Site for Dads - Need to make money..Help!

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12 years ago

Originally Posted by David Keith

1. What this site has to offer me.
2. What actions i should take to engage the site or get value from it. (what do you want/need a visitor to do)

I think you start by simplifying and clearly defining the purpose of the site. drop the other stuff...for now at least.

You need a compelling offer to help you build a list. Some sort of free report for single dads with a flashy / professional cover that gives it a high perceived value.

Thanks David for the comments! And this is where it gets hard to me. You see, I have no creative bone in my body. LOL I want the site to be a place where dads can hang out and talk about anything that interests dads. I guess in other words like a social network for dads and dads alone.

Where you say simplifying, do you mean get rid of some of the links in the menu bar like Tags, Links, Friends and such?

Now when you say build a list. I don't understand what you mean by that. Can you elaborate?

Thanks
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12 years ago

Originally Posted by keith021773

Thanks David for the comments! And this is where it gets hard to me. You see, I have no creative bone in my body. LOL I want the site to be a place where dads can hang out and talk about anything that interests dads. I guess in other words like a social network for dads and dads alone.

Where you say simplifying, do you mean get rid of some of the links in the menu bar like Tags, Links, Friends and such?

Now when you say build a list. I don't understand what you mean by that. Can you elaborate?

here are a few very quick examples of simpler sites that are in a similar niche (single moms). Obviously you would need to adapt the style to include some of your stuff, but notice how the sites are simpler and cleaner....More focused in general.

Obviously i didn't spend a ton of time looking for ideas on this, but these will give you a better idea of what some of us are kinda thinking

Single Mothers by Choice
Helping Hands for Single Moms | Helping Hands for Single Moms
Ms. Single Mom

as for what i meant by building a list. Basically i mean giving away an information report in exchange for getting a persons email address. Then you use a service like aweber.com to do followup marketing and stay engaged with those people. Some others have given a few quick examples of possible ideas for short reports above.

Thanks

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Adevictus

12 years ago

Looks like you've got a decent following.

The only thing you really need is to optimize your web pages to produce more ad clicks and affiliate sales. As it stands right now, I personally find your website a little cluttered and disoriented. I see great potential to make money with this site no doubt, it's just a matter of presenting the content in a more efficient way in my opinion. The discrepancy between the forums and the blog is a little harsh, I would try to make it so that they co-exist together in a more calm fashion.

Seems like a simple UI fix to me man, you've got a forums and everything you can definitely make some decent $ from this site.

Would also make it easier for us to provide some insights if you could tell us about how you are currently driving traffic.

edit: I agree with everything David Keith said if that helps paint a better picture of what I think you can do to improve your site.

Thanks
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12 years ago

Originally Posted by Adevictus

Looks like you've got a decent following.

The only thing you really need is to optimize your web pages to produce more ad clicks and affiliate sales. As it stands right now, I personally find your website a little cluttered and disoriented. I see great potential to make money with this site no doubt, it's just a matter of presenting the content in a more efficient way in my opinion. The discrepancy between the forums and the blog is a little harsh, I would try to make it so that they co-exist together in a more calm fashion.

Seems like a simple UI fix to me man, you've got a forums and everything you can definitely make some decent $ from this site.

Would also make it easier for us to provide some insights if you could tell us about how you are currently driving traffic.

edit: I agree with everything David Keith said if that helps paint a better picture of what I think you can do to improve your site.

Thanks for your comments too, Adevictus. I just changed the theme in the blogs because I am trying to be an amazon affiliate. I was told that I needed a theme that would "convert" better. I am very bad at designing.

When you say a simple UI fix? What do you mean?

All of my traffic comes from search engines. I don't pay for any sort of traffic. I believe that answers your question. I do get traffic from facebook and twitter as well.

Thanks
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Adevictus

12 years ago

Originally Posted by keith021773

Thanks for your comments too, Adevictus. I just changed the theme in the blogs because I am trying to be an amazon affiliate. I was told that I needed a theme that would "convert" better. I am very bad at designing.

When you say a simple UI fix? What do you mean?

All of my traffic comes from search engines. I don't pay for any sort of traffic. I believe that answers your question. I do get traffic from facebook and twitter as well.

What I meant is that I think you need to either redesign the layout of your site or have someone do it for you.

