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Best Way to Spend $50

by brit16
36 replies
This may sound a little odd, but with my b-day present my mom also sent me $50 that she wanted me to put toward my site. I have done everything from scratch on my own (can't afford to spend money at this point). I finely gave in and subscribed to aweber, but that and hosting have been my only cost.

I know $50 is not much, but how could I best use this money? Most of my traffic comes from google, so I was thinking maybe SEO, but I am not sure if I can get anything of quality for $50. Also, I don't want spam links out there hurting my site. Also thought about paying for some good articles, but not sure that is really needed at this point. I have over 70 post already, and am not having a problem with content so far. The site is in my signature if that helps.

Thanks in advance for the advice!
#$50 #spend
  • Profile picture of the author StuW
    I know you're not looking for site feedback but I can only read about one third of your sites title as the colours aren't distinct enough.
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    • Profile picture of the author brit16
      Originally Posted by StuW View Post

      I know you're not looking for site feedback but I can only read about one third of your sites title as the colours aren't distinct enough.
      Site feedback is more than welcome, and appreciated!! Thanks for the advice. I know I need a new header, but I am horrible with that kind of thing. Maybe that is what I should spend some of it on!

      Alexa - I agree, that I want know part of crappy backlinks. I guess I was wondering if there were any legit SEO services that could help? Ones that did not use any program, but were done by hand.

      Anna - As far as what I have done so far.... I am getting about 600-800 visitors per day...about 4 or 5 people subscribe a day...and I am on page one for multiple keywords, but not number one for any of them. I first heard about IM a little over a year ago and this is my first site. I have done some backlinking by hand, wrote a free ebook that I am giving out to get people to sign up. I signed up almost two months ago and have just under 200 subscribers.

      Thanks for the input everyone!!
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  • Profile picture of the author Alexa Smith
    Banned
    I don't know, but just don't spend $50 on backlinks!

    Google is really clamping down on people who buy cheap backlinking services, at the moment. It's simply not worth the risk. And they're useless anyway. :p

    Maybe somehow on content, or on having a nice logo designed, or whatever? Take a look through the Warrior Classified ads and see what's for sale? Could also look at Fiverr (not at "backlinking services"!), under the "Fun and Bizarre" category, to see what might enhance your site? (I've bought some cool, entertaining things there).
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    • Profile picture of the author celente
      Originally Posted by Alexa Smith View Post

      I don't know, but just don't spend $50 on backlinks!

      Google is really clamping down on people who buy cheap backlinking services, at the moment. It's simply not worth the risk. And they're useless anyway. :p

      Maybe somehow on content, or on having a nice logo designed, or whatever? Take a look through the Warrior Classified ads and see what's for sale? Could also look at Fiverr (not at "backlinking services"!), under the "Fun and Bizarre" category, to see what might enhance your site? (I've bought some cool, entertaining things there).
      Google actually has people now employed and tools to de-index and unrank people that use fiverr and go nuts with backlinking. So I am with alexa, do not do this.

      The only way I would spend $50 is on getting someone to write a damn cool article, and then trying to use that as a guest post or syndicate that in a ezine or niche magazine or forum. That will get you tons of traffic and if done correctly should be able to make you alot more back than your $50. Then just keep reinvesting your profits.
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      • Profile picture of the author Dan Allard
        Originally Posted by Alexa Smith View Post

        Google is really clamping down on people who buy cheap backlinking services, at the moment. It's simply not worth the risk.
        Originally Posted by celente View Post

        Google actually has people now employed and tools to de-index and unrank people that use fiverr and go nuts with backlinking. So I am with alexa, do not do this.
        Clamping down? Unranking people that use Fiverr?

        Looks like you guys discovered new amazing SEO strategies. Now all we have to do to outrank our competitors is buy a Fiverr backlink package or two and point it at their websites!

        On a serious note- deindexing is a lot different than 'clamping down', 'unranking', or penalizing a website. Google will not penalize an established website because of backlinks, because ANYONE can point backlinks at any website. Obviously it gets a little more complicated considering domain age, link diversity, footprint, etc. but it's important to understand those elements instead of generalizing 'cheap baclinks' into one category and claiming they will hurt someone's website (without knowing anything about that website).

