At this point, the emphasis is definitely on improving rather than expanding. I realize it's much better to do one thing very well than do everything okay.
I've been thinking a lot about the recurring traffic issue lately, but I'd love to hear your ideas. Even if I have thought of it, another perspective is always useful. Thanks!
I'm glad you like it! All the interesting ways to monetize the site come after Amzini reaches a critical mass of users. The focus now is on usability and site improvement rather than CTRs and other Ad metrics.
If Amzini can get a large amount of traffic, we will be able to do things such as offering thorough sponsored reviews to give social networks/communities exposure, create industry reports and do other consulting-type work, offer premium plans for small business/marketers for additional features, and create interesting info-graphics or articles to help maintain high traffic.
The difficult part is getting to a 'critical mass' of users to establish Amzini in the market and allow more ways to monetize the site than Adsense.
Thank you for the feedback. The site aims to help two core target audiences.
I) Small Business - Businesses are starting to recognize the value of using social media in marketing. Facebook and Twitter especially are 'musts' for most small businesses. While these 'shotgun' approaches are useful, getting involved in niche networks/communities provides a much more targeted environment where it is easier to establish your brand and connect with potential customers.
II) For regular social network users, there is value in having a community and platform that is specialized for a particular purpose. If I like reading books, I may like to join a community where my profile is a bookshelf and I share reading lists and favorite authors. If I use a traditional search engine to find one, I come across mainly dead links, sign up pages, and other clutter making it hard to easily find the best one for my needs.
Rawsyntax - The second point you make has been a major concern in initial feedback. One issue is that Amzini actually has to create awareness that there are social networks for almost any purpose before its value becomes apparent.
Initial monitoring and feedback suggests Amzini has been able to pique interest and acquire new visitors, but metrics for repeat visits have shown signs of problems.
Now that I've explained the value/target audience further, do you see a need for such a service? And if so, how could the site be changed to better convey the value to you from the onset?
I've been thinking a lot about the recurring traffic issue lately, but I'd love to hear your ideas. Even if I have thought of it, another perspective is always useful. Thanks!