David Fiske A subtle blend of affiliate marketing and web development

I have explained how to determine what a profitable idea is.

I would like to offer some more advice on learning from the pros.
 
I don't tend to use Alexa other than just for traffic reporting.

But that's where it's key lies. Not only can it tell you how much traffic your website gets, it tells you which websites are hot.

This is not new. It's just that I've never used it for that before!

But there is a reason why I'm telling you this. The reason is you can grab a list of the most popular websites (a UK chart or a global chart) and start analysing why they are so popular and how you can replicate that.

Plus, you may find a few surprises in there! Here's the top 100 UK sites at 1600hrs today:

• Google UK
• Yahoo!
• Microsoft Network (MSN)
• EBay UK
• Google
• BBC Newsline Ticker
• Myspace
• YouTube
• Windows Live
• WikiPedia
• Thefacebook
• Amazon.co.uk
• Bebo.com
• Blogger.com
• Microsoft Corporation
• The Internet Movie Database
• Orange
• EBay
• Flickr
• Rightmove
• Piczo.com
• Msn.co.uk
• Multimap
• AutoTrader
• Passport.net
• Amazon.com
• Gumtree
• Megaupload
• Guardian Unlimited
• StatCounter.com
• Tiscali
• Virginmedia.com
• Digg
• Hi5.com
• FaceParty
• SkySports.com
• Digital Point Solutions
• BSkyB Ltd
• Rapidshare.com
• Argos
• HSBC
• Photobucket image hosting and photo sharing
• Apple Computer, Inc.
• Yell.com
• The Sun
• Ask
• AOL
• Orkut.com
• About
• Adult Friendfinder
• LiveJournal.com
• Play.com
• Barclays Bank
• Ebuyer.com
• Tesco
• Streetmap
• Times Online
• Lloyds TSB
• IStockPhoto.com
• Adobe
• Royal Mail
• SourceForge
• Thebestof.co.uk
• British Telecommunication plc
• AWeber Systems
• ImageShack
• Money Saving Expert
• Wordpress.com
• 6park.com
• Jobcentre Plus
• Icio.us (should be del.icio.us I think!)
• Natwest.com
• The Register
• Dell Inc.
• Torrentspy.com
• Webmaster World
• Dailymotion.com
• AOL UK
• Powerapple
• InvisionFree
• Linkedin.com
• Premium TV
• TypePad
• World Wide Web Consortium
• Lastminute.com
• Dating Direct
• Go
• Ecademy
• National Rail Enquiries
• TradeDoubler
• Channel 4
• Ntlworld
• DeviantArt Where Art Meets Application
• Expedia.co.uk
• Find a Property
• Reference.com
• CNET Download.com
• Peekvid.com
• Next
• Kelkoo UK

(I haven't linked each one to their respective website like I usually do because that would take forever!)

There's something for everyone in there!

Whether your idea relates to running a media site, an affiliate network site(!) or something else, you should be able to find some idols in there.

A good one for affiliates is Money Saving Expert. It's a website all about financial issues but it is plagued with affiliate links. Surely got to be a money spinner!