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happywife
Joined: 14 Aug 2007
Posts: 1565
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#41 · Posted: 16 Sep 2009 00:04
realityshifter: I'm somewhat convinced to buy into SBI. My concern is - I'm planning to put up a forum. Will SBI support that kind of website? I've been looking for a sample SBI supported website which is in a forum format but couldn't find one (except for the Site Build It! Forums which is of course not what I mean). Would appreciate some help. If anyone can lead me to a SBI powered forum for a sampler, that will be great!
Hi,
You can have a forum integrated into your SBI site, but you have to host it elsewhere. Forums are not part of the basic SiteBuildIt package.
There's a tool called InfinIt that allows you to integrate almost any outside function to an SBI site, and although they provide a lot of instruction on how to do it (articles and helpful posts in the private forum), it's not actually supported or run on the SBI servers.
Does that make sense? I don't use outside features yet myself, so I'm not completely well versed on the proper lingo. 
Some people use the Content 2.0 feature that IS available in SBI to create a "forum type" function of the site. By that I mean that visitors can start topics, add comments, etc., but it's a different layout entirely than a typical forum.
If you're just wanting a forum and NOT a niche website, SBI probably isn't the right fit for you. It may be better just to get paid hosting and use one of the free forum softwares to do the job.
On the other hand, if you want a niche website business and then want to add a forum down the road as an added feature for your visitors, that's very do-able. I know there are a number of SBIers who do that, but I can't think of them off the top of my head.
If you want me to find some, let me know by private message and I'll try to locate them and send you the links for your review (can't post the links here in the forum).
Blessings,
Angie
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realityshifter
Forums Member
Joined: 7 Jun 2009
Posts: 23
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#42 · Posted: 16 Sep 2009 07:19
Hi Happywife,
Thanks for the info. That's precisely what I need to make a decision. Too bad that just as I have already psyched myself up to purchase SBI, I have to find out that it won't right away fit into what I have in mind. Of course, the good side of it is I won't have to spend $300 immediately.
But I'm glad I had to throw the question to you through this forum. It prompted me to go through your websites. The more I'm convinced now that SBI is the way to go in internet marketing, at least for me. You are precisely modeling it through your sites. The CTPM model of SBI seems to be the more realistic portrayal of the market and how it behaves.
What I plan to do is, using a different web hosting company, go ahead with the forum on a topic I'm very much interested in . Then from there, generate the possible niche website(s) I'll put up under SBI.
Being an experienced SBI user, do you have any misgiving about that approach? Is it a form of needless procrastination?
Thanks again.
realityshifter
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Newbie Shield
Joined: 22 Sep 2007
Posts: 2226
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#43 · Posted: 16 Sep 2009 09:57
Hi realityshifter,
realityshifter: What I plan to do is, using a different web hosting company, go ahead with the forum on a topic I'm very much interested in . Then from there, generate the possible niche website(s) I'll put up under SBI.
SBI is an excellent choice in general. It's nearly second to none if you're just starting out and you don't know much.
It's excellent for an online marketing education, community via forum, marketing tools, and to spare you from learning on-page SEO and the technical aspects of being a webmaster.
For the newbie soon-to-be-online marketer it's a great choice for the above scenario.
However, if you're going to use a standard hosting account (thus doing all of the above with your own tools and expertise) then don't bother with SBI because you'll be defeating the entire purpose of having an SBI account.
Furthermore, there is absolutely no reason to have more than one SBI account unless you never intend to learn the technical side of a non-SBI standard hosting account.
SBI is also a heck of a lot more expensive than a multiple domain hosting account. It's even a lot more expensive than a single domain hosting account. Only use SBI if you need everything spoon fed to you and you need it "NOW".
SBI is wonderful but you can't host a WordPress blog on it or a forum.
SBI is a wonderful first site hosting and marketing choice. Just know that you'll have to spend $300 per site per year. Obviously they offer discounts for the first year and that helps to get going if you are tight on funds.
By the time you have your first SBI site for a full year, you'll be ready for non-SBI hosting (assuming you've done a little research on uploading files and a few additional minor things).
In your situation it might be best to get a multiple domain hosting account from HostGator. They go for under $200 plus the cost of $10 per domain beyond the first domain.
You could have all of your domains on one account. You could have five domains for under $250 a year through HostGator, BlueHost, or HostMonster.
Plus you'd have full control over what you do with each site.
You'll have to do it for a forum anyhow.
