[yunedgar]

I use google adwords to advertise my site but don't pull in many deals, its a mixture of me not doing it correctly and there isn't enough of a demand for my product (construction lights) Do you know if getting a hold of a site and asking to advertise on it works? Of course the site would have to be related to what you do. I just can't seem to pull in any deals and its frustrating trying to search on google when you don't know what you are searching for. If you have any tips on advertiseing shoot.
Thanks guys

[malachi69]

I hear google adwords are terrific. Personally however, I find them to be less than that.

I suggest FindWhat. FindWhat is a pay per click search engine just like overture. Only difference is that FindWhat is smaller and less known.

Smaller is better in some cases, this means that the bid to get to the top is much smaller. In general going with engines other than the big guys for traffic will get you visitors for cheaper and just as good. I say just as good because I remember in multiple schools I went to my school always used findwhat.com over google.(basically because findwhat has a filter and google doesn't)

One of my sites gets 30 visitors a day from findwhat and its a wierd site about computer programming. My average bid on findwhat is 7 cents.(and I'm at the top if I bid around 10 cents) Read into it for more information, but basically it costs 25 dollars to set up an account.

[TMadiara20]

Have you ever thought of going through a Public Relations company before? They can do all the marketing for you if you have the money that is.

Just a thought,

[yunedgar]

whats public relations? like commercials?

[TMadiara20]

No, its mainly they deal with newspapers, magazines, and they try to get you some t.v. appearances. For instance, my partners and I are in the works with S&S PR. Which will help us get into major newspapers, magazines, and t.v. appearances, but they do charge a month fee like $5k - $7k.

However I'm not sure if you have that cash to spend but in the long wrong it will help you out greatly!

[evolvingentrepreneur]

http://www.scend.net

[malachi69]

A public relations company I guess is a viable way. However, if you are starting an internet business chances are you want to keep it cheap. Anytime you go with another company to do anything for you, there is an increase in expense because of the middle man.

You can contact magazines and put your business in the back for relatively cheap depending on the magazine. Newspapers I think charge only 20 dollars for an ad. There are ways to get around advertising without spending to much.

[yunedgar]

ya I wouldn't mind putting advertising my construction lights on the back of a construction magazine. But for now I seem to be getting some emails from people wanting lights, so things are looking good. I realize the most important thing in any business is building relationships. Thank you all for your responses

[Headvertise]

Personally I would reccomend checking out the link in my signature.

[bps092]

Originally posted by Headvertise
Personally I would reccomend checking out the link in my signature.

You seem to be saying that a lot lately huh. The only thing I don't like is the minimum $1000 per campaign required. Why is there a requirement? Not many small businesses will throw 1000 into advertising with a rather unheard of company.

[mxer210]

I agree, it's usually a red flag for a scam business when they ask for alot of inital money up front. Most places offer samples or demo's of their advertising, which allows the business to get the idea of how it works, or just so you can test it out.

[bubbles]

Google Adwords is a great tool, but only if you have a bit of time to learn the ins and outs.

To make it cost effective you need to choose targeted and specific keyword phrases (goodkeywords.com has a great tool to help you pick words). If your words are too expensive, develop how-to content for your site and base your keywords on that how-to content.

I use sitepro.com for great tips on marketing on the web.

You may also want to ask...
are your customers shopping on the web? If not, you may need to focus your energies on partnerships with other construction/lighting supply cos., yellow page ads and leaving brochures at contruction projects that have just been started in your area.

All industries are different but maybe some of these ideas might spark something for you!

Thank for listening,
Karen Jones
www.lovemybubbles.com