        Not recommending Fiverr or cheap backlinking services, because yes those links will probably get deindexed, if not now then later (which just means the links are useless). But to claim it will actually hurt your website isn't helping anyone here, instead spreads fear and misunderstandings.
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  • Profile picture of the author WebPen
    You could join the War Room and get a meal for 2 @ Chick Fila.

    Not really related, but they're both amazing.
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  • Profile picture of the author Anna Kowalski
    Hi Brit,

    It looks like you are off to a great start

    Not really knowing your details, what's been done so far, and what you are currently doing, it's hard to say exactly where to spend the money.

    In general though, think of things you do routinely now, that are consuming your time. Then spend a little of the money having someone or a piece of software that can do it for you.

    In basic terms use this $50 as a way to leverage your time and propel you forward.

    I hope that helps a little.
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  • Profile picture of the author withavision
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    • Profile picture of the author Alexa Smith
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      Originally Posted by withavision View Post

      ...your current one is very unappealing atleast to me personally...could use some clean up....
      I hope I know Brit well enough to say this without causing any offense.

      In a way, I agree with you about that, but I think that's an asset, not a liability, given the nature of the site.

      Look at the niche Brit is in, and the personal nature of her site. That's where her credibility is, isn't it? That's why people trust her. She's an individual, not a marketing company.

      And that trust is where her sales come from.

      It would be a real mistake for her to have a "totally professional-looking site": it would actually cost her money. I'm "just saying" ... money spent on website design doesn't always pay for itself: sometimes it can actually do harm.
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      • Profile picture of the author brit16
        Originally Posted by Alexa Smith View Post

        I hope I know Brit well enough to say this without causing any offense.

        In a way, I agree with you about that, but I think that's an asset, not a liability, given the nature of the site.

        Look at the niche Brit is in, and the personal nature of her site. That's where her credibility is, isn't it? That's why people trust her. She's an individual, not a marketing company.

        And that trust is where her sales come from.

        It would be a real mistake for her to have a "totally professional-looking site": it would actually cost her money. I'm "just saying" ... money spent on website design doesn't always pay for itself: sometimes it can actually do harm.
        No offense taken at all!! I actually do want to change my header, have been wanting to for a while, also I HATE my theme. But I totally agree with Alexa that even when I do change the header, it still needs to be very personal. My niche is very much about relating to my viewers and building relationships. If I land on a "professional" type website in my niche I click off right away. Thanks again Alexa!!!
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      • Profile picture of the author AdwordsMogul
        Originally Posted by Alexa Smith View Post

        I hope I know Brit well enough to say this without causing any offense.

        In a way, I agree with you about that, but I think that's an asset, not a liability, given the nature of the site.

        Look at the niche Brit is in, and the personal nature of her site. That's where her credibility is, isn't it? That's why people trust her. She's an individual, not a marketing company.
        Maybe you're right. The thing is the site is kind of hard to read. Look at John Carton's blog - it's not "crisp" but it's easy to read and navigate.
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        • Profile picture of the author brit16
          Originally Posted by AdwordsMogul View Post

          Maybe you're right. The thing is the site is kind of hard to read. Look at John Carton's blog - it's not "crisp" but it's easy to read and navigate.

          I am open for suggestions on the site's appearance. I don't like it much myself but have been focused on other efforts for a while. What would make it "easier to read"? Thanks.
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          • Profile picture of the author AdwordsMogul
            Originally Posted by brit16 View Post

            I am open for suggestions on the site's appearance. I don't like it much myself but have been focused on other efforts for a while. What would make it "easier to read"? Thanks.
            I'm not a designer but I would definitely change get rid of the blue background.

            I think with your existing traffic you should focus more on increasing conversions and making more money.

            I'd definitely invest this money into learning copywriting because that's how you'll make your content more effective.