If you presented all of the same content except with a more fluid layout I'm sure your conversions will increase.

The thing is, is that when I go to your site, I don't know if I'm looking at a forum or a blog.

edit: I've been taking a look at the forums and I found it a little confusing, there is a GOLDMINE of information here though. I think the reason why people aren't posting is because these forums are a little tricky to navigate, the threads seem to be going in reverse order? Not sure really, but you have a great forums and you can definitely make some changes to make it more accessible for new users to jump in. Also, you can implement adsense into the forums if you are using vBulletin (not sure if you can do it for other forum types, but I've integrated adsense into my vBulletin forums rather nicely).

Thanks

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FreeMeal

12 years ago

Maybe a daddy's place ebook? An advanced (paid) membership? Banner advertising?

Thanks

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Alex Mensah

12 years ago

Hey Keith,

Good site but the only thing is you have to make a easy to buy. Looking on your site I'm not quite sure where you are directing me to. The thing about making money online is you have to direct me in the easiest way possible to what exactly you want me to do. That is, what action do you want me to take etc. Also it seems like too much clutter if you can make your site a little less busy that would be great and would definately help conversions.

cheers!

Thanks
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12 years ago

Originally Posted by Alex Mensah

Hey Keith,

Good site but the only thing is you have to make a easy to buy. Looking on your site I'm not quite sure where you are directing me to. The thing about making money online is you have to direct me in the easiest way possible to what exactly you want me to do. That is, what action do you want me to take etc. Also it seems like too much clutter if you can make your site a little less busy that would be great and would definately help conversions.

cheers!

Thanks Alex. What would you recommend to me that I get rid of or change? One way I would love to make money is to be the "site" that dads go to visit to get reviews on products and then purchase them on amazon. I think that would be great. Of course having people advertise on my site would be great as well. I don't want to make $1000 a month, but it would be nice to get $100 a week. LOL

Thanks
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jt47000 12 years ago

Hey buddy,

I'm not too familiar with the "daddy" niche but why not focus on ebooks?

You've got a good following, it would be super easy to promote. I actually build ebook covers for similar websites all the time and they are making killings! Especially one recently in the "mommy" niche.

Id write short 10-15 page ebooks and brand them. "Daddplace.com's guide to the birds and the bees", "Daddplace.com's guide to coaching baseball",
"Daddplace.com's guide to parenting for new parens", etc. Sell each one for $5.00, you can easily put them on amazon kindle, build your list and keep releasing books.

You could easily elaborate on your articles on turn them into ebooks. Great following, moldable niche, market it right and your 3 kids will be eating filet mingion... no more flank steak

J
- Thanks
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nucence

12 years ago

Firstly thumbs up for persevering for 6 years with the site!

The first thing i notice when i go to your site is there's a lot going on, you have adsense and bits and pieces all over the page. You also have 2 sign in / register boxes. I would just keep the one on the left side.

For a monetize idea how about offering webspace to sponsers? You could have a banner where you have your main sponser pay x amount per month? Also maybe some text link advertising / sponser options.

What sort of traffic does your site generate?

Good luck!

Thanks

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pcpupil

12 years ago

Start a Facebook page first.
Then make it a membership site and give away items that only Dads want,with a forum.
Then have some items from Amazon for dads on there.

Thanks

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Des Lau

12 years ago

Gosh. Keith, I recommend you hire a pro web designer & developer to overhaul the entire site. There is alot that can be simplified to provide a better user experience. At the moment I don't even know where to start and it's a major breaker when the first impression is confusion.

Try sites like elance or odesk and find some skilled outsourcers.

Thanks

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12 years ago

Thanks for all the suggestions guys.

I am looking right now to find a theme that would work for both my main site (SMF forums) and blog (wordpress). I haven't been able to find one yet, but I will keep looking.

All of these are great suggestions, however I don't have that much knowledge about any of it. LOL We do have a facebook page with what I believe to be a big following (around 600 people). The facebook page doesn't get that much attention, I wish it did, but that's a different story.

@ David and the others that suggested it was too busy. I will work on this and see what I can come up with. I'm not very good at designing or anything like that, so if you see something that doesn't fit, tell me and I'll see what I can do.

Thanks again everyone and if you have any more suggestions, please keep them coming.

