They are not exactly content pages but I often put up new pages reviewing various types of software. Within a few days, more often then not, the page on my site is ranking near or above the software site’s own pages for its money keywords. If the site for the product is in the sandbox, I’ll be top 10 for their product while they are nowhere to be found.

The problem with content pages (or pre-sell pages) is that people need to work at building a good content page for an established site to host – this scares them off. It’s much easier to buy a few links, hope for the best and be done with it. Plus, I feel that many fail to grasp the whole content page concept. People tend to focus on the fact that their new content page will have a PR white bar for 3 to 6 months rather then the top 10 ranking they are likely to achieve.

Content pages on established sites are definitely the way to go for a new site that is in the sandbox. Beyond PPC and banner ads, it is the only way their site can be found.