            But first, I'd analyze your traffic, see what your customers search for the most and start developing products - before spending a dime.
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            Jean Paul a.k.a AdwordsMogul
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  • Profile picture of the author luckypig
    I would try 10 different traffic on fiverr for my website.There is so many offers for traffic.
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  • Profile picture of the author kseher77
    I can promote your website and produce large traffic for you by displaying banner on my high traffic blog which has more than one lak monthly visitors. just contact me. I will do it for just a tenth part of this money you got.
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    • Profile picture of the author brit16
      Originally Posted by kseher77 View Post

      I can promote your website and produce large traffic for you by displaying banner on my high traffic blog which has more than one lak monthly visitors. just contact me. I will do it for just a tenth part of this money you got.
      No offense, but I am not looking for people to sell me their product. Unless you are well known on here and I could get some good feedback easily from the forum.
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  • Profile picture of the author travlinguy
    Okay, take the money and buy something nice for your kids. Sort of a thank you for getting born.

    I looked at your site and didn't find it upappealing. But, take a look at this free wordpress theme. It would make your site REALLY cool.

    grisaille

    It's easy to install and all (most) of your posts and stuff will naturally fall into place without much fuss. Happy Birthday!
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    • Profile picture of the author brit16
      Originally Posted by travlinguy View Post

      Okay, take the money and buy something nice for your kids. Sort of a thank you for getting born.

      I looked at your site and didn't find it upappealing. But, take a look at this free wordpress theme. It would make your site REALLY cool.

      grisaille

      It's easy to install and all (most) of your posts and stuff will naturally fall into place without much fuss. Happy Birthday!
      I would love to change my theme! I have played around with a few themes on another domain that I have. But I am too afraid to change it thinking that I may lose some of my hard work. Believe me it has been hard work!! Things that seem easy to most of you have taken a lot of learning for me. When I first started building my site, I changed themes and the post stayed in place but NOTHING else!! I lost everything that was in the sidebar, many of the links, etc.

      Is there a way to change themes and garauntee that I will not lose my hardwork?????
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      • Profile picture of the author Ben Gordon
        Originally Posted by brit16 View Post

        I would love to change my theme! I have played around with a few themes on another domain that I have. But I am too afraid to change it thinking that I may lose some of my hard work. Believe me it has been hard work!! Things that seem easy to most of you have taken a lot of learning for me. When I first started building my site, I changed themes and the post stayed in place but NOTHING else!! I lost everything that was in the sidebar, many of the links, etc.

        Is there a way to change themes and garauntee that I will not lose my hardwork?????
        Sure, backup your files and databases before attempting the change.
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      • Profile picture of the author AdwordsMogul
        Originally Posted by brit16 View Post

        I would love to change my theme! ...

        Is there a way to change themes and garauntee that I will not lose my hardwork?????
        At this point you're more emotionally attached to what you've put in than the results you're getting.

        You will lose your current work design-wise when you change your theme.

        Don't rush it but consider changing your overall strategy.
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  • Profile picture of the author Jere Kuisma
    May I ask why on earth you'd buy SEO when you have got to 800 visitors/day by yourself? Unless you'd want to outsource the whole thing, but I don't think this is what you want.

    What you do works, now just focus on how to do it more effectively/faster, and spend the money on this.

    I'm just a total beginner but this is what my common sense says
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    • Profile picture of the author brit16
      Originally Posted by Quahas View Post

      May I ask why on earth you'd buy SEO when you have got to 800 visitors/day by yourself? Unless you'd want to outsource the whole thing, but I don't think this is what you want.

      What you do works, now just focus on how to do it more effectively/faster, and spend the money on this.

      I'm just a total beginner but this is what my common sense says
      Just because I have decent traffic doesn't mean I don't want more!! None of my keywords are number one, so if I could get to number one I am sure my traffic would increase significantly.
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  • Profile picture of the author Shubh Ashish
    Why dont you purchase 2-3 domains and sell them after some days.
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    • Profile picture of the author cashp0wer
      Use the money to have a logo designed for your website. Also use some of the money to outsource some of the work that you are doing to free you up to do more important things. It's hard to say not knowing you personally.
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  • Profile picture of the author onegoodman
    okay,

    advertising or backlinks would be a waste of time and money.

    What I would suggest is to change ur theme to something more appealing and change your site heard (since u r on a tight budget, I would say go to fiverr as well ). The images looks good but the title is almost invisible.
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    • Profile picture of the author brit16
      Originally Posted by onegoodman View Post

      okay,

      advertising or backlinks would be a waste of time and money.