Thanks

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smelley72

12 years ago

Look at the mighty uk site mumsnet.co.uk - (more here thisislondon.co.uk/lifestyle/mumsnet-the-extraordinary-rise-of-mums-online-6746536.html

I agree with what many of the others are saying - keep it simple - there isnt an obvious call to action - you have a nice group of facebook likes - how about writing to a few local company's that offer associated goods and sell online (start small) and try and sign someone up for advertising to your list (find something that's compelling that you yourself would want to invest in).

I do think to maximise your return in the longrun that I'd look to partner with a decent designer and look to branch out your content (i.e. attract writers).

If all else fails you could advertise it on Flippa - I think it could be a little gem for someone.....

Thanks

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Chris Silvey

12 years ago

First rule of Conversion is Simplicity.
You have a busy looking site, thus focus is going everywhere.
From what I see you have 2 registration fields. I would can the one on the left sidebar
There seems to be 2 search fields in the header.
Adsense in my opinion will never make you real money unless you like pennies , nickles and dimes. I would can the adsense and promote jvzoo or clickbank products.
As far as products to promote, anything Father & Son, Father & Daughter Interaction as well as Parenting Guides. Focus on fun stuff.

I would go with a bigger viewer with the main image as a link for click improvement.
You could try other themes also set up in subdomains for testing. Ask your visitors what they like, Does one theme flow better, easily read, etc. Ask for opinions.

I would also include some sort of Fathers day special.

Thanks

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WinstonTian

12 years ago

Sup Keith,

I like your forum lol.

But if you're starting off from a clean slate,
here's what you really need to do.

Do some market research on your current
community. Ask them what they like to do...

What they would WANT to do in life.

Dads?

Do they want to get more freedom from
their kids?

And yet...

Be the "best dad ever" to their kids?

And even better yet...

Be the "most irresistible husband ever" to
his wife?

Well, how do you do that? Maybe you're
not an expert...

Grab some books from the library. Or if you
hate reading, then go buy some good videos
or courses that teach you all about the
various steps needed to create the product.

Get the community pumped up.

A community? That's a huge money-lemon to
squeeze!

Best wishes,
Winston Tian

Thanks

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Cheers,
Winston
The Beginner's Doctor

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tryinhere

12 years ago

? I would think about a name change (keep the existing one as a redirected domain) the term daddy to me seems childish / children like / or for children to talk about their daddy ?

it needs more balls / a mans theme ?

just thinking out loud.

Thanks

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Theeban

12 years ago

I would suggest to go with Amazon. There are bunch of products specially for dads/men. You can promote such products in your site and earn commissions. Apart from that, you can try with Clickbank as well.

Thanks

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williamk

Banned 12 years ago

Hi Keith and welcome to the forum. If the site has been running for 6 years then you should have some authority by now.
How is your traffic and how is your ranking? I think you should work on some SEO and Promotion and get some ads on there.
You will make good profit soon.

Thanks

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12 years ago

Hey William. My site has never gotten that much traffic. But if you go by google analytics, last month there was around 4000 different visitors and the site has been ranked a PR3 site for at least 4 years.

I have been working on SEO, but what do you mean about promotion? How would I find someone that wants to put ads on my site?

Thanks
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12 years ago

Originally Posted by keith021773

Hey William. My site has never gotten that much traffic. But if you go by google analytics, last month there was around 4000 different visitors and the site has been ranked a PR3 site for at least 4 years.

I have been working on SEO, but what do you mean about promotion? How would I find someone that wants to put ads on my site?

there are several ad networks that offer this.

here is one
Buy Ads | BuySellAds

Thanks

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equanto

12 years ago

Try not to limit your self with adsense
there are many other money making method like PPC Advertising Networks, CPM Advertising Networks, Direct Banner Advertising, Text Link Ads, Affiliate Marketing, Monetization Widgets, Sponsored Reviews, and many more
(google it

Thanks

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12 years ago

Thanks David and equanto. I appreciate your advice. David, I went to the site and I'm gonna read about it.

Here's the thing. I have ran this site for 6 years and never tried to make money from it. So, I'm an experienced admin but when it comes to making money I am a complete NooB. I know everyone here is busy, but I sure would like if someone would help a noob.

