At the beginning of 2010 I made some drastic changes to my online business. For starters, I quit selling almost all my stuff. It wasn’t because I was trying to retire, or I wanted to get out of the marketing game.
The truth was, I didn’t know how to edit my websites and I was too lazy to find another person to replace my former tech guy. It sounded like a hassle to me, so I just shut it all down and focused on affiliate marketing instead. The good news is, my income stayed about the same with way less work.
I also shut down a bunch of other sites I had published. Why? They didn’t pass “The Feel Good Test”. Let me explain.
Yesterday I got a notice from GoDaddy saying one of my sites had been canceled. The site was called NBA Criminals. I built the site a few years ago when I lived in Portland Oregon and was
really pissed off about the Trailblazers employing thugs and criminals to our beloved basketball team. It seemed like every other month one of the players was getting involved with the law. So I created the site and another at www.jail-blazers.com to voice my frustrations.
To be honest, I created the site because I had just seen the Trailblazers pay $1200 to make the domain www.blazerssuck.com go away. I figured why not create a site that was even better and who knows, maybe they’d pay me $5000 for the site? I never created malicious write ups, just the facts, and nothing but the facts. I didn’t want the site to be an attack site, but more of a news source. You’d be shocked how many NBA players have despicable rap sheets!
Over time that site started getting a lot of traffic. And it brought in a meager income. However, I deleted it at the beginning of the year. Why? Because of The Feel Good Test. Here’s how the Feel Good Test works… I take a look at the site and if it doesn’t make me feel good, it gets deleted. That’s it. Nothing more. www.nbacriminals.com didn’t make the cut. Despite the fact it was making money, had great search engine rankings, was a PR3 site, tons of backlinks, I just deleted it. It didn’t make me feel good.
And I did that with a handful of sites simply because they didn’t evoke a positive reaction out of me. Doing this cost me some money, but it sure made me feel a lot better. I hate worrying about the ramifications of websites and emotional hassles they can bring especially when I’m not in love with the content or substance of that site.
So now I’m working only on sites that bring me enjoyment like a surfing website, a photography website and writing my own books in the marketing arena. It’s much more pleasurable and definitely passes “The Feel Good Test”.
Peace
J-Mo
PS: Lots of internet marketers will teach you to go into niches by doing keyword research and finding areas that are not being exploited. If there is enough search demand and enough people willing to buy the product, you’re often encourage to go ahead and test/tackle that market.
I don’t play that game anymore. And I don’t like to teach that either. Truthfully, I don’t give a rats ass about search volume, popularity, or any other buying indicators. My main motivator is whether or not I like it, and that’s it. That’s my criteria for building websites now. It makes the business a lot more fun and a lot easier to sleep at night.
Some may think this method is less profitable, but I tend to disagree.
Interesting post, JMo. I’m reminded of your talk at #AIMEN about litter. I agree that we should always work on things that we like. Indeed, it’s a proven fact that people are ALWAYS more successful in arenas that they have a passion for. That being said, it doesn’t hurt to know your metrics!
Shecky
Bravo my friend!
I have had similar devious thoughts but I think that just eats at your soul… builds bad karma.
-rs
Yeah that kinda stuff builds bad mofo er I mean mojo……i am learning to do the stuff I like to do as well. Great post Jason
Jason,
Damn good to read. I’m still learning about getting my site and business out there, who to follow and who not to follow etc. I like your simple philosophy, if it doesn’t feel good…. It’s how I like to live life. Why should business be any different? Great blog!
Totally. Business shouldn’t be any different, and customers are smart enough to see through the charades in most cases.
Fully Jason… life is an opportunity to make a positive difference
I know there are ton of folks who thinks that’s all bullshit…
I made a ton of mistakes when I was younger – I now simply put it down to life experience
Now it just feels right (as you point out) to be different and of course to do what makes you happy
Wicked!
Hi Jason!
Congratulations on implementing a powerful personal decision. Those types of decisions aren’t difficult once you realize how a personal compass functions.
It’s amazing how we get smarter as each day passes!
While reflecting on your post it made me think of a few years ago when I too was so outraged by a local incident I created a web presence for it. When a neighbor told me, “Phew. I don’t ever want you mad at me.” And another local made me agree to not write about an issue until I talked with him first. I removed the content of course and continued on my happy way letting all my web properties be a reflection of who I am, letting my natural positive attitude and eternal optimism for one step better be the order of the day.
So yes, Jason, somewhere along the way we thought that just because “we could” it was ok when in fact on the higher plane of things we know the difference.
I’ve also let high ranking domains and sites go because every time I saw the domain it reminded me of the person and / or business and stirred up all that negative energy anew.