      What I would suggest is to change ur theme to something more appealing and change your site heard (since u r on a tight budget, I would say go to fiverr as well ). The images looks good but the title is almost invisible.
      As I said earlier in the thread I would like to change my theme, but.... do you have any suggestions for making sure I don't lose my hard work??

      Originally Posted by brit16 View Post

      I would love to change my theme! I have played around with a few themes on another domain that I have. But I am too afraid to change it thinking that I may lose some of my hard work. Believe me it has been hard work!! Things that seem easy to most of you have taken a lot of learning for me. When I first started building my site, I changed themes and the post stayed in place but NOTHING else!! I lost everything that was in the sidebar, many of the links, etc.

      Is there a way to change themes and garauntee that I will not lose my hardwork?????
      Signature

      New to IM, any honest advice appreciated!

      My blog (first IM project!).....IVF Success Stories

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  • Profile picture of the author hellohellosharp
    use webmaster tools and find those random keywords that you are ranking OK in but not great. use the $50 for a boost in those KW's
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  • Profile picture of the author AdwordsMogul
    Originally Posted by brit16 View Post

    I am open for suggestions on the site's appearance. I don't like it much myself but have been focused on other efforts for a while. What would make it "easier to read"? Thanks.
    BTW: I've noticed you're already selling something (or rather have some affiliate links) Your niche is hot enough to do more.

    I'm assuming the amazon stuff isn't bringing in much - I'd get rid of anything that isn't relevant or might affect your credibility.

    Personal videos will probably help you make money too.
    How targeted is your traffic?

    What are your current conversion rates for newsletter/ your (aff) product?

    The best way to go would be to create your own product and sell it for AT LEAST $97.

    Then take it from there.
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  • Profile picture of the author Brendan Carl
    Brit, just a quick observation. On your sidebar, where you are offering your "IVF Guide", you give people absolutely no reason to opt-in. Visitors do not know what your "IVF Guide" is. Now, I am sure you have great content in it, but you have to let people know why they should opt-in to receive it!

    Have a bullet list of benefits people will receive from reading your report/ebook (NOT a list of the features!), or at least have a descriptive line below where it says "FREE .... IVF GUIDE!". You need to give people a reason to download your product.
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  • Profile picture of the author Social App Zone
    Get a Facebook Page or App built for you if you don't already have one. This would drive traffic from Social Networks to your Website.

    A quick look on Fiverr I can see people offering basic pages for $5.
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  • Profile picture of the author robie
    I would open a thread ( and I did ) on Warriors for Hire about my Design Services
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  • Profile picture of the author Randall Magwood
    There's always Google Adwords. I think if you sign up for $5, they give you an additional $75 credit towards your account... giving you $80 worth of clicks to test and play around with.
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  • Profile picture of the author David Keith
    I am a big advocate of increasing the perception, professionalism, and perceived value of a site. Alexa makes some good points about looking "too" professional, but you can do some graphic upgrades and not look like every other high polished clickbank site. Your ecover could get an upgrade pretty easy from a fiverr gig.

    I would also be looking at a theme upgrade to your site. It looks decent, but I think that maybe the biggest area of opportunity you can work on solving for $50.

    That stuff would have long lasting affects for your.
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  • Profile picture of the author ericbryant
    Fiverr to beef up the site.
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  • Profile picture of the author sophiem
    Frankly. I think that google adwords is the best place to put cash. has anyone had better experiences with other CPC ads?
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    • Profile picture of the author bchez
      If you have never opened a Google Adwords account, find someone to give you a code for $100 in adwords, instead of spending the money.

      I would probably spend $5 on fiver to update your book cover for the IFV Journey Report - and let people know what they are signing up for / getting in that very first box on the right.

      Then I might spend $5 on the header, but I honestly feel like (as a woman) that its charming as is.

      The rest, just hang onto until you have developed your marketing plan - (are you going to develop your own product, are you going to offer more CB products? what is the long term plan here) its easy to want to spend as soon as you have cash, but a measured plan would be a good place to start figuring out where that money can be best spent!

      PS - Money Back Gaurantee should be spelled Guarantee

      And just one last note, you have probably tested this, but the oldest first post method on your site made me think you hadn't updated it in awhile.

      Best of luck, and great site!
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