| Highly targeted, focused sites that are
related to specific market segments are highly advantageous and can often be created using
existing web content. The key is to provide value.
Think of the time spent surfing the web gathering resources
and information. By creating a topic-centric resource compiling information, webmasters
are providing a service or value. In many cases that value is simply the compilation of
topic-specific information in a single resource. The compilation of this information in
itself is the value.
These highly focused content sites can be great
supplemental portals that are invaluable as a marketing tool for niche products. Niche
portals help define expertise in a specific market segment, not to mention the added
benefit of providing valuable topic-specific links. The topic-centric portals also tend to
achieve high search placement and will often provide advertisers high quality exposure,
allowing webmasters the opportunity to capitalize on their efforts.
What to put in topical portal?
ARTICLES
Many article writers allow webmasters to republish their
articles.
Search the large article directories for quality
topic-specific articles using keyword searches. The articles contained in these
directories often allow publishers to freely reproduce the article's contents as long as
the hyperlinks in the article and article resource box remain intact.
Resource for finding articles for publication: GoArticles -
http://www.goarticles.com
RSS FEEDS
By nature, RSS feeds are designed for syndication. Most RSS
feeds can be freely reproduced. Locate topic-specific feeds using keyword or category
searches. The contents of the feeds can be used to populate web pages. There are a number
of free scripts available that allow webmasters to display the contents of an RSS feed
(see http://www.rss-specifications.com/displaying-rss-feeds.htm for instructions on
displaying feeds).
Resources for finding RSS feeds for syndication: RSS
Network - http://www.rss-network.com RSS Locator - http://www.rss-locator.com
LINK DIRECTORY
While this takes a little more time, compiling a collection
of niche websites on related topics can significantly enhance the value of a portal.
Topic-specific directories and search engines can achieve high search engine rankings with
the larger engines like Google and MSN, and can easily be optimized for a collection of
search terms. The process can even be automated if you have programming experience.
Sample Link Directory - http://www.investing-partners.com
TOPIC SPECIFIC FORUM
The most successful forums are those that are highly
focused and niche-oriented. Establishing a community of individuals with common interests
will result in return visitors. Managing a forum is not overly complex and there are free
forum scripts available that will provide the forum structure. Many of the forums have
scripts available that will allow for search engines to spider the contents and forum
posts. As the content flourishes, the site will increase in value.
Free Forum Scripts: http://www.phpbb.com
More on topic-specific portals or information radars can be
found in Robin Good's book 'Newsmastering'.
http://www.masternewmedia.org/reports/newsmasterstoolkit/
A site that is focused on a relatively narrow range of
goods and services will find that there is less competition. Topic-centric websites that
provide a gateway to niche information related to a particular industry, sector, topic or
market segment are becoming increasingly valuable and popular. Compiling the resource
using free resources will minimize the capital investment. Regardless of whether you are
marketing a product, service or advertising, narrowing the topic focus will attract a
targeted audience who genuinely are interested in the website topic, allowing you to
monetise the portal, and minimize the expense. |
