If you could do it all over again...

Hi Counselormom!

You're in a great place at a great time to be revisiting your efforts....and even starting over (but it's not really starting over, because you know now what you didn't know then - which is valuable experience that you wouldn't have gotten otherwise - if that makes sense).

I've got a few new projects (some my own / some with others) that are centered around building communities (blog networks) and publishing.

Essentially, here is the "broad" overview:

Build highly targeted niche specific blogging communities that allow members/subscribers to interact.

Deliver a content packed weekly newsletter/publication (via email) to the audience

Supplement the content with "expert" contributions (content, webinars, free stuff) your audience would be interested in

Monetize with ads, affiliate offers, premium upgrades, and delivering a "captive" and interested audience to a brand or business who could benefit by reaching them

Monetize additionally with your own products & services

And that's it. I assume one of the niches you're going to be pursuing is WAHM (saw it on your website).

If not - I HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT. It's a HUGE and GROWING audience with virtually unlimited monetization potential.

You could provide so much value, not just in how to start or build a home biz (which is huge itself), but in balancing being a mom and work; healthy meals for the family; eating & supplementing right to maintain the energy and stamina needed to be a WAHM; time management; cost effective fun family outings; ways/things to entertain the kids while mom works at home; tools and resources for the WAHM biz; etc, etc, etc.....(Note: Don't pick too many, just a few complementary areas you are comfortable with and that bring value to the audience/community)

Then think of all the businesses and brands that would love to connect with that audience - in EACH area you decide to focus on (make sure the areas you focus on are complementary & bring value - but different enough they allow you additional monetization potential).

WOW - this is exciting!

But even if that's not one of your niches, I hope the example conveys the idea.

And really, to go a bit further (and use the WAHM example) rather than try to take on the WAHM in general - you, your audience and your customers would probably be well served if you drilled down even further - like "Work At Home Mom's Who (insert specific home biz here). Doing so could position you as the "niche guru" and open up even MORE monetization opportunities - ie: your own info products, training, coaching & providing other services (like offering a "biz-box" product/platform) that creates immediate and recurring income for you.

I hope that wasn't to confusing, is helpful and gives you some ideas and something to think about.

Wishing you Success!
Mark

I'd offer one small point- don't become overly dependent on one niche or web traffic site. I became too focused on ebay and wish I had diversified more.

Agreed with diversification, better to hedge the bets