Forum : View thread

Well, it's pretty lonely here in this forum. Anyway, I thought I'd post an update on my progress on my first ever website.

There I was, happily editing my pages when I accidentally clicked on 'View' instead. And there in the address bar was MY website - http://www.buytolettoolkit.com - it had gone live! Anyone would be able to view it now - assuming they know where to find it, of course.

There have been a few stumbling blocks - mainly in terms of html coding, which despite the claims, would IMHO be advantageous to know. You need to know how to put your banner ads in for example - and more html to make those ads open in a new window so your visitor doesn't lose your site (which would be a shame if you've just paid for him or her to get there via Adwords, and he's gone again in two or three clicks). You can also add meta tags - but only if you know some html (or you know where to find html solutions!)

Some Affiliate Agent websites could do with pulling their fingers out. Some I've been accepted into immediately and I'm running their ads. Others (one in particular) could do with a bomb underneath to wake 'em up a bit. That's nearly a week just to get an account, not to get approval from a merchant. Ah well.

I was reluctant to sign up with Adwords, but fate twisted my hand a bit. I wanted to gain a little more knowledge in certain areas, so I visited my library - and found a valid $25 Adwords gift voucher inside the cover! Although I've done the sitemap and sent it off to Google, and made a STACK of keywords, I'm still not listed on Google, even if you search the website name in quote marks. I guess the time has come to stand back a bit and wait.

BTW, did you know that Adsense ads do NOT open in a new window - and if you make them open in a new window then you're in breach of Google's policy and you won't get paid? It forces a tough decision on you - which is more important to you, commission or keeping visitors?

All in all, I'm happy with how things have gone so far. And if this one ends up making a couple of quid - I've got a stack more website ideas ready and waiting!

If you have a moment, would you please go take a look at my website (again, http://www.buytolettoolkit.com) I'd love to know what my fellow web entrepreneurs think! Any suggestions?