Site Build It Review.

Since starting this Lens and having personally used Site Build It successfully for a couple of months now, I have been amazed at the reasons people have given me for not trying out SBI.

I probably said the same things to myself a few months ago, I honestly can't remember, but I think it's time to put everything straight, don't you?

So apologies for messing about with the order of this lens (strictly speaking, this is post 44 and should be waaaayyyy down), but let's be honest, most of you aren't going to make it all the way down there are you? ;-)

So I've put these Site Build It Myth Busters up here at the top for your convenience, because the truth isn't out there, it's right here.

I've posted five of the biggest myths about Site Build It and hopefully blown them out of the water.

Read on and see what you think.

MYTH 1: SITE BUILD IT IS TOO EXPENSIVE. Hands up! I used to think the same thing. I was so used to paying monthly for hosting packages, being asked to pay for a year up front was a big turn off.

$299 for 12 months hosting. That's like $25 per month. Dude, I can get a GoDaddy hosting package for under $5 per month. Why would I pay more?

The simple answer is because you get more. A lot more! Site Build It isn't just web hosting. Nor is it just a website builder. Nor is it just a keyword tool. Nor is it just a SEO package. Nor is it just a proven internet business training program. Nor is it just a 24/7 support system.

It's all these things and so much more. You'll have to read the blog to find out everything it offers, because they just isn't the room here to do it justice.

When you cost up the equivalent of all these these services, Site Build It isn't expensive. It's cheap. Ridiculously cheap!

But the biggest thing that SBI offers is success. Because it works. If you do what SBI shows you to do and use the tools and services provided, you will get visitors to your site and you will make money.

I've done it day by day in this blog and you can do it to.

Can a $5 hosting package offer you that? No it can't. How about a $25 or even $50 per month hosting package? Not in a million years!

If you're really serious about starting an online website business, then make a commitment and show you mean business.

That's why Ken Evoy charges for the year. He wants to get you to make a commitment. He's already

Pay the $299 and try it for yourself. Ken Evoy will give you all your money back if you don't like it (and you'll get it, don't worry about that). That's how confident he is in Site Build It. And he has got good reason to be. It works!

Don't even try to compare it to anything else, because quite frankly, there's nothing else like it. So stop wasting your time.

SS

Interested in SBI? For more info, go to Site Build It!

Site Build It Review

Site Build It Review.

This one is an absolute classic and, I have to say, one of Site Build It's biggest problems.

It just makes it look too easy!!

Surely something that easy can't be any good? Can it? You bet your ass it can. That's the beauty of SBI.

Ken Evoy has spent years simplifying the process, so that all you have to really worry about is creating great content.

SBI automatically takes care of all the technical stuff like on-page and off-page SEO, SE submissions, pinging, page creation, site design blah blah blah.

I could go on all day.

Site Build It's 'block builder' is simple, but boy, is it powerful! Just imagine ONLY having to worry about what to write on your website each day.

Everything else is taken care of at SBI and that sense of freedom is very liberating. I use to spend hours with page design, HTML, SEO etc. Not any more.

I'm now a writer, not a programmer and web designer and SEO expert. SBI has freed up my time and that allows me to focus on content creation and promotion (MONEY!!).

I am an experienced Internet Marketer. I use Dreamweaver, Frontpage, HTML, and Photoshop. But SBI's blockbuilder (including the exceptional Analyze It) showed me the bad habits I had developed.

It put me back on the straight and narrow. If you're a successful Internet marketer earning millions every year, then maybe (JUST MAYBE!) SBI isn't for you.

But if you are a newbie OR someone who has be doing this for a while, but feel like they're just spinning their wheels, OR an experienced internet marketer, SBI will make you feel like someone has just removed the shackles and you'll be free.

I know it sounds really corny, but you will 'see the light'. I know I did and many experienced hard-core Internet Pro's I've met on the SBI Forums have as well.

I sometimes still use Dreamweaver, Frontpage and Photoshop for my SBI site, as they are easily incorporated and compatible with Site Build It (See Myth 3 for more details about this), but you don't need them to make a website that visitors will flock to.

SITE BUILD IT ISN'T JUST A WEBSITE BUILDER AND HOSTING SERVICE!!! It's a proven process 'C>T>P>M' with a full armament of automated tools, services and support that has ONLY one goal. Your success!

I guess when I hear people on forums saying these things about Site Build It, I actually feel a little sorry for them, because it's only ignorance as they obviously have never taken Ken up on his 30 day free trial and 1 year guarantee.

Whatever you take away from this blog, at least don't be guilty of ignorance. Don't follow the sheep and try it out for free for yourself. You won't regret it and you'll never feel so welcomed I can assure you of that.

I've been with SBI for several months now. My site is indexed and already ranking well in the search engines (see posts below for details). I've never known anything like it.

I've made dozens of websites using the old fashioned methods, but nothing compares to the simplicity, performance and sheer power that Site Build It offers.

I won't be going back to the dark side ;-) I've at last, found the right way to do things and I sincerely hope you join us and find it too.

SS

Interested in SBI? For more info, go to Site Build It!

Site Build It Review

Site Build It Review.

Where does all this crap come from?

Obviously from people who have never set one foot in Site Build It.

Good job you found me ;-)

You can use ANY HTML editor with Site Build It. Of course, lots of SBI members do just use the templates provided because they are so easy to use and they work!

I mean, if it ain't broke, why fix it?

I know experienced programmers who still use the SBI blockbuilder system because it's such a joy to work with. One less thing to worry about.

But you can customize your Site Build It site as much as you want.

You can change the header, sidebar and main body with your own designs simply by filling in a few boxes. It's a breeze to do!

If you want to push the boat out and impress everyone with your Dreamweaver or Frontpage skills, then knock yourself out, as Site Build It allows you to seamlessly integrate your HTML or CSS masterpiece into your SBI site.

You can still keep all the cool automated features SBI offers as well that makes your life so much easier.

You can incorporate php, flv, css, javascript...you name it, you can do it with Site Build It. So there's no need to delete your copies of Dreamweaver, Frontpage or Photoshop when using SBI.

So bring all your tools, but remember it's only Site Build It that offers you the complete package for online success.

Site Build It won't hold you back. Far from it. It'll give you wings!

SS

Interested in SBI? For more info, go to Site Build It!

Site Build It Review

Site Build It Review.

They just get better and better don't they?

Where do I start with this one? Well, how about the fact that the SBI mascot is the tortoise.

Not the hare, the bloody tortoise!

Ken Evoy tells you right from the very first email he sends you when you purchase SBI, that Site Build It provides the knowledge and the tools to create a successful and profitable website, but you have to bring something as well to succeed.

BAM. Brains and motivation!

Nobody makes any bones about here. They don't dress it up. This is going to be hard work and success will not happen overnight.

Site Build It will automate the whole website creation and SEO process for you, but it does take effort on your part.

Nowhere near as much as doing it on your own or with a regular hosting company that's for sure, but let's get realistic here. If you want to get rich quick, go rob a bank because you won't find it here ;-)

'Hype' is exaggerated publicity, normally involving a statement without proof. Site Build It has proof coming out of it's ears!

From thousands of happy SBI user testimonials to outstanding Alexa results for Site Build It websites that simply speak for themselves.

See the proof for yourself at Site Build It!and make up your own mind. It's the only way you'll really understand what SBI has to offer.

I defy anyone to spend ten minutes on Site Build It and still think it's hype or a get rich quick scheme.

Ken Evoy's genuine passion for helping people to succeed with these proven techniques and tools is compelling and obvious to anyone with a heartbeat ;-)

SS

Interested in SBI? For more info, go to Site Build It!

Site Build It Review

Site Build It Review.

I'm guessing that what the perpetrators of this Site Build It myth are rattling on about is the fact that Ken Evoy promotes a simple website design including a left hand side navigation bar.

There is a perfectly good reason for that...it works! The respected Dr. Jakob Neilsen of useit.com also recommends the exact same format for simple and ultimate usability for the visitor.

If your visitor is happy and finds navigating around your site easy, then they will stay. Plain and simple.

Sometimes, I think some people just like to be complicated for complicated sake and make hard work for themselves.

It's also true that a lot of beginners (and IT veterans) who use Site Build It, like to use the SBI templates and Blockbuilder system because they are quick and easy to put up and leaves them with just concentrating on creating great content (The meat of any good site, NOT the design)

Are all the SBI templates all based around the same simple web design concept that is proven to be accessible to visitors and liked by the search engines? Yes

Do they all look the same? Give me a break! How can a website about juggling and a website about Antigua Island be the same? The only thing in common these two sites have are all the great tools and resources that SBI provides for each web master.

