Do I need a full web site ?

[David3071]

As I think about this , do I even need a full blown web site to do affilliate marketing ? I think I know the answer so I should tell you a little about the concept for my site. I am building a site based on a destination. I will comment on the sites to see but also focus on accomodations, in the area. I am not only going to do affilliate marketing but once I can quantify my traffic I will be selling hard advertising on the site as a secondary income stream. So with that in mind could this be a blog only site ?

[BradleyD.Haslam]

(MOD NOTE: continued from topic here,
post left here because post title discribes the problem well for others.
In the future, please don't create seperate posts with identical questions.
THANKS! )

Sorry it took a minute to get back to you David.

The question you ask isn't as easy as a yes or no.
You see, it depends on your plan.

The idea you have for your site sounds great!
And I can see how it would fit into a "blog".
But the point there is, that's how 'I' see it fitting.

People use "content management systems" as their sites all the time.
But it's not because it's simple, (not necessarilly)
it's because they understand them,
and it fits what they are planning.

When you are starting a site, you need to plan ahead.
You MUST know more than "what you plan to offer" in general.
You need to know how you plan to enter the market.
Usually, when planning for the long term, it's done with content.
Content that focuses on the "sub" markets in the target market.

People have a misconception about the home page
being the entry point for their website.
Some times it is, but not normally.
(Unless it's a minisite design kind of thing.)
Instead, you are going to access your market from MANY points.
And that is where the "content" comes in.

You should have an image of your site written down,
or mind mapped. (Awesome free mind map tool here.)
You should have products, promotions, partners,
or ANYthing else you can think of in writing.
And THEN, you organize it into action steps,
there by starting to create... "pages".

Blogs work well for LOTS of stuff.
But not for everything.

I recommend looking around,
and seeing if you can find some pages and blogs
that are doing something similar to what you're planning.
(here, start with mine! )
Get a feel for the design, that fits the plan in your head.

The answer to your question "could this be a blog only site ?" is yes.
But I'll say this instead of just answering with a yes or no...

PLAN your dream, in a VERY detailed way.
And then find the type of site that fits that plan.
Don't try to squish your plan into any particular "type" of site.
It's like putting limits on your dream.
You might as well be putting it in a box.

Hope it helped some.
I almost feel like it's an answer that just creates more questions.
BUT, I know I've gotten plenty of those myself over the years. LOL!
Kinda just goes hand in hand with being a newbie... It will pass, promise.

Keep us posted !

To YOUR Success!!
Brad.

[David3071]

Brad,
Thank you very much for your answer. I guess I may be trying to rush this and neglected a very important step here and that is getting on paper as you suggest. So, I will do that. I do have a larger vision than the blog. I thought I might be able to jump start with it. (which I guess I could, but first impressions are lasting and I need this to be the right one)

So onto to paper and some mapping ! I will certainly keep you posted.
Thanks

David

PS
I apologize for starting a new thread here. This is also the first forum I have really participated in so please forgive me (newbie mistake ! )

[BradleyD.Haslam]

I could write a book on "newbie mistakes". LOL
In fact, I have a couple of forums I still don't frequent anymore
because of shear embarrassment

All good!

PLUS, I was thinking...

A blog doesn't limit things enough to fuss over like I think I did.
It would be an excellent way to get off the ground.
It even makes "building a site" one less thing to worry about in the learning curve.
You can still have directories of your own design for other tasks.
You can still run other scripts. (for tracking and such.)
AND, you can always convert to a regular site later.
Just "another thing to do", and I try to avoid that,
but not as taxing as some things you will undoubtable put on your "to do" list.

What I'm saying is this:
It might just be a smart way to discover what it is your trying to do!
And a blog sets up so quick, and can be deleted so quick,
that it would be a small waste of time, (our only true commodity)
IF it was a waste at all!

I fell like I'm almost contradicting my self, but 'go for it'!
IF you think it would serve you, and move you tward your goal.

But I also stand by what I said about writing it out.
That's where you'll find 98% of the clarity to help you make that choice.
(the "will it serve me" choice )

Good luck David!!
And have fun!
Brad.