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Is it a bad Idea to START your site with a paid member area?

by MarketingVet09
2 replies
hello guys. I'm starting up a new website / blog and know it has a ton of potential, just from hearing peoples reaction to what I have to present. Basically I'm giving out a free ebook (easily worth $30+).. My idea was to give it out for free, and then charge a small $5 a month fee for ongoing information in a blog.. Is this is bad idea?

Basically I want to know if I should just use ppc and in text advertising etc, or try to push for the members area? I guess if something is 100% free, you're guaranteed to grow even easier in popularity that way... And hell, if they continue to come to the blog, maybe I can make lets say, 50cents a month per unique returning visitor, but if the number of ppl returning are 20x what would sign up for the members area, I'm actually making 2 times the money..


You opinions would be appreciated, thanks
#area #bad #idea #member #paid #site #start
  • Profile picture of the author Nickolie0990
    If your going to create a membership site, why not charge for it. Charge more then $5 per month. It's not a bad idea, but you better be able to product content every month.

    Secondly, I wouldn't worry as much on returning traffic, if you are building your list from the beginning, then it really doesn't matter if they return, becuase they will be on your list.
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    • Profile picture of the author MarketingVet09
      Originally Posted by Nickolie0990 View Post

      If your going to create a membership site, why not charge for it. Charge more then $5 per month. It's not a bad idea, but you better be able to product content every month.

      Secondly, I wouldn't worry as much on returning traffic, if you are building your list from the beginning, then it really doesn't matter if they return, becuase they will be on your list.
      I hear you, but what about the idea that if I just give my ongoing blog away for free, it will go viral even more (as people can share individual posts etc, instead of just sharing my book), and then I could eventually charge for a member area later? So far I would say I've had at least 300 visitors (a lot of unresolved ip's so im not sure) to the site, 85 book downloads, and zero sign ups.. then again it's only been a little less than 4 days, and thats including the weekend..

      Im not even being impatient, just wondering what the best overall method would be to just grow and grow
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