Thanks Jason for sharing this positive action on your part. Hopefully it will be an outstanding example of how to vent anger it ways which allow us to release it without making the world be a witness to a moment of mad fury.
We all possess the innate power to do both good and harm. Good works better!
Best regards,
Cheryl C. Cigan
Known Books
Thanks for the reply Cheryl. I’ve tried to be much more patient and cautious about casting opinions about people or companies via social media in the last few years. It’s too easy to unfairly beat up a company for a mishap when it may not be the norm. I like sites like Yelp because over all it does tend to get the balanced view. However, that site can be massively abused too. I think with things like wiki’s and social media sites we have a responsibility to be fair to people and structure our complaints in a manner that isn’t based on attacking something we dislike.
Jason – I was thrilled to comment on this topic! Finally a conversation I could join and contribute!
Last night I had dinner with the neighbors I wrote of in my reply. I told them of your decision to delete entire websites because of distasteful content. We talked at length about personal and professional responsibility and the differences between being ignorantly ruthless and actually making a positive impact with our words. It is our choice. It’s what sets us apart from the animal kingdom – that split second between cause and reaction – being able to choose how we react.
The visual remains of imagining how you would carry on a year long conversation with people on a mailing list attached to those websites. Yikes! Talk about a year of strife. What would you sell them, boxing gloves with a copy of “How to Win Friends and Influence People? 🙂
Continued success to you Jason.
Cheryl
Jason, As for Profitabilty(SP),Hell your the one that knows,not us,and if it makes ya sleep better, Whos better than You???????,Jack!
Wow Jason! This is something that I have been feeling is “the right thing to do” for quite a while now. But I’ve never pursued going after the niches I have the most interest and passion in, because I could never find the right keywords with good enough metrics. And I was discouraged from even trying after continuously hearing from the gurus that going into niches just because you really like them would only mean disaster.
To hear that you have being going this way full-force, and that you are finding it profitable really is inspiring! My excitement is rising! You have just inspired me to finally do the same. 🙂
Kevin,
They only mean disaster if you are financially relying on them. I like to build sites that are fun for me, but I am smart enough to choose something where there is a decent shot to turn a profit. If someone’s entire income is dependent upon a particular site then choosing off of pure enjoyment probably wouldn’t be the wisest move.
It’s easy to get rid of sites that don’t make you “feel good” when you’re cash flush and don’t have any serious money concerns. But what about those who are down at the bottom of the money ladder struggling to make their first dime or pay the never ending bills… not so easy.
Completely agree Carl. Much easier in a pocket bulging scenario. My advice for someone struggling is to quit doing whatever isn’t working and start promoting a product as an affiliate that is proven to work. Something that you truly believe in, and just plug away at that. People need hosting, and website builders, and domain names. These are all legitimate products that anyone can make commissions on, and you don’t have to beat people over the head to sell this stuff. People already need it.
I was kinda thinking the same thing….once in a position to not worry about search engines and profitability, it would be easier to get rid of a site. A majority of us who have gravitated towards internet marketing did
it for income and those who have not “achieved” that “goal” may not be able to be as sensitive to their conscious. I believe the better thing to do is
to only search for those niches that you like and make you feel good from the beginning, then you’re in a better position.
A man of integrity. Right on Jason.
Carl, maybe if you don’t feel good about your revenue generating sites you can find a way to give them a face lift? It might not happen overnight, but it could be possible. Just a thought.
I wouldn’t totally disregard keyword research and the other metrics that indicate a potentially profitable niche. But if you don’t love what you do, what’s the point?
Yep, I ask myself daily…”Did I have FUN today”? If so, why, and if not, why? Keep up the GREAT work! Best, Brian-
I like your viewpoint on this, I think too many marketers put profits before ethics, and even though your sites were by no means unethical, I think the karma factor always comes into play.
As far as building sites on topics you love, I think it depends on your overall motivation. If you’re just starting out, I’d say it’s always a good idea to follow something your passionate about, but do a little research and see how you can build something that can be monetized for that niche.
But once you have your first few sites up, I think the motivation for building a site changes a little – like someone else said if you’re not relying on it you can approach it a little differently.
I think people should just always look at building sites that help people – by doing this you’re going to be happier doing what you’re doing, and sites like Google will treat your site more favorably, and so will your visitors.
Just my 2cents/pence
~James
That’s a great MANTRA bro! I think that’s the best way to go. I always think about all these people that create adult sites and shit. How do they sleep at night?
A friend almost convinced me to promote an MLM adult site, I was knew and in need of money like crazy, but my conscious kept telling me not to do it. I am so glad I didn’t.
I absolutely agree with u brotha! That’s how I got into thsi game in the first place. Gary V would be proud 🙂
Hey Mo,stop being so logical.Just kidding man.
