70 {{ upvoteCount | shortNum }}
70 {{ upvoteCount | shortNum }}

Here's how a small website brought in $30,000 in 3 weeks without Google

by ronr
55 replies
It's really easy to think you need the latest shiney object or new plugin to make money.

I love finding unusual websites and business ideas that you've probably never heard and seen before. Here's one I found many years ago that is timely with the elections going full swing right now.

Here's The Story...

Back in the 2000, the US presidential elections there was a huge controversy over who had one the election. It took weeks to sort it out. When a winner was named, everyone who supported the guy who lost was very upset. One guy in Colorado, had an idea and launched a small website. He sold a few cheap bumper stickers and other items that read "He Is Not My President."

His site brought in $1,500 the first week.

Then he sent out some news releases and all heck broke lose! His site was mentioned in USA Today, The Denver Post, and lot's of other media. The poor guy had to work 40 hrs. a week for 3 full weeks just to fill the orders. He earned over $30,000 in just a few weeks.

Then he contacted the media again and announced he was shutting down the site (smart plan) and when the word got out he was swamped with requests to keep the site open and keep offering his products.

Could you earn an extra $30K in a few weeks using this model?

For example right now people are making money with bumper stickers, T-shirts and other merchandise that say things like:

"Yes I Did Build It" that references Obama's remarks about business owners not really building their business

or

"I'm One of the 47%" referencing Romney's statement that 47% don't pay income taxes.

With sites like Zazzle.com and Cafepress.com it's easier than ever to create products like these.

The key is to watch for controversial statements by the candidates, create your products/website and contact the media. The news is hungry about interesting stories about the elections. Just a few news writeup could drive thousands of visitors to your website.

The election will be so close that even after the elections there will still be plenty of opportunities for several months after.

Do some brainstorming. It's a fun way to make some extra money, quickly about current events.

Hope this got you thinking

Ron
#$30 #bought #brought #google #small #website #weeks
  • Profile picture of the author Kal Sallam
    Great stuff.

    I have seen many sites like these, but isn't that just a one time thing?
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7069637].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author ronr
      These can tend to be shorter term but I've followed several of these type of sites and found that if they got a lot of media attention they could bring in a lot of money in a short time. More than most sites bring in over years.

      However, if they add more products along the same theme some of them still brought in some income for years since the news reports show in the search engines for a long time.

      Besides what if you put an optin on your site. You are creating an email
      list that you could possibly mail to for a long time.

      Ron

      Originally Posted by Kal Sallam View Post

      Great stuff.

      I have seen many sites like these, but isn't that just a one time thing?
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7069749].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author signumdomine
        He had the right idea at the right time. Cudos to him.
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7069867].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author Walter Parrish
          sounds like a good idea, but i would think you would need to be an insider or already have a relationship with the media.
          Signature
          Use Feeder Sites, Articles, And Social Media Sites To Generate Unstoppable Traffic, FREE! Click Here Now To Get It For FREE
          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7071688].message }}
          • Profile picture of the author ronr
            Sure it would be great to have an insider on the media but you don't need one.

            I've received numerous newspaper write ups about different businesses I've had over the years. The media loves this kind of stuff. There was an article in our local paper this week about a guy who was trying to sell advertising space on his car. He wasn't having any success but that didn't stop the newspaper from going him a half page article with a photo. With the publicity he got he many have got some advertisers, who knows.
            The local press is easy to get press because they are always looking for local stories.

            The national press can be harder but it can be done. There are no guarentees but it costs nothing to try and the results can be huge!

            Ron

            Ron

            Originally Posted by Walter Parrish View Post

            sounds like a good idea, but i would think you would need to be an insider or already have a relationship with the media.
            {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7074345].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author domain2day
    I agree, it's a one time thing, but I know people watch the search trends, build adsense sites, and quickly rank for keywords.

    To me this is just 1 of probably 100s, if not 1000s, of internet marketing ideas. I actually love this idea, but struggle in trying to figure out how to incorporate this in my overall plan.