Oh, and they both get thousands of visitors every month! ;-)

Does anyone here honestly think someone who visits the website about juggling thinks, "God, this looks like a similar website design concept to that website about Antigua Island. I don't care how great the content on this site is and that it is just what I am looking for, I'm off!!"

Hardly!

Do yourself a favor and pop over to Site Build It! and have a look for yourself. There are case studies from dozens of SBI users and hard evidence of the success (and money) Site Build It gives them.

Do you know of any other service that offers that level of proof?

No, nor me.

SS

Interested in SBI? For more info, go to Site Build It!

Site Build It Review

Site Build It Review

God created the Earth in seven days, but Ken Evoy promises you can create a profitable online website and affiliate/adsense business in just ten 'action' days.

I intend to put that claim to the test!

I've been an Internet Marketer for a couple of years now and have tried most of the techniques and systems available online from every Guru with varying degrees of success.

The word 'review' tends to send a shiver down my spine these days as I can normally expect a few regurgitated words on a popular product or service in the vague hopes of making an affiliate handout.

Most reviews therefore are, quite frankly, not worth the pixels they are written on, as the author has obviously never been within a million light years of the appraised item, let alone used it.

So I've decided to do something about it! From now on, every major product and/or service I buy and use during my daily internet business routine, I'm going to keep a blog about my thoughts, impressions and experiences of it. I hope you find it of some use.

My first offering to you is Ken Evoys' Site Build It or is it called SiteSell?? I can never tell. I'm confused already and I haven't even started!

To be completely upfront with you right from the start, there will be an affiliate link at the end of each post, if you want to try SBI out for yourself after hearing what I have discovered about it each day.

Now although I can't promise 'War & Peace', I can promise you it will be 100% honest and independent.

I've been aware of SiteSell (Site Build It?) since I first started looking at the Internet as a means of income a few years ago, but to be honest, the $299 upfront fee has always put me off as I could knock off a website using Frontpage and have it up and hosted using Godaddy for less than $4 per month.

What did I need them for??

I even got as far as to contact a couple of successful SBI site owners that Ken Evoy likes to use as Ambassadors for the site, but no one ever wanted to talk about making money with their site.

"Monetizing your site comes last, first we build the site and get the traffic" they would tell me. That answer never really clicked with my entrepreneurial instincts and I made my excuses and left.

I guess I was after the quick fix when I started out. Always looking for the next sure thing (Which doesn't exist of course). I did my fair share of jumping around from one band wagon to another and if I didn't become a millionaire overnight, I've done alright.

I would bump into Site Build It every now and again on my cyber travels and I have to admit, there was always something there that attracted me, but never enough for me to get out my wallet and jump in. Old dog and new tricks I guess.

If you're reading this, then I'm guessing you know what Site Build It offers, but if not, here is a brief overview;

Site Build It was founded by Dr Ken Evoy and is essentially a system or concept: Content - Traffic - Presell - Monetize (C-T-P-M) packaged with a bundle of integrated tools and services including step-by-step tuition (10 Day Action Plan), website builder, research tools, ongoing support and web hosting all included. All you have to bring is your wallet ($299) and BAM (Brains and motivation - Their buzz words, not mine).

So here I am a little bit older and a little bit wiser. I have several core online businesses now and realize that building a solid business online based on great original content is the right and only way to do things.

So let's see what Ken has to offer. I'm going to find out if SBI really delivers.

I'm going to keep my identity secret for now, because I don't know if Ken is going to like what I have to say and kick me out early. I also don't really fancy being constantly flamed in the SBI forums by a dedicated hardcore fan base!

SS

Interested in SBI? For more info, go to Site Build It!

Site Build It Review

Site Build It Review.

Well, here I am at day one and all ready to purchase Site Build It. I'm actually quite excited about it and looking forward to getting stuck in.

The purchase process is easy enough. Usual encrypted payment page with credit card and a Paypal option. Nice, that will do for me.

Here we go, (Trumpet plays) first moan of this lens ;-) Site Build It advertises the cost of SBI as £299, but after converting from Canadian dollars (I guess that where Ken Evoy operates from) to US dollars, Paypal is taking $312 from my account! Bummer! You better be worth the extra $13 Ken ;-)

Not the best start in the World.

So I've paid my (extra) money and have now received a welcome email from Mr Evoy himself, which seems very structured and full of info and orders (I don't respond well to authority!).

No small talk or messing about here. We are straight off into it. I'm introduced to BAM (Brain & Motivation), which apparently all the newbie has to bring to this party in order to succeed as Site Build It provides all the tools, so you don't have to worry or spend time "mastering complicated technologies and Search Engines."

Sounds good on paper, but we'll see if it delivers.

The email actually turns out to be your training plan for the Site Build It 10 Day Action Plan, which they say by the end of it, I will have a website with a profitable topic and all monetized ready to go.

I am told to jump straight in and watch the first orientation video "Video Demo Introduction. The intro is important, laying the foundation upon which you build."

So let's go and have a look at that.

SS

Interested in SBI? For more info, go to Site Build It!

Site Build It Review

Site Build It Review.

The video action guide at SBI is the video version of the written Action Guide. You can easily switch between the two, but I'm going to stick with the video instructions because I know I take things in better that way.

I've been instructed to watch the first introduction video "Video Demo Introduction." (5 min 39secs) once and just absorb what it tells me and take in the big picture. Then I have to watch it again and act on any action points as they come up. Then head back to the email for further orders.

Sounds simple enough even for me ;-)

I have to say that the temptation to go on walkabout looking at all the videos that look interesting is overwhelming as they are all listed here. I think having them on their own separate page might make help take the temptation away, but that might just be me who has the attention span of a gnat!

Oh dear!! Now I don't want to insult any over-enthusiastic slightly camp European men with muddled accents, but the male voice used in the Action Videos is a little distracting!!! Hard to concentrate on the content when you're giggling all the time ;-) Sorry Ken, but what were you thinking of hiring this guy.

There is an alternative female voice thank God, or I would have to resort to reading!!! She's a bit west coast "For Sure", but a big improvement over Manuel.

Let's try that again.

The intro video was good and dealt mainly with how to use the videos to best effect, controls and features etc. I was introduced to the SBI Forum, which did look pretty good and well attended. Again, I had to keep focused as I could have just disappeared in there for the rest of the day ;-)

I was encouraged to use the SBI Forums if I have any questions as it has probably been asked before. So I posted a easy question (Nothing too taxing) and received several helpful and friendly replies from what looked like some SBI veterans as their profile indicates how many posts they have made and how long they have been with Site Build It.

I was introduced to the 'Tortoise' which seems to be the Site Build It mascot. Slow and steady seems to be the order of the day here. No hares allowed.

I watched the intro video again as instructed. Not really necessary to be honest as the videos are well laid out and the instruction is clear and simple%u2026even for me. But orders are orders!

An encouraging start to be sure. Forum seems friendly enough. I'll be interested to see what replies I get for some more technical questions, but that's for later.

Back to the email and the next video.

SS

Interested in SBI? For more info, go to Site Build It!

Site Build It Review

Site Build It Review.

The next video on Day 1 is the "10-DAY BIG Picture" video (14 mins 60 secs) which will guide me through the core Site Build It! process which is;

Content > Traffic > PREsell > Monetize ("C-T-P-M")

Also going into more detail about the help and support facilities for newbies like myself. Looks like more about the SBI Forums and I've been told to take a "watch-every-video-and-read-every-word" approach. Check!

An odd thing I've noticed is that the duration of the videos for the male voice and the female can vary by up to 5 or 6 minutes! Sometimes the female video is longer and vica versa. Bit odd as you would think the info is the same in both, but I don't think I can cope with 20 minutes of Manuel's accent to get to the bottom of it.

I'm reading (Yes, reading!) the Action Guide as well, so I shouldn't be missing anything.

I've been told to keep focused and stay on the highway. I am to ignore any links or byways put in my way and focus on the highway. The video then promptly displays 4 links and asks me to click on them for essential further information!!!

I'm confused Ken. You just told me not to click on them%u2026what should I do audience. "Open the box!" "Take the money!"

I download the Business-Building checklist as that seems helpful and check out the Site Build It Newbies guide to the Internet ebook 'e-primer'. Veeeery basic stuff, but perfect if you've heard of the Internet or the World Wide Web, but don't really know what it is all about.

The checklist is actually pretty good. All the main points from each day are there and i can tick them off when I'm happy I've understood or completed the tasks.

It feels good ticking off the first 3 boxes. A warm sense of achievement spreads over me. Seriously though, having clearly defined goals is essential for success of any kind and the checklist will help me keep focused.

