Thread: Smash-hit launch! (Partial) Story & Advice needed

Thanks for the comments and thoughts!

What we are doing is integrating ad networks. Nearly all ad networks operate on a CPM model, but it's realistically "performance based". Social media sites do not monetize as well, however I agree 100% that we should be drawing in FAR more revenue. The problem is that ad networks often "default" (display no ads at all) and the eCPM varies drastically. The way to be successful with integrated ad networks (aside from building our own, which ultimately is the goal) is to have many of them and set them up in a manner where the highest paying is at the top and defaults get passed to the next in line.

The problem with that is that the eCPM changes very often and it is a full time job in dealing with the ad networks and keeping it together. This is why we need someone who knows that world to help us get going. We're also checking into some companies that do specialize in dynamic integration of ad nets to maximize revenue.

Currently, I've come to realize that my focus has been too divided in keeping every aspect going. I'm keeping things moving, but it is absolutely time to bring some specialized experts into the mix to help this thing grow. A startup CEO wears many hats, which is to be expected, but there always comes that point where it is time to bring on some other expertise. I need to stay focused in my areas of strength and avoid becoming a bottleneck.

So now, the challenge is to learn enough to intelligently discern and locate the right people, whilst still pushing toward our launch and simultaneously covering the bases until we fill the roles.

I suspect there is no greater mix of simultaneous pain and pleasure than that of bootstrapping a successful business.

The life of an entrepreneur for me, yo ho!

Good luck in your venture! Sounds interesting!

Hey buddy, congrats on your progress this far.

I have a suggestion for you; try selling adspace on WickedFire - Affiliate Marketing Forum - Internet Marketing Webmaster SEO Forum - Powered by vBulletin (Mods while I am a member there, I do not own or gain anything from putting this link up)

They have publishers who work in a variety of niches, and they're always looking for different websites to promote their products. It might require a bit more effort since you're ditching the middle man, but that could also mean more revenue. Also you might win a long term relationship with some of the guys, who spend north of 200K a month in ppc/media buys.

At the end of the day, it depends on what kind of products would interest the people viewing your site. If it's targeted, you can score a higher CPM.

If you got a ninja coder on hand, maybe you can try to see if he can build a simple self serve advertising platform. Or you can always score some interns and make them handle the advertising. =) ( That's what plentyoffish did initially, but they now have a self serve platform).

Anyways, I have mad respect for yah, you've made it this far and you're still going strong. Keep it up and I hope you continue to keep us updated!