Well, the year 2002 is just about over and I thought I would share everyone some statistics that show how the website is growing on a monthly basis.

The below statistics can be accessed via http://www.betteribizbooks.com/webstat anytime on the web.  What the data shows, to simplify for non-techies, is that the # of files being downloaded has increased every month since I changed to this new hosting company.  The growth isn't because of the hosting company but because people have grown more interested in the content on the website.  I would note that much of the growth is attributed to my MADMANSPORTS football picks part of the website.

This website was designed to be a hobby/interest website for me.  I take great pride in all work I do and, as a result, the amount of time involved in launching this website was enormous.  There was a steep learning curve for me but I must admit that the whole experience has been a wonderful learning experience and I plan on redoubling my efforts in 2003 now that I have moved to Dallas and have gotten settled in.

As part of the website's operations I provide links to Amazon.com and BarnesandNoble.com so that people can buy the book from either bookseller.  If somebody buys a book via one of my links Amazon.com / BarnesandNoble.com gives me a kickback of anywhere from 2.5% - 15% for helping them increase their sales.

What the data above DOESN'T show is the revenue from the website.  HERE IT IS FOLKS!

The cost of the website is $23.85 every three months (a quarter) so I am close to breaking even on the website.  I hope to accomplish that in 1Q03 or 2Q03 (shooting for 1Q03) but I expect that I will likely incur additional monthly fees as I begin to utilize an e-mail marketing service to improve the delivery, appearance and quality of the monthly newsletters.

Here are my website statistics through 12/12/02 (Money made & Website Traffic).

Quarter               Amount of Products Sold (Amazon.com only)       Commission $$$ earned

2Q02                                  $76.99                                                  $7.18

3Q02                                  $143.75                                                 $10.88

4Q02 (through 12/10)            $422.66                                                 $20.73

For those wondering about revenue from BarnesandNoble.com I would note that it is immaterial since the amount is so small.  This endeavor, for me, truly shows how many shoppers would rather buy from Amazon.com than BarnesandNoble.com because I am seeing it first hand!

Now, before somebody thinks they can get rich from starting a website, I would encourage them to do the math.  I have yet to break-even in a given quarter (I am DARN CLOSE) but I am optimistic about the direction and future profitability of the website.  The revenue/cost figures don't include what economists term "opportunity costs" associated with the huge time investment I have put into the website.  I would conservatively estimate that I have spent at least 500 hours designing the website, redesigning the website, writing book reviews, fixing links, writing articles, preparing monthly newsletters, etc.  

So, if you monetize such costs I probably will NEVER make money with the website.  :)

In conclusion I would note that my success is SOLELY attributed to you, a website viewer who chose to peruse my website in the pursuit of finding some good information.  If it wasn't for viewers like you I wouldn't be writing this article today.  I look forward to continuing our online relationship.

Happy Holidays to all,

Dan Ross

Founder, BetterBizBooks.com