I like the checklist in case you haven't noticed ;-)

"Preparation is key" and the slow and steady approach is pushed some more in this video. I don't think anyone is arguing with that. I think that people who jump from one 'Get Rich Quick' scheme even know that.

The trouble is it's boring and just not sexy right? It works for sure, just like saying "eat less and exercise more" will make you lose weight, but it takes real effort and hard work.

Welcome to the real World guys!

I don't think I'm jumping ahead here, because anyone who's read the pitch at Site Sell It will know the doctrine they promote (C-T-P-M), but I guess what I'm saying is if you're expecting a magic pill or a guaranteed formula for instant riches, then you ain't going to find it here.

But if you're fed up with being an Opportunity Seeker and want to start a real long term online business, then continue reading as SBI may make our life a little easier in achieving that goal.

That was a bit of a rant wasn't it? Not sure where that came from. Back to the main plot.

This video focuses in more detail on the C-T-P-M process and outlines my first goals for the first 5 days, which are finding my SBI website niche, identifying profitable topics within the niche, creating a content 'blueprint' and creating the domain name for my site. They keep emphasising the importance of not creating your domain name now, which means a lot of people do exactly that and quickly realise it's no good. Duh!

As you have to pay extra to change your domain name at a later date, it's probably good advice. I bet they've had a ton of people do it and be real pissed off when they realise they can't change it without coughing up a few more dollars. You have been warned! Follow the Action Guide.

Keywords and keyword research are introduced with a link to a SBI ebook about keywords strictly aimed again at the complete novice. I've decided not to ignore all the links like they said, but to pause the video and 'read every word' like they also said.

My head hurts!

I am given a teasing little look at the Site Build It tools I will be using for keyword research and website creation. Brainstorm It looks particularly interesting and it took all my will power to not zip over to that and have a little play ;-)

A glimpse at SBI Tips & Techniques HQ shows it to be a resource of all the best stuff, including forum posts, resources etc Looking forward to having a nose about in there as well.

SS

Interested in SBI? For more info, go to Site Build It!

Site Build It Review

Site Build It Review

A very important point made in the "10-DAY BIG Picture" video, which I think probably should have been made clearer from the start, is that the 10 days of the 10 Day Action Guide are not really days in the 24 hour sense.

Each 'day' can be as long as you need to understand it and get it right (I read posts from SBI members on the Forum who are still on Day 2 six months later! Boy, that's some serious research time even for a Tortoise.) Does kind of make you wonder how good (or bad) the research tools are, but we'll see soon enough.

I guess Ken should really have called them 'Stages' or something like that to avoid confusion.

Lots of good support and encouragement from the Action Guide in the latter part of the video, without being too cheesy. Support takes the form of the Forum, lots of FAQ's and a direct form to dedicated Support Staff. I'll have to try the Support department at a later date and I'll report back as to how good their response was.

I'm guessing it will be a successful SBI member who replies as they seem to be used for most of these types of roles within SBI, such as Forum Moderators etc. Nothing wrong with that if the support is good.

There's another here chance to see the personal case studies of several successful Site Build It members. I particularly like Elad's laptop video (Very creative) and Ken's own daughter, Nori Evoy, has a very successful SBI site about the Caribbean island of Anguilla. Now there's a site concept I wouldn't mind copying ;-)

I can see it now. Lounging in a hammock on a tropical beach with the sun shining and a toe dangling in the warm sea with a cold drink in my hand....

I was starting to drift off there. Focus! BAM!

Site Build It promises to keep all the technology involved in creating a successful online business in the background while I concentrate on providing great content for my visitors. That does sound very appealing I can tell you.

I shudder at all the time I spend trying to work out the latest SEO (Search Engine Optimization) techniques (Which change daily by the way) to get my website noticed and get traffic to my sites. If Ken and Site Build It can truly deliver that, they will make me a very happy bunny indeed!

But that remains to be seen.

I do respect the honesty of these videos though. They do make it very clear that creating a successful online business will not be easy and it will not happen overnight. I guess I'm used to the claims of quick and easy riches from Internet Gurus, saying anything to get the customers money and then leaving them out to dry when the instant riches never appear. The sad thing is the customer just moves on to the next 'band wagon' and so it goes on until they finally wise up. I have to admit it took me over a year!

It certainly is looking like the integrity is here at Site Build It. I just hope they can come up with the goods.

A thorough and quite impressive introduction on the whole, which certainly held no punches. The instruction is clear and the workload so far is not too overwhelming. I think it's about to get a little more intense though. Having said that, I love doing research, so I'm looking forward to that and checking out the SBI research tools.

I am of course reminded that I'm to watch the first 5 days of Action Guide Videos and just take it all in. My first goal is to understand the roadmap from 30,000ft, so I will pull in the reins and do just that.

Next, I start my first proper day 1 module - Master the ALL-Important Basics. Build the foundation of your business right now.

Let's get started!

SS

Interested in SBI? For more info, go to Site Build It!

Site Build It Review

Site Build It Review

This first main video guide is entitled Master the all-important basics: Build the foundation of your business right now (13min 5secs) and goes into more depth about the concept and advantage of PREselling over selling.

By giving the customer what they want in a way that the Search Engines like, you can build trust and the customer is much more receptive to your recommendations and product offers.

I don't think anyone will argue with that statement. It's just human nature. We buy things from people we trust and like. The Action guide just told me that there is no magic at SBI. I have to honest, I'm not looking for magic, just something I haven't heard before would be nice. There's nothing new here so far.

The premise is simple: Your website has a theme and within that theme, you create lots of pages (content) on related topics using your selected keywords.Your site ranks well with the search engines and customers using the search engines find you and come to your site.

They like the site and it's content and because of their 'open-to-buy' mindset, they click various monetization models including Google Adsense, affiliate links, products etc earning you money.

But it is not a 'get rich quick' technique. If it was, everyone would be doing it. Ranking well in the Search Engines, especially Google, is no mean feat and realistically, you must be prepared to wait many months before seeing any decent amount of traffic coming to your site.

I'm beginning to see why Site Build It has a Tortoise as a mascot! You are going to need some patience and perseverance before you see any results with these methods. The positive side of all this though is when you are established in the Search Engines, your traffic really will start to flow and the rewards can be great, but it will not happen overnight.

Sermon over.

I know it's early on, but at the moment, I can't see any advantage by shelling out $299 to Site Build It than using the same theory with say a blog, which can also be used to create a rich content monetized site that can rank well with the search engines. And all for free!

The video does hit on a very important point, which many people, including myself at one time, just don't get. Your website should not be about selling.

Too many people concentrate on the sale and not enough on the customer. They build a site, describe their product and create a sales page. They then sit back and wonder why there is no traffic. This is way too common and we've all done it.

The SBI C-T-P-M process makes the content King. By concentrating on great content, which is what the visitor really wants after all, you create a site that the visitor relates to. Brand the site with your own personality and you become a trusted friend and someone they can relate to.

This is Presell at it's best and as long as the products you sell or recommend are great as well, you'll have customers for life and repeat customers are how you make lots of money in business.

All well and good I hear you say, but how does Site Build It help me achieve this in a way that is better than a regular website or a free Blog? I dunno. I'm only on Day 1 and I'm asking the same question to myself. Give me a break! ;-)

The advantages of 'Pull' marketing rather than 'Push' marketing are dealt with in the video and is a marketing classic. Basically, pulling the customer in with great content rather than pushing them in with obvious sales tactics means the visitor arrives in a very different mindset. One that is more open to making a purchase.

The video is honest enough again to inform the viewer that this process will take many months to see the rewards and you need to 'get over the hump' as SBI puts it to see your 'snowball' start rolling and gathering momentum getting bigger and bigger by the day.

They do love their visual imagery here at Site Build It, but the snowball is a good metaphor if the right keywords have been chosen for the site, but more on that later I'm sure.

The video pretty much builds on the same stuff we learnt earlier and touches on income and profit models. They really want you to get the content and traffic before monetization principal, before moving on as it's so important to the whole Site Build It concept.

If you've 'got it', then you are allowed to move onto Day 2 and researching the topic or theme for your SBI site.

I get it, I get it. Let me start Brainstorming!!! I even got a little gold star for getting this far. Sweet!

Put on your thinking caps and start your engines, because it's going to get messy ;-)

SS

Interested in SBI? For more info, go to Site Build It!

Site Build It Review

Site Build It Review

Welcome to day 2, which is all about brainstorming and researching a chosen theme or topic for your new, hopefully profitable, SBI site.

From past experience, I can tell you that this is the most important stage by far. Rush this stage and get it wrong and your SBI site is non-starter.

