue increase. With many of my outdoor's related domain this is always a nice boost in revenue during the winter months which are normally slower for the seasonal names.

I do not have too many names developed with the Amazon Associates affiliate program, most of mine are on eBay's EPN network but the few that I do always shine during the holidays. The reason is that with amazon's program when someone clicks on your link you get credit for whatever they buy for the next 24 hours. Normally the 24 hours is considered to be too short compared to other affiliate programs. With so many people shopping on amazon for holiday gifts it really works well. It is always fun to look and see what shows up on your commission reports that have nothing to do with your websites content. This year some of my favorites were;

HTC Droid

Book Titled Do It Yourself Hedge Funds

Caramel Cappuccino K-Cups

Bop It Extreme (Did not know they still sell these)

Z7 Women's Serenity Flat

I own no websites that have anything to do these products, but I still got credit for helping amazon sell them! In a more general note about product names I also saw earnings up on my product names monetized with adsense and epn. Even on my parked product names I saw a little more traffic.

If you have undeveloped product domains, my advice would be to start build them out now. This way you will be in perfect position by the time the season of giving rolls around next year.

Now is a Great Time to Develop That Site

TeenDomainer — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 15:29:02 +0000

As the year comes to an end now is a great time to build out that site you have been planning on all year. Many people are off of work (or school in my case) and have a little extra time after the holiday parties and family members leave to sit down a get it done.

For me the hardest part about building out a site is sitting down to do it. Once I start building its easy and fun to develop sites. We all have that one name or those names we bought with the plan of building out and just never got around to it.

Take a name with potential add it to your hosting account and install wordpress and let it go. You never know what can happen, the name that I bought for $12 at a TDNAM turned in to a site that makes hundreds of dollars a month.

My goal before New Years is to build myself 5 new sites. I picked up a few names during the madness that is the freshman year of college and I just never had time to build them out until now. I have already finished half of the first site and a third of the second so I am on my way. They are not going to start as big sites, I make all of my sites small at first and then I see which ones do well and then add more content and time into those.

Then the rest of the sites I think I am going to build out are PatioMister.com, PostContructionCleaning.com, FloridaTunaFishing.com and NtpeExam.com and depending on time possibly more after the new years because I am off for a few more days.

Some people have said all year minisites are dead, but while I was in college I did almost no updating on mine and they were still able to provide me with a steady passive income week after week.

Happy Holidays!

First Look at Google+

TeenDomainer — Fri, 08 Jul 2011 20:15:14 +0000

I just got on my Google+ account for the first time and I would have to say that I really like it. I am a huge google fan and use many of their products like gmail, calendar, and now music too. It does feel a lot like facebook, but right away the big differences were the circles or groups. When you go to add a friend to your network you pick which one of your circles to add them too. Facebook has tried something like this but it really has not caught on. Google+ makes it so easy to sort your friends. For me I have High School Friends, I will soon have College Friends, then Domainers, Family and other Friends and there is no point in my posts about Domaining to go out to my school friends and Domainers do not need to see the pictures of my party last weekend.

Then when you go to add a friend you can select where you want to put them for example here are my circles so far. It really is nice and easy to add poeple to.

One of the last things I saw was that there is a place where it shows every site yo have hit the +1 button on. It will be interesting to see if this ever comes to be a nice traffic source. On a site with thousand of +1 hits I could see that there would be some nice quality traffic but we will see.

Overall I really like the new gooogle plus and I think it is different that facebook, will it take over instantly no. But because google already has so many products people use on a daily basis I think that Facebook should keep its eyes open when it sleeps at night. The challange will be getting people to switch over from Facebook and I do not know it that will ever happen, but I think that many people like myself will not split time between facebook and plus. Right now I might only spend a little on plus but over time it could slowly hurt Facebook.

I do have a few invited left, so I willl offer them to the person that offers to trade me the best domian.

Weekend Update- Google Instant Helping Earnings

Happy 4th of July and a Special 40% OFF ALL Hosting Plans from HostGator

TeenDomainer — Mon, 04 Jul 2011 16:35:25 +0000

Happy 4th of July to all of my readers in America, I hope you are having as much fun as I am up on a lake water skiing and sailing. I am enjoying my weekend and am trying to stay away from my computer as much as possible.

Hostgator is the hosting company that I use for this blog and many of my other sites. I have a babyplan for $9.95 which allows me to host unlimited number of sites on my account. With the 40% OFF for Today only you can get the same plan for only $4.47 a month!!!!

I have had a great experience with hostgator and its the perfect plan for someone who is looking to get started with small development. With other hosting companies I was afraid they would close shop overnight but with hostgator they are one of the largest web host on the internet and will not be leaving anytime soon.

My sites all work well and load up quick. I had an issue last year where many of my wordpress sites were hacked and they removed all of the code for me in less than a day. It is also very easy to add a new dedicated ip address to your account if you want to. Installing wordpress takes only 3 clicks and live chat is open all of the time.

If you were thinking about buying a hosting plan and getting started with development this is the perfect chance to get a great deal on some reliable hosting.

