Websites might seem like a safe bet when it comes to business, but the saturated nature of the internet - and the work ethic involved - can make even the strongest website vulnerable to stagnation.
But what exactly can be done? Can websites be sold when they have no traffic and limited revenue, and if so, how?
Like most areas of business, some significant value can be found in the bargain bin, even if the websites in question (in this case) do not have any obvious revenue potential.
The trick is to learn how to evaluate the website in question, and luckily there are a few things you can consider when doing so to make this process easier.
Of course, just because the website currently has no revenue at the time of selling doesn't mean that this was always the case.
What's more, there are numerous reasons why a website might have lost the ability to generate such revenue - some of which might have nothing to do with the nature of the business at all.
For instance, it could be a fairly new 'starter' site, and as such has not yet had the right amount of time to reach its potential.
Similarly, it could have been someone's side project - that is, a website run by someone as a side hustle or a hobby, and which did not receive their full attention during operation.
It could also be down to the former owner's revenue model, which could no longer be relevant in a changing market. This could mean that it only needs tweaking to reach its potential, or indeed a slight pivot in one way or another.
What Is The Current Traffic Pattern?
For this you can use Google analytics, and hopefully the seller will share past information with you too so that you can best see the changes and what potential it has.
This would consist of organic traffic (i.e. from a Google search), referrals from other websites, direct searches - which can be potentially suspect and dangerous if not matched with equal organic traffic - and bought traffic via advertising.
Each of these tells a different story as to the potential that a specific website has, and as such are important to learn and become well versed in.
What Is The Estimated Revenue?
The best way to see what the potential for a specific website is, is to look at the numbers for successful competitor sites that offer very similar services.
This is a good indicator of how the website could be doing, and if the numbers look good, then you might have just gotten your hands on a bargain.
The best way to calculate it is:
Estimated traffic x estimated revenue per visitor = estimated monthly revenue.
What Is The Potential For Growth?
Of course, you also need to be aware of whether or not the website in question has the ability to grow and advance once you have purchased it.
If it has very much reached its glass ceiling (within its particular market), then you might be better off looking elsewhere.
However, if it has untapped potential for growth, then you might find yourself in the fortunate position of getting in on the ground level right before the boom.
Preparing Your Website For Sale
Before you put your website on the market, there are several things you need to get ready to make sure everything is above board.
Get Your Affairs In Order
That's right, as with most things, you need to make sure your website is in good order before putting it up for sale. This means ensuring that:
How To Sell Struggling Websites?
But what if you are the owner of a struggling website? What options are available to you if you want to sell the property and jump ship?
Luckily, the answer to this question is: yes, there are options available, but this all depends on the state that the website is in at the time of sale.
Selling your website via an online marketplace is one of the best (and most common) ways that people sell websites.
It can be as simple as registering your domain name on one of many potential sites, and can be a stress free way of unloading potentially troublesome sites.
Some notable marketplaces include Flippa, and Empire Flippers - both of which offer a variety of services and options depending on the status of your business, and the kind of deal you want to make.
Failing that, you can also sell your website with a broker. This might be better suited for those who aren't sure of the systems, and can be a way of making the whole process easier.
Some notable brokerages include Digital Exits, and FE International.
However, if these options seem scary and potentially stressful, then you could always try and sell your website yourself. Just like how people sell houses, it is possible to advertise your website for potential buyers.
Just be wary of scammers, and be sure to have safeguards in place in the event of fraud and foul play.
And there we have it, everything you need to know about selling struggling websites, and the ways and means they can become profitable once more.
It's true that the internet has opened up countless new business opportunities - bringing the power of commerce back into the hands of the public - however, there are still numerous ways for businesses and websites to struggle or fail.
Luckily though, there are still ways and means to make savings from otherwise catastrophic circumstances.
So if you have an ailing website that you wish to turn into a profit, then why not try some of these methods? Something tells me you won't be disappointed!
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