ThisIsWhyImBroke - A Model of Simplicity and Efficiency for Amazon Affiliates?

66 replies
So as a noob, one site which stands out in my mind is thisiswhyimbroke.com. If you haven't seen it, go check it out now!

I believe the guy who started it has had it up for a little over a year. He has about 140,000 facebook followers and has had his site thrown around all different types of sites, in all different types of forums, catering to people with tons of different interests, hobbies, etc.

He promotes affiliate products through amazon as well as other sites. The main thing is that the products really jump out at you. No review needed. This is an impulse buy site which you could spend hours on just browsing. The name is short, easy to remember, and catchy. Instead of targeting a SPECIFIC niche, he chose to target something where people buy on impulse based on sheer coolness/humor.

What do you guys think of this site? Looking for thoughts.
#affiliates #amazon #efficiency #model #simplicity #thisiswhyimbroke
  • Profile picture of the author Adie
    Well it's creative. Theme is outstanding. I believe this is not wordpress... The site has a great traffic stat and I think the owner is doing extremely well with amazon..
    Signature



    Moderator's Note: You're only allowed to put your own products or sites in your signature.

    Signature edited.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6853062].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author ldiaz117
      Originally Posted by Adie View Post

      Well it's creative. Theme is outstanding. I believe this is not wordpress... The site has a great traffic stat and I think the owner is doing extremely well with amazon..
      Its a highly modified Wordpress theme. Its a very basic theme that's quite common but I forgot the name of it.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6853074].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author Adie
        Originally Posted by ldiaz117 View Post

        Its a highly modified Wordpress theme. Its a very basic theme that's quite common but I forgot the name of it.
        Please tell me once you remember. I have a very good domain prepared for amazon power tools and I will start posting this September. This is one of my best options... Great theme.. thanks
        Signature



        Moderator's Note: You're only allowed to put your own products or sites in your signature.

        Signature edited.
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6853089].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author ldiaz117
          Originally Posted by Adie View Post

          Please tell me once you remember. I have a very good domain prepared for amazon power tools and I will start posting this September. This is one of my best options... Great theme.. thanks
          I added you on Skype. I am looking to put up another amazon site soon too
          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6853098].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author pennyroll
          Originally Posted by Adie View Post

          Please tell me once you remember. I have a very good domain prepared for amazon power tools and I will start posting this September. This is one of my best options... Great theme.. thanks
          They use the Prosense theme with the infinite scroll plug-in. The prosense theme doesn't look anything like this in it's basic form, it is highly modified.
          You don't have to use Prosense to accomplish this, what I mean is, you can use any theme that has "CSS Selectors" built-in. That is, if you plan on having infinite scroll.
          Signature
          Pennyroll.com
          Tips to make money that work!
          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6857422].message }}
          • Profile picture of the author Adie
            Originally Posted by pennyroll View Post

            They use the Prosense theme with the infinite scroll plug-in. The prosense theme doesn't look anything like this in it's basic form, it is highly modified.
            You don't have to use Prosense to accomplish this, what I mean is, you can use any theme that has "CSS Selectors" built-in. That is, if you plan on having infinite scroll.
            I am starting to do some experiment with Magazine Basic and I hope I can do the same or similar...
            Signature



            Moderator's Note: You're only allowed to put your own products or sites in your signature.

            Signature edited.
            {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6858909].message }}
            • Profile picture of the author pennyroll
              Originally Posted by Adie View Post

              I am starting to do some experiment with Magazine Basic and I hope I can do the same or similar...
              I know it has the layout you want, but Magazine Basic is one of the few themes that doesn't have CSS Selectors built in, so when you get to the point that you want to add the infinite scroll plugin you won't be able to active it.
              Signature
              Pennyroll.com
              Tips to make money that work!
              {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6861800].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author pennyroll
      Originally Posted by Adie View Post

      I believe this is not wordpress...
      Actually it is WordPress, it's the "Prosense" theme although highly modified. They use the infinite scroll plug-in as well. I'm not positive but I believe that they have 6 people working on the project now.
      Signature
      Pennyroll.com
      Tips to make money that work!
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6857377].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author ldiaz117
    Yes he is...he is making a shitload of money monthly. I have a similar site that is fairly new. Actually looking into marketing, traffic generation now.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6853070].message }}
  • {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6854877].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Adie
      Originally Posted by Ace Of Shirts View Post

      A quick look at the site code shows the theme is:

      ProSense Infinite Scrolling

      Can't help with the customizations though.
      Prosense? Can't even think that theme still exists. That's one of the most popular adsense themes before if I'm not mistaken... boy doshdosh
      Signature



      Moderator's Note: You're only allowed to put your own products or sites in your signature.

      Signature edited.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6854911].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author pdrs
    I saw this one awhile ago was very impressed with the simplicity. He's obviously not reliant on Google traffic either so I'm sure he's killing it and has something quite sustainable as long as he keeps adding cool new products.