The biggest mistake people make (and I did it as well) is to skip this stage because they think they already have a great idea or concept which they just know is going to work. Even their friends and family say it's great. It cannot fail. They are going to make millions of dollars with it.

I can almost guarantee you that it will sink without a trace if you do this and it will put you off forever. This is called 'Product' led. A person has a product or service which THEY think is great, but when they sell it, not one wants it.

What it should have been was 'MARKET' led. They found out by doing some market research what people actually want. Then they create a product or service (or a website) around that. When they promote their product or service, surprise surprise, everyone's interested and wants a piece of the action!

Make's sense really doesn't it? But most people do it the first and wrong way. Sure, try out your ideas when you do the market research, but if the numbers don't add up, be prepared to let it go and move on. Don't get blinkered and ignore the facts.

Anyway, back to the main plot. Where was I? Oh yeah, Day 2. I first head back to my inbox and check out Ken's email to me and the Day 2 section let's me know in no uncertain terms that "the going starts to get heavier. DAY 2 is an important "DAY.". DAY 2 will take you hours, days, or even weeks(!), but it is worth the effort. Your goal here is to choose the basic concept (the theme) of your site. This requires research, thought and evaluation (using the SBI! tools and process to guide you). Every minute you spend here is time well spent. Everything you do after DAY 2 builds upon your choice of "site concept.". So patience is the order of this DAY."

Thank you Ken, I couldn't have put it better myself ;-)

So this is the big one then and there will be several separate posts for Day 2 I'm sure. Ken tells me in the email to go to the Day 2 Action Guide AND open the Site Build It keyword research tool 'Brainstorm It' in another window.

I'm also advised to use Firefox as my browser with SBI, which I heartily recommend as well. Get it for free at http://www.mozilla.com/firefox/

I'm really looking forward to this....how nerdy am I? ;-)

Let's get it on!

SS

Interested in SBI? For more info, go to Site Build It!

Site Build It Review

Site Build It Review

Just clicked on the link in the email and I'm now at the Video Action Guide page and the video for day 2 is entitled "Develop Best Site Concept - The rest of your business rides on this decision" (39min 24sec).

No pressure there then! ;-)

I've opened Brainstorm It in a new window on the side and my new chirpy Californian girlfriend (who I call Britney) informs me that we are here today to find out the best site concept for our new Site Build It site.

She briefly goes over what we have covered and offers links to all the past material in case someone is being a rebel and jumping ahead. Not me Britney. I feel like the really keen kid at the front of the class with their hand up all the time.

(I just had someone read this post over my shoulder and say "Eeewww, have their hand up 'what' all the time?". Do you see what I have to put up with here?)

I have 4 action steps to complete for day 2; [1] Choose 3 possible site concepts [2] Use SBI tool 'Brainstorm It' to research the site concepts [3] Evaluate 6 factors for each concept [4] Use SBI tool 'Niche Choose It' to find the best site concept.

I'm reminded again how important this stage is, not to rush it (Think like a tortoise. Be the tortoise) and it's going to get a little tough and day 2 could take days, even weeks (Or even months judging by some posts I saw on the Forum!).

I can take it Britney. Bring it on!

SS

Interested in SBI? For more info, go to Site Build It!

Site Build It Review

Site Build It Review

I think Britney is developing a bit of a crush on me. I can't quite put my finger on it. It's not what she says, it's how she says it ;-)

I mustn't mix business with pleasure. Focus. BAM. Be the tortoise!

Britney tells me that my new SBI site's concept or theme or main topic or whatever you want to call it must [1] Be in demand [2] Not be too broad a topic [3] Excite you and [4] Have good ROI (Return on investment).

Phew! I'm glad she told me that because I was going for a topic that no one was interested in, has tons of competition, I couldn't care less about and had no chance of making any money. That was a close call. ;-)

OK, sorry. I know sarcasm is the lowest form of wit and I'm beginning to appreciate that Site Build It's main core of potential customers are complete newbies to all this and I must bear that in mind.

If you are new to all this Internet e-commerce stuff, then I cannot really fault it as Site Build It certainly do take you by the hand and guide you step-by-slow-step through each process. The teaching style and process is excellent, but aimed fairly and squarely at the beginner.

Sorry Britney, please continue.

Britney tells me it's time to start writing down ideas and there's a link to another Site Sell It ebook to help you out with the list building. It's pretty good and gives some good ideas on how to get, well, some good ideas.

For brainstorming sessions like these, I like to use my trusted large white-board. Using the guidelines given in the tutorial video, just write all the words that come into your head. Don't pre-judge them at this stage. Never say "That will never work" or "That is no good". At this stage, just write them all down, no matter how dumb you think they sound. You can edit them later.

I think Site Build It has missed a trick here. I think people are going to find this the toughest stage as most people have a hard time suddenly having to be creative. Most people just don't have the practice and it does take practice to get good at it.

Getting people to initiate the ideas by thinking of what they like, are good at etc is fine and dandy, but what a lot of people new to this need is inspiration. Being bombarded with popular topic ideas is what works for me and gets my creative juices flowing.

Go to a big magazine and book store and look at all the magazine titles available for sale. All the hundreds of topics are obviously worth someone spending hundreds of dollars to create the magazine in the first place and sell enough for the store to stock them (Stores don't stock magazines that don't sell). That's half your market research done right there.

Go to Ebay and Amazon and look at the best sellers and the most popular items. Find what people are already interested in and buying. Be 'Market' led.

The topic for your Site Build It site doesn't have to be something your good at or even something you know. Just something that people are interested in and you think you could be interested in as well. It's a great way to start a new hobby.

Britney has introduced me to Wordtracker, Google Adwords Tracker and the SBI tool 'Search It'.

With links to further information about these tools, they are essentially keyword tools (The first two are free to use), that can tell you how many people are searching for your chosen topic keyword or keyphrase on the Internet.

It's not foolproof, but can be a good rough indicator at this stage to see if the topic has any potential and also as an ideas generator. If you're interested in say Golf. Type that in and have a look at all the results that people search for with the word 'golf' in it. You may see something that clicks with you and not be too broad a term.

Ooooohhhh!!! The 'Search It' tool is very cool. I wouldn't like to be a newbie using this for the first time because it is loaded with features and probably a bit daunting. I would stick with Wordtracker to start with until you find your feet.

For the more experienced SBI'er, it has a vast array of search options from loads of different sources to help not just with keywords but tons more including checking your competition! Very nice indeed. I noticed they have locked some of the features until you have created your domain and site. Bit annoying, but probably wise as it stops people rushing ahead and messing up. Will definitely come back to use that in the future, but for now I'm just going to use the basic tools like Wordtracker to help create my list.

Britney has told me to get my list down to my three best site concept ideas, which I have done and we're ready to input them into 'Brainstorm It'. Building my list probably took me a couple of hours, but I have done this a few times before, so don't panic if you're completely new to all this, as it may take you a few days. Especially if you take my advice and get down to your magazine store to check out all the titles that are available.

'Brainstorm It'. At last. I can't wait! You better live up to my very high expectations 'Brainstorm It'.

SS

Interested in SBI? For more info, go to Site Build It!

Site Build It Review

Site Build It Review

OK, if you've been reading my previous posts, you'll know I have developed a rather unhealthy sense of excitement about the Site Build It tool Brainstorm It.

Let's see what all the fuss is about. I'm armed with my three best site concepts and raring to go. Over to you Britney.

According to Britney, "Brainstorm It is the best brainstorming and resource tool in the World".

Damn, that's some bold claim girl!

There is another tool used here which is an integral part of this process, but must be like the weird cousin you keep in the attic, because the poor thing gets very little exposure, but is a crucial part of Brainstorm It. It's called the MLK (Master Keyword List) and I'll be dealing with that a bit later.

I've just used Brainstorm It and I'm sorry to have to report to you that I think it is%u2026..pretty great actually! ;-) Similar to other keyword tools I've used in some ways, but where I think Brainstorm It wins out is the ease and clarity in which the results are shown, especially for someone who is looking specifically for a potential online business and again especially for an Internet newbie. There is no doubt in my mind who will benefit most from using Site Build It%u2026newbies.

The Site Build It Brainstorm It tool has two brainstorm options; vertical and horizontal. The vertical search finds related words with your chosen keywords in it and the horizontal search looks for related words to build a bigger list if you need to. You can also select to find plural and/or singular variations.

But I think Brainstorm It's winning hand is in the results format.There's no confusing 'KEI' and suchlike, just three columns; Demand, Supply and Profitability. There's even a simple notepad tool to open for each section and keyword to write down any ideas or comments, which was very neat and useful.

