Howdy y'all,

I'm seeking y'all's advise on ways I might make some dough through PC101. I make a couple dollars here/there via PPC but I'm really looking for something more... something outta the box. One suggestion I heard was to open up the Marketplace, let people sell stuff (hardware, ebooks, whatever) and charge a small fee to the seller. Yea? Nay? Other ideas?

Thanks!

Lyte

It depends on your niche, IMO.

You can research your niche and see what others are doing.

Otherwise, without more info, I'm not sure what to suggest.

I like the marketplace idea, but I wouldn't start charging right away.
Even if you don't charge, it will still be user generated content for your niche.
Just like the marketplace we have here, it's completely free, and it's all good info ( even if very short ) for our site.
It's not as good as articles and really quality content, but it all helps and is good for the stats too.
I would try to see how hard it would be to organize a meet for members around your area. Or so if there is a bigger city where many of the member live and try to meet up with them and talk about computer stuff ;)
This is a large commitment, but you get a feel for members personality and really do get to know the active ones.. but I thought I would toss it out for ya

--------------------

Reply to the Welcome PM for Full Access to the Forums.. Thanks

Have you heard about Crowdgather?
Find it on Forums

Thanks y'all for the ideas! I think the marketplace (not charging) is probably a good idea.

As for niche... I think I'm still trying to figure that out. Hmm! :waiting2:

Did any of you create a business plan when putting your forums together?

I didn't know what a business plan was when I started

--------------------

Reply to the Welcome PM for Full Access to the Forums.. Thanks

Have you heard about Crowdgather?
Find it on Forums

I started thinking about making a dollar or two was way after starting my forum. Now my mind is constanlty thinking on how to make money with my forum lol..

--------------------
GreekRealm

I would be wary of the marketplace idea. You'll have to cover yourself substantially to avoid being responsible for scams, no payments etc (bassically all thats wrong with ebay) that will eventually occur in your marketplace.

A strong terms of service agreement will cover you just incase any users have problems and try to claim your site as responsible.

For a PC forum, a great way to make money would be through affiliate sales. Amazon have quite a good "partners scheme" though their computer hardware is lacking. I'm sure with a bit of research you could find a good computer related affiliate scheme.

Also to expand on the above, writing reviews about products and inserting your affiliate link directing your readers where they can buy it can be very successfull.

All just ideas, best of luck and do keep us informed what you do

--------------------
vBulletin Skins Zone - vBulletin 3.6 & 3.7 Styles

Thanks y'all... keep it coming! I really appreciate the feedback!

What's to figure out ?
we are talking about pc101 right ?

--------------------

Reply to the Welcome PM for Full Access to the Forums.. Thanks

Have you heard about Crowdgather?
Find it on Forums

We are ... yeah, the name speaks for itself but it's the execution of the description that has given me pause. I'm referring to the 101 part which is defined as "comprising the introductory material in or as if in a course of study"

I'm thinking the niche may be to embrace the introductory part and start posting the most basic... noob friendly ... tutorials one could find on the web!

Thoughts?