    The thing with this site is it has the wow/shareability factor - I just loved browsing through it to see all the weird stuff that was there and I think I even shared it along on my facebook feed... but I'm sure he needs a TON of traffic to make any cash/sales (which I'm sure he has and most likely gets a lot of impulse buys).

    Was trying to figure out how to work this model in a more niche centric way but I'm just not sure how easy it would be. For instance Power-tools as was mentioned above.

    You could easily build a similar site that lays out a bunch of powertools but is anyone going to want to share it? Even if I was REALLY into power-tools I doubt this would be something that I would recommend to my friends and family, but that's just me.

    I'm sure there are ways to work with this but it's definitely going to depend on your product angle
    Signature
    RemoteControlHelicopterReviews.(com/net) - Up for sale! No reasonable offer refused. Great branding for a super hot niche!
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6854942].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Des Lau
    It's been around longer than a year, there are other sites with the same concept all copying one another, and yeah it's a social media delight
    Signature
    -----------------------------

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6855068].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author mosthost
    Yes, it's a good site. However, they are full of crap when they say "We are not interested in spamming any lame products at you, or compromising the integrity of this site with paid product advertisements. When you visit ThisIsWhyImBroke you’ll only see unique products that our staff was so fond of, we felt it needed to be shared with our viewers" and run Google Adense ads alongside the statement.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6855084].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author magiclint
    Haha I love this site! Bookmarked!

    Traffic is always the key, and as a noob myself I'd love to find out how traffic is being generated.
    Signature
    Magiclint

    I'm a magician too! Get a free magic trick from me by clicking here!
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6855203].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author onSubie
    Same theme/layout on this site: Cool Camping Gear

    Mahlon
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6855376].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author KEKilpatrick
    I'm diggin' the concept, looking long and hard at the shower gel nose dispenser... the kids would get a kick out of that.
    Signature

    “Until the 20th century, reality was everything humans could touch, smell, see and hear. Since the initial publication of the charged electromagnetic spectrum, humans learned that what they can touch, smell, see, and hear…is less than one millionth of reality”

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6855449].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author magiclint
      Can anyone explain how the theme lists items? The theme itself is quite basic, and I can't imagine all the products are manually created in wysiwyg format, surely there's a plugin used.
      Signature
      Magiclint

      I'm a magician too! Get a free magic trick from me by clicking here!
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6855560].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author Aussie_Al
        Great site - simplicity really is genius - without being able to help myself I just posted cool things on half a dozen of my facebook friends pages and I am sure their friends will be clicking and checking out too
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6856163].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author outNabout
    Anybody who have found out the theme used on these sites..it looks good,still can be used with other sites not just amazon
    Signature
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6856212].message }}
  • {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6856364].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author powerboss
    Superb site and yet very simple in design
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6859004].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Todd Pedersen
    To do that kind of business in only 1 years is inspiring. I really like the floating iceberg.

    I am not sure which exact theme he or she uses is the most important. The one thing that stands out to mee about the site is how visual it is.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6859641].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author failideas
    that's an great idea and an amazing concept that works greatly, they have each day 300 new facebook likes.
    They must be making good money and having lots of traffic.
    Signature
    Dental WordPress Theme - Dentist WP Theme - Lawyer WordPress Theme

    ++ Theme Release News and Promotions > submit here
    Affiliates - wanna make good money. Subscribe here Affiliates List
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6863236].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Pole
      Darn, that's a great site. A very creative site with a creative layout, this guy is going places.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6863310].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author DubDubDubDot
    Sites like this have been around for several years. This is just one of the more amusing ones, so it went viral.

    I wouldn't get too excited over launching a copycat version. It isn't about the design as much as it is the "power in numbers" viral traffic. Buying traffic for something like this would be a disaster.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6863603].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author dc_publius
    I think, but I'm not entirely sure, that he got his exposure through Reddit. He's been a member there a long time, advertises there, and obviously people post his stuff too... He did an AMA.

    Also... someone copied his concept and calls it thatiswhyimbroke.com (or similar) They've been battling it out...
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6865115].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author ldiaz117
      Originally Posted by dc_publius View Post

      I think, but I'm not entirely sure, that he got his exposure through Reddit. He's been a member there a long time, advertises there, and obviously people post his stuff too... He did an AMA.

      Also... someone copied his concept and calls it thatiswhyimbroke.com (or similar) They've been battling it out...
      You are right about reddit
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6866103].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author patadeperro
    I don't know if you know but the owner of ThisIsWhyImBroke buys a lot of traffic, I have seen a lot of his ads n Reddit.com in several subreddits and he spends a good amount of money in it
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6866165].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author theteach
    Great concept and I really like the layout.

    It definitely gave me some ideas.

