About 5 months ago, I had an idea for a web site and started looking for a company name and funding. However, after a few months, I was told that my idea was not good. I had already bought two domain names and regretted it. A word of advice to everyone: don't rush to buy something right away. Consult with others and make sure you are starting on the right path.
Recently, I found free hosting and had two questions. First, I want to create a website where users can download books without having to search through many sites and annoying ads. Secondly, I'm concerned about copyrights. Is it true that any book can be published after 60 years and it becomes public domain?
If this idea doesn't seem good, do you have any other suggestions? I've already spent money on the domain names, so I might as well try something new.
Why did you feel the need to purchase two domain names initially? It may have been better to start with a free option. Have you already developed your site or paid a company to create it?
It's understandable that people are hesitant to share their ideas with strangers. And while the .de domains cost $20 each, it's not a huge loss if they are not used.
Using free hosting may not be the best option. Instead, consider paying a small fee for more reliable service. For example, I pay $2 a month for my hosting and have had no issues with downtime.
Your idea of a website for downloading books sounds intriguing, but it is crucial to consider copyright issues. To answer your specific question: no, it's not as simple as a book automatically entering public domain 60 years after publication.
As a general rule , in the United States, works published before 1925 are in the public domain because the copyright on those works has expired. After 1925, depending on when the work was created and whether it was published or registered, copyright lasts for the life of the author plus either 50 or 70 years. Other countries have similar but slight varied terms for copyright. The exact rules can be complex and involve various nuances related to when the work was first created or published, whether the copyright was renewed, and other factors.
If you're serious about this idea, I would strongly suggest consulting with a lawyer well-versed in copyright law before proceeding. Without proper attention given to copyright, you may find yourself inadvertently infringing other people's intellectual property, which could result in legal penalties.
As for other business ideas, there are many directions you can choose, depending on your interests and expertise. Here are a few options:
Blog: You can start a blog on a topic you are passionate about. This can be combined with affiliate marketing (promoting products/services related to your blog topic in exchange for a commission on any sales made through your site) to build a revenue stream.
E-commerce: You can create a small e-commerce store. If you have any products you can produce yourself or you can find reliable suppliers, setting up a small online shop might be a good idea.
Online courses: If you're skilled in a particular area, you may consider creating online courses and trainings to sell on your site.
Consulting: If you have significant professional experience in a certain field, you may want to offer consulting services.
Podcast/YouTube Channel: If you are interested in media production, a podcast or YouTube channel can be a great way to share knowledge and connect with others.
Book reviews and recommendations: Another idea related to books could be creating an online platform for book reviews and recommendations. If you're passionate about reading, this could be a fruitful and exciting endeavor.
Membership site: You can create a membership site that offers premium content for a recurring monthly fee. This could be implemented in a variety of areas: from fitness and health to business advice, language tutoring, or even specialized technical guidance.
SaaS (Software as a service): If you have expertise in software development, you could launch a platform that offers a useful tool or service to people or businesses. This could be anything from a marketing tool to a project management app, or a platform for data analysis.
Community forum or discussion platform: Create a space where people can discuss specific topics. You could offer premium features or memberships to create a revenue stream.
Content curation: There's so much content out there in almost every field. If you are good at finding high-quality content and have an eye for what people are interested in, you might create a platform that curates and organizes content for other people.
Digital marketing services: Many businesses struggle with digital marketing. If you have experience or skills in this area, you could offer services like SEO, social media management, or content creation.
Freelance marketplace: Create a platform connecting freelancers with businesses and individuals who require their services. There is a growing demand for freelance work in various areas – including writing, programming, design, virtual assistance and more.
Event Planning: If you have a knack for organization and planning, you could consider creating a website that provides event planning services. This could range from organizing local events to webinars or online conferences on topics you are knowledgeable about or have professional experience in.
Local Business Directory: If you've purchased a regional or local domain name, you could consider creating a directory website for local businesses. This can serve as a platform for the businesses in your area to reach more customers, and you could generate income through advertising revenue or premium listings.
Virtual Assistance Services: Are you skilled at administration tasks, organizing schedules, or customer service? You could offer your services as a virtual assistant.
Remote Job Platform: Given the surge in remote work due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there's a growing market for platforms specializing in remote job opportunities. If you have experience or insights into this market, you could attempt to build a platform that connects employers offering remote work to job seekers.
Niche News Site or Magazine: Consider creating a news site that covers a specific niche that you're knowledgeable about and interested in, whether it's tech news, arts and culture, sports, science, or something else entirely.
Online mentorship platform: Depending upon your skills, you could also provide mentorship services in your field of expertise. Alternatively, you could function as a mediator and connect experienced mentors it the relevant field to those seeking advice.
Job Interview and Resume Advice: If you have experience and skills in HR recruitment, there might be a market for either hosting webinars on the subject or providing private coaching.
Translation services: If you're fluent in more than one language, a website offering translation services could be an interesting opportunity.
If you leverage your personal experience and passion, many avenues can be transformed into a successful online platform. The key is to start with proper planning and research first to ensure that there's a demand for the service or content you're planning to offer. It's also crucial to understand your target audience well, as their needs and preferences will shape your business strategies, promotional efforts, and even the design and functionalities of your website.