Some thoughts.
Last Update: May 27, 2012
I've been noticing a lot of people are taking trainings and Wabinars at face value. In other words, whatever is being taught is the exact way that everyone is doing things. This is great, I mean why re-invent the wheel? If it ain't broke don't fix it, right? The problem I think is many are being a little closed minded. If you ask Jay he'll tell you, there's more than one way to do things and things that he does many not work for you..hek he starts every Wabinar with this very line.

Yes, Jay puts out some great and awesome places to start but be creative and actually take all the things that you learn and put them together. One of the reasons I bring this up is because after the Authority Site Wabinar it seems everyone is wanting to do one now (I totally agree that you should) but we need to clarify. I think the point Jay was trying to put out was how to focus on building a site that is full of useful content rather than a micro-niche site. I might not be getting that right and I'm sure Jay can comment on this.

Let me give you the definition of what an authority site is. An authority site is a site that Google (yes Google) deems worthy of getting an extra boost in their rankings. How does this happen? Well, theres a myriad of algorithms and factors that all adds up to Google loves your site or not (I won't get into all these factors in this post, maybe a future one, and I can't give you all the algorithms because Google keeps it secret).

Now let me tell you what I deem an authority site and I think this goes more along the lines of what Jay was trying to teach. An authority site to me is a site where when I want to find something out about your niche I'll go straight to your site. This is where all that branding talk comes in. Let me give you an example. Youtube.com is an authority site in all definitions. It's always going to get a boost in rankings (duh, Google owns it) and when I think of any kind of video (not even just a niche video) what do I do? Youtube it, of course. That's an authority site in my definition.

So what is the point of this blog? Well, I'm really not sure anymore but I just wanted to encourage everyone to be free thinking (I may be and probably am wrong) but it seems like many think there is one way to do things, there's not. It's not like math, 1+1 isn't always 2 in the IM world. Find what works for you.

Hope the hate mail doesn't get too big on this one! Also, sorry Jay had to use you, you're the most influential member here besides Kyle and Carson.
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Carson Premium Plus
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Sielke Premium
Carson, what Jay said in his blog, as well as your comments there an here are what I was aiming at getting across.
Carson Premium Plus
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jatdebeaune Premium
You make perfect sense Sielke, and I'm sure Jay would agree. The point of all education is to get a foundation and then run with it. The more you know, the more creative you can be. I have a site that fits the description of "authority", but it's not where I want it yet. Far from it. There's much work ahead. Jay gave us the nitty gritty of building such a site, but philosophically and design wise, it's up to the individual. As for what I'm building, all I care about is making a site in my niche that I would love to find. What Google thinks isn't my first consideration. Of course, if they value what I do, then I will be happy.
Sielke Premium
Exactly, Jays follow up blog was great. It kind of showed what I was trying to say in a clearer way. Theres a technical term for what an "Authority" site is but theres also what we deem is an authority site as well. What Jay is teaching is what we deem as authority not just what Google deems an authority.
BIS Premium
I get totally what you're saying and I thoroughly agree with you. There is no magic formula to success in IM and it's important to be flexible. I have an authority site (long before I actually knew what the term was)) because my aim was to have a site in my area of expertise where visitors could find a wealth of information and that's precisely what I have achieved. I'm all for being creative, learning from others and then applying it to your own circumstances.
Sielke Premium
Beverly, thanks for your comment. From the amount you help people out you definitely have the same trains of thought on the subject.
klrrider Premium
First, I haven't seen the Webinar yet so maybe I shouldn't be commenting... When I started out I had no idea what I waned to do or what niche I wanted to get in to much less build an authority site. For me building a bunch of sites just to try things out is what I did and am still doing. You have to do something right? Taking action is what it is all about. 25+ sites later, most being duds, I have made some progress and some bank but have decided I wouldn't want to be the "expert" in any one field. For me that would be the same as having a boss. No boss and no clients is my motto. I have a couple of sites doing pretty good and that is satisfying for me. My best is a pure shopping site and doesn't rely on Google for traffic. I think what Christian is trying to say is you have to be creative and think out of the box, not a lemming.
Sielke Premium
Bob, thats what I'm saying, yes there are a benefits to building an "authority" site but its not for everyone like you're demonstrating with your situation. You've found what works for you and thats great.
slayton1s Premium
Had a little trouble figuring out the point you were trying to make across but I agree that people need to have an open mind with Internet Marketing. I honestly think micro niche sites are scams in a sense since they don't tell you the full information and background to what specific niche that product actually belongs in, unless of course it has a clear and concise reasoning behind why that product is one of the best products to buy in its respected niche. And yes, authority sites are great. It's probably wise that a newbie start out on a specific niche instead of an authority site however since you sort of build yourself up to that point anyway.
Sielke Premium
Don't worry seth, I had no idea what I was trying to say after awhile either. I think my main point was that the resources that are available are a great starting point but they have to find what works for them.
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