    It's easy to get caught up in yet other way to make money online. Maybe I will give it a shot with a cheap domain name and some quick back-linking.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7069683].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author sniperdomi
    This is a very good idea that comes in the right time.
    If you use the right strategy it can really be profitable.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7071714].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author michaelplies
    same strategy can also be applied to other events like superbowl, or when something goes viral like any sport championship victory , ufc moments and much much more.
    Signature
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7074835].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author alpinewood
    Banned
    It's not just about short term fads either, some of the more controversial stuff might be profitable for the long term e.g. war on terrorism etc. but would try to avoid getting too political and push people's buttons in the wrong way though from a business perspective
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7074904].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Perrymma
    Great info thanks alot!
    Signature
    Want real social media fans and followers?
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7075099].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author foomenow
    I believe it would all about timing I would think, then from there u would too jump on it really fast!, build a WP site, get a cheap domain, etc???
    Signature

    Profit With Jimbo!
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7075147].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Tony Dean
    How about a sticker saying "I am the 1%"?
    Others would not like to be left out and would by a sticker as well!
    Signature

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7075185].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author theory expert
    Banned
    Piggybacking off of trends will always work. Events that happen every 4 years are no different. Nice little reminder.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7075278].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author myob
      This is actually a common offline marketing technique, and it does not necessarily have to be a one-time shot or short-term campaign. Virtually anything that is tied in with controversial issues, or is provocative, dramatic, unusual, humorous, etc often gets the attention of the media resulting in direct traffic. Publishers are hungry for this type of content, if you can weave such human-interest stories in with your product promotions.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7075465].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author ronr
        Exactly.

        I have another story I'll need to post about someone who put up a fan site for a celebrity who was convicted or a tax scandel and had to go to jail. It was quite controversal and the person still had legions of fans. The person who put up the website supporting them got a huge amount of free publicity from the media and traffic to the site from it. They continue to sell related merchandise 5 years later.

        Originally Posted by myob View Post

        This is actually a common offline marketing technique, and it does not necessarily have to be a one-time shot or short-term campaign. Virtually anything that is tied in with controversial issues, or is provocative, dramatic, unusual, humorous, etc often gets the attention of the media resulting in direct traffic. Publishers are hungry for this type of content, if you can weave such human-interest stories in with your product promotions.
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7080689].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author PerformanceMan
          Originally Posted by ronr View Post

          Exactly.

          I have another story I'll need to post about someone who put up a fan site for a celebrity who was convicted or a tax scandel and had to go to jail. It was quite controversal and the person still had legions of fans. The person who put up the website supporting them got a huge amount of free publicity from the media and traffic to the site from it. They continue to sell related merchandise 5 years later.
          Yes, that's an excellent idea too. Keep'em coming
          Signature
          Free Special Report on Mindset - Level Up with Positive Thinking
          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7080712].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author celente
      Originally Posted by theory expert View Post

      Piggybacking off of trends will always work. Events that happen every 4 years are no different. Nice little reminder.
      they do have a bit of a shelf life on occasions, but realistically this can make you good amounts of money.

      You can study your competitors, and all the time I do this, and keep asking yourself, what are they missing out on, that needs addressing or can set yourself apart.

      Also in the right hands....google trends is a very very VERY powerful tool to the astute marketer.
      Signature
      Create a $5000 USD a month Business. 1-on-1 Coaching. By 6 figure marketer! - CLICK HERE
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7077849].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author dudeontheweb
    "Obama Phone"

    Thank me later.

    Now go out and make some money!
    Signature

    Need a QR Code? Check out my QR Code Generator. It's FREE!

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7076426].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Jacqueline Smith
    Thanks for the reminder to always be thinking outside of the box.

    Reading threads like this gets the creative juices flowing....I love this place!
    Signature
    Momdipity.com
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7076908].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author flowerslebanon
      looks like a good idea, however, it is related to certain political situation where all media is concentrated on elections and such smart idea can be also a part of an elections campain. wondering how can it be customized to fit for certain Singers of Songs for example, this way it such campain can be launched at all times.
      i've got also another idea that would like to share: its called A One Dollar Exchange with any currency less than a dollar. A guy have done this by exchanging a One Million of his local currency (that worth 0.25 USD) with One Million Dollar!! amazing...
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7077065].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author IMDealBox
    Interesting method to use politics to make money!

    But Obama did not say that. He was referring to the fact that business owners did not build those bridges...His words were taken out of context! Just saying!
    Signature
    I.M Hound: Intelligent Business Solutions & I.M News
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7077132].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Black Hat Cat
      Banned
      Originally Posted by EdwardsEZPC View Post

      Interesting method to use politics to make money!