I thought that I wanted to go the way of being an amazon affiliate. I am signed up here and have posted a few reviews on my site with some clicks, just no buys. I'm not looking at making a killing, but even $20 a day would be nice to start with.

If anyone has time to help a noob, I would appreciate it. Thanks everyone!

Thanks

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12 years ago

well keith, you have cleaned the site up some, lets keep it going.

1. why are there 2 search bars in the upper right. thats confusing and one of them needs to go away.

2. why are there 2 login boxes in some of the most valuable realestate on your site. drop one of them.

3. just above the login box on the left sidebare, you have links to social sites that are also on the right sidebar. drop the ones on the left.

4. just above the social link in your left sidebar you have an extra link and blurb about your forum. you have a link to the forum right above that. there is no need to use that real estate for 2 links to the same place. If you want to emphasize your forum then make the link in your menu bar yellow or red text. I get that you want to push the forum, and we may do more with that later, but that extra link is not the way to do it.

5. drop "tags" from your menu bar. that is not helping you or your users.

6. drop "search" from you menu bar. people know what a search bar looks like and is for on your site. if they don't putting that link there probably isn't going to help them...lol. you already have a search bar. maybe we can do more to make that more prevalant, but we don't need a link in that menu bar.

7. the "blogs" tab links to your site, but under a different theme? that needs to be fixed so it looks much more seemless.

8. drop the "help" tab. it adds almost nothing of value to you or your users. KISS...keep it simple stupid. if you need an extra page to tell people what to do, then you have already lost the vast majority of users.

the idea is to get this site simplified and much more user friendly. We can't worry to much about monetizing it until we get it looking and working better.

Thanks

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12 years ago

Thanks very much David. I think your right about everything. I have been looking for a new theme for my site. I use SMF. I don't know if you are familiar with that software. I just updated my blog theme. I was trying to do with it what you are suggusting with the main site. It is a lot cleaner and brighter. I think that helps. Do you know of any theme that works well with SMF?

I am still looking. I have found a few that I like and I'm trying to keep them close to what the blog looks like.

Thanks
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12 years ago

Originally Posted by keith021773

Thanks very much David. I think your right about everything. I have been looking for a new theme for my site. I use SMF. I don't know if you are familiar with that software. I just updated my blog theme. I was trying to do with it what you are suggusting with the main site. It is a lot cleaner and brighter. I think that helps. Do you know of any theme that works well with SMF?

I am still looking. I have found a few that I like and I'm trying to keep them close to what the blog looks like.

sorry mate, i can't help you much on that stuff. I always use fully custom designs and usually fully custom backends / CMS's as well.

BTW, i think the theme you are using on your "blog" pages has a lot of promise.

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12 years ago

Originally Posted by David Keith

sorry mate, i can't help you much on that stuff. I always use fully custom designs and usually fully custom backends / CMS's as well.

BTW, i think the theme you are using on your "blog" pages has a lot of promise.

Thanks David. I agree. I like the blog part a lot! Besides the theme on the main site (which I am working on as we speak), what exactly would you do to monetize it? If you want to PM me that would be fine.

Thanks
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tryinhere

12 years ago

Originally Posted by keith021773

Thanks David. I agree. I like the blog part a lot! Besides the theme on the main site (which I am working on as we speak), what exactly would you do to monetize it? If you want to PM me that would be fine.

Opps! Your popup blocker just blocked a SPECIAL offer to Daddyplace Dads with Marital problems! Click HERE to look now!

Stuff like that probably turns more people away from your site than keeps them there. It is like trying to force feed people ? not the best option.

Thanks
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keith021773 12 years ago

Originally Posted by tryinhere

Stuff like that probably turns more people away from your site than keeps them there. It is like trying to forc feed people ? not the best option.

I just got that from this site last week. I was trying it out. It is getting clicks, but nothing converting. It is something that I might not keep. Was just trying it out.
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alfid

12 years ago

Did you ever invite the dads to do personal journals? I haven't navigated through all the blog pages yet, but if this is something not included that might be something that could make it interesting. The other thing I would say is perhaps have a more cheerful background and make sure the site is fun as well as serious if it isn't already.

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12 years ago

Originally Posted by alfid

Did you ever invite the dads to do personal journals? I haven't navigated through all the blog pages yet, but if this is something not included that might be something that could make it interesting. The other thing I would say is perhaps have a more cheerful background and make sure the site is fun as well as serious if it isn't already.

