How "Boring" Chess Sites Became Cash Kings?
Let's be honest, some business ideas just don't sound exciting. You wouldn't expect them to set the world on fire, much less turn into online money-makers. But hold onto your knight hats, chess fans, because today we're diving into the world of two incredibly successful chess websites that started out about as thrilling as a stale pawn.
Business #1: 2700chess(dot)com
Imagine a website dedicated solely to tracking the ever-fluctuating live ratings of chess superstars (think the elite players with an Elo above 2700). That's the brainchild of IM Artiom Tsepotan, and guess what? Launched in 2011, 2700chess.com rocketed to popularity. Turns out, chess enthusiasts love to see these grandmasters sweat (figuratively, of course) as their ratings rise and fall. Tsepotan wasn't alone in this seemingly "boring" venture. He teamed up with Dr. Christopher Wright and James Satrapa to handle the complex calculations, updates, and website maintenance. Talk about dedication! While copycats tried to steal the spotlight, keeping this live rating tracker humming requires serious perseverance (just like a good endgame!).
So how does 2700chess.com makes money?:
With a reported 400,000 unique visitors monthly (and that was pre-chess boom!), estimates suggest the website rakes in anywhere between $8,000 and $16,000 per month. Not bad for a website tracking numbers!
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Business #2: The Week in Chess (TWIC)
Remember the days before flashy chess apps and social media feeds? Back in 1994, Mark Crowther saw a need for a collection of chess games. The Week in Chess (TWIC), is a website that, well, provides a weekly compilation of chess games played in tournaments. Sounds basic, right? Wrong! TWIC quickly gained a loyal following for its in-depth coverage, insightful analysis, and lightning-fast updates. Chess players everywhere flocked to TWIC for their weekly dose of the game they love.
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Here's how TWIC keeps the financial game going:
PayPal Donations: For chess enthusiasts who truly appreciate TWIC's dedication, donations are a way to show their love (and maybe snag some good karma points!). PGN File Compilation ($30): Want access to a treasure trove of past games? TWIC offers a paid compilation for those who crave serious chess history. Advertisements of Different Chess Brands While exact figures are unknown, with hundreds of thousands of visits, TWIC is undoubtedly pulling in thousands of dollars monthly.
The Takeaway: Consistency is King
Both 2700chess.com and The Week in Chess share a secret weapon: consistency. For over a decade, 2700chess has meticulously tracked live ratings, and TWIC has been curating chess news for a staggering two decades! This unwavering dedication has built a loyal fanbase and, more importantly, a sustainable business model. So next time you have a "boring" business idea, remember these chess websites – they're proof that even the most basic concepts can turn into gold, as long as you're willing to put in the hard work and keep the content flowing! Do share this blog with your business enthusiast friend!
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