Hi there : )

Even though I realize that monthly costs to maintain a new niche affiliate site are minimal, I am wanting to make sure I'm not missing anything with regard to budgeting 'for success' as I start a new endeavor.

I thought I'd take a stab at understanding possible costs, here, with the exception of PPC paid advertising (which I ironically understand fully) -- so, for learning purposes for all, if you can see where something is 'missed' in this budget cost list (as I am a total newbie), please add it in (with comments) based on your experience.

Please note, I am still trying to 'fill in the blanks' in my understanding, trying to understand costs upfront, and there are some things that will be absolutely lacking or wrong in the costs below ; )

Please let me know what I'm forgetting, what I'm not including, and what should be added that may be of 'common sense' value, based on your experience (and, please state your experience - longevity, success, and/or niche - so that we understand the value of any bells and whistles you recommend - or 'basics' I've missed):

(Note: I realize to just get 'up and running' it can be as low as $10, so I am trying to explore other costs I might be overlooking, and identifying 'bells and whistles' for optimal results...so, this is very 'a la carte' and not in any particular order - like a menu of options - and therefore any other fun/effective suggestions are encouraged)

COSTS
Domain Fee: Up to $12.00 if on GoDaddy.com (or more, if popular), and free with one hosting site I'm aware of.

Hosting Fee: If HostGator, approximately $8.00 monthly, not counting the free first month with Lynn's coupon code. The bonus, to me, is being able to add multiple sites.

WordPress: Free

WordPress Theme: Free, or optional cost for theme selected.

WordPress Plugins: I have not traveled far enough into setup to know the cost of these...but many plugins are recommended to make everything operate correctly. Help! : ) **I think this is where I need the most help**

Paypal Account: Free

Ability to serve as Affiliate with a Merchant: Free (takes know-how and organization, and the ability to maintain relationship sometimes based on ability to generate traffic)

Ability to hone SEO in a 'white hat' way with design and keywords: Free (takes time and learning)

Twitter Account to send traffic to site: Free

Facebook Account to send traffic to site, and to share site blog/deal infos to FB followers: Free

Blogging: Blog comes with WordPress setup ~ Free (takes time and learning)

Hosting Guest Bloggers: Free (takes maneuvering : )

Placing a Blog Article on another relevant site: Free (takes maneuvering : )

Other Online and Offline No-Cost Marketing Methods to Drive Traffic to Site (not discussed here, but there are many): Free

Email capture for sending newsletter and Email specials to opt-ins: Free

Automated Service (Autoresponder) to send newsletters and Email specials: either Free (one service I know of), or AWeber seems to be the best: $1 first month, $20 for over 500 subscribers per month.

Other autoresponders to filter Tweets to FB, or filter Blog posts to FB: Still investigating...seems to be many, and is mainly based on preference...so any info/opinions here are appreciated.

Google Adwords Account = Free

PPC Costs = Varies (I'm familar with this)

Google Adsense Account = Free

[Other Bing-type or advertising networks & cost?]

Cost of purchasing products sold by merchants in order to review = Varies

Online Trend Research Services = Many are free

Syndicating via RSS Setup = Free

Ongoing Education and Educational Products/Tools = Essential, Some Free & Some Not - Varies

Joining Affiliate Network = Free


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BELLS AND WHISTLES: (Please note again that I realize that success 'can' be achieved without these, but just listing out what I know of in terms of 'bells and whistles')

* NetMechanic - can notify you if any of your sales/affiliate links are down - $20/mo.

* OrganizedAffiliate (software) - approximately $70 (to organize details for multiple merchants and sites)

* WordTracker - either almost $400 annually, or about $70 per month

* Paid Content - Varies

* UltraEdit (text editor) - supplements or replaces notepad, but notepad suffices - either $60-$90 for purchase

* Bookeeper - I understand this is highly recommended : ) - Varies


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Soooo....What am I missing? : ) Thanks for any thoughts!