*SPECIAL Offer FROM ME*

Because these are affiliate links I do get a kickback if you buy a plan after clicking on my link to hostgator. If you do decide to do this I will gladly look through a list of your domains you are looking to build out into minisits and pick out which ones I think will work the best. If you need any other help with your minisite I will be happy to answer any questions. This is just a small way for me to say thanks. If you have any other questions please let me know via the contact form. And to go to hostgators deals click here.

Happy 4th of July!

Different Ways to Pitch Domains to End Users

TeenDomainer — Fri, 13 May 2011 15:32:16 +0000

When you go to sell a domain name there are a few different pitches you can use to show a buyer why they should purchase the name. With each domain name a end user will be looking for something from the name. Recently trying to sell the same domain name I had two end user who were looking at the same name wanting something different. One wanted the name for the branding and the other one was asking about traffic and potential leads it could bring in, while the other could care less about traffic at this point.

How can you tell what an end user is looking for?

Are they advertising with adwords, do they have an affiliate program, does their domain name not match their brand, do they have a poor domain name? Ask yourself these questions and try and figure out what they are looking for. You can even ask and combine a few reasons. Remember to consider who you are pitching to because that makes a difference as to what they are in change of.

Traffic

New customers are one of the main reasons someone would buy a domain name and website. When you go to sell a domain and you think the customer will be looking for new leads and customers. This method works well with domain names that get some type in traffic and also established sites. Try and use this pitch with the affiliate manager or even owner. Your pitch should include details about how the name can help their brand and bring in new customers daily. You might want to include search numbers too and the seo benefits.

Advertising

If you see the company or person you are trying to sell a domain name too using adwords and other advertising types, explaining the domain as another forum of advertising works great. This works especially well if you can get the email for the person in charge of advertising for the company. Compare the "cost per click" to the amount of visitors the name can bring in and how unlike adwords a domain name is yours for as long as you want. It is a one time payment instead of paying per click so over time it will more than pay for itself.

Branding

Lets say a company is using a bad domain name that is long, hard to remember, a .info, or all of the above use this pitch. If the company name is even bad they might want to completely rebrand using the new domain name. Tell the end user of the advantages of the name easy to remember, radio tens, looks good on print, people searching for it. Basically how it can help them expand their reach in their respected industry.

Other Reasons

Many people also buy name for various reasons like: Using an exact domain in adwords increases click through rates, the search engine benefits of using an exact match domain, protecting the name to make sure a competitor does not use it.

When you are pitching names many times you should use more than one even all of these reasons to buy your domain name. I just feel that many times an end user responds stronger to one reason than another and if you can figure out which main pitch to use you will have more success in selling your domain name.

Taking the Next Step Up From a Minisite

TeenDomainer — Tue, 03 May 2011 12:13:04 +0000

Before I start I just want hey, I'm back from states for track and now I am in the middle of ap exams which for those of you who do not remember much of high schoool, they are college level classes in which you have a national exam at then end of the year and have to get a good grade on it to receive college cridit. So needless to say the end of my last year of high school is quite busy.

But onto turning minisites into major money makers.

Many of my readers know that I build a fair amount of minisites. Then from these minisites some names do so well that they need more time put into them to make sure I am not leaving money on the table.

How can you tell which names you want to take to the next level?

There really is no exact science its a gut thing. I pick my names that are doing well in the search engines, but that I think can do better. It may not be smart to pick a name that is ranked second and only makes a few cents a month because it does not have the potential to grow like a site that is on the second page but makes $1 a month. It also depends on your interest and time commitment. The larger the site grows the more time and information you have to have.

When you select the name you want to make into a bigger site you do not have to do anything to fancy. Start small add some more content about topics visitors are searching for. Then change the design a little and see how the site responds. If everything is still working well then you know you have the right site to build you "Brand" on. I skipped this step on a recent project and now I have a built out domain I have invested hundreds in that gets 1 visitor a day.

Go ahead and register all of the social media accounts on twitter, youtube, and facebook etc. Start a nice search engine optimization campaign to try and climb up the rankings. While all of this stuff is nice in the end it's about the $$$, so how are you going to make more of that? Because it would be silly if you were still earning the same amount from your minisite after investing all of this money and time.

A few ways I am using on sites are

-Direct advertising - even selling ads for $20 or $50 can be a nice way to supplement income on a site.
-Affiliate networks - looks for products in your area and add them to your site, give honest reviews and people will like them try and find some lead generation partners and if you do not want to sell your own ebook sell another persons to see if it will work.
- Sell your own products

- eBooks or Course- With this method you are not selling a physical product so you have no inventory or shipping mess to deal with. All you have to do is create the ebook or course and start selling. I just started using this method on my site AirsoftRocketLauncher.com and it is going great. I am going to do a whole post on this method later.

- Sell real products- This is the most labor intensive and requires risk and investment but it does pay off. I do not trust dropshippers for the area I was in so I decided to ship my own products on SpyPen.net and it is going great. With different plugins it was easy to set up my store and now the site makes more in a few days than it would have in a year as just a simple minisite.

There are lots of ways to take your minisites to the next level. I am going to try and get a few more ebook / online course sites up and running because I think they could be huge. I am also going to be branding more of my sites with youtube videos and social media stuff so stay tuned!