Time to make the jump?

WritingSolution

WritingSolution

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Apr 20, 2009
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Rocky Mountains
www.onlineworkresources.com
So, I've been at this for a while and have a few money making sites. They are fairly small but consistent.

I've been doing some keyword research and realized there is only 1 major site that would be competition for me in relation to hotel affiliate programs within about a 500 mile radius.

The main competing site that comes up as using adwords isn't that great and is completely outdated.

I know hotel bookings and such aren't huge payouts all year and peak at certain times.

My question is, do any of you have experience with city+hotel type sites and if so, what was the result? I've seen sites offering as much as 8% commission per room booked.

I know I have the ability to smoke the first page of Google for quite a few cities within about 45 days if I can weasel into an affiliate program without the site up first, double that if I have to build it first.

Any suggestions?

(I CAN visit these hotels/motels for new pics of the outside, interior, amenities, etc..)
 


Well, I'm going to start building the site in Dreamweaver tomorrow regardless. Just looking for feedback with various affiliates like priceline, etc..

Any experiences with them is appreciated but not necessary since I'm jumping in with both feet and aim to slaughter any site that stands in my way.

:D
 
I don't have any experience promoting hotels affiliate style but from the way you're talking I would say you have a very good idea. And if it fails, all you've wasted is your time, and you will have gained experience.

If it works and you bank hard, keep it to your damn self, rinse, repeat, and remember to PM me step-by-step instructions on what you did. But don't tell anybody else.
 
One of the things I'm seeing a lot of (and this may be YOU in fact!) is hotel affiliates putting the word OFFICIAL in the title.

e.g. "The Official DisneyWorld Hotel Discount Website"

And of course, there is no such thing.

I can tell you one thing most of the affiliate sites don't even, and even many of the majors, and that is GOOD hotel room pictures. A tiny picture of a 300 sq ft room is usually compressed into a 50x50 image and you wind up squinting just to see how big the damn bed is.

The new 3-d panorama technology is pretty cool, definitely gives you a good idea of how the room will be. I doubt you can do this, but definitely do get lots of pictures if you want to increase conversions.
 
Combine this with the local directory idea. Kill it for all the city + hotel terms, put up affiliate programs, then put up a notice like "Are you a hotel owner? Get a featured listing here!" Optionally, call each hotel up and show them how well the page is ranking (make sure to take their listing off first) and tell them they can be listed on there for $$
 
Yep that's what I'm doing Chatmasta!

I already have a call list going and know some of the smaller, locally owned guys. I play poker here and there at the casinos and a few guys are regulars. We've been discussing some advertising deals already :D

I have a good feeling about this one. Considering my AM/SEO skills vs the competition, I think I'm about to do very well. Then I can branch out a little more.

So far in addition to hotels, I'm adding car rentals, vacation packages, a large section of "What to do and see in x", A category for restaurants, and even a "What's near this hotel" spot.

I'm going to cover every damn aspect possible with city #1 haha.

I give all credit to this forum and one AM guru who I discuss things with here and there.

Thanks WickedFire!

Since I live nearby, I know all the "secret spots" like some killer hot springs, hidden rope swings, and trails that aren't completely overrun with tourists. Also where to pick huckleberries without being eaten by bears or competing with an army of Hmong people.
 
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