The figures very quickly show you whether your idea works or sucks! Using Site Build It own keyword database and merging seemlessly with Wordtracker (The full version of 1000 keywords mind, not the freebie, watered-down version), it delivers some really impressive data.

Having said that, Brainstorm It only comes with 25 searches included with the SBI $299 price tag (Or $312 in my case%u2026yeah I'm still pissed and don't tell me to get over it). When you have used 25 searches, you have to pay extra. Mind you, it aint expensive (50 searches for $20) and you should easily get your first SBI site off the ground with the 25 free searches provided.

Just make sure you use the free Wordtracker and Google keyword tool to check for dead wood in the early stages, so as not to waste time or money later on.

Britney gives me guideline figures to work with. Over 3000 in the Demand column, with 2+ keywords over 1000 and 10+ keywords over 100. Supply should be less than 80,000. Profitability is worked out by 'demand' divided by 'supply' multiplied by 1000, so anything over 350 is worth considering.

Remember that these figures are guides and never substitute for common sense as sometimes these figures can go a bit wild, so do get your eyes open and your brain in gear.

Of course if your customers have a high value for you, such as in real estate for example, then you should consider much lower figures.

I put my chosen keywords through Brainstorm It and found lots of great tier 2 and 3 keywords in the Master Keyword List I hadn't even thought of. Great result.

I've played around with both SBI tools now for a couple of hours. I've deleted all irrelevant keywords and have a strong core of great keywords that ticks all the right boxes according to the Site Build It recommendations.

SS

Interested in SBI? For more info, go to Site Build It!

Site Build It Review

Site Build It Review

I have found Brainstorm It and the Master keyword List to be both easy and fun to use. Wordtracker does a great job of delivering lots of usable keywords and the guidelines from Site Build It are clear and easy to follow.

All in all Ken, a really first rate job. Site Build It seem to have a real winner on their hands with Brainstorm It and the Master Keyword List.

Lets just hope the algorithms used by Site Build It to come up with these demand, supply and profitability figures I am blindly depending on, are on the ball or this will be the shortest commercial offensive of all time.

I used the Forum again to ask a few more questions and got the same level of response and friendliness as I did last time. I checked some of my earlier posts and was pleased to see more experienced SBI members had taken the trouble of answering with more detailed answers that were of real value and help. Nice.

But Site Build It doesn't stop there. After you have played with the keywords and figures, they provide a simple chart with several factors to help you decide on the right content theme for you.

By giving a score out of 100 for keyword numbers, profitability, personal knowledge, passion, theme sexiness (How others perceive your theme) and monetization potential, you start to get an idea as to which theme would suit you best. It's simple to be sure, but surprisingly effective and anything that keeps the process going to come up with a winner is a good thing in my book. Without it, i think a lot of people would flounder at this point remaining indecisive.

Your answers are then entered into yet another of the Site Build It tools. This one is called 'Niche Choose It' and probably the weakest of all the tools I've used so far. Niche Choose It takes all the answers and presents you with a chart which shows the best solution for you.

But to be honest, the answer should be normally clear to you by now. It sure was for me with my chosen theme keywords and with the ones used in the demonstration. The answer was clear way before I got to the end of Niche Choose It.

There is a danger with this method of course and that is if you are not being completely honest with yourself and your figures, it is easy to manipulate the SBI tools to give you the answer you were looking for in the first place and that sort of defeats the object.

So make sure you are being totally honest when you give scores to your theme options and not just manipulating it for the outcome you would prefer rather than the one that is best for you and your wallet ;-)
What a little gem Brainstorm It turned out to be. I've still to be convinced on those figures, but the proof is in the eating as they say and we will shall see. You can't argue with the search figures for your keywords though and the amount of competition is easily checked by doing a search on Google for your keywords, but remember to place speech marks ("my keyword") around your keywords first to search just for that phrase. Look for search results of less than 50,000, preferably 30,000 to rank well for that phrase.

Britney gives a nice little pep talk at the end of this video module and there's lots of words of encouragement if you are feeling a little overwhelmed with it all to get you back on track.

I got a certificate this time. I'll put it next to my gold star ;-)

SS

Interested in SBI? For more info, go to Site Build It!

Site Build It Review

Site Build It Review

I have been a complete schmuck!!!

What have I been thinking about??? Just reading back over my last posts, I realize that I haven't talked about one of the most best features of Site Build It and the one thing that made me finally shell out some hard cash (Not easy for me!) and try it out.

The 365 day Mutha of a money-back guarantee.

So good in fact, it has taken me this long to mention it ;-) What a complete arse!

No seriously, I don't think I know of anywhere else offering anything like it. Ken allows you to try out Site Build It free for one month and offers a 'pro rata' guarantee for up to ONE YEAR!

I even emailed support and said to them, "So let me get this straight. I can try out Site Build It for 30 days and if I don't like it or just change my mind, I'll get all my money back, without a load of hassle from you?"

The answer, "Yup!". "Do you get loads of refund requests?" says I. "Nope!"

Well, they would say that wouldn't they.

Now if we forget the bit about whether it's any good or not, as the jury are still out on that one, you do have to admire the sheer confidence Ken Evoy has in his own product, to offer a one year guarantee (Even if it is 'pro rata' after 30 days). That is certainly doing the extra mile in my book.

So kudos for that Ken.

Having 30 days to try out whether Site Build It works for you, must go a long way in breaking down some reservations you have about it. I mean really, what have you got to lose? Try it for a month and see if it fits.

Mind you, the longer you leave it, the smaller the refund will be. Obviously if you ask for a refund after 364 days, SBI will give you about a dollar back!! Not perfect, but better than most guarantees around you'll have to agree.

But anything up to six months in will still give you a good chunk back and 30 days should be long enough to see if you think it's any good.

Obviously, the cheapest option is to read this blog, as I don't intend to hold out on you about anything.

But hey, just because something is free for a month, it doesn't mean it's any good, does it?.

Let's get back to the real job in hand and start cracking on with day three.

SS

Interested in SBI? For more info, go to Site Build It!

Site Build It Review

Site Build It Review

Just about to start day 3 of the Site Build It Video Action Guide, when I noticed an extra video guide on day 2.

It was placed after the main Day 2 Video Guide, but is all about how to use the Google AdWords Keyword Tool to research your keywords and trim them down before using the Site Build It Brainstorm It tool.

Now call me stupid, but I think that it would have been much better for all concerned if that video was before the main video. I mean, I've already done my keywords and another free keyword tool I could have used to save on my Wordtracker credits would have been useful.

Great video and a great tool Ken, just in the wrong place. Nothing stopping me using it now of course, but it's just a bit annoying as I know it would have helped out and made my life a little easier on Day 2.

Anyway, little moan over. Better late than never I suppose.

SS

Interested in SBI? For more info, go to Site Build It!

Site Build It Review

Site Build It Review

Day 3 is really an extension of Day 2 and Britney is getting me to start doing some serious digging on my content topic.

Using Brainstorm It again, but this time I'm doing a 'lateral' keyword search and growing my keyword list. The I'm going to 'Keep the best and dump the rest'.

The 'buzz phrase' is a bit naff, but trimming the keywords down to the best performing candidates is an important step and not to be taken lightly.

Finally, Britney tells me I will leave Day 3 with a site content blueprint in hand. Glad to hear it!

I'm reminded again NOT to register any domain name yet as that will happen on Day 5, when I will have a much better idea what the best keywords will be to use.

Makes sense really ;-)

The 'lateral' brainstorm was actually pretty effective. I honestly thought it was going to just give me a load of general crap words I couldn't use, but it threw out some decent options I wouldn't have thought of. It's even given me some ideas for future sites, which I jotted down into my 'ideas' notebook.

I've trimmed all the non-related keywords out of my list and I could at this stage use Search It to find even more keywords If my list is a little on the thin side, but to be honest, it's chock-a-block and ready to burst, so I'll give Search It a miss on this occasion ;-)

Next, I'm fine-tuning and adjusting my keyword list by reviewing the Master keyword List by sorting the keywords alphabetically, by demand, supply and profitability. I'm looking for possible new options and I need to start considering the monetization potential of the keywords.

This was surprisingly quite an interesting exercise and quite a few monetizations ideas came to me which in turn led to some new relevant keyphrases being added.

I also think it has helped me identify with the topic more and I have a much clearer idea as to where the new site is going and I am starting to think of it as a website rather than purely a topic concept. I don't know if that was what Ken had in mind here, but if he did, it worked really well.

There's some nice planning strategies in this action video and planning is crucial for success. I spent a couple of hours organising my keyword list into three tiers for the websites content.

