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Lots O' Links
By Robyn Greenspan
May 17, 2001

Some successful Web sites are nothing more than databases of links to other sites. If you're organized, like research and want to create an interesting Web site, this could be a good opportunity. Becoming a comprehensive resource for a particular subject can generate lots of traffic and maybe some advertising revenue.

When developing this type of site, choose a topic that you find especially interesting so the work won't be tedious. Then, start scouring the Web for content. Putting links on a site won't violate any copyrights and site owners will probably be very happy to accept the additional traffic you'll provide.

Try searching for your subject matter on Dogpile - a Web site that will run your query through more than a dozen of the more popular search engines. Check where every link takes you so that you can verify that the content you want is there.

Rather than just listing URL after URL, compile the links in a fashion that is attractive and easy to navigate. Perhaps you can highlight a different link every day so daily visitors get to see something new.

You'll have to periodically check for dead links and add new ones to ensure that the site stays fresh. You might also want to include any other content you can find that is related to the site's purpose.

Once your site has a decent amount of content and it looks good, start soliciting for some relevant advertising or create a newsletter. The compilation of links may even evolve into an e-commerce site where you sell products related to the subject matter.

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