The Points Guy: We never accept free flights [merged TPG discussions]
#391
Join Date: Feb 2009
Posts: 3,737
Though, I'm starting to see more and more of this demographic sign up for cards like the CSP due to the flexibility of the card owner to book both domestic flights and hotels.
I just proposed that is a route TPG could go with having a Youtube travel blog. I get the impression he's trying to find new methods of bringing new readers to his website that he can sell to. He already has a large marketing campaign on Facebook and Twitter. TPGtv could be anyone's guess what other motives he might have... if he is trying to get into travel tv or has just become tired of writing blog entries. Seems like he is more the mascot and behind the scenes guy now of TPG.
#392
Join Date: Feb 2009
Posts: 3,737
Thanks, but I'm pretty sure my opinion is informed. You may disagree with it, but I am certainly informed.
It's basic math. Between this website and other similar websites, it is impossible for revenue generating readership to continue to grow at this rate, even without any change in external factors.
It's basic math. Between this website and other similar websites, it is impossible for revenue generating readership to continue to grow at this rate, even without any change in external factors.
From his AMA:
"... I think the growth of TPG has hinged on me looking outside of our relatively closed off blogosphere and focusing on innovating, whether it is hiring talented editors, launching TPGtv or charity initiatives we are about to announce. "
If the number of credit Cards each reader can get drops -- which it is based on Chase and Amex rule changes, revenue will drop further. People will be less likely to be interested in changing credit cards if the benefit of doing so drops - which is what is happening with miles programs switching to dollar based.
TLDR:
I think TPG has a stronger interest in growing the number of readers and getting each to sign up for 1-2 cards. He's not FTG trying to get them into churning. His numbers have doubled each year. While it won't always continue to grow at that rate, I don't feel new rules have as much of an effect on his referral income as his target audience isn't into churning.
#393
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Austin, TX
Programs: AA LT Plat, UA 1k/1mm+, National EE, IC Plat, Bonvoy Gold
Posts: 2,605
I have looked through his videos and can't find what you are talking about. As a matter of professional curiosity, I would appreciate it if you could point me the right direction. TIA.
#394
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 677
I will check around. I think it was on his Instagram account or maybe his producer's. His name is Andrew Rothchild. I'll update when I find them.
#395
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Austin, TX
Programs: AA LT Plat, UA 1k/1mm+, National EE, IC Plat, Bonvoy Gold
Posts: 2,605
#396
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: CLE
Programs: UA GS+LT UC, AA EXP+LT PLT, Fairmont LT PLT, Marriott PLT, Hilton DIA, Hyatt Glob, Avis CHM
Posts: 4,671
TLDR:
I think TPG has a stronger interest in growing the number of readers and getting each to sign up for 1-2 cards. He's not FTG trying to get them into churning. His numbers have doubled each year. While it won't always continue to grow at that rate, I don't feel new rules have as much of an effect on his referral income as his target audience isn't into churning.
I think TPG has a stronger interest in growing the number of readers and getting each to sign up for 1-2 cards. He's not FTG trying to get them into churning. His numbers have doubled each year. While it won't always continue to grow at that rate, I don't feel new rules have as much of an effect on his referral income as his target audience isn't into churning.
#397
Join Date: Jul 2014
Programs: Jeff is Deaf
Posts: 541
I wonder if TPG TV is an attempt for Brian to expand his usefulness and employability. even if he's a millionaire from the blog so far (and keeping it as a Florida "resident"), that won't sustain his lifestyle until he hits retirement age. Being "The Points Guy" is likely not to produce significant income as programs go revenue based and credit card churning is eliminated. he's in his early 30s, so maybe he thinks legit travel journalism or tv is a possibility. His pre-full-time blogging job of recruitment for the finance industry isn't likely to be as financially rewarding.
Its clear via engagement rates that many of his "fans" are bought via social media providers. Almost 1,000,000 followers yet less than 100 likes on some posts? I see higher interaction rates with FB accounts with 10,000 fans.
He somehow gained 100,000 fans within the last couple weeks. I call shenanigans.
Its getting entertaining to see him trying to throw money and achieve "faux paux" celebrity status. Reminds me of this guy:
http://www.complex.com/music/2014/12...m-the-humbling
#398
Join Date: May 2004
Location: LAX
Posts: 1,849
He admitted on reddit he spends "tons" on advertising (buying FB followers).
His videos has very little exposure on youtube where it's hard to hide
the counter, when asked about it he said he has "millions" of views on FB.
Sure.
Also as Bankrate stock is in the toilet, I wouldn't be surprised
he is not celebrating much this weekend...
His videos has very little exposure on youtube where it's hard to hide
the counter, when asked about it he said he has "millions" of views on FB.
Sure.
Also as Bankrate stock is in the toilet, I wouldn't be surprised
he is not celebrating much this weekend...
#399
Join Date: Feb 2009
Posts: 3,737
#400
Join Date: May 2006
Location: SAN
Programs: Lots of faux metal
Posts: 6,424
He admitted on reddit he spends "tons" on advertising (buying FB followers).
His videos has very little exposure on youtube where it's hard to hide
the counter, when asked about it he said he has "millions" of views on FB.
Sure.
Also as Bankrate stock is in the toilet, I wouldn't be surprised
he is not celebrating much this weekend...
His videos has very little exposure on youtube where it's hard to hide
the counter, when asked about it he said he has "millions" of views on FB.
Sure.
Also as Bankrate stock is in the toilet, I wouldn't be surprised
he is not celebrating much this weekend...
I just went through his AMA and noticed that he likes SecretFlying; the hacks that steal deals from FT and then delete all posts that point that out. If you're lucky they will ban your IP.
Last edited by skunker; Feb 27, 2016 at 10:07 pm
#401
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Washington, DC
Programs: DL PM; IHG PlatAmb; Hilton Dia; Marriott Plat; Hyatt Discoverist
Posts: 7,320
I wonder if TPG TV is an attempt for Brian to expand his usefulness and employability. even if he's a millionaire from the blog so far (and keeping it as a Florida "resident"), that won't sustain his lifestyle until he hits retirement age. Being "The Points Guy" is likely not to produce significant income as programs go revenue based and credit card churning is eliminated. he's in his early 30s, so maybe he thinks legit travel journalism or tv is a possibility. His pre-full-time blogging job of recruitment for the finance industry isn't likely to be as financially rewarding.
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#402
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Programs: IAMAW Local 368/HAL 2 Star Mariner
Posts: 740
What would really humor me is if he started an extension of his existing site called "The Bankruptcy Lawyer Referral Guy". No doubt a large chunk of his readers probably need that by now.
-LPDAL
#403
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Virginia, USA
Posts: 4,508
What's your source for this? You throw "7 figures a year" around quite casually as if this is a normal income for travel blogging. Believe me, very, very few people in this country or any other make "7 figures a year."
#404
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Austin, Texas
Programs: Airline nobody. Sad!
Posts: 26,062
His site revenue is almost certainly 7 figures a year. I don't know if his profit or how much he gets paid is that much, but his site revenue is definitely 7 figures.
#405
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: London
Programs: BA, VS, HH, IHG, MB, MR
Posts: 26,871
You think seven figures is a lot but it isn't. Assuming $100 average card commission you only need 30 applications per day.
Put another way ..... TPG, on his readership numbers, would make $1m per year from Google Adsense alone if he bothered to put it up - which he doesn't. That is based on a direct extrapolation of my Adsense income to his.