[SutherlandVentures]

Hey! My name is Robert Sutherland. I just created 5 online businesses, they are all operational. Unfortunately I have not been able to generate hardly any business. Does anyone have any tips on how I could promote my online business with a small advertising budget? Or maybe even tips and strategies for a large advertising budget if I could amass it?

Thanks,
I appreciate any and all help from anyone who takes the time.

[Franakapan]

In terms of an online venture I would say that neither of the three possibilities you included in your poll are suitable (this would be different if you are marketing a local venture).

If you are looking to market a website, Search Engine Optimization, banner/link exchanges, a blog or a forum would be more suitable. however, I'm not really qualified to advise you with what to do so hopefully someone else will reply

[MarcL]

Do google adwards.... its the most effective in my point of view... Also tell your friends and get the word out.

[Franakapan]

Wow, I must say that your websites look great! Apart from the vitamin one though You make them yourself?

Only problem I do wee with the websites is that you present a mixed image of what Sutherland Ventures represents; you have four very different products and you associate each product with the others where there are little or no reasons for the association to be there.

Obviously linking your design biz with the skateboards is logical, but the band and the vitamins on your design sites don't make any sense..

[SutherlandVentures]

I am trying to utilize free advertising space! I have the ability, and I didnt see any harm. I wanted to try new tactics to increase business. Where when I spend money on advertising one business, I am spending money to advertise all businesses. A more cost efficient way of self promotion. I am yet to spend any money on advertising. But I think Car Decals might be a good choice. I could drive around durring rush hour a couple hours a day, and have my image reach many eyes. It will only cost $400-$600 for what I want to put on my car. I do not possess that at the moment.

[greggomatic76]

There are many ways to get free visitors to your site...here is a short list of the most simple ideas...
-Write and submit articles relating to your product
-Post on forums with a link in your signature
-Submit videos to YouTube and Google Video with your link watermarked on vid or at the beginning or end
-Start a blog/podcast about you and/or your products
-Optimize your website for search engines

Honestly, I would hesitate to spend $500 to put an image on your car. First, your market for your products is very small. How many people on the freeway will be in your market, how many of those will take the time to write down you web address, and how many of those will actually take the time to visit your site? Not many.

I would recommend google adwords, it is the easiest way to quickly get a lot of targeted traffic to your site. Just remember, in whatever style of marketing you pursue, be sure you are marketing to the right crowd. Local advertising (bench ads, newspaper, car,etc) just won't reach the people you want to. Online methods will work the best. Good luck!

[ideas2earn]

I disagree with most of the posters. Online marketing can be great. Ihave managed to get 1000 visitors in a month using mostly online methods but there is still a place for offline marketing. A lot of people don't search the web randomly for stuff, their searches are very focused. If you can get them to come directly to your site, or to search for your site through offline advertising then grrrreat. I would start with Yellow Pages or a local newspaper though as it will be cost effective and should give you some credibility.

[Joe426]

Neither of the 3 you mentioned will do any good when advertising websites unless your site is for a large known corporation. Stick with adwords and writing articles - those tips always work.

[zoobie]

If you're trying to advertise online, it is advisable to do the following:

1. Article submission
2. Forum Posting
3. Site Submission
4. Social Bookmarking
5. Try signing up for social sites such as Squidoo.com and Stumble Upon.

[TheCompany]

SutherlandVentures I think all the suggestion posted are quite efficient. I also have some other suggestions I would like to recomend. Please PM me or Instant Message me for more information. Good luck!

[DrMoney]

Well... Heres a piece of info: put the links in your YE blog signature and bam.