I was so proud of all the effort I put into it and people were positively receiving and using the valuable tips I offered. The content was awesome, the design was simple and my Google AdSense ads were getting clicked. So, after 50+ pages and 12 months later, I grossed just under $25! Not even enough to pay the upcoming annual web host fee.

So, was this a failure? Not at all. Instead, I've learned how to create a successful website that visitors appreciate and Google loves. In business, I‘ve always learned not to put all of your eggs in one basket, but I wasn't following this strategy online.

After much research and testing ideas, I found mini sites to be much more advantageous. Instead of focusing all of my efforts into one site, I'm now learning how to create keyword-rich quality content. Here's an overview of what I've gathered (for more detailed information, check out the free information link below):

1) Google just created a Trends program to tell you what niches are popular. Once you've found a few popular niches you like, check out Overture for possible keywords and keyword phrases.

2) Compare those phrases with Google by typing the phrase in quotes and in the top right-hand corner, you will see “Results 1 – 10 of about 5,546.” That last number represents how many websites use that phrase. Stick to 1,000 – 5,000 sites. Anything more than that will never get you ranked. Imagine the keyword phrase “I love you”. Most newbies cannot compete with over 75 million sites!

3) Once you've found the best phrase, between 1,000 and 5,000, check to see if the domain name is available. Go to Google and type www.yourkeywordphrase.com. If it says “…did not match any documents” you've got an available domain name. Secure it through the many domain and host sites available. The free sites are good, but have their ad on every page. Many sites are now under $10 without the extra advertising. If your keyword phrase is already taken, go to the next phrase until you get those magic “did not match” words from Google.

4) Going back to Overture, type in your keyword phrase to get ideas for great articles. Also EHow is a great resource or go to forums that match your niche. Find out what people want to know and give it to them in your quality articles.

5) You don't have to be a great writer to build quality content. Keeps your ideas simple and clear. Sprinkle the keywords you found from Overture throughout the article, but make sure it makes sense to your reader. Many writers prefer to write as if they were talking to a friend. Keep the article around 300 – 700 words. If it's too short, it may be missing some important points the reader may need. Many readers also like quick and simple. If it's too long, it may lose the reader. Try to keep it simple and to the point. Your audience will love you for it!

6) Create at least five articles to place on your website. Don't forget to proofread (a friend is great for this) and do a spell check.

7) Create a Google AdSense account and place your ads along the top and side on your website. Avoid borders and make the ad the same colour as your website background so the ads blend with your site. You want the ads to be your readers' helpers, not something that screams, “Hey Everyone! I'm an ad!!!” A definite turn-off!

8) To drive traffic to your site:

* Submit articles to article directories

* Join forums

* Link exchange with good sites that will help your readers, without driving them to your competitors.

* Put some articles together and create an e-book you could give away.

* Purchase PPC (Pay-Per-Click) ads through Google's Ad Words.

9) Check back each week to see if your site is generating traffic and clicking your ads. Rule of thumb: if you start to see small results, even $10 for the first couple of months, you're on the right track. Test your AdSense ads. Create a couple more articles. Chat up another forum. Test your PPC campaign.

10) Rinse and repeat!

At first, these steps may seem daunting and will require quite a bit of effort as you learn the steps. As you develop a system that works well for you, it is not unusual to create 10 mini sites a week. As you start to see your AdSense income grow, outsourcing some of the routine tasks will increase your efficiency and get more streams of income flowing to you.

There are also excellent tools available that will totally automate all the steps and allow you to build 10 – 20 quality mini sites at a time! Now that's true diversification! Good luck and much success to you!