Before you proceed you'll have to know basic HTML and CSS, the fundamentals of online marketing, and a few webmaster tidbits. Quality hosting accounts have tutorials anyhow so don't be afraid.
If you don't know much of the above then spend a few months (6+) learning about it and then experimenting on free sites such as Squidoo. After you have that you'll be ready for non-SBI paid hosting.
It sounds like non-SBI is a good fit for you - especially if you need a forum.
One last thing. Learn everything you can about forum administration before you even consider going into that. It's not easy and most forums fail.
Best of luck,
~Newbie Shield~
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happywife
Joined: 14 Aug 2007
Posts: 1565
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#44 · Posted: 16 Sep 2009 09:58 · Edited by: happywife
realityshifter: Being an experienced SBI user, do you have any misgiving about that approach? Is it a form of needless procrastination?
Keep in mind that my answer is based on a complete lack of experience with building forums.
However, it seems to me that you would do better to build a niche website and build up traffic FIRST and then add a forum for those visitors to discuss the related topics.
The reason I say that is because I've been in a number of very dead forums. It's a very boring place. If you don't already have a following, who is going to populate your forum?
I'm sure Vishal can tell you that getting a forum hopping (like he's done with this one) is no easy task.
I think you'll find "faster" success if you take the topic you are very much interested in and make it a niche website and then bring out the forum when you are averaging a good daily visitor number.
Blessings,
Angie
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mountainmom5
Joined: 30 Aug 2007
Posts: 3099
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#45 · Posted: 16 Sep 2009 10:56
happywife: However, it seems to me that you would do better to build a niche website and build up traffic FIRST and then add a forum for those visitors to discuss the related topics.
I agree - the only exception to that would be if you have a following already that are just chomping at the bit to get into a forum.
I bet Vishal would have some valuable input here....
Yoohoo - ViiIIIiiishal - you still in the room?
He has created one of the best forums online in my opinion - and I have visited a ton of forums on a variety of topics...
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Newbie Shield
Joined: 22 Sep 2007
Posts: 2226
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#46 · Posted: 16 Sep 2009 16:33
happywife: However, it seems to me that you would do better to build a niche website and build up traffic FIRST and then add a forum for those visitors to discuss the related topics. The reason I say that is because I've been in a number of very dead forums. It's a very boring place. If you don't already have a following, who is going to populate your forum? I'm sure Vishal can tell you that getting a forum hopping (like he's done with this one) is no easy task. I think you'll find "faster" success if you take the topic you are very much interested in and make it a niche website and then bring out the forum when you are averaging a good daily visitor number.
Hi Angie,
100% right on the money and I hope that Vishal will duck in here and comment on that.
Forums are tough to get off the ground - contrary to what most believe.
Forums are a terrible first choice for monetizing and same is true for a first site.
It's better to truly know what you are doing by gaining the proper level of experience on a full blown paid hosting site before tackling a forum project.
~Newbie Shield~
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realityshifter
Forums Member
Joined: 7 Jun 2009
Posts: 23
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#47 · Posted: 17 Sep 2009 07:05
Hi Angie/Newbie Shield/mountainmom,
Thanks for the inputs. You have given me a multi-dimensional perspective on what to do. I really appreciate it.
I still need to decide whether my first will be a forum or niche website. I think the best think to do is not to be obsessed with monetizing immediately. I'll settle with what I can enjoy doing first. Then maybe, money will follow.
It may take me some time to put things in order. I hope to keep you updated and most surely, seek more advice along the way.
realityshifter
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mountainmom5
Joined: 30 Aug 2007
Posts: 3099
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#48 · Posted: 17 Sep 2009 22:10
realityshifter: I think the best think to do is not to be obsessed with monetizing immediately. I'll settle with what I can enjoy doing first. Then maybe, money will follow.
My hat is off to you - sounds like you have it pretty much figured out.
I wish you much success and many happy pages...
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lorijowen
Forums Member
Joined: 18 Sep 2009
Posts: 1
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#49 · Posted: 18 Sep 2009 21:42
I am new to this, and would love any advice regarding website building. Hopefully, I am going to start my own online tutoring business soon.
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grh395
Forums Member
Joined: 19 Sep 2009
Posts: 18
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#50 · Posted: 20 Sep 2009 05:26
Hi - I am new to this as well ... at least to this forum.
I messed around with SBI for a bit but I didn't do well with it. That wasn't SBI's fault though - it's a reallly good site especially if you know nothing about html or how to build a website generally (which I didn't at the time).
