The end of the xFactor Method as we know it? I'm scared... Please help...

[terryd]

I couldn't care less if Google now has thumbnails with their serps now because there is NOTHING you can do about it so why worry or be scared for goodness sakes!

[WealthWithin]

I can understand the OP's fear of Googles changes. But that's exactly what it is - fear of change. Just because this method works for xFactor it doesn't mean it becomes a universal law. Ride the wave while it's strong and then catch another wave.

This method is nothing new. The whole 30 Day Challenge is based on this method. xFactor made his own twist by just focusing on products.

Similarly you need to have your own twist. At the end of the day, if Google is going to give us traffic, ads and finally the cheques, it doesn't do any good to complain about it. Google is probably the most dynamic company out there responding to market needs, and we have to either beat'em or join'em.

That search on Google to find how many xFactor cookie cutter sites are, it's just amazing. But for the ones who are worried about leaving a footprint for Google, Google doesn't have to rely on your 'About Me' or 'header.png' to track your sites. You have something called 'adsense publisher ID' which they can use to kick your whole network out in a second.

My point is, Google is changing and will continue to change their stuff. Find a way to work around it, over it, under it or through it until you get results.

[tony-raymondo]

Originally Posted by terryd

there is NOTHING you can do about it so why worry

It's important for somone considering SERVICE TRAFFIC ARBITRAGE vs. PRODUCT TRAFFIC ARBITRAGE

e.g. should i make a site on Pest Removal or Corvair Microwave Model 230

[tony-raymondo]

Originally Posted by golweb

You need to understand, that there is NOTHING such as the 'xFactor' method. It is just simple SEO for low competition keywords, something that has been around for ages. Only, John aka xfactor, has presented it to everyone in a very doable, step-by-step manner.

Moreover, there are literally millions of niches out there, and therefore, you can select another niche, if you are not happy with a particular one (mattresses in this case.)

In retrospect I probably titled this thread VERY VERY WRONG.

The only reason i mentioned xfactor specifically is because his method focuses particularly on niche sites for individual products, and his book gets a lot of chatter on this forum.

So let's lay out the question without mentioning John:

These days, the Google user has MORE product choices presented to them on the SERP - than the user's did last year. Google occupies more space on the SERP and CTR exponentially decrease as a sites position falls. Google seems to only allow larger authority sites to appear ABOVE their Shopping Results listings.

Hence, the question is, should we continue creating product-specific niche sites (like the ones used by xFactor et al.), given the new Google SERP layout. -- or should we concentrate on other niches - e.g. like providing info on services, not goods. Or, should we focus on bigger AUTHORITY sites about products, and try to outrank the Shopping Results.

[terryd]

Originally Posted by tony-raymondo

It's important for somone considering SERVICE TRAFFIC ARBITRAGE vs. PRODUCT TRAFFIC ARBITRAGE

e.g. should i make a site on Pest Removal or Corvair Microwave Model 230

So your saying that just because Google now has images that I should steer clear of product sales pages.........hell no!

As I said before, I couldn't care less if they have images there or not. It will not affect my decision one bit when creating a site.

[tony-raymondo]

Originally Posted by terryd

So your saying that just because Google now has images that I should steer clear of product sales pages.

no

i'm saying that if you promote branded physical products these days, your CTR will be lower than it was last year.

[terryd]

Originally Posted by tony-raymondo

no

i'm saying that if you promote branded physical products these days, your CTR will be lower than it was last year.

But it's hardly the "end of the xFactor Method" or something to be "scared of".

In fact it makes no difference to me, lower CTR is better than no CTR.

[goginoo]

build more anchored backlinks!

[XFactor]

Originally Posted by tony-raymondo

Is there some super secret adaptation to that chapter of his book that needs to be implemented in the 2010 version?

Although your question(s) are difficult to answer, because there is no
real question here as opposed to your concern of these images in the
search engines, I'll try to expand what ***I*** mean by adapting
in this business.

1) Instead of using the word adapt, I should instead use the words "just
deal with it" in terms of what the search engines are doing.

Why? Because we have very little control over what is done in terms of
SEO and relying on free search engine traffic, and can only work by guidelines.

2) I do not worry about such trivial changes as the one you brought up.
I work like a gardener - planting many seeds (web pages) and harvesting
them the best that I can.

Which ever seeds (web pages) grow, I nurture them without trying to
control the rain (Google), the droughts (Google), the hurricanes (Google),
the insects eating my plants (Google).

3) I have many pages on the bottom of page 1, others on page 3, 4, 5 and
so on that do just fine in earnings.

I've got tons of pages in highly competitive niches like weight loss and
smoking that are from page 10 or so, and still get clicks (not everyone
stops at page 1).

Good luck to you.

- John

[XFactor]

Originally Posted by golweb

You need to understand, that there is NOTHING such as the 'xFactor' method. It is just simple SEO for low competition keywords, something that has been around for ages. Only, John aka xfactor, has presented it to everyone in a very doable, step-by-step manner.

