Major Confusion

<charlie> · #1 (**permalink**) 09-11-2009, 05:00 PM

Hi guys,

Here's the lowdown: I think I have rushed through the days 1 - 5 and have made a big mistake.

When I started SBI! my initial site concept was "mind maps"
My idea was to build a site on mind maps then "expand" it into other things such as note taking, speed reading, memory improvements. What I failed to see was that this means my site concept was actually an entirely different thing.

Still today, I am lost at what my site concept actually is: This is where I really would be most grateful with your help. What is my site concept - is it in fact self improvement, mind self improvement or self help - (btw I checked out the numbers for these and they aren't the best.) I really have no idea what keyword my site concept would come under.

I know what my site is about, but have no idea what keyword the concept should be. Should I get brainstorming and try to find another site concept?

Now, here comes the worst problem - now I know that my site concept is different I have no idea for a domain name. My domain name now - the-organic-mind.com is no good whatsoever with the search engines. Would I have to change my domain name to my new site concept?

And finally I don't really think I have been using a "voice"
If you look through my site you will see that my voice isn't really unique. I've been struggling to find myself a voice, and do you guys have any ideas on what it could be?

I am so sorry to waste your time. My idea was destined to fail and I would really, really appreciate your help

Thanks a bunch,
Charlie

West · #2 (**permalink**) 09-11-2009, 07:07 PM

It actually sounds to me like you are on the right track. Just because you want to expand to other topics does not mean that your site concept has to change. I think it's a good idea to go a little off topic, because it could give you more ways to get traffic. I would keep your concept as-is for right now, and just concentrate on building the content.

And regarding your domain name, it is not as important as the other elements of your page. Your main keyword being mentioned throughout the page, in the page description and page title, as well as getting backlinks from other sites is what will attract search engines to your site, not necessarily the domain name.

Regarding finding a voice, pretend you are talking to someone as you write. It will help you sound more like yourself.

<charlie> · #3 (**permalink**) 09-11-2009, 07:10 PM

Thanks so much for your advice, West. Your advice is one of the best that I've heard. It is nice to know that I have not completely lost it!

By the way, I really like your sites!

Cheers,
Charlie

ed7up · #4 (**permalink**) 09-13-2009, 02:43 PM

Actually, I would argue you may want to invest in a better domain name; go to name park it and choose a much more 'keyword rich' domain unless you're happy with the voice and angle with your current one.

Why? Because most of your inbound links won't have any special anchor text.. therefore your keyword should be included and it makes all the difference. Also, looking at that myself - it doesn't really say much specifically on it's own.. are you talking about organic vegetables?

The domain is REALLY important, especially as your site ages and gains domain authority and credibility with other sites and search engines.

Decide now how you want to focus your website and perhaps go back over days 2 to 4 and take care. I strongly suggest using Site Structure It from the SBI Resource HQ and plan out your site blueprint with specialist software purpose-built for SBIers. You will then be able to decide if your numbers are right.

I rushed and failed to plan as much as I liked with my first site; I sold it later on and started something totally different which I enjoyed a lot more. I'd say, take an hour away from the computer, go for a walk or something (this is why I love dogs!

) and think through 'your perfect website'. Perhaps even watch the SBI promo videos again, and then wait until you find something for definite that makes you smile and sure that it is "for you".

Best of luck!

Mr Potential · #5 (**permalink**) 09-13-2009, 03:51 PM

I would tend to agree more with ed7up on this one. Charlie, we instinctively know when something is wrong or the path we are on is not meeting our expectations. This is the first clue as to why you started this thread and then stated the following:

Your Quote “Here's the lowdown: I think I have rushed through the days 1 - 5 and have made a big mistake.”

This is a “definite change” signal to make a change and with the implications of what the change should be. So, I would like to reinforce this one idea a 3rd time, which was implied by you and stated by ed7up, go back over Days 2-4 again and do not rush it. I think you have a wonderful niche idea. I’m all about mind stuff., its very empowering. Rushing only brings more of the same frustration. Remember the tortoise. Also, the Tips & techniques HQ, has some powerful articles on brainstorming and finding your niche, crafted by Ken and other successful SBIers. The wealth of knowledge and answers are within your hands. If you run too fast you will drop something very key and without a key you can’t drive anywhere and you can open any doors you need to get into. I also agree with West, in that I believe that you are close to where you need to be, however your inner-self is screaming at you to go through the material again with patience and understanding. All the best.

BreLove · #6 (**permalink**) 09-14-2009, 10:04 AM

Ok so maybe a good Sticky for all newbies interested in purchasing or remotely considering purchasing SBI! should be to go into SBI with only an idea of what topics you could write about.

As a newbie, I've already thought through how I want my site to look, how I want to present the content, what really catchy domain name I want, etc. I'm even, mentally, counting the money. However, being a newbie means that I have no idea what the best course of action would be so I am not qualified (not a bad thing) for any of this...hence the cart before horse - Eureka, I got it!!

To maybe decrease the amount of frustration, it seems we need to ONLY know what topics we'd be interested in and that we want SBI! to be our platform and then we need to get to learning how to execute a successful site. Does that make sense?

Otherwise, I create content that I'll have to redo after reading MYWS!, I create domain names that give no indication of the purpose of my site and/or I take on advanced coding when there isn't a need in SBI!.

lisa · #7 (**permalink**) 09-14-2009, 12:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BreLove

Ok so maybe a good Sticky for all newbies interested in purchasing or remotely considering purchasing SBI! should be to go into SBI with only an idea of what topics you could write about.

As a newbie, I've already thought through how I want my site to look, how I want to present the content, what really catchy domain name I want, etc. I'm even, mentally, counting the money. However, being a newbie means that I have no idea what the best course of action would be so I am not qualified (not a bad thing) for any of this...hence the cart before horse - Eureka, I got it!!

To maybe decrease the amount of frustration, it seems we need to ONLY know what topics we'd be interested in and that we want SBI! to be our platform and then we need to get to learning how to execute a successful site. Does that make sense?

Otherwise, I create content that I'll have to redo after reading MYWS!, I create domain names that give no indication of the purpose of my site and/or I take on advanced coding when there isn't a need in SBI!.

I'm not sure I would want to do that. I mean yes, we can discuss potential topics but the whole idea of using SBI! is to get comfortable with the brainstorming tool and trusting its advice to help you decide. I wouldn't want people to get too reliant on other people's advice and not use the tools they pay for. Certainly it's OK to come here and get advice (especially if it's based on the numbers brainstorm it provides). After all, almost any topic can work if you execute.

And as far as only knowing the topics you'd be interested in, that's exactly what the Brainstorming process is about. It starts you out by helping you focus on what you are interested in and what you enjoy and takes you down a path to narrow down your idea based on your interests. I think you should definitely start with your passion and then that narrows things down a LOT.

BreLove · #8 (**permalink**) 09-14-2009, 01:03 PM

Yep, I totally agree. I just didn't do a good job of explaining myself.

Mr Potential · #9 (**permalink**) 09-14-2009, 01:34 PM

BreLove, I appreciate your enthusiasm. I would agree with Lisa. I will also add, according to SBI philosophy what you should bring to the table and throughout the implementation of the program is the following:

Brain and Motivation
Passion, Experience and Knowledge

All the best to you.

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