      But Obama did not say that. He was referring to the fact that business owners did not build those bridges...His words were taken out of context! Just saying!
      Speaking of bridges, I have a couple in NY for sale right now if you're interested.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7077185].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Zend
    Today, I learn that politics is quite a popular niche. You must be very creative to think the "punch line" of your movement. And always update your information from online news or Reddit.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7077349].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Chri5123
    Awesome example of how effective trend marketing can be - in fact all marketing is "trend marketing" of sorts I suppose.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7077355].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author asepkomara
    I think that one is for one time event.
    Signature

    Global Domains International - The Internet Land Rush Is On!
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7077761].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author 993rs
    Everyone does your marketing for you with this business too,

    now where's those silk screens.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7078310].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author IMAdam
    There is a saying that I think holds very true in the world...."follow the herd and you'll get slaughtered."

    It's always good to differentiate your self a bit from what others are doing. It does not mean one needs to reinvent the wheel.

    Adam
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7078405].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author jbsmith
    To me, I would rather take the same approach but as it relates to new buzz about a new product or category that is hitting the market - for example, I pulled in a bunch of cash for nearly a year around iRobot vacuums when they first hit the market and were not yet available in many stores...same approach for several different new products with lots of buzz. These tend to last longer, offer more promotional opportunity (not just ads) and can actually be flipped for very good cash while they are hot.

    Jeff
    Signature
    Turn Your Knowledge Into High-Paying Digital Products To Sell Online
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7078446].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Green Moon
    You have to be able to act fast to capitalize on trends. If someone beats you to the idea and the product while you are rolling it out, you're dead in the water.

    If you can be first, and catch a break with the media, riding the crest of a fad can be both exciting and profitable.
    Signature
    Find an Accountant | Tax Help
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7079042].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Mark72
    Even if this is just short term, it could make enough money to invest in a building a more sustainable business.
    Signature
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7079125].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Viramara
    OMG what a reminder! Once I went to an IM seminar, and the speaker said he made much money from selling T-shirts online written "vote Obama" and "vote McCain"

    But funny T-shirts is more viral, timeless and likable! Try transform those LOLCats to T-shirt!
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7079317].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author jobchix
    I have a new website quality custom writing dot net The website provides custom academic papers. I need a joint venture or someone who can promote the website in US and UK.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7079364].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author samjaynz
    Darn you Americans and your exciting elections. Nothing like that ever happens in good old NZ
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7080740].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author DubDubDubDot
      Originally Posted by samjaynz View Post

      Darn you Americans and your exciting elections. Nothing like that ever happens in good old NZ
      Be thankful for that. Our elections are nothing more than political theater and stupid Americans enjoy every minute of it. That's why our government has been a joke for decades.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7080980].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author DubDubDubDot
    People have been doing this online forever. You can probably count on two hands the number of times a political t-shirt or bumper sticker has made it into mainstream media. The other 948726343 people made little to nothing.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7080971].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author ronr
      Thanks for positive contribution.

      Did you know "948726343" people have tried to sell ebooks and do internet marketing also and didn't make any money? Then I guess we shouldn't study what people are doing who are successful selling ebooks.

      The idea is to find and model what people are doing that are successful.

      This was posted for people who have a mind like a parachute. It works best when it's open :-)

      Ron


      Originally Posted by DubDubDubDot View Post

      People have been doing this online forever. You can probably count on two hands the number of times a political t-shirt or bumper sticker has made it into mainstream media. The other 948726343 people made little to nothing.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7084957].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author WebsiteForSell
    i know a guy who made $100k off "osama's dead' type t-shirts....riduclous people would even walk around with that on but to each their own
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7081009].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author 300SMG
    As its been stated numerous times in this thread big money makers are few and far between but custom products with catch phases and pop culture references are great for added income. Let that money make you more money. Meaning, I know a guy who runs a pretty successful bar/restaurant and between the pool table, jukebox, quick draw lottery he pays his mortgage on the building. He is able to use all the money from his main revenue flow to advertise, pay staff, pay for inventory etc. if you can find a passive income that will pay your server/hosting bills, your outsourcing etc than your main source of income will allow you to grow much faster.
    Signature

    Don't focus on the money - focus on the plan!