Moreover, there are literally millions of niches out there, and therefore, you can select another niche, if you are not happy with a particular one (mattresses in this case.)

Lastly, there cannot be an 'end' or 'death' of the 'xfactor' method, simply because, there is no 'method' actually.

I couldn't have said it better myself, thank you.

- John

[XFactor]

Originally Posted by tony-raymondo

It's important for somone considering SERVICE TRAFFIC ARBITRAGE vs. PRODUCT TRAFFIC ARBITRAGE

e.g. should i make a site on Pest Removal or Corvair Microwave Model 230

Both.

- John

[sitefurnace]

I love these type of conversations as they really make you look at things from a different perspective and force you to think about what you are doing.

Although at first it seems you are asking a simple question on the mechanics of the serps/ctr. What has developed though is a question on the future of google in general.

A few of my thoughts.
YES it will affect traffic to product related sites
building sites on services will succumb to google maps and local search
Worry about what big G is doing or just get on and take what you can NOW and then get ready for the next thing

There is still traffic in the lower positions. You can literally make a site and with no BL's at all rank position 5-10, still get traffic and money

There is NOTHING that is 100% future proof. The ONLY way to survive long term is to change and adapt. Someone mentioned to start learning adwords - recently thousands of long term adwords experts had their accounts closed for no reason by google. Nothing is safe.

Every form of business has its risks and needs massive concentration to safeguard it be it IM, dropshipping, high street stores EVERYTHING. There are mininmal long term passive income methods - just accept that you will work for a long time yet - just learn to enjoy it

[big_t]

I think one more point to add is that many people will purposely ignore these picture ads. I know I will.
When people are looking to find info, reviews, descriptions about a product, I would think they are less likely to click on just a picture with a price under it.
And even if they do click on one, it's not to say they won't just hit "Back" and continue browsing.

I don't think this is a reason to panic. It might have a bit of an effect, but I wouldn't expect a huge difference.

[lee schmidt]

Tony,

What kind of answer are you looking for? Would you be satisfied if we all said HELL NO don't make a single additional site focused on a product. Or if we told you, HELL YEAH keep on making your product focused sites. Does it really matter what we tell you? Take a couple hours and build both types of sites and compare the results.

To be honest, you seem like you've not created a single "xfactor" site and want to know if it's still profitable to create sites like these. So here's your answer:

***No, they are not profitable anymore. In fact, no money can be made on the internet anymore due to Google's product placements on the SERPS. Move along...***

Does that finally give you closure to your little problem?

I don't mean to sound aggravated but somebody needs to give you a reality check!

[tony-raymondo]

Originally Posted by lee schmidt

Tony,

What kind of answer are you looking for? !

I was hoping someone would compare and contrast the actual ROI of their product traffic arbitrage niche websites -- (as a function of CTR, Adsense Revenue, and KWP rankings) for Q1 of 2009 vs. Q4 of 2009 and Q1 of 2010. And more conversation on the possible benefits of moving from a niche-based website paradigm to a mega authority website marketing strategy (This seems to be the move KeywordAcademy is pushing in 2010.) Or, conversation on the 2010 benefits of focusing on content generation efforts on service-based niches (that are much less picture-prone) vs. branded products.

In retrospect, this was probably wishful thinking. I'll have to get the data myself and report back here.

[JackBenson]

Service oriented results for some markets already have the organic serps below the fold after the ads and local map listings. So I'm not sure why you see this as a good alternative to go for after a few product images were added to product searches.

Google will continue to clutter up the serps with things that make them money or help users, and push the organic serps farther down the page.

It sounds like you want hard data when there probably isn't any, if you think these types of sites won't work for you, try something else.

[Kay King]

I'll have to get the data myself and report back here.

An excellent cure for anaylsis paralysis.

[Joseph Then]

Originally Posted by Kay King

An excellent cure for anaylsis paralysis.

I don't think he's here to make money...

He's a generous FREE researcher.

[Steve Crooks]

Reading this just reminds me of that classic sketch from Monty Pythons life of Brian..

Brian: "I'm not the Messiah! Will you please listen? I am not the Messiah, do you understand? Honestly!"
Girl: "Only the true Messiah denies His divinity."
Brian: "What? Well, what sort of chance does that give me? All right! I am the Messiah!"
Followers: "He is! He is the Messiah!"
Brian: "Now, f**k off!"
[silence]
Arthur: "How shall we f**k off, O Lord?"

Originally Posted by tony-raymondo

John I like your book. But could you use this thread to tell us how one might adapt?

For example, knowin what you know now, would you still consider Spring Air Mattress a good keyword?

[veotis]

Originally Posted by tony-raymondo

I'll have to get the data myself and report back here.

There ya go....someone is starting to see the light!

[HCLee]

I have noticed that Google uses images to show some results but it is usually one of 10 positions on the first page if I'm not mistaken so it's really no big deal. You can put some images on your site if you are targeting products and who knows your image might be used by Google. When that happens you have 2 SERP for your keyword.