Tier 1 is the home page, tier 2 are ideally the keywords with larger demand and higher cost-per-click that can be sub-divided easily and tier 3 pages will be keywords with lesser demand, but must be related to their respective tier 2 heading e.g. Tier 1: sausage making Tier 2: sausage recipes Tier 3: chili and cheese sausage recipe

I used my whiteboard to do this as I find it easier to visualise with it and I can easily erase keywords and move them around, but use what you find works for you.

All the keywords from the master keyword list for your topic are potentially each a page for your website and your 'blueprint' can soon look a bit daunting ;-) Just remember that you do not have to do it all by tomorrow! Create a content blueprint for your site that you can do in 6-12 months. Site Build It is all about slow and steady remember. Think like a tortoise! You're building a business, which takes time.

If you work full time and can only spare an hour in the evening, then plan around that. It's no good creating a content blueprint of 500 pages in 3 months if you only have 3 hours a week to spare ;-) Be realistic, plan your schedule and always remember your goal.

At the beginning, it will seem like an impossible mountain to climb, but people climb Everest every week and that's the tallest mountain in the World. How do they do it? One small step at a time plus lots of planning.

SS

Interested in SBI? For more info, go to Site Build It!

Site Build It Review

Site Build It Review

Days 2 and 3 are really one segment split into two. The former being the initial brainstorming and the latter the fine combing. By using the great tools provided by Site Build It, you can expand and play around with the keywords to your hearts content.

Britney offers yet more simple to read and understand ebooks providing extra information on each subject for those that need it. The friendly forum has sections for each action stage and they are all well populated and active.

I love the forum. There is a real mix of experience and knowledge with lots of Site Build It old timers always willing to help the nervous newbie, with Ken Evoy himself even popping up from time to time normally with an enthusiastic few words of wisdom.

I notice all of Kens posts are made into 'stickies', but hey, it's his place and to be honest, they're normally worth it ;-)

I'm buzzing myself actually. The infectious atmosphere of the forum is a real tonic and far from the usual toxic comments you get from most Internet Marketing forums. I haven't seen anyone get flamed. It really is all peace and love in there.

I would like to see more experienced and successful SBI members making and replying to posts as the balance is a little unequal I feel. It's mainly newbies helping newbies which is a little like the blind leading the blind, but the advice is well intentioned, if sometimes a little flawed.

Conventional SEO is frowned upon here and I think that is a mistake as the techniques used here aren't new by any means, just described using different words. The trouble is the newly indoctrinated have taken this on board and that's a shame as I think they could be missing out by doing that.

There are some great techniques and tools available which definitely compliment this process. I guess what Ken is doing is protecting the newcomers from the all the noise and the wolves that prowl the Internet and maybe that's a good thing.

God knows I overloaded my brain when I started out and it took some serious willpower and perseverance to come out the other side a sane person ;-)

So maybe Ken does have the answer. Who knows?

Next I'm off to Day 4, where I investigate and plan monetization options for my Site Build It site. I'm looking forward to seeing what Ken has to offer here, but I suspect it's the usual suspects such as adsense and affiliate commission.

Nothing wrong with that of course as we all know that it works.

SS

Interested in SBI? For more info, go to Site Build It!

Site Build It Review

Site Build It Review

The Day 4 Action Guide video is entitled 'Investigate & Plan Monetization Options'

That's 'Show me the money!' to you and me.

First of all, there's a little pep-talk from Britney about the not moving on before I am ready and not not not registering your domain name yet.

Now I may be reading between the lines here because the message coming from Site Build It is a little too subtle (There's that sarcasm again!), but due to the amount of times SBI shouts this message from the rooftops, don't you just know tons of people buying SBI register their domain name on Day 1 and by Day 4 are running around like headless chickens because they know realise the name stinks and they're stuck with it.

I bet SBI Support think 'If I had a dollar for every time some newbie asks me if they can change their domain name I'd be a millionaire1' :-) You can change it by the way, but I think it costs like an extra fifty bucks or something, so just listen to their advice and 'DON'T REGISTER YOUR DOMAIN NAME UNTIL YOU'RE TOLD TO!'

Follow the instructions. If you're some hotshot Internet Marketing Guru, then maybe you can register it early, but if you are (and I'm guessing you're not), then you wouldn't need Site Build It in the first place!

It never ceases to amaze me how beginners in any field seek out help and advice, but when it's given to them, they just go and do their own thing, thinking they know better!!! What's that all about?

There are no shortcuts or magic pills people, just proven methods that require hard work and determination. Site Build It is providing a proven method all wrapped up into a bundle, offering a 'one-stop-shop'.

The system works, but what I've still to be convinced about is whether SBI offers anything extra that's worth forking out $299 for.

Back to the business in hand. Britney shows me how to use Google Adwords to check the value of my chosen keywords if I intend to use Google Adsense as a monetization model.

As someone who has done this before, I sort of already considered that when choosing my keywords, but I wonder how many savvy newcomers realise the relevance of that.

I mean having a website mainly monitized by Adsense that is using keywords that are getting 5c a click is hardly going to make you rich is it? I wonder how many people realize that and go back to the drawing board? Not many I think.

SS

Interested in SBI? For more info, go to Site Build It!

Site Build It Review

Site Build It Review

The video continues to offer some very detailed information regarding all the different monetization options available to the SBI website owner including adsense, affiliates, MLM, E goods, hard goods, DVD's, services, membership, referrals and lots more.

A pretty exhaustive list, which I have to say was pretty impressive, especially as most of them have a separate ebook going into each option in fine detail. Lots to read here, but the content is good and worth the extra effort.

There's even a monetization planning chart to print out, so you can keep a record of all the different options suitable for your chosen content topic. Very neat and useful ;-)

I warn you now, there are a lot of links to PDF files and SBI Forum posts here and maybe a bit too much reading material. The SBI Forum links alone seem to go on forever.

I'm not saying the info is poor, because it isn't. It's just that there is a lot of it, so make time for this section. I've been in the Forum for over two hours now and had to tear myself away because I kept seeing links to other posts that interested me.

Good forums are like Black Holes as they tend to drag you in and no one ever sees you again! ;-)

I can see myself at the next local meeting of FA (Forum Anomynous) standing up and introducing myself, "Hi my name is Nigella (Not my real name by the way) and I am a forum addict".

'Search It' is used again at this stage and the monetization option opens up all sorts of possibilities. I can find out the value of my site theme keywords and find related affiliate programs on Google and Clickbank.

I really do like 'Search It' and it's fast becoming my favorite tool here at Site Build It (Sorry 'Brainstorm It', but I felt we were just moving apart, you know? It's not you, it's me!).

Not sure how I missed this, but Britney (the little tease) just revealed a section on the Master Keyword List that I hadn't really noticed first time around, but is very powerful.

The 'Site Info' section on the right of the MKL isn't just a notepad link for you to make notes like I thought, but a research tool that gives a ton of info about your selected keyword. You're only allowed 10 requests a day at SBI, so use them for your most important main keywords first.

It reveals your main competition for that keyword, where people are coming from when searching for that keyword, inbound links, top PR sites etc.

Very useful stuff indeed!

SS

Interested in SBI? For more info, go to Site Build It!

Site Build It Review

Site Build It Review

Constantly checking out your competition is important in any business and one area that is often overlooked. Checking your competition for your online business is even more important because it is much easier for someone to start a website, then say open a new store in your street.

Checking your competition at this stage is crucial and I'm glad to see Site Build It covering this area. You can learn so much from checking out the top 10 sites on the search engine result pages for your chosen keyword and looking at PR, in-bound links, on-page SEO etc.

Find their strengths and copy it. Discover their weaknesses and improve on them. Remember, you don't need to be perfect to get the number 1 position on Google for your keyword, just better than the rest.

Know thy enemy!

Britney reminds me AGAIN (She is starting to sound like a stuck record!) NOT to monetize my site first. This is purely about the planning of monetization options for the future when my site has great content and traffic.

She recommends having at least 30 pages of content, being accepted in at least two directories and getting a minimum of 20 visitors a day before adding your first monetization module which will probably be Adsense.

I wonder how many SBI site owners actually did that? The temptation to chuck in adsense right at the beginning must be overwhelming ;-) But I'm only going to do what Ken tells me, so that's what I'm going to do.

Having read several posts in the Forum for this day, it seems quite a lot of people are having some trouble thinking up monetization ideas for their site concepts. I've noticed a quite a lot of people are advising them to not get too bogged down with it and keep moving forward.

Big mistake! Monetization may be the last thing you implement on a Site Build It website, but you should not skip on the planning stage. I think people are muddling up these two areas.

