What's a realistic timeline?

West · #1 (**permalink**) 06-25-2007, 06:09 AM

Hello Everyone,

I currently use Yahoo web hosting for a website, and Google for 2 blogs, and I would like to start making money from at least one of my sites. Even though I am on a budget, I have decided to go ahead and purchase Site Build It! Once I start building a site with it, I also want to set a realistic goal for myself. I know I wont be able to quit my 9-5 anytime soon, but I would eventually like to start making a nice income via the internet. My question is, for those of you who use Site Build It, and are generating your ideal profit from you sites, how long did it take to get there? Once I publish my site, how far along should I be in 6 months, and 1 year?
Thanks.

lisa · #2 (**permalink**) 06-25-2007, 10:38 AM

Hi West

It took my SBI! site about a year and a half to make enough to pay my mortgage but I have to say that is probably the exception more than the rule. I can't speak for everyone but from what I've read on the SBI! forums it generally takes much longer for people to start seeing those kinds of results.

There are so many factors so it's going to vary drastically from person to person. You have to consider the topic, how much content is created, how well the content is received, how much marketing is done, motivation, dedication, etc. These are all factors that will make everyone's story drastically different.

So that "how long" question is very tricky because it often gives people false hope (depending on the story). So basically you get out of it what you put into it.

Elad from coolest-parties.com earned $2,000 per month after only SIX MONTHS! Again, the exception more than the rule. And on the other hand there are others who have had their sites for a couple of years and still can't get over the 200 visitor per day mark.

So it really depends.

max · #3 (**permalink**) 06-25-2007, 02:03 PM

Yeah that's a tough question as Lisa said. I'm the example of a person NOT to follow.

I've had my site for nearly 3 months now and I only have a few pages up - mainly because life issues have kept me from staying focused.

So I will be the one that it takes a lot longer than Lisa's story.

The point I want to make about sbi is that it works but you have to work it. You still have to write your content, be creative with your ideas and market your site. sbi just gives you the tools ALL IN ONE PLACE and it makes it easier.

For example all my sitemaps are updated at all times automatically so I don't have to manually do it and sbi submits them all to google, yahoo and msn sitemaps for me. My newsletter manager is all built in so I don't have to outsource with Aweber or any other company. I love having everything right there but the timeline for success really depends on you.

It's a great system though. Good luck!

webdev · #4 (**permalink**) 06-25-2007, 06:08 PM

I would have to agree with everyone else. It really depends on many things. You could be a excellent writer, know your theme very well, structure your site which is human and search engine friendly but to get a instant hit you have to know how to market your site offline and online.

I think it is easy to market your site offline than online. For example, if your site is about real estate (how to buy and sell your house) and you know know this theme well, then you sure would know some real estate agents and can promote your site through them or even advertise it in your local newspaper. This way you have more control and you will get instant hits. This is just an example.

I think its really hard to promote your site online if don't know online marketing. You not only need to know about your subject but you need to know your competition as well what they are doing. You need to know how they promote so you know how to promote and where to promote (this is most important step).

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