I have been thinking of joining a franchise or becoming a homeworker. My cruise website last week had 2,009 UK visitors, 1103 of which clicked on an image of a search box, which means they wanted to find a cruise. I currently do not have a sponsor for the site! The site is very high in Google for various terms including numerous associated with dates. It is also top 10 rankings for cheap cruises, bargain cruises and cruise from Southampton.
I would imagine it would be in my own interest to sell the cruises myself, along as I was able to set my own prices and had access to net fares. My only problem is a lack of money at the moment and needing some asap due to bills that need to be paid.
Another option would be to use a cost per click model; I know how much I make from a click with Adsense, if this was matched then at least my visitors would be getting the prices they crave. I have thought of a site wide sponsorship, someone pays a set fee each month and an Iframe of their search box is placed on my website. In effect when someone comes to my site seeking a price, if they use the search box, they will end up on the website sponsors page where the cruise is that they are after.
Another interesting thought is, do I set up an arrangement with 40 or more cruise agents, I tell my visitors I will find them the cheapest cruise without giving over their details. All the agents receive the request minus the name and address. The one who comes back with a price that is right will get the contact details (subject to the client wishes). I get paid a fee for this, say £3, the cruise agent and the client both know they have the best price.
Any thoughts?
I have created many websites, including for cheap cruises, cruise deals and a new one attacking cruise holidays.
I forgot to say, I have previously sold cruises in the travel industry and worked for an ABTA travel agent for two and half years.
As an update my website generated 39 leads today, around 10% of the UK visitors. Just wish I could make up my mind what to do with it.