Anatomy of a content site

Over the last few months I have watched my own sites and client sites increase traffic and sales considerably and largely due to the amount of content being added, so I thought I would take a look at a successful content site and see what they are doing.

Here is the theory first:

The theory of a content site is that almost nobody is going to go straight for the shopping cart, or click on your affiliate links, and pull out their credit card. Nice work if you can get it, but generally it isn’t so easy.

Instead, browsers, who are after all looking for free stuff, want to read subject matter relating to their search, and if they like what you have to say, they will click on your affiliate link. Once they have read what you have to say, and you have helped them, (i.e. they have learned something) they have started to trust you.

If they like what you have to say, then clicking on your affiliate links, joining your membership site, adding to cart or whatever for desired response, is something they want to do, not something they are avoiding.

That is the critical difference.

Here are some examples:

My favorite content site is www.audioloftreport.com .

The site is run by Alan Lofft, whose picture appears on the front page, and who is an expert on Stereos. If you want a good quality stereo system, but aren’t a stereo geek, this site will give you all kinds of great information, recommendations and how to advice for putting together a great system.

There is no footer menu, loads of free information about stereos with recommendations backed by technical advice and information. Affiliate links are throughout the site embedded in the text. You can contact him for advice and recommendations from several different places, including for a custom loudspeaker consultation.

The site has a nice personal touch, saying things like “It will make a world of difference… Take it from me! (Alan Lofft). ”

I think this is a great content site.

Interested in compelling content for your site? We can help