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Startup websites have saturated the website flipping market, and as a result, they aren’t as profitable as they used to be. Flipping startup websites isn’t a thing of the past, however. You just have to put a little more work into each site before you sell. You need to add more value to startups to enhance profitability when you flip them. Here are six things you can do to achieve that goal:
1. Create Quality and Exceptional Content
Strive for at least ten exceptional articles before you flip the website. Don’t utilize PLR articles, or be enticed by syndicated articles from sources such as Ezine Articles. Write fresh articles, or at the very least rewrite PLR articles so that they are 60-70% unique. The more you focus on content quality, the more chances you have at selling your website.
2. Create a Graphically Appealing Website
Not only is content important, but a professional looking website is equally important and if done right will grab the attention of the buyer. Because flipping startup websites is so competitive, avoid a cookie-cutter template and create a custom one instead. The goal is to create a unique template with a graphically pleasing logo and header. If the website is a blog, adding corresponding images will also help the website “pop” and enhance the sites overall look and feel.
3. Get Some Backlinks
A few backlinks on your startup website will add great value. For example, social bookmarking and comments on do-follow blogs are smart ideas. In addition, submit unique articles to popular article directories on the web. If you want your startup website to standout, then backlinks will definitely create a valuable website and more money for you.
4. Create a Mailing List
You can create an online course or free report utilizing PLR articles. Offer the report or course for free if they sign up. From this, you can create a mailing list to set your startups apart from your competition. Even if your list only has a handful of people it will help as most startup websites don’t offer mailing lists.
5. Generate Some Revenue
Work on getting some revenue regardless of the amount before listing your website for sale. Aim to generate an affiliate sale or two or even a few dollars from AdSense. A startup website that already has revenue prior to a sale has a huge advantage over most startup websites as most aren’t producing income.
6. Build Your Website on an Aged Domain
Kenny Goodman, the domain expert and owner behind DomainFace, recently said in his interview with Flippa, “Choosing a domain name is one of the most important tasks when building a website…” He further stated, “…it can make the difference between selling a website for $150 and selling it for $1,500.” Buying an aged domain may cost a little more than registering a brand new one, but the benefits greatly out weigh the additional expenses. You can find several aged domains in any niche for under $100. Wouldn’t you be willing to spend the extra money if it meant making $1,500 vs. $150 on your flip?
Staying ahead of the competition is the key to maximizing your profits when selling startup websites. By implementing these methods prior to flipping your startups you’ll not only stay a step ahead of your competition but you’ll blow it away!
{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }
i think ugly sites might sell better for some. Certain if not most buyers are looking towards fixer uppers, thinking that uploading a nice template will increase a lot of website’s value. When you sell an already pretty site you are taking that away from them. just a thought …
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NYThemes:
Very good point. There indeed may be some (perhaps many) buyers who are looking for strictly “fixer uppers.” However, in today’s current flipping market, if a startup website doesn’t have at least good content and/or some promotion (and I would even add a good domain), ugly STARTUP sites aren’t going to sell that well.
Travis
Follow me on Twitter: FlippinLowdown
Hi Travis,
I read somewhere that one could use XHeader.com to create headers – have you heard about it and what is your view on it?
What is one can’t afford the money to outsource – what is the alternative in creating at least a presentable “saleable” website?
Thanks.
Kifayat:
I have heard of XHeader. It’s made by the same company behind XsitePro. Both are solid products. I haven’t used XHeader myself but it’s free so it would certainly be worth trying. Another free graphics editor is Gimp.
If you don’t have the money to outsource, that’s o.k. You’ll just need to spend some time learning how to make your own headers using programs such as XHeader, Gimp, etc.
I personally recommend WordPress as a site builder because there are so many themes available for free. Many of the themes out there look superb right out of the box. You don’t even need to do anything with them except maybe add a header and change some colors.
Travis
Follow me on Twitter: FlippinLowdown
I came from WF and read few of your blog posts. Great blog and all genuine information you are providing. Already signed up on your Aweber list and hope to have some more valuable tips.
Cheers
Thanks for stopping by and thanks for all your kind words. I hope I continue to meet your expectations! If I ever slip, just let me know. Take care.
Travis
Follow me on Twitter: FlippinLowdown
You mentioned that we can create graphically appealing websites, what if we don’t have the design or technical skills to create a design or code the design? How much would that affect overall profits if we have to outsource it?
Using PLR content is easier, but it must be viewed as a framework on which to write your own content!
PLR Pete:
Great moniker:) I can answer your question because you’re describing me perfectly. I have absolutely no sense of design and I’m slightly color blind to boot so I have to outsource all of my design work. The most important graphical element on a website is the header and you can have those created for as little as $25 – and sometimes cheaper if you find a WSO or someone over at the Digital Point forum trying to break into the design business. In general, though, I would budget between $30-$50 for a header.
As for your comments about PLR, I completely agree with you. My point in the article was that people shouldn’t just throw up a bunch of PLR articles “as-is” on their websites and then try to flip them. By all means use PLR articles as a basis for your OWN articles or rewrite them significantly. Finally, as I mentioned PLR articles are great for putting ebooks or online courses together to give away for free to build a list!
Travis
Follow me on Twitter: FlippinLowdown