But I found SBI cumbersome and I was always getting lost. I needed much more patience. It does give really good advice and guidance and the tools are really excellent in lots of ways. But I did find it quite hard work.
I wish I had found this forum when I was using it.
Graham
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mountainmom5
Joined: 30 Aug 2007
Posts: 3099
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#51 · Posted: 20 Sep 2009 09:54
lorijowen: I am new to this, and would love any advice regarding website building. Hopefully, I am going to start my own online tutoring business soon.
I can't speak for everybody but I have nothing to speak of regarding website building skills - I just use the SBI program and it is working beautifully for me as far as creating a website that gets traffic to it.
you can see it at Emergency-Survival-Skills.com
I think it would work great for an online tutoring business...
Welcome by the way.
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happywife
Joined: 14 Aug 2007
Posts: 1565
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#52 · Posted: 22 Sep 2009 23:36
grh395: I messed around with SBI for a bit but I didn't do well with it. That wasn't SBI's fault though - it's a reallly good site especially if you know nothing about html or how to build a website generally (which I didn't at the time). But I found SBI cumbersome and I was always getting lost. I needed much more patience. It does give really good advice and guidance and the tools are really excellent in lots of ways. But I did find it quite hard work.
Hi Graham,
I'm sorry you felt overwhelmed with SBI when you were using it. You are certainly correct in saying it is "quite hard work." That is a fundamental truth that many people fail to realize when it comes to online marketing, whether it be through using tools like SBI or some other method.
Building a long term business IS quite hard work. The wonder of IM to me is that if you choose a subject you really love, it is also quite FUN work. I've had a wonderful time learning and building.
Yes, there were moments I wanted to scream in impatience, or cry in frustration, but I kept reeling my emotions back in and plodded along with the job at hand.
When your site starts bringing in regular income and then it grows and grows, the sense of accomplishment and satisfaction is so rewarding - on top of the financial blessings.
I hope that you have since found something that you were able to commit to and work at long enough to make genuine progress.
Blessings,
Angie
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happywife
Joined: 14 Aug 2007
Posts: 1565
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#53 · Posted: 22 Sep 2009 23:41
lorijowen: I am new to this, and would love any advice regarding website building. Hopefully, I am going to start my own online tutoring business soon.
Hi Lori,
Online tutoring sounds like an interesting challenge. If it's something you really enjoy doing, go for it!
As for website building, the best place to start for beginners, in my opinion is with SiteBuildIt (SBI). It's where I started, and I am quite confident that I would have washed out of online marketing long ago if I hadn't found and used SBI.
As I mentioned in my last post to Graham, it's hard work, but SBI makes it as "simple" as possible for you to succeed with a successful web business if you just faithfully follow their step by step instructions.
I wish you all the best in your exciting new adventure.
Blessings,
Angie
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grh395
Forums Member
Joined: 19 Sep 2009
Posts: 18
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#54 · Posted: 24 Sep 2009 05:41
Hi Angie,
I think 'overwhelmedness' is a natural state for me - I wonder whether it's just part of my make up or aging brain cells. I had a look at your site and you have achieved a lot - it's certainly massively better than I managed to do and I recognise all the things that SBI was teaching and that I never managed to produce myself. I congratulate you. SBI is good, and it taught me a lot - in the end.
Thanks for your concern too - I have tried lots of things in the past but I have found something that is good for me. And it doesn't involve necessarily producing a website - although I have learnt how to do that now. It's a really simple system and has been very successful for people, like me, who have not earned anything on-line previously to quickly achieve that - but of course it requires commitment and effort like any business. But there are no substantial monthy costs - you pay a tiny admin fee and you get your own ready built site with amazing tools and fantastic support - from that point of view it's more supportive to the individual than SBI - which I find really helpful.
I think it's a really great opportunity for anyone who has not achieved any success online before - there are fewer things to focus on and the income possibility is unlimited but you determine your income level.
If anyone is interested they can explore it from my profile - I haven't tried to explain it in any detail because I am not here to promote it. But the team support is really excellent and such a bonus.
Graham
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mountainmom5
Joined: 30 Aug 2007
Posts: 3099
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#55 · Posted: 24 Sep 2009 09:17
grh395: But there are no substantial monthy costs - you pay a tiny admin fee and you get your own ready built site with amazing tools and fantastic support - from that point of view it's more supportive to the individual than SBI - which I find really helpful.
