Local website idea...

up4thecup

Hey everyone, now this is just an idea that I am looking into as a hobby with the possibility of making a few quid from.

I'm looking in to setting up a website for the local area, there are a few for surrounding areas but not where we are. I have a website/design background and a few hours spare throughout the week.

I am thinking of content that I could get on there and what could drive people to the site. I am friends with leaders of local groups and businesses which I could put any news from and have looked into affiliate programs where I can earn a few quid from links.

As for the content, I am thinking of having a directory on there with contact details for local businesses and services, with a free listing available but with the option of 'upgrading' which would allow them their own page on the site with more info, content, maybe extra pages, etc and only for a small cost (there are further opportunities here, maybe for me to create their own website, etc) - I will also monitor traffic using analytics so I can tell people how popular the site is, then they can decide whether they want to advertise, etc.

Am just after a bit of inspiration really on what else I could include, a forum/message board would be good for people to communicate, for example.

Any ideas would be welcome, as I've thought about this so much I'm going round in circles!!

clairibel

We have a local one and they have loads on there, the forum is the busiest bit. They also have an ebay type part, picture part where locals put old and new pictures of the area's which is a good talking point.

They have competitions, meet ups, events, local issues, history, very busy site.

Facebook page as well., here it is to have a look http://www.leighlife.com

up4thecup

clairibel wrote: »

We have a local one and they have loads on there, the forum is the busiest bit. They also have an ebay type part, picture part where locals put old and new pictures of the area's which is a good talking point.

They have competitions, meet ups, events, local issues, history, very busy site.

Facebook page as well., here it is to have a look http://www.leighlife.com

Thank you clairibel, that sounds like the sort of thing I am looking at, something that does not need 24/7 care but not a static site that just sits there.

The ebay part sounds interesting could perhaps make that as part of the forum, and I like the idea of photography section.

A facebook page I feel would be a must, as the links would spread like wildfire throughout friends and family - although I wouldn't publish that until the site is ready, would be interesting to see the effect on the analytics to see how many click through!