Idea to make my existing site a dotcom - Is it worth it?

[JoyDivision]

I have a site dedicated to Manchester Music, it gets about 200 unique visitors a week but maintance has been neglected and it looks really dated now.

I was thinking of reveloping the site as a commercial exercise with the hope of making money form gig tickets, google adds, CD and vinyl.

In terms of costs its very little as I can do all the development work myself, however I am worried about the target audience.

I want the site to focus on Manchester specificaly but maybe I will need to make clone sites, e.g one for Liverpool etc.

In peoples experience how difficult is it to make money from a .dotcom? I am not expecting to get rich from it but a bit of extra income would be nice.

[DuaneJackson]

In peoples experience how difficult is it to make money from a .dotcom?

I think the 'dotcom'ness of the business is irrelevant. The same rules apply to online business as offline business.

If you have a good plan that has been thoroughly researched and you've done all your figures and they add up, then all you need is a competent person to put it all in action and hopefully make some money.

[crus]

Interesting concept,

I would say that you could probably cover your sites cost with earnings from itunes, I've seen some clever stuff doen with tying up content with track purchasing.

I think if you can get a vibe about the site, then you could do well. Manchester ihas a well known and respected music scene, whether it be Osais or the Hacienda (a fond memory or two) or more up to date stuff there is huge scope for content past and present.

For really making cash I think you need to be focusing on cornering your market sector then selling to a large publisher.

D

[JoyDivision]

The other thing I want to do is setup a club night, I am doing a lot of DJ practise at the moment and my mate is in a band.

The website would work well in promoting this club night once I have the money to pull it off.

[crus]

Makes sense,

take a peak at DJforum.co.uk, the more the merrier.

Feel free to post some info on your site.

D

[JoyDivision]

Thanks I wil have a look at that, I am a member of the DJsource forum and have been since September. I rarely post there now though.

My mixer is a pile of turd and the cross fader has packed up so I am saving up for a decent mixer. After I have replaced the faulty pot on my amp.

[crus]

What you going for,

I have a pmc45 rotayr house on my list, althought the eclecs loogood

D

[JoyDivision]

I play indie stuff but you can still blend songs together without beat matching. For this reason the most important feature I need form a mixer is a smooth long lasting cross fader. Tone controls would be an added bonus but not essential.

I currently have a Gemini piece of turd which is unsmooth and leaks.

I can still use it for practising though, I will just need to get somthing better when I can afford it.

[crus]

Makes sense the numark I have at the moment is that way as well, but needs must.

D

PS let me know if you need any help with the site, if I can I will.

D

[fastfences]

Hi JD,
I reckon you should PM Matt from MK Printing. He's worked in the DJ area, and he mixes with everyone from porn stars to artists and loves helping people with their businesses. He doesn't want to just sell printing; he really enjoys just helping others realise their dreams, because their success is his success. He also does a lot of research and reading and is an all round knowledgeable guy. I'm sure he could help you!
Cheers, Nigel

[webit]

I play indie stuff but you can still blend songs together without beat matching. For this reason the most important feature I need form a mixer is a smooth long lasting cross fader. Tone controls would be an added bonus but not essential.

I currently have a Gemini piece of turd which is unsmooth and leaks.

I can still use it for practising though, I will just need to get somthing better when I can afford it.

BTW - One of my friends runs a Dance Site at http://www.dancefrontdoor.com - it might we worth you looking at that one if you've not heard of it before.

[JoyDivision]

This is the initial layout drawn in Photoshop, I know the top half needs a lot of work with the colour and fonts but I think the rest of is ok.

I am going to spend a long time getting the design just right. I have quite a few good ideas for this site and it will be very different to what is out there.

http://musicinmanchester.co.uk/layout1.jpg

[JoyDivision]

Deisgn MK3

The search box will be lower and the news things will look a lot better than it does on this Photoshop mock up.

http://musicinmanchester.co.uk/layout3.jpg