Good for you and I wish you much success!
I have used cookie cutter websites and still do - that's what some folks like google calls a ready made website....and...
To be honest with you .... comparing a cookie cutter, ready made website to SBI is kinda like comparing one of those little frozen pizzas you can get in the grocery store to owning a pizza franchise.
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happywife
Joined: 14 Aug 2007
Posts: 1565
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#56 · Posted: 24 Sep 2009 11:20
grh395: I think 'overwhelmedness' is a natural state for me - I wonder whether it's just part of my make up or aging brain cells. I had a look at your site and you have achieved a lot - it's certainly massively better than I managed to do and I recognise all the things that SBI was teaching and that I never managed to produce myself. I congratulate you. SBI is good, and it taught me a lot - in the end.
 I'm sure you're not alone there. I always feel overwhelmed when I'm starting something new. Maybe it's my aging brain cells, too!
Thanks for the comments about my sites. I really have tried to follow the Action Guide to the letter to the best of my ability, so I'm glad it shows a bit.
I'm glad you found something you can do comfortably.
Blessings,
Angie
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TyBrown
Forums Member
Joined: 23 Jul 2009
Posts: 56
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#57 · Posted: 24 Sep 2009 14:08
I started out with SBI a long time ago and enjoyed how simple it was. There was also a lot of good education to be had about driving traffic.
As I continued to progress, however, I found that there was too much of a uniformity in all the SBI sites that I saw. I wanted sites that looked more professional and had more functionality and SBI didn't offer that.
Not only that, if I wanted to put up a quick one page site or even a little more detailed site I found that SBI wasn't the way to do it because it was priced at something like $30 a month per site whereas now I have a hostgator account for $10 a month and about 20 sites on it.
In short, for me it was a good learning tool but didn't offer long term capacity for my online goals.
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happywife
Joined: 14 Aug 2007
Posts: 1565
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#58 · Posted: 24 Sep 2009 18:28
TyBrown: Not only that, if I wanted to put up a quick one page site or even a little more detailed site I found that SBI wasn't the way to do it because it was priced at something like $30 a month per site whereas now I have a hostgator account for $10 a month and about 20 sites on it.
You're quite right there. SBI is definitely not meant for one page sites or "mini sites." That would definitely be a waste of good money. SBI isn't marketed/recommended for mini sites but for building authority sites or full-fledged online businesses.
What you're doing with hostgator is perfect for the mini site concept or the one page landing page.
By the way, wait till you see the "new look" sites coming out of SBI these days and in the months to come.
Blessings,
Angie
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mountainmom5
Joined: 30 Aug 2007
Posts: 3099
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#59 · Posted: 28 Sep 2009 12:17
Hey Angie, I have a quick question for you.... do you password protect your pages?
Also, I am at the 5 month mark and have an average of 80 - 95 unique visitors a day - what I am doing is using both articles and Squidoo to help drive traffic to it.... I want to just continue building pages and adding content...is that what you would do or have you found some other tricks to get the traffic up to several hundred ( thousand would be really cool ) a day?
So good to have you back and I am so excited to see some of the new designs coming out.
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happywife
Joined: 14 Aug 2007
Posts: 1565
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#60 · Posted: 28 Sep 2009 14:54
Hi Viola,
No, I don't password protect any of my pages yet. If I ever get around to having a members only section or create some specific landing page for a special purpose I suppose I'll use that option, but I haven't had any need for it yet.
I really haven't done anything special to increase my traffic apart from building more content around good keywords. My sites have all grown at different speeds depending on the amount of time I've put into them and the amount of competition for the niche.
My chocolate site has been getting over 1000 visitors per day since about a year or so ago. Basically, after the first year I was averaging about 500 per day, then the second 1000 per day.
It will increase greatly over the next three months because of the upcoming holidays but then probably die back down into the new year - we'll see. I haven't really added any new content to that site in a year apart from the C2 submissions (answering questions, etc) so it could grow a lot more if I put the effort into it.
I've been spending my free time trying to get the others up to speed.
My parasites site is about 20 months old, I think, and I'm averaging between 500-700 per day on that site. It's just a process of being patient and adding more good content.
I have only submitted 1 article for that site  and submitted the site to a couple dozen directories. So basically, the traffic is coming directly from the search engines for the most part.
You'll get to 1000+ per day before you know it. Hang in there and keep adding more content.
Blessings,
Angie
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