If your theme does not pan out with monetization options, then it should be scrapped, just as if the search numbers didn't hold up. They are of equal importance. Blindly carrying on hoping the site will make you a good living seems bonkers to me.

And as most SBI sites I've looked at to date only seem to have Adsense as the main source of income, I don't think many people are getting rich doing this. Obviously, there are exceptions and the blue eyed boys are paraded out as beacons of hope at every opportunity on Site Build It, but I wonder if the masses are doing as well?

The top sites have multiple income streams within their sites I've noticed, but it is far from the norm. Perhaps this area has been a little overlooked as everyone is told from day one not to think about monetization until now. Perhaps the brainwashing has been too effective?

Is the result great content, good traffic and very mediocre financial return?

We shall see.

In Day 5, I will be further refining my site concept and registering my domain name. Yes, you heard me right, registering my domain name. This is the right time to do it, not on Day 1!!!!

Am I getting through to you? ;-)

SS

Interested in SBI? For more info, go to Site Build It!

Site Build It Review

Site Build It Review

Christmas has come very early it would seem.

I'm liking this blogging review stuff ;-) I've got a new routine of spending an hour in the Site Build It forum early in the morning before the rest of the clan wake up, and I decided this morning to have a little nose around the SBI Resources section (Ken & Britney have told me to keep focused and warned me against this, but the temptation is too great!).

It was like being a kid again and seeing all the Xmas presents under the tree ;-) It's heaving with goodies! But not just that, because you would expect any decent membership site (and that is what this is by the way!) to have some good content and resources.

But what makes Site Build It stand out is it has links to a selection of products and services available today that can help the budding internet entrepreneur, that have all passed the very strict Ken Evoy standards (There is no crap here.).

"So what?" I hear you cry. "So Ken's making a few affiliate fast bucks by promoting a bunch of his fellow Internet Guru cronies. Duh! Go figure!"

You are a skeptical lot.

Firstly, Site Build It doesn't simply list the latest products and services from so called Gurus, but clearly has the members in mind judging by the quality products and services on offer.

For example, it would have been easy to do a 'review' on all the keyword tools, sit on the fence and take an affiliate cut for whatever tool you ended choosing and best of luck to you.

That doesn't seem to be Ken Evoy's style. He only recommends Wordtracker, which everyone knows is a class tool and at a special discounted price for SBI members, it is now a no-brainer!

I truly believe, no matter whether Suite Build It is as effective at making an online business as he claims, he truly has the SBI members best interests at heart.

Bear with me as I think we're having a 'moment' here ;-)

Why I say that, apart from the good vibrations you get from this site, and from reading his regular enthusiastic posts on the Forums, all the products and services in the SBI Resource section that could have earned him some not insignificant affiliate income are discounted.

Discounted by the total amount of commission he could have earned as an affiliate! He passes his affiliate commissions over to the members.

How cool is that?

Now you tell me if that isn't looking after your members? It is in my book.

SS

Interested in SBI? For more info, go to Site Build It!

Site Build It Review

Site Build It Review

It was only to be expected I suppose :-(

I wanted to see how far I needed to push before I got flamed on the Site Build It Forum.

As it turned out, I only had to give a gentle nudge.

And it wasn't as if it wasn't a good observation either.

I'm beginning to believe that although SBI offers great resources and facilities along with a proven 'no nonsense' approach to creating an online website business, I have witnessed a lot of posts on the Forums and looked at many SBI websites that indicates many SBI members have created websites that seem to earn little income.

By 'little income', I mean less than $200 per month.

So I brought it up in the forum and created a little 'poll' to see if my hunch was right.

And the insults came thick and fast ;-)

Well, not that thick or fast to be honest. And 'insults' would probably be pushing it a little, but the usual suspects quickly appeared on the defensive.

The person who doesn't read the post at all and comments only on the headline!! and the sycophants (These people really do annoy me and must be the bane of every idolized one!) who attacks anyone who even criticizes the site owners haircut!

And the Old Faithful, who have done alright with the process and who are trotted out on these occasions to tell everyone how great everything and everyone is.

But you always have to ignore the few loonies and concentrate on the worthwhile replies.

And there were a few.

It takes real guts to voice your opinion on a popular forum, especially 'homestead' forums as I like to call them, with a well respected head of the household leading them.

Site Build It is such a membership site with Ken Evoy at the head of the table and woe betide anyone who criticizes him or he's teachings.

Personally I don't think that is very healthy. I'm sure Ken himself is open to criticism, but some of his devoted followers are obviously not.

But like I said, these aren't the people who you should take any notice of anyway, as they would never change their views or opinion no matter what indisputable evidence you laid down in front of them.

The replies and results make very interesting reading, with more to come over the next few days. I will make a post about the poll's results later on when I get a decent number of voters to make an accurate observation.

SS

Interested in SBI? For more info, go to Site Build It!

Site Build It Review

Site Build It Review

Over 80 members have voted on the poll so far (I'll wait for 100 before giving results) and a few brave souls have spoken of their dissatisfaction over the income they have generated with their SBI site over 12 months. Not your usual moaners either.

They have obviously worked hard on their sites, but no cash is coming in after one or two years.

So why haven't they closed it down, chalked it down to experience and moved on with a new project? Learn from their mistakes and build on their experience.

And therein lies the problem with Site Build It in my humble opinion.

I think a fair few SBI newbies rush the initial research stages, because they have come to Site Build It with a pre-conceived topic already in place. A hobby, a pastime or a skill.

They don't really want to check out whether it is a viable business option or not. They just want to learn how to put up a website about their chosen topic.

With all the crucial market research out of the window, there is little chance of success, but they continue with their SBI website because SBI only allows you one go for $299 ($50 extra to change the selected domain name so it's not irreversible) and because they are told constantly in the Forum by experienced ( (or lucky?) SBI members to "persevere" and "not to expect any return for two or three years".

No return for two or three years? Are you kidding me? On several occasions, I have seen this old misused chestnut dragged out, when the financial return timescale is questioned,

"An off-line business doesn't expect to break even for two or three years, so why should your website?"

Well, here's the problem with that statement that I can see.

The person who says this is confusing business profit with personal income. A business may not make any profit ever, but the owner can still be receiving a substantial personal income.

A business make not break even for three years because it is ploughing all the 'profit' back into the business to help it grow, but the owner is still receiving a living wage from the business.

His wage is an expenditure. Profit is NOT wages.

A website that makes little or no money in the first three years is not the same at all. The site owner isn't even paying himself a wage because it hasn't made any money. They are working for nothing!

Do you see the difference?

Of course you do, but it seems like a lot of people using Site Build It do not.

SS

Interested in SBI? For more info, go to Site Build It!

Site Build It Review

Site Build It Review.

Let's get something straight here.

The person responsible for these sites earning little or no money is not Ken Evoy.

And Site Build It can hold it's head up high as well, because the only person who is responsible is the SBI site owner themselves.

The Site Build It 10 Day Action Plan Guide is there for a reason. Follow it to the letter and you won't choose a poor topic for your site in the first place.

It ain't brain surgery! If the figures don't add up during the SBI Brainstorming sessions, scrap it and start again. Don't put on your blinkers and keep marching on hoping for a small miracle.

It's not going to happen.

No, the weak link in all this is you and me. We know the truth don't we? When an enthusiastic dung beetle collector decides to pay his $299 to Site Build It and crack straight on with creating his dungbeetlelovers.com website.

He already had a domain name sorted out and surprisingly it was still available. He didn't know what everyone was fussing about domain names not being available!

He decides to do a bit of keyword research. Numbers don't look that great. Forget it. Lets move onto creating the domain name and get the site built. Who doesn't love dung beetles anyway?

Constructing the site was a bit tricky, but he got there in the end. Content? No problem. He could write about dung beetles all day long.

Six pages later, he runs out of ideas.

He adds Google Adsense, sits back and waits for the money to start rolling in...and waits...and waits...well, you get the idea.

He can't find any dung beetle affiliate programs and his 'Dung Beetle Mating Habits' DVD is not selling as well as he thought.

"Where's all the traffic and money I was promised by Ken Evoy and Site Build It????"

"What's this", he thinks one day, "Some clever and good looking devil on the SBI Forum wants to know how much people earn with their SBI websites. He's even created a poll. How smart they are! I haven't made a bloody cent with this site. SBI is such a rip off! It doesn't work at all!"

Don't blame the tools people. Keep to the script. Don't go to Site Build It with a preconceived idea or topic that you refuse to move on or I can almost guarantee it will end in tears.

Follow the Action Plan and be honest with yourself. If the numbers don't add up at all, then be prepared to scrap it and start again...and again...