    Thanks for posting!
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6866766].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Randall Magwood
    Seems like a very lucrative site. I saw a product that was on sale for $13,000. 100,000+ facebook fans dont hurt either. But i personally think that the site is all over the place. I have no idea of what they want me to do when i visit the site... except buy "something". I didn't see a search function on the site.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6867532].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author godinu
    there are a lot of sites like this that have been around for years and haven't made much money.. weirdeststuff.com is one of them. Still a fun site though. I suppose the difference being one site buys traffic and the other doesn't.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6867728].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author MaryPabelate
    Banned
    I'm not sure if this kind of sites convert but what I would say that visitors from search engines are targeted visitors to your site so try to optimize some targeted keywords and get visitors from search engine for better benefit.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6867784].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author onSubie
      Originally Posted by MaryPabelate View Post

      I'm not sure if this kind of sites convert but what I would say that visitors from search engines are targeted visitors to your site so try to optimize some targeted keywords and get visitors from search engine for better benefit.

      I think a site like this converts but probably not directly for the products it is selling.

      This site looks like it is built on viral traffic more than SEO and people are looking at the products with a "wow" or "cool" factor, not as something they may actually purchase.

      But looking at "cool" products usually puts people into a buying mood because now they want something "cool" or just "something" because they have been looking at weird and cool items that they "could have".

      Since people are going to click through to Amazon to see if the product is "real", this site probably sends a lot of traffic to Amazon (setting a 24 hr cookie) of people that are in "I want a cool product" mode.

      Even if they don't buy a "cool product" they may be in more of a buying mindset for other thing they have been thinking about but never got around to shopping for.

      Mahlon
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6907277].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author ansleyRDgroup
    Interesting site.

    I already sent one link to a friend!
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6868621].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Mr. Ken Russell
    Being creative pays off.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6907291].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author helterskelter
      Just stumbled across (literally - via stumbleupon) thissiwhyimbroke today and came back here to see what I could find out about the layout - of course you WF people were way ahead of me.

      It caught my eye of course partially because of the cool products, but mainly because that layout is very similar to what I've had in mind for one of my sites I'm getting ready to build.

      Has anyone had any luck developing something similar-looking yet? I'm looking for a theme - preferably free - that has CSS selectors built in off of the info on this thread, but I haven't found anything I'm loving that I know will work yet.

      Any suggestions, or anyone have any luck?
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7050252].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author SShip
        Originally Posted by helterskelter View Post

        It caught my eye of course partially because of the cool products, but mainly because that layout is very similar to what I've had in mind for one of my sites I'm getting ready to build.

        Has anyone had any luck developing something similar-looking yet? I'm looking for a theme - preferably free - that has CSS selectors built in off of the info on this thread, but I haven't found anything I'm loving that I know will work yet.

        Any suggestions, or anyone have any luck?
        There is a new WSO plugin that just came out over the past weekend that allows you to do something similar on your site. I purchased it and it's been extremely easy to use. http://www.warriorforum.com/warrior-...wp-plugin.html
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7050895].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author helterskelter
          Thanks SShip - I'll take a look at it. What theme are you using in conjunction with it?
          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7051599].message }}
          • Profile picture of the author SShip
            Originally Posted by helterskelter View Post

            Thanks SShip - I'll take a look at it. What theme are you using in conjunction with it?
            Right now I'm using the twenty eleven. You're supposed to be able to use other themes as well though. Prior to this plugin, I was using the "magazine basic" theme and it really wasn't what I wanted.

            I believe they are now also working on it so it works with widgets. Aaron the creator of the plugin is extremely responsive to his/their customers through the help desk I've found and completely open to suggestions.

            I'd like to have some widgets on my sidebar, but at this time, it's suiting my needs and is exactly what I've been looking for until they can make the updates.
            {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7051651].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author WebPen
    That is an awesome site.

    I gotta say- the Toilet Bowl Coffee Mug is kinda funny, but it'd be hard to drink my coffee out of it...
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7050445].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author 993rs
    Oh wow, what a site! So simple, yet so effective.

    I'm loving the marshall stack fridge. Nearly clicked on the blooming link too!
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7050706].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author ldiaz117
    There are multiple sites just like it nowadays. I myself have one that is doing well.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7050742].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Shirley-Ann
    Banned
    [DELETED]
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7050758].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author ldiaz117
      Originally Posted by Shirley-Ann View Post

      Very nice. I wonder if he had special skills in html coding for programming, with some specific software to assist or was it all done manually (copying and pasting the Amazon products).
      He has some background in programming and basic web design knowledge. Now he has a whole team. The Wordpress theme is a basic theme that they highly customized. And yes, REDDIT is what really helped them explode.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7050768].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author mmntv
    Cool site. They are definitely picking cool products. Some of the other similar sites kind of leave me "eh". I'd be real curious though about how profitable it really is.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7050805].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Ducksauce
    The OP said: "I believe the guy who started it has had it up for a little over a year. He has about 140,000 facebook followers and has had his site thrown around all different types of sites, in all different types of forums, catering to people with tons of different interests, hobbies, etc. "
    I am wondering, if you put a interesting item into a forum for traffic generation who would you do it? I mean, the home page list maybe 80 products that if you click on they go straight to the item for sale, and not a individual page about the item like a typical review on a blog that you would link on a forum saying, hey this is an interesting flying machine. Here in order to get the commission's you can only link to the home page and hope the person finds it.