[tjcocker]

Originally Posted by tony-raymondo

I was hoping someone would compare and contrast the actual ROI of their product traffic arbitrage niche websites -- (as a function of CTR, Adsense Revenue, and KWP rankings) for Q1 of 2009 vs. Q4 of 2009 and Q1 of 2010. And more conversation on the possible benefits of moving from a niche-based website paradigm to a mega authority website marketing strategy (This seems to be the move KeywordAcademy is pushing in 2010.) Or, conversation on the 2010 benefits of focusing on content generation efforts on service-based niches (that are much less picture-prone) vs. branded products.

In retrospect, this was probably wishful thinking. I'll have to get the data myself and report back here.

I want to know why you wouldn't try a little of both? Worried about wasting your time? A lot of money can be made if you just try stuff without worrying about your time or if it's a sure thing. There are no sure things, anything could happen. Diversify and adapt.

Also, once you spend your time and money doing research you won't be all that willing to spill everything to some random person on a forum who is unwilling to do the research themselves. I know, that makes forums pointless, so that's why people do share sometimes. Here's my share: Go for it. Those silly Google product pictures aren't always on top, yet, and a few of my sites still rank higher than them. However, I can see the writing on the wall - Google wants to do something about all these mini product/review sites. So I'll manage. Other than that, there's a seasonal dip, plus Google's new personalized search changes, plus the economy... so we really can't compare anything to last year or even last quarter.

Good luck fumbling blindly through the dark like the rest of us.

[edpudol1973]

Originally Posted by tony-raymondo

i've been doing adsense since October 2005

Above, even xFactor seemed to emphasize a need to 'adapt'

it's a shame he didn't expand on that.

These developments have occured after the publication of his book. And, as the charts above reveal, for every pixel google pushes you down their page, you are indeed LOSING money.

This is not a pithy matter.

If you're addressing your question to all xfactor's customers who are following his ebook, why not ask at john's members forum I guess the xfactors members forum is the best place to ask this question because all of us who are using xfactors technique can share our thoughts with you there.

[DireStraits]

Originally Posted by HCLee

I have noticed that Google uses images to show some results but it is usually one of 10 positions on the first page if I'm not mistaken so it's really no big deal. You can put some images on your site if you are targeting products and who knows your image might be used by Google. When that happens you have 2 SERP for your keyword.

It's not really as simple as that. To be part of the listings that we are discussing here, you have to be involved in the "Google Products" service. It's free, but it requires you to upload a datafeed of your products in order for them to be listed.

Obviously the problem for us is that given we are not selling products directly from our websites, we cannot upload any such datafeed.

Overall though - perhaps rather foolishly (I don't know) - I'm not too worried about this change. From what I can see, these features of Googles SERPS are an addition to the existing 10 ranking slots on page 1. So whilst they might steal some traffic if they garner a searchers interest, it's not like your website is being pushed off the front page of Google in favour of these listings.

[Titans]

So the OP asked how is Google images affecting people, and we have people like veotis too busy trying to prove he doesn't have a small penis.

What is this a highschool locker forum? Yeah ok we all know what "adapt" means but that's not what the OP asked is it, not to mention if everyone needs to "adapt" then it automatically implies the old method isn't effective.

Of course google's images is going to reduce traffic.

I mean come on, those who says otherwise is just in denial, the same guy who said your meta description is important, some how thinks everything will be fine if there is a big slab of images right next to your site result. A picture worths a thousand words so a bunch of image is like 200 times better than your meta description.

To answer the OP's question:

Yes the new images is going to kick your ass on traffic IF your site was on a search result page with no images before. The same way Google maps took out a lot of "lawyers in x" traffic, search lawyers in x (where x is a location), and you get a big slab of google map right in your face, this wasn't the case before Google map.

Your only defense against it, other than changing your game completely, is learn how tabloid magazines do their headlines titles, they are the experts on capturing attention with limited text space. Use catchy titles, mix a little CAPS with non caps, etc. But really it is just bandaid when you are fighting against a bunch of images that only they have and you don't.

So when you are looking for your next keyword, don't bother with it unless you know you can make your site rank above the Google images, or the CPC is high enough even sitting below the images is worth your time.

Some of you who gives useless answers need to stop being emotional and defensive and start looking at a problem exactly the way it is, the visitors on google don't care about your ego.

The human brain interprets images a lot faster than text, and you are dealing with a specie that have an average attention span of a dead fly and can't store more than 7 items in their temporary memory. If there are images getting in the way of their search-look-click mechanism then it is going to affect the traffic.

This is just a game of numbers. The size of your body parts has nothing to do with it.

[Bronwyn and Keith]

Hi Warriors

The X factor type approach works.

All you need to do is create a bunch of sites. We do it easily (check our sig) Add a bit of extra content to the ones that kick and ignore the ones that don't.

Then do it again.

Regards

Bronwyn and Keith

[JoshuaG]

If any of you are worried, you could always sell your rapidly deprecating adsense real estate to me.

Always happy to buy a "fixer uper" if the price is right.

[kerunai]

huhu..my adsense is related to products as well so i think this is good news