Just starting out

[Perc]

Hi all! I'm just starting out, Andy and these forums have been helping me out alot so I figured I would introduce myself. Website is designed and ready to go, next step is to sign up for affiliate programs and start adding content... getting excited! lol

Seems like a good group of people here, hope to be around for a long time and get to know you all.

Cheers!

Todd

 

[TheGamblingGuru]

Welcome to AGD Todd. What is your site so we can check it out?
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[Perc]

Well there isn't much of anything on there yet, just a quick first post to have something on there, and a short 'about me' page.

Not sure if I want to reveal it until it's ready.

 

[TheGamblingGuru]

Well there isn't much of anything on there yet, just a quick first post to have something on there, and a short 'about me' page.

Not sure if I want to reveal it until it's ready.

Yea, that's cool...show it when it's ready for players!
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[Guard Dog]

Welcome to AGD, Todd. More advice coming today Check your inbox in a few hours (have to get the kids ready this morning)

 

[Perc]

Ok will do, thanks Andy, ready and raring to go! ;D

 

[Rhondagrace]

Welcome to AGD, Perc

 

[ukpoker]

Hello and enjoy!

Welcome to AGD, Perc

 

[Perc]

Thanks for the welcomes

I think the site is pretty much ready to be revealed, there's still lots more content to be added. I keep going back and changing little things with the layout, eating into my article writing time - I'm too picky sometimes. But I think I'm finally happy with it.

thecanadiangambler.com (can't post a link as I don't have 15 posts yet)

Check it out, advice is always welcome!

 

[ukpoker]

Hi, I like it nice, though I would remove the artiseer links from the bottom, as you have paid for the program and there is no requirement to show it, that's just me anyway.

 

[Perc]

Good point, I meant to do that at one point and forgot, thanks.

 

[lots0]

Hi and welcome to AGD.

I took a quick look at your site.
Hope you don't mind some constructive criticism.

Your site is what I call a "Cookie Cutter Site", in other words there are at least 10 thousand other sites that look, feel and read just like your site. These thousands and thousands of other sites use the exact same keywords, the same Content Management Software and the entire content is virtually the same as yours and the same across all these type of sites.

Why should google or any search engine select YOUR site, out of all these thousands of same keyword clone sites to run at the #1 spot (or even on page 1 for that matter) for ANY keyword? This is a question you really really need to ask yourself... over and over.

Look I don't mean to be harsh. But if you want to do well in this business, your heading the wrong way.

If you want to attract depositors($$)... You NEED to be unique and/or offer value/knowledge/entertainment to your visitors... Sorry to say, but your site fails in all of these aspects.

One last thing, throwing up a website, is only the start. If you want to make real money. You will need to develop a sensible marketing plan and follow it. It will then take at least a year of hard dedicated work before you can expect to see any decent ROI from a gambling website.

I hope you take these comments in a positive way.

Good Luck

 

[ukpoker]

To lots0

I think you maybe a little harsh, someone has to start somewhere.

I also think there nothing wrong with using a content management system. Saying that you do us it makes search engine not look at you because there are thousands of other sites using them is a bit rubbish, nearly all sites use cms programs, that's no different than saying if you use HTML and php you don't stand a chance? That's 80% of the websites....

Whilst I agree uniqueness is the way, there are many sites that look similar that rank well and it's content and seo not necessarily the look and feel. An yes it does look a little on the templatey side, it is clear and to the point, I see many casino sites completely cluttered with banners, images, horrible colours and no defined structure that look terrible.

Anyway, not having a go, just thought your comments were a little on the harsh side for someone who is just starting out.

 

[lots0]

Most of the time the truth is harsh... no matter how you try to sugar coat it.

 

[ukpoker]

I was not disagreeing with what you said but the way you said it and not about using content manage systems either, there's nothing wrong with using them.

 

[Perc]

lots0, I agree with what you are saying to a point. So how does any new site compete with the 10 thousand other sites for the particular niche that the new site operator chose? No matter what market you focus on, thousands of others are already established in that market. Content is key.

As for the layout, yeah it's laid out like alot of sites including this one (main page for posts, sidebar and top menu for navigation). I did that on purpose because it looks nice and is easy to read and navigate. I see many sites that are easy to get lost in and just look messy. It's not going to look exactly the same as any other site because I created the template myself, including all images and background.

Yes there is very little content on my site at the moment, as I said I am just starting out and still have lots of content to add. I'm not just throwing up a website with a bunch of banners and a couple reviews and hoping for the best. I do have a plan for more unique content than just news and reviews, but wanted to get my personal reviews done for each casino that I promote before I added other stuff. Alot of what I have and will be adding is coming from personal experience and not just "cookie-cut" reviews and other content.

I don't see how that's a bad start and that I'm headed the wrong way?

Perc

 

[lots0]

I am so sorry I said anything in the first place.

Please don't forget Perc... You did ask for advice...

Now you don't like what I had to say or how I said it... Maybe you should not have asked for advice in the first place, since you seem to be thin skinned and easily offended.

I did give the advice in the spirit of helping... Not in the hopes of starting a fight.

I only been doing this for ten or twelve years and making a good living at it... So I do know I little about this business...

But you go ahead with your plan, hope it works out for you.

 

[lots0]

To lots0
I also think there nothing wrong with using a content management system.

I never said there was anything wrong with using a CMS, don't know where you got that from. I said it was the same software as everyone else was using, and it is.

Anyway, not having a go, just thought your comments were a little on the harsh side for someone who is just starting out.

Harsh is a relative term. 'Blunt' would be a better description (I think).

Personally, I would rather have someone be Blunt/Harsh with me and put me on the right track, rather than have people tell me what a great site I have, even thought my "great site" gets no traffic and makes no money. But that is just me... A Rude, Crude, Blunt American.

 

[Perc]

I'm not trying to fight either, I was just answering your questions and asking you some questions.

I went a little on the defensive, but being told "Your site fails in every aspect" tends to do that to a person. I felt I needed to explain a few things and ask you some follow up questions to clarify what I was doing wrong, and find out what it takes to be unique among the thousands of sites while still using frequently searched keywords. I guess I was just being blunt about it too.

I don't want to start out here by fighting, and I really do appreciate people with experience giving me advice. Being told I already failed a week into it isn't really constructive criticism. If you are in the spirit of helping you can do so without throwing in a kick to the balls and still be blunt about it.

 

[WCD Admin]

Site looks fine to me. I also noticed Google is also ranking a few of your keyword phrases already. Good first site in my opinion. You'll make money in this industry primarily if you don't give up. Best of luck!