As a web publisher, most of my time is spent developing and maintaining “niche” web sites focused on specific audiences, communities, and product categories.  “Relevant and Useful” is my web publishing philosophy.

Update (Dec. 15, 2010): I’m working on a new “lesson plan index” web site (LessonIndex.com).

My sites succeed only if they “add value” for consumers and advertisers. My successful web sites provide rich original content (including original news articles and advice, product reviews, product comparisons, buying guides, and annotated directories), with advertising and product information integrated or appended via search results, where appropriate).

My niche web sites contain several forms of advertising, including some traditional “banner and button” ads, text-ad blocks (such as Google AdSense/AdWords), and text links, as well as “product grids” (sometimes using PopShops).

Some Site Examples:

• LessonIndex.com (lesson plan directory for teachers).
• Labrador Retriever 2011 Calendars [product grid/search]
• Book Review: 101 Theory Drive [blog]
• Removing Graffiti (Self-Help) [blog]

PopShops: I strongly urge all merchants with “datafeeds” to work with PopShops, which provides convenient tools for publishers to create and manage product showcases or grids that include products from many merchants and networks.  (It’s free for merchants.)

2010 Focus on Web Publishing: From 1996 to 2009, I split my time between work as an internet marketing consultant and a separate role as a web publisher. During the second half of 2010, I intend to focus primarily on my “Web Publishing” role.

Free Advice: I used to charge merchants thousands of dollars for my advice, but in November 2007 I posted much of my “Affiliate-Program Advice for Merchants” for free.

No DTM-PPC: I no longer run any “direct-to-merchant” Pay-Per-Click Search campaigns. When I use PPC to promote my niche sites, I never bid on a merchant’s company name or domain name, nor variations, nor on any prohibited trademarks or keywords.

My Affiliate Networks and Merchants: I work with: ShareASale, AvantLink,Commission Junction, Google Affiliate Network, Bridaluxe, LinkConnector, and Amazon.com. I am currently re-evaluating whether to pursue active relationships with a limited number of merchants who use LinkShare, PepperJam/GSI, HasOffers, ClickBank, ClickXchange, ClixGalore, or ShareResults. I will not do business with Inuvo (Kowabunga/Kolimbo/Think).

Contact:

• Email: MarkWelch@MarkWelch.com
• Telephone: (925) 462-8483
• U.S. Mail: P.O. Box 11355, Pleasanton, CA 94588