    The product are updated daily to keep them fresh and eventually drop off the page. Not a good user experience and makes non relevant links in the forum you are exploiting.

    Any ideas?
    Signature

    I love life an everything in it. Don't worry, be happy.

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7052000].message }}
  • {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7052037].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author JadeLy
    I'm sure they make a buck or 10. Anyone that clicks through the image to have a closer look is immediately taken to the merchant store. As others have commented, simple but effective.

    Definitely relying on the quirky / cool factor and social media rather than SEO.

    Hmmm - should think about setting up something similar ...
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7052065].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author godinu
    I realize this post isn't farm fresh, but how does one site like this become insanely popular while others don't get a notice? I've read interviews where the owner of this site started making money right away... he doesn't write any reviews mind you. This is just a straight product site. Yes, it's cool stuff, but it's all stuff you can find yourself on amazon. Google hates this type of site since it is just an aff site. So how would one make such a site stand out, other than spending a ton on advertising?
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7167776].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author JackTheFrost
      Originally Posted by godinu View Post

      I realize this post isn't farm fresh, but how does one site like this become insanely popular while others don't get a notice? I've read interviews where the owner of this site started making money right away... he doesn't write any reviews mind you. This is just a straight product site. Yes, it's cool stuff, but it's all stuff you can find yourself on amazon. Google hates this type of site since it is just an aff site. So how would one make such a site stand out, other than spending a ton on advertising?
      If Google hates it I love it
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7203415].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author XYZcontent
    Truly incredible site. I'm amazed by the simplicity and beauty of the theme.
    Signature
    Your one-stop shop for all written content.

    Visit us at XYZcontent.com
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7198246].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author wilhb81
    Even though it's a simple and neat design website, but I think the conversion rate for this site is suppose to be enormous!
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7203650].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author ARealBiz
    Thesis is my #1 choice. It is very flexible theme for professional sites, even for auto blog sites.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7205670].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author thebitbotdotcom
    Originally Posted by beastmodemike View Post

    So as a noob, one site which stands out in my mind is thisiswhyimbroke.com. If you haven't seen it, go check it out now!

    I believe the guy who started it has had it up for a little over a year. He has about 140,000 facebook followers and has had his site thrown around all different types of sites, in all different types of forums, catering to people with tons of different interests, hobbies, etc.

    He promotes affiliate products through amazon as well as other sites. The main thing is that the products really jump out at you. No review needed. This is an impulse buy site which you could spend hours on just browsing. The name is short, easy to remember, and catchy. Instead of targeting a SPECIFIC niche, he chose to target something where people buy on impulse based on sheer coolness/humor.

    What do you guys think of this site? Looking for thoughts.
    Oh, I am so going to copycat that idea...LOL!
    Signature
    Do Your Copywriting Skills Suck?

    Let Us Help You Develop Your Writing Skills!

    Submit Guest Posts With [ TheBitBot.Com ]
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7205780].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author gpwilson
    I think he spend more than one year. Otherwise it would not be possible. Most importantly he tries in every possible way. Now he is enjoying the results.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7205975].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author gundammeister
    Is there any plugins that do the same?
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7210668].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Lucian Lada
    What I don't understand is how on earth is he finding all those products? I mean, does he wake up and say "Gee, I wonder if there are any toilet bowl coffee mugs on Amazon, why won't I just look?".

    Any ideas?
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7283536].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author charlize
      Originally Posted by Lucian Lada View Post

      What I don't understand is how on earth is he finding all those products? I mean, does he wake up and say "Gee, I wonder if there are any toilet bowl coffee mugs on Amazon, why won't I just look?".

      Any ideas?
      If you read the site's About Us page, it says the site is run by a "bunch of geeks who partake in way too much online window shopping... has compiled an ever growing list of cool, useful, funny, and unique products." There are about 7 persons identified there including an Editor and Coder.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7283744].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author ldiaz117
      Originally Posted by Lucian Lada View Post

      What I don't understand is how on earth is he finding all those products? I mean, does he wake up and say "Gee, I wonder if there are any toilet bowl coffee mugs on Amazon, why won't I just look?".

      Any ideas?
      It's easy..I do it everyday. Pinterest is one place I use. Can't mention others
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7284061].message }}

Trending Topics