Maria,

I've specialized in consulting to niche experts/specialists for more than two decades and I agree with several of the points Mike and others have made:

> Secondly you're site is that of a
> "generalist" rather than
> "specialist" I think that makes
> things difficult for you as far as search
> engine positioning as well as just how you
> will be perceived by someone starting a
> particular business.

Very important point. In fact it's one of my 12 principles (#5) for success as a niche expert. You may find my principles useful:

1. Do the one thing you absolutely love and charge for it.
2. Ignore the dream-killers around you.
3. Promote your own name rather than a company name.
4. Position yourself as the leader in your niche, not a follower or an also-ran.
5. Narrow your niche even more or create a new niche if necessary.
6. Multiply yourself by offering your specialized knowledge in a variety of formats.
7. Attract people to you, rather than "knocking on doors" to get clients.
8. Avoid obvious paid advertising.
9. Avoid working for free.
10. Get paid to promote yourself.
11. Do fun things that just happen to be newsworthy.
12. Be a memorable person: a contrarian, a maverick, a pioneer, a rebel.

When I figured this out ($1985) my income rose from $8,000 a year to $12,000 a month. Some of my former clients are earning upwards of $500,000 a year from selling only their advice. A few of the niche speakers I've represented earn more than $30,000 for a one hour presentation.

If you were my client I'd recommend not giving away so much - you already said this - and collecting some of those articles into manuals, classes, books, newsletters, etc. I have very few free how-to articles on my site, but they were all paid for once.

I'd also recommend changing your site... it's simply not presenting you as the expert that people feel compelled to line up for your advice. You'll notice a difference when your web site is positioning you as it should.

Andrea


Web sites that position and elevate experts to prominence