I have invited the dads to blog, but not really journals. That is something I will think about. Like a daily or weekly journal about what is going on in their lives. Good idea!

I am working on the background and there are a lot of dads there that like to cut-up and post funny things. We are also serious when we need to be and help all dads when they have questions and concerns.

Thanks

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idoitbigtime

12 years ago

if you want to make money of this Site
it is possible i know some guys make Tones of money for MOMS Sites
But Dad's are buying much more the mom () That The Sad Tri Bros)
any way you must make it more Cler - Work and the UI
Then
If you have a good Community and the Analitycs Show good Numbers (visitors etc)
you must built a List
and
i can recommend you to Market with Remarketing After your Audience
that the best way as i see it to promote for Example Amazon Products
good Luck
( by the way i am a father too and much easier to make money from money & IM )
Chears

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seoimninja

12 years ago

What have you done to advertise your site? I notice that a link to your site isn't even in you signature line in this forum. Although you already know this, the only way to make money from ads is to have traffic to your website. There's tons of free ways to advertise your site to get traffic (and thus money) such as posting a link to your site in your signature.

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12 years ago

Originally Posted by seoimninja

What have you done to advertise your site? I notice that a link to your site isn't even in you signature line in this forum. Although you already know this, the only way to make money from ads is to have traffic to your website. There's tons of free ways to advertise your site to get traffic (and thus money) such as posting a link to your site in your signature.

I will do that now. Thanks Seoimninja.

Thanks

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12 years ago

Hey guys. I have made some changes to my site. There is a new look and feel. Please everyone that has replied so far, please tell me what you think and for new people just now jumping in here, please take a look and tell me what you think. daddyplace.com

Thanks
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12 years ago

Originally Posted by keith021773

Hey guys. I have made some changes to my site. There is a new look and feel. Please everyone that has replied so far, please tell me what you think and for new people just now jumping in here, please take a look and tell me what you think. daddyplace.com

much better.

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12 years ago

Thanks David. See? I told you I was working on it and I believe that I took your advice well. LOL Do you have any more suggestions or does anyone else?

Thanks

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thedanbrown

12 years ago

Originally Posted by keith021773

Hey all you marketing gurus. I run a website for dads called daddyplace.com. It has been up and running for over 6 years now. I want too, no. I need to start making money from it and I have tried with adsense and charging for guest posts. Would someone here offer me good quality suggestions to help a father of 3 who doesn't have alot of money make some money from my site.

I know my site can make money. If anyone has some suggestions, please tell me. I would appreciate it more than you would ever know. Times are very tough here and I would like to prove to my wife that I haven't wasted money on this site over the years.

Thanks for your time everyone. I look forward to the responses.

Keith

Your site is aesthetically pleasing yet lacks marketing fundamentals. When I first land on your page there are so many things competing for my attention I do not really know where or why to click. You should remove some of the clutter on your first page to make things look more organized.

Secondly, you should offer a free giveaway in exchange for the user's email address. This will allow you to start building a list of your target market. You could then use that list to drive traffic to your new blog posts, videos, or whatever else you want. Also, after you build a relationship with your list you can offer affiliate products to help them.

Lastly, you should have a call to action at the end of every post. Whether it be to 'like', 'tweet', +1, or sign up for your newsletter you want to capture as many viewers as possible with each post.

Hope this helps

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thedanbrown

12 years ago

Just another quick idea:

You could also look into creating a membership site for dad's with resources to help them. You could make it a paid group or free. This would help you to drive traffic to your posts, videos, affiliate offers etc.

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12 years ago

Thanks thedanbrown. I have thought of some of those before.

Could you give me some ideas of how to remove the clutter or how to make things stand out so members might know what I want them to do?

Thanks

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12 years ago

Hello everyone. Thanks to you guys I have actually made alittle money now. Not much, less than $50. But it's something!

I do have a question for you guys. I am an amazon affiliate and I also use viglink. It appears that I have sold stuff from amazon but when I view my amazon admin section it shows no sales. However, when I go to viglink it shows me having sold several things from there. My question is, would I make more money by not using viglink?

I hope you guys don't mind me asking all of these questions. I do appreciate ALL the help you have given me so far.

Thanks

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