Find the hungry market that's in demand FIRST and give them what they want. No ones interested in bloody Dung Beetles!!! ;-)

SS

Interested in SBI? For more info, go to Site Build It!

Site Build It Review

Site Build It Review

It's reassuring to see that even this close to registering your domain name, Site Build It still wants you absolutely 110% confident you have the best site concept and keyword list.

People who mess this up by simply ignoring all the warnings and previous advice deserve exactly what they get. I hope they have the decency to accept responsibility when it all goes pear shaped and not put the blame at SBI's feet!

Day 5 is made up of four action stages.

The first one is looking at my VPP or Valuable Preselling Proposition (I don't know what it means yet either but doesn't it sound cool!!).

The second is reading the Ken Evoy Ebook 'Make Your Content Presell'.

Third is a final evaluation and last, but not least...you guessed it...registering your domain name with Site Build It. Did I mention that you shouldn't do this until you are really ready???

OK Britney, I told them already ;-)

VPP turns out to be very similar to USP (Unique selling point), although Ken says it isn't. But it is though.

Finding your unique voice, spin or angle that will make your website stand out. Non creative types, I have found, find this quite hard to do. Just give me the facts Ma'am. The result can be a little dull. Spend some time on this as it can make the difference between a good and bad site.

Time to digest and regurgitate Ken's ebook now.

Oh my God!! The ebook is 135 pages long! This is going to to involve some printing, coffee, notepads, pencils and a couple of hours.

Speak to you in a little while!

SS

Interested in SBI? For more info, go to Site Build It!

Site Build It Review

Site Build It Review

I'm back!

I'm a little wiser (and a little older). The content of 'Make Your Content Sell' was fine and I've learnt a couple of new things.

Great advice in there for the newbie which will set you on the 'content writing' straight and narrow, but I do wonder if it isn't just a little bit too long - A bit like these posts I hear you say ;-)

Maybe it could have been broken up into two or even three ebooks as it does cover several different areas. There's a lot of info to cram in and I think some beginners may find that ebook a bit of a struggle and could be tempted to skim or even skip it.

And that would be a disaster, as it covers the most important aspect of a successful website...great content and how to write it.

Ken's got an easy going manner, which the reader would do well to copy. The content is sound, talking mainly about developing your 'unique voice' and the 'look and feel' of your website, with lots of real life examples, which is always a plus in my book.

Several successful SBI members are dusted off and wheeled out again to reinforce what Ken has already told us, but it's nice to hear from someone else who has actually done it.

I did feel the whole 'when do I monetize' question was fudged a little again. Kens answer to his own question 'How long before I monetize my SBI website' was a disappointing 'How long is a bit of string' and 'When you're ready'.

Bit of a cop out I think!

Newbies want to be told Ken. Answers like that only result in panic and poor judgment. A beginner doesn't know when to monetize because, well, they're new at all this!!!

The fact it is still the main thing on their mind, rightly or wrongly, doesn't help matters, so I felt more guidance was needed there.

Ken's style is very pithy, yet I felt it could have been a lot shorter and more to the point. But having said that, I can't give you an exact example of when he rambled or repeated himself. Just an overall feeling I got.

Perhaps the 135 pages made me feel like that before I'd even started. He recommends and practices the art of short 2-3 sentence paragraphs with lots of white space, so maybe the 'volume' issue lies there.

Links to the contributions from SBI members could have been used instead of actual copy, but then maybe people wouldn't bother clicking and they were informative and useful.

Sorry Ken, I haven't got a solution for you, but it just felt too long a read at this stage, but maybe it's just me. But the content was good and the style easy to read.

SS

Interested in SBI? For more info, go to Site Build It!

Site Build It Review

Site Build It

You know what? I've registered dozens of domain names, but I am really excited about this one for some reason....how sad am I?

Maybe it's the build up and the constant encouragement from Britney, but to be honest, it's mainly because I've developed a really nice site concept and niche using only the Site Build It tools, which have turned out to be a real surprise!

You're probably thinking 'Here we go, surprise surprise, he really loves it after all and now he wants us to buy it. Give me a break!' I know I would ;-)

I honestly never expected any great things from Site Build It and certainly didn't expect to create a half decent website whilst completing this undercover review.

But do you know what? I've developed a nice little site concept with a bit of monetization potential. Could I have come up with it without SBI? Yeah, of course I could, no question about it. But the fact remains I did come up with it just by using the tools provided by Site Build It.

So credit where credit's due.

Nice one Ken.

There's lots of little things that still niggle me about SBI for sure, which I have reported as honestly as I can in this blog, and who knows, the next stage in the 10 Day Action Guide may be a complete disaster waiting to happen!

The domain registration stage is straightforward enough. Search It (My favorite SBI tool by far) has not only got a 'check domain available' option, as you would expect, but it has even got a 'legalization' option to check your chosen domain name doesn't infringe on trademarks and other legal minefields. Which I didn't expect ;-)

How neat is that?

Britney asks me if I'm ready and absolutely sure I've completed Action Guide days 1-5 properly? (She's like my bloody Mother, but her hearts in the right place I suppose.)

'Am I nervous and excited' she asks. Actually, yes I am ;-)

SS

Interested in SBI? For more info, go to Site Build It!

Site Build It Review

Site Build It Review

After registering the domain name with Site Build It, I received a couple of emails from Ken congratulating me on getting this far (Thanks Ken, I couldn't have done it without you) and details about accessing my domain info and my email account.

The email seems like the standard set-up with redirection and spam/virus protection. I personally like to redirect everything to my main Gmail account as it allows you to send email from each different account.

Now I know that this is where the work really starts because on previous days there has been one video to watch.

Today there are seven? Gulp!

Building a website from scratch with little or no experience is every daunting, so I am very interested to see how SBI does on this score.

I'm no design expert, but I normally use Photoshop, Dreamweaver and Frontpage to create my web sites. But for this review, I'm going to use ONLY the Site Build It website builder tools to create my new site and let you know how I get on with them.

I just hope it doesn't end up looking like a site from the late nineties!!!!! I hope the SBI website templates reflects the new Web 2.0 generation.

I'm also looking forward to testing out the impressive sounding SBI SEO tools as well. Maybe I'll be able to discover what goes into the Site Build It secret sauce?

SS

Interested in SBI? For more info, go to Site Build It!

Site Build It Review

Site Build It Review

The first piece of advice from Britney is to always remember to build your website equally for three groups; the human visitors, the Search Engine robots and YOU.

Over deliver high quality info for your visitor. Create great relevant information to be picked up by the search engines and as a result of this, YOU monetize!

Sounds easy enough, but we all know the reality is a little harder.

I sometimes worry that the SBI way of simplifying everything could come back and bite them in the ass as I wonder if some people really understand the importance of a message or just dismiss it because of it's simplistic nature.

The SBI 'Find, click, click, click, KERCHING!' is a case in point. I guess it gets the point across about the psychology of a website searcher well enough. I'm just not sure it makes it sink in.

The video goes on to explain how to structure your site properly to get the most benefit from the Search Engines, whilst being easy to navigate for your visitors.

Essentially, it's a case of homepage (main keyword) Tier 2 (Main monetization topics) and Tier 3 (Bulk of content). All obviously related and linking back to one another.

As usual with Site Build It, simple enough for the complete Newbie to understand, but any experienced Webmasters will be reaching for the 'fast forward' button.

Which would be a shame as they really don't want to miss anything!

SS

Interested in SBI? For more info, go to Site Build It!

Site Build It Review

Site Build It Review

There's a lot more to Site Build It than I first thought.

There's a lot to take in on Action Day 6 and it's easy to get a bit bogged down. I recommend you use your checklist and tick off what you've covered as it does all tend to overlap.

But here's a tasty little tidbit I wasn't aware of.

With Site Build It, you don't actually FTP your HTML files to a server. Instead, the submitted HTML pages, whether you use the SBI Blockbuilder tool or your own HTML editor like Frontpage, all get stored on a huge database.

SBI can then control all the processes e.g submitting, re-submitting, tracks spiders, form submissions, mailouts, spider responses, value exchanging and so on.

These processes go on 24/7 allowing SBI to constantly correlate the info and improve on SEO for your site.

That's pretty mind blowing stuff actually. The only other company I know of who does a similar thing is Google!

So maybe that along with building a solid foundation with the great SBI tools and tuition C>T>P>M, is this is the secret ingredient? The little extra boost that gives SBI sites a little advantage in the search engines war.

I'm no programmer, but it sure impressed the hell out of me. Mind you, I think greetings cards that play when you open them are clever, so maybe no great endorsement ;-)

SS

Interested in SBI? For more info, go to Site Build It!

Site Build It Review

Site