Where do you think the future lies?

[khalid]

Morning all,

A bit of an open-ended question here but I thought it would be a good idea to open a bit of a debate about our line of investment/business and where you think it lies in the future.

I can't help but feel many of our opportunities have been shut down and the industry is being squeezed more and more. For example;

- Geo service websites over taken by local listings (directories the same)
- Reduction after reduction in affiliate % earnings (flights 1%)
- Monster websites dominating keyword upon keyword
- Organic results being pushed down further and further
- Less reliability on G actually keeping your site in the SERPS

This isn't a moan, just thought I would kick off a chat about where you are heading (if you want to share).

For me I'm trialling a web service that can be promoted in social media and utilises a mailing list to ensure I'm not entirely reliant on G. I'm using affiliate programs whereby you receive lifetime commission too.

I'm also looking at reducing my portfolio and investing offline.

 

[khalid]

Just a question - why is offline deemed to be more appealing than online?

How do you feel the 2 mediums differ with regards to ease?

I ask as, your mindset (along with many others) comes across that online is becoming too difficult and dominated by big players... isn't this the same issue offline?

Online businesses and marketing is pretty new in comparison to offline.
So offline businesses are more established and corner markets even more so than online, surely?

Online has the appeal of lower start up costs than offline (if you have a certain base skill-set).
So why trade?

Hi,

I'm considering offline as I have mulled over an investment for a long time but never actually done it. I know the setup and returns as two of my former colleagues do the exact same and have done for years.

This particular business (taxis) requires me to purchase and license a vehicle then rent it out. I don't need to worry about generating business as it is handled by someone else and can easily move from cab company to cab company as you simply pay a flat weekly fee to be on their circuit.

Offline doesn't neccessarily appeal to me as it means I am tied to something in a particular location however I am considering it as the investment is low and the returns are reasonable.

 

[boxfish]

4 of the 5 points you made just relate to Google

I think any business online needs to cover:

Provide real value
Optimise conversions
Be marketable via several channels
Not be reliant on any 'one thing' be that a specific affiliate program, a keyword ranking, an adsense account, a specific supplier etc

 

[khalid]

4 of the 5 points you made just relate to Google

yep, they were examples.