HomeschoolBuzz.com
For HomeschoolBuzz.com I used PHP, SQL, JavaScript, SOAP and other technologies. I created unique technologies that help me monetize the site beyond just contextual ads and standard affiliate links. The revenue has been substantial considering the small amount of time needed to maintain the site.
Web services designed for the site:
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Price Search-Engine
I created a real-time book price search-engine that uses both SOAP and SQL database calls to create price comparisons pages based on user queries (increasing the likelihood of a purchase). I later split this technology out into a separate website.
When a user initiates a search for books my server queries both remote databases using SOAP and my own regularly updated database of multiple vendors. The results are aggregated allowing users to compare prices. All the vendors have an affiliate relationship with my site.
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Headline syndication
To help generate links back to my site, I created a JavaScript headline syndication service that is carried by dozens of homeschool websites. I provide web site owners with a small snippet of code that can be styled to suit their page. The headlines from my site are programmatically gathered using PHP and displayed remotely using JavaScript.
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Blog Aggregation
I also created a blog-aggregation page that highlights the best blogs from the homeschool world in one place. This provides an attractive reason to visit my site while providing a sense of community for related blogs. The blogs are regularly updated automatically using RSS and stored temporarily in a database for display on demand.
Keep in mind I'm a designer
I'm not a programmer. I have zero formal training in that area. Despite my self-training I have created some very ambitious, dynamic features for my website. Design is important in the sites but the tricky nature of cross-browser compatibility has been a challenge.
