Slightly embarrassing -- huge list, but I have no idea what to do

by dandan14

Posted: 13 years ago 15 replies

INTERNET MARKETING

Hi,
So this is slightly embarrassing. I've been reading here for a while on the recommendation of a friend and decided I would post and ask your opinion.

About 3 years ago, I started a forum site and had quite a bit of success with traffic. Over the 3 years, I've gathered about 13,000 double opt-ins.

I run adsense and contextweb on every page, but earnings peaked at about $300/month and have since declined down to about $100/month.

After reading what you guys post here, it's astounding to me that I haven't made more.

Can you guys make some suggestions?

#embarrassing #huge #idea #list #slightly

aizaku 13 years ago

good for you,

what niche r u in?
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David Keith

13 years ago

i am going to assume that your list is from people registering with your forum in some way?

if thats the case, you first need to look at whatever topic your forum is discussing and see what those people are interested in... Probably your main forum topic...whatever that is...knowing that might help with better suggestions (hint...hint)

next i would look into cpa (cost per action) affiliate offers. if your list is from forum members, they probably have not paid, so you have a list of unproven buyers.

lets try to find a way for them to make us more money without asking them to pay money. cpa offers are things like surverys, free trials..stuff like that...google it will give you more detailed information.

you could also look for affiliate programs related to your topic that pay you on each sale.

but the first thing i would do if you have not built a relationship with your list is start by sending a few emails trying to get them do something related to what they already do. like maybe run a poll on your forum or some sort of contest.

you need to engage your list in a non aggressive, non threatening way to start with, and you will make more in the long run.

Thanks
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tpw

13 years ago

Originally Posted by owslaw123

next i would look into cpa (cost per action) affiliate offers. if your list is from forum members, they probably have not paid, so you have a list of unproven buyers.

lets try to find a way for them to make us more money without asking them to pay money. cpa offers are things like surverys, free trials..stuff like that...google it will give you more detailed information.

you could also look for affiliate programs related to your topic that pay you on each sale.

but the first thing i would do if you have not built a relationship with your list is start by sending a few emails trying to get them do something related to what they already do. like maybe run a poll on your forum or some sort of contest.

you need to engage your list in a non aggressive, non threatening way to start with, and you will make more in the long run.

I agree here.

Definitely CPA and Affiliate programs.

You can continue to be paid for a lead, as you are doing with Adsense, or

You can get paid per action, which generally pays better than a click --- CPA offers. Think NeverBlue, etc.
You can get paid per sale, which generally pays better than the other two options --- Affiliate Programs. Think Amazon, etc.

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lisakleinweber 13 years ago

don't be embarassed. Everyone starts somewhere. I did one better (worse). I had almost 5,000 subscribers in the travel niche and I got sick and tired of what I was doing so I told them all bye and DELETED the list. This was years ago. but still.

Definitely share what niche this is in. It will help answer your question.
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Coby 13 years ago

I can tell you how to make more money with it... sell it to me

Seriously though...

Utilize that list dude! Run some contests on the forum and get some activity built up and start cranking out some emails with related information...

You can monetize your list in so many ways...
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Jonathan Smith 13 years ago

Make that money buddy! Get that list profitable. Care to share the URL?
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owenlee 13 years ago

is good that you ask here and it can give you alot of ideas..

You can always place CPA on your forum and promote products through your email list...
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SUPER Louie 13 years ago

You can make your own product depending on what your list is looking for, and then sell it to them. Another option would be to make a VIP membership section in your forums, which charges a monthly fee, and discusses expert advice like the War Room.
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Gary Ning Lo 13 years ago

Are you still getting a lot of daily sign up?

Seems like you got an old list.

I suggest sending some affiliate products to your list on a regular basis...

TEST TEST TEST

Also focus on increasing your daily optin rates...

Cheers,

~Gary
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blackout17 13 years ago

I tend to read up first before I try. I haven't really attempted to make any money just yet because my site is 3 months old but from what I read tends to stem towards affliate programmes such as Amazon, Click-bank. Have you not got room to advertise other people on your website by using Linkworth or Buynsellads?
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Michael D Forbes 13 years ago

Well, I don't see that you made any mention of what you HAVE done with those 13,000 opt-ins.

If you've done nothing with them, it's no wonder you aren't making "more".

With a list of 13,000, I can assure you, ANYTHING you send them will make you more than nothing. Even if all you do is send an email saying "please come visit my site again", a percentage will, and a percentage of those will click your adsense.

Do something to engage your subscribers, in my opinion. Remind them who you are, maybe offer a fun contest, get them looking forward to you emails. I would not just start sending offers right away.
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dandan14 13 years ago

Thanks for all of the replies. I wasn't sure if it was kosher to post the niche or the address.
The url is savvydollar.org. The niche is coupons/savings.

To answer the question about daily signups, I am definitely not getting the quantity that I used to get, but I'm still getting about 5-10 signups a day.

A few months ago I sent a "Father's Day" email with a link to a walmart sale. I got about 120 clicks (which seems low), but not a single purchase.
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- Michael D Forbes 13 years ago
  
  A few fast thoughts. Your opt-in form is prominent and obviously doing a decent job for you.
  
  So you promise a newsletter... What kind of content are you sending them?
  
  Since these are bargain hunters, you will have best success with offers that really stand out from the rest they have seen and know about. That may be difficult but not impossible.
  
  Your grocery and freebies section look like they get the most action, I would try to find something there for broadest appeal.
  
  CPA offers might be very hard, I see what are probably CPA offers being posted in some of the forums and some negative reactions. I personally would not do CPA without a good bit of research into what the overall feeling is among your readership.
  
  It seems like if you put a little work into it, you could probably sell banner space and make more than what you are from adsense. (I'm guesing your typical person is pretty immune to adsense)
  
  If I were running that, I would approach some smaller companies with your traffic stats and list size, and sell them on giving you some exclusive discounts to promote, and use those in your email newsletter. If you put out a couple of killer "private" discounts, you are sure to get some sales and you will start training your list to look forward to those mailings which will help your open rate a lot. Can't be just another "ho-hum, can get these all over the 'net" type offer.
  
  Hope this helps
  
  Thanks
  
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  JohnMcCabe 13 years ago
  
  Dan, this reply is only slightly tongue in cheek...
  
  This forum makes Allen a small fortune every month (or maybe not so small, depending on your context).
  
  Have a look around at all the ways WF generates revenue. Grab a pen and paper and make a list. Then go down the list one by one. Ask yourself, 'how could I do something like this on my forum?'
  
  Bet you get some great ideas...
  
  Thanks
  
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onegoodman 13 years ago

I would say don't mix your cards.

If these members signed up for your forum, and each forum has its rule.

Did your member agree on receiving emails like news letter ?

Just because you got a bunch of email, it doesn't mean you can do whatever you want with it.

I am signed up with Facebook , they wouldn't send me affiliated emails and count me on a list otherwise the next thing will found Facebook banned on my email.

you say you are making $100 a month with adsense. If your users are not happy with the emails you are sending, you probably will end making nothing.

I do own more than website with different niches, I don't email one list about my other websites simply people wouldn't like it.
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