Niche sites: how to optimize them?

[salvyy]

Dear SEOmozzers,

I am focusing on those keywords I find using the "Keyword Analysis" tool that are not too competitive (among 20%-30% competitiveness). I then buy domains that include those keywords. The sites are in Italian and targeting the Italian search engines, so the competition is lower than it would be in the US. Basically, I'd like to build niche sites and I'd like to ask a few questions that I hope somebody with a good experience in this field can answer:

1. How do I optimize a niche site. Specifically, how do I go about link building? How many backlinks should I get to see some results?

2. How long does it take for a typical niche site to start appearing in the search engines for a certain keyword, after launching an effective link building campaign?

3. Please kindly provide any recommendations you believe to be important when building niche sites. For example, is there a company/professional you know that specializes in this field and who is trustworthy/reliable?

Thank you very much for your help.

All best,

• Sal

[Nobody1560986989723]

I do however agree with what Ryan wrote - in that domains with keywords (unless a valid part of a brand) is not a worthwhile focus. Google particularly likes brands, so build a reputation based on  quality content in your niches and you should be okay.

There's no harm in building a good niche sites, i.e. filling a gap the main competition aren't in, but do it genuinely and do it well - remember you're building a quality site and everything affects your reputation - oh and finally, remember there are no short cuts

[salvyy]

Hi Martin,

Thank you for the great reply. I'll follow your recommendations.

Cheers,

• Sal

[salvyy]

Hi Ryan,

Thank you for your feedback and honesty. My idea is to build sites in fields that I am interested in, so that I can write good content about and try to earn links. I would like to create them focusing on keywords that are not too competitive, otherwise I will not stand a change to compete against the big guys.

Al best,

• Sal

[Nobody1560986989723]

Hi there,

You don't have to do much differently for 'niche' sites in terms of SEO than any non-niche site, to be honest. You will still need to choose your keywords, put together some great content, manage your site structure and on-page optimisation well and ensure a great user experience.

After that your link building efforts are fairly simliar in that you'll need to look for good linking opportunities. Look at your competitors for the keywords you're targeting and then maybe look at some advanced search queries:-

http://www.seomoz.org/blog/9-actionable-tips-for-link-prospecting

Niche Communities The thing I would suggest is getting involved in communities based around your niche - maybe hook into some blogs or forums, or other community types and be of use to the people there - get to know people well (don't just see it as 'link building'). If you're in a niche then you want to get known in that niche.

Social Media Look up some communities through social media or do keyword searches in those site to identify people you could get involved with or get to know.

Backlinks How many links it takes to get you noticed? How long is a piece of string? It depends on the quality of the sites linking to you and what your competitors are up to - that will change niche-to-niche.

Web Designer You should be able to get any web designer to create your niche site but I would suggest you go with a designer who understands SEO in order to get the site structure and content right before the site goes live. Ensure you get an Italian Copywriter to look over the content so that keywords are inserted in a natural, linguistically acceptable way - i.e. it reads well.

Hope this is of use to you

[RyanKent]

Sal, if I may be blunt that is a horrible plan from a SEO perspective.

Search engines have matured. They are far from perfect, but they are getting better at filtering out sites like the ones you mentioned. The sites which make it to the first page of results (i.e. receive traffic from search engines) are increasingly becoming the authentic, legitimate sites to which companies or individuals focus their full attention. The idea of throwing up a bunch of sites and receiving traffic to all of them is dying. Why?

The penguin update is focused on eliminating sites which "built" links. Going forward you need to EARN links. The best guide on doing such is here: http://www.seomoz.org/webinars/future-of-link-building.

The idea of ranking with your domain name (i.e. buy-viagra.com) has also taken a hit. It is less effective and will likely continue to decline.

If you want to earn a living online my recommendation is to pick a single niche you love and throw all your focus, time and energy into it. If you pursue the path you are on, I predict a fiery burnout in a short amount of time.