Register :: Lost Password
Username:   Password:  
Home -> Articles -> The next big thing
The next big thing

profile picture Posted by Webline ( profile )
Date/time: Saturday, Apr 4, 2009

( Print this article )

We can all name a dozen sites that come to mind when we think of the most popular places on the internet. There's YouTube, MySpace and Amazon. Facebook and Ebay. Go ahead and throw in your "First thing that comes to mind" websites here.

It's probably pretty safe to say that most people with a website would love to achieve what these sites have in terms of popularity, name recognition and, of course, financial income. With millions of websites out there, there's a pretty slim chance of hitting that pot of gold, but it isn't impossible.

So, what is the recipe, the one idea, the key to copying their feats of success? Well, if I had that answer, I'd probably be writing this from a sunny beach on my own tropical island instead of at my desk in half winter/half spring Indiana. I do think, though, that are a few key ingredients in obtaining this success.

One thing I notice about the big name sites is that, for the most part, they appeal to nearly anyone, meaning that they have a very broad audience that can understand them, get interested in them, and want to interact with them. When you can generate appeal and interest to a huge audience, half the battle is over.

I think that another element is that each site was unique when it became popular, or it took something already out there and made it better for the average user. And by taking a unique idea, and continually improving on it, it keeps their visitors interested, and keeps the site ahead of its imitators.

Let's throw branding in there as well. A catchy name and memorable logo go a long way in staying in peoples minds. We remember the name "Google" in part because it's a unique name, but once we use their services, it becomes automatic in our minds to connect that name and what it offers us.

On top of these areas though, there has to be a market based use for what the site does. No matter what the idea or concept, if there isn't a market for it, it won't go anywhere. So a concept that is not only unique but actually fills a need or creates a benefit for potential users is a huge key to success.

Now, can you throw all of this together into something catchy, cool and popular? Can you find the next big internet success? Will your idea stand out and invite the world to take part in it? What is the next huge web success? Beats me, but if I figure it out, I'll keep you up to date from my private beachfront. After it's a success, that is.


Share this article.
  • ADD TO DEL.ICIO.US
  • ADD TO DIGG
  • ADD TO FURL
  • ADD TO NEWSVINE
  • ADD TO NETSCAPE
  • ADD TO REDDIT
  • ADD TO STUMBLEUPON
  • ADD TO TECHNORATI FAVORITES
  • ADD TO SQUIDOO
  • ADD TO WINDOWS LIVE
  • ADD TO YAHOO MYWEB
  • ADD TO ASK
  • ADD TO GOOGLE
  • ADD TO SPURL