Yeah,I guess we should like what a particular website we have is about.Or else creating content is like working a job,and you won’t give readers
value that produces a community that helps people.
Money is nice,but that’s where it ends.Help the people in your little
community.
Thanks Mo
Mark G
I couldn’t agree more Jason…
(Not that I’m in your shoes mind you…)
But that makes perfect sense… Feel Good, or out the Door.
Jason, I love this post!
My team and I live by ‘The Feel Good’ test and its a great confirmation to read this post from you today.
And really, its all about feeling good. That’s how I know when I’m in alignment.
We’re actually creating an online show highlighting ‘feeling good’ activities here in Hawaii. This season is coming soon. The first videos from last season are up at http://www.OurWishIsOurCommand.com
Check it out if it feels good to do so. 🙂
😀 PEACE 😀
Jared James
P.S. I love that you’re creating these blogs daily. I really appreciate this post in particular. Keep it up J-Mo
Funny that you posted this. I have been wasting my time doing work on IM and Bizop. I have been working on stuff that just feels right now. I used to use market samurai and find the best post to make and target keywords. None of that would bring me traffic like my feel good stuff would. I rather be like James Brown and Feel good.
I sold my most profitable site about 6 months ago. Why? Because I simply did not enjoy working on and promoting that site anymore. I’ve lived by this credo ever since. And I’ll tell you, I am ALOT happier.
So bottom line: Look at the things in your life that are not fun and get rid of them. They are toxic to you. Don’t make excuses. Just do it.
It’s liberating.
Jason,
Why in the heck didn’t you just sell the sites instead of deleting them?
Then again…you probably don’t give a crap about money.
Ken
Ken, I could of done that but I just didn’t like the negative energy of the content. I’d rather it just withered away. Probably could of got a bit of money for the site but could of also gotten a fist in the grill from a pissed off ex b-ball player who is angry that his mom reads about his 5 DUI’s every time she Googles his name.
Weird! I was thinking the other night about my direction… Remembered the old saying about, find something you love doing that pays and you’ll never need to ‘work’…
Then I thought about promoting affiliate products which I know nothing about, and thought to myself, “Am I being a sell out”?
Then I thought, “Hell, I’m maybe doin’ too much thinkin’ and not enough ACTION”!
And now you post this and I’m like, “What the ….”
So now, (thanks to you Jason), I know EXACTLY where I’m headed!! I ain’t gonna delete or sell what I’ve got started, just gonna leave them where they are…
But now I got REAL FOCUS!!
Thank you Jason for ‘clearing my head’..!! (Don’t know if anyone’s said that to you before)!
Cheers,
Axl
Less is more. Every time you say ‘no’ to something it gives you more energy for the ‘yes’…
Yeeeeeah buddy… Bro, you and I laugh a lot about different things, and I get a kick out of some of the random stuff you do. But, to be quite honest dude…It’s pretty sweet the way you do your thing, and that’s why I consider you a homie. This post is pretty much the exact opposite of any “IM training”, yet makes more sense than a 5k PPC course taught by a leading expert…Keep rockin’ yo.
Kevin – “The peoples marketer”
Unclo MoFo I go the same way! I prefer low hassle high profit
if it’s high hassle AND high profit I won’t do it
I’ve been in the dumps back in the day and no amount of money can make me do the stuff that brings negativity in any way so I drop them
I do this with BOTH online AND offline
I dig it man and you’re right, it helps you kick more ass AND you’re way happier.
Thnx Uncle MoFo
–z–
So glad to see you add voice to this kind of attitude. Too many people are chasing a buck in something that they not only don’t feel so good about, but actually feel completely crappy about and yet feel it’s the way it has to be.
Having said that, I’m not immune to it either. I’ve gotten into businesses that I knew or at least strongly suspected would have personal repercussions, just because I knew I could do well there. And cutting off such ventures has been nothing but good for me, even when it meant cutting off my main income source for a little while.
A few months ago I shelved about half a dozen old web sites, e-commerce sites and products that just didn’t fit with me today. Never looked back.
There is not a better measuring stick than what your now practising MoFo, you keep going your own way.
Jason:
Your post is very timely. I was doing keyword research tonight on a subject that bores me to death. After wasting part of my evening on this project I thought to myself — “What am I doing? If I can’t get excited about a project I am not going to touch it!”
I’m completely with you on this one.
Jon
Fabulous! Just reading what you are doing has made me feel good… better go and delete a few things… then I will feel amazing! Thanks for the wisdom
Oh by the way I am now updating my site for the photography.. cheers! ( not making me feel good at the moment)
With gratitude
Julie