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7082323].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author JakeAng
    Yeah it's probably a one off, but nothing wrong with that, it's a good way to make some extra cash.

    Thanks for this interesting idea.
    Signature
    Gaming Reviews
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7082895].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author himanuzo
    Made $30,000 in 3 weeks by selling bumper stickers, T-shirts and other merchandises that related to the U.S president election?
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7085578].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author ronr
      I posted how one person made that money during a past US election. The idea is to learn from the model and apply it to other current events.

      Ron

      Originally Posted by himanuzo View Post

      Made $30,000 in 3 weeks by selling bumper stickers, T-shirts and other merchandises that related to the U.S president election?
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7085618].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author GaurabBorah
    If you are alert, keep your eyes, ears open and think smartly you can easily take advantage of such things. Remember the Michael Jackson thing, when he died, a guy made billions selling his T-shirts on a small website.
    Signature
    [WSOTD] Easy STEP-BY-STEP $50-$100/Day Posting Lame FB Ads!*WARRIORS MAKING MONEY*(New Social PROOF)...Click here
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7085785].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Black Hat Cat
      Banned
      Originally Posted by GaurabBorah View Post

      If you are alert, keep your eyes, ears open and think smartly you can easily take advantage of such things. Remember the Michael Jackson thing, when he died, a guy made billions selling his T-shirts on a small website.
      Ummm, I think you meant "millions". Michael Jackson himself didn't even make billions.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7086065].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Randall Magwood
    This sounds like a clever guy. I got a cousin who want to sell some Obama t-shirts and bumper stickers... i'ma email him this thread's link... lol....
    Signature
    ==>> Free book reveals make money with affiliate marketing
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7085793].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author seotothecore
    I actually talked to someone who sold magnetic bumper stickers for political candidates once they first came out and made just bundles of money so yea, simple ideas can kill it
    Signature
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7087194].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Aegir
    Cause marketing is a highly effective technique because people love to feel they are not alone in their beliefs... reaffirming someones belief is an easy way to make instant rapport with that person... Now it is you & them against the world, where before it was just them..
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7088034].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author goindeep
      Hah! That's a great story actually.

      I love stories like these.

      It took me a long time to not only understand but to also put to use;

      The fact that the person who sits and ponders, then works on everything else apart from the sale loses, while the guy that asks for the sale and then swaps his product or service for the persons hard earned money gets the business.

      This is especially true for small timers, you know, one man bands.

      I work for a major corporate big wig type company and so I know processes and procedures that have no value to a business at all and while the big boys spend their time meddling with crap like this there are small time operators like this dude catching onto a fad and selling the hell out of it.

      You need to understand that in business everyone and everything is your competition. People think of their "competitors" as the people in their market that sell the same or similar product to the same group of people.

      The reality is that there is only a certain amount of money in peoples pockets at any one time. So if I offer johnny to buy My Pizza and coke for $20 that's $20 less he has to buy something else.
      Signature
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7088541].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author ronr
        Just so show you how passionate people are about politics..I sent this business idea out to my email list and got a scathing email back a few minutes later.

        In the story I gave an example of a controversal Obama statement and a controversal Romney statement that people had turned into products and were profiting from.

        I never said anything in the email that said I believed or disbelieved either of the statements, but they accused me of spreading false information about their candidate.

        This is a perfect example why controversal topics can create passionate buyers, if you are on their side. But you also might need a thick skin if you take or are even perceived to take the other position or candidate.

        Ron
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7092237].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author jerrywhyte
    sound ideology
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7088351].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author juls4u
      Thanks everyone this is going to make my husband very happy.

      Juls
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7088531].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author peteJ
    Great stuff man, staying on top of popular topics is always good to bring in a little extra cash.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7088533].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author eternalsongbird
    Sounds good. If I do this stuff I wanna be sure that it is not just one time earning. Can anyone tell me the next steps to progress?
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7213686].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author ezpay4me
    I've thought about doing something like that but for some strange reason I just didn't
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7213736].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Mollysbrother
    Interesting, too. That was before the onslaught of Facebook, Twitter, social media, social networking, etc. Just think what can be done in this day and age!
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7321559].message }}

Trending Topics