@Whitt - You’re right, there’s a difference between a company / product website, and a personal site. That being said, if you have a public facing that’s not purely for your immediate family, then each visitor does have value. Maybe it’s commenting on a post, or clicking through to an affiliate program you’re involved in - each person, in some small way, adds value.

The bigger picture of this post was more about setting targets for your site, and insure the time/money invested into it, generates a return over time. This doesn’t necessarily need to be monetary - but you should at least try to put some “values” around the potential actions (ex: referrals, invitations to speak, guest blog post, etc.).

I’ve personally see too many people invest thousands of dollars, without any clearly correlation of how this thing improves (or adds value) to their life. Again, not required for all website, but for most.

Instead they sell murchandice. In my opinion this is where the market is for the individual on the internet. If you’re a business, which I would argue that you may be (Dan), then what you’re saying makes sense. You and other consultants can make money selling advice online and in person.

Then there are people like me who can’t really sell my advice, but can sell things like corny tee-shirts, and other crafty goods.

I think what you’re saying is spot on for a certain demographic, but for others, for most, if they want to make money online they may need to look at some other tactics.