Creating a site from the ground up

[blizeH]

Hi,

I'm interested in building a comprehensive casino directory pretty much from the ground up, and obviously affiliates would be a great way of funding this project.

Thus, I'm looking for any sort of advice on how to go about the various affiliates? I'm thinking of adding most of the more common/popular casinos to begin with, then systematically work from the bronze affiliates upwards, adding all (reputable? I assume they all are) casinos in each band to the site.

Does this sound viable? Is there a better alternative?

Thanks

[Focalclick]

That's not a bad way to go about doing it. Typically, I see affiliates start with some of the bigger properties and then add a good mix of mid level casinos to the mix. Then, they run ads for all of these for a few months and find out which casinos are working the best. You can periodically add new members from time to time and keep testing.

Best Regards,

Mark

[blizeH]

That sounds great, thanks! Got absolutely loads of coding to do, so again thanks for the confirmation, I didn't want to spend ages on it only to find it was a no-go!

Just curious, does it only operate as banners and the like? Ideally I wanted to keep the site completely banner free, but just have standard links to the casinos page from certain areas.

[mojo]

Yes blizeH, you can use just text links. You will find all you need in the creatives section of the affiliate program.

I'm not sure if you're familiar with any casinos (ie: a player) or if you have had any exposure? If not, I would stick with the bigger tried and true programs while you gather information to start.

Good Luck.

[blizeH]

That's great then thanks, will start coding asap!

I'm pretty familiar with casinos, I've spent a ridiculous amount of time/money on them but I'll admit I'm not that familiar with poker, bingo, sports betting and the like, but am hoping the site will cater for those things too. I also work in web development so am hoping to kinda tie two of my passions together and see how it works out

[LiveCasinoPartners]

I'm not sure if you're familiar with any casinos (ie: a player) or if you have had any exposure? If not, I would stick with the bigger tried and true programs while you gather information to start.
Good Luck.

I agree with mojo 100%.

Also, before you begin I'd define a few things first like whar region you are going to market to. USA? (I don't recommened it) UK?, Spain.. then stick with the reputable programs that market to those regulated regions.

Then, define your niche. You mentioned you wanted to make a casino directory? Well, there's a lot of them out there you may want to think twice. I suggest finding a particular niche, and exploiting that. A directory is a more generic global topic. If you wrtie a review for one casino make is as complete as possible.

You also mentioned that you are going to code the directory yourself? If it's just a directory then I'd go ahead and use off the shelf programs (some free), and spend the time you saved writing quality content.

Just my thoughts on the subject. Good luck with your new project.

[blizeH]

Many thanks for the reply, would you recommend that I just added casinos and sites I personally have experience with and/or know are reputable then, as opposed to attempting to add every site (plus more!) that are listed on this site under the affiliate programs bit?

Thanks for the idea about using a ready made cms, but I've already thrown together a design (did it very quickly at work earlier) so am onto the coding bits now, nothing too fancy but still something I want to do as a sort of personal goal

I know this'll sound crazy, but the only bit I can't decide on is a domain name :P