Sheila
04-11-2006, 09:37 AM
I have tried to attack promotion from several different angles. I have a niche site, so my target is slightly narrower than some.
I am using the usual SEO techniques {plan on researching more in this arena}, and purchased advertising in a magazine that also has a website {2 birds, one stone}.
We allow our highest price plan users to post a link to their website in their auctions only IF they have a link back. {it's advertising for them and x10 for us}
But I got to thinking, what REALLY attracts sellers?
Well BUYERS of course, sellers will always spend a little time and money if there are buyers waiting.
So we have decided to target buyers in my promotions too.
We have some small 'treasure hunt' type competitions, and we have a buyer and seller prize, the seller gets a free month of top level subscription and the buyer gets $xx.00 off a purchase of $?? or over.
{We pay the seller the discount in either cash or a plan, whichever they choose}.
We are working harder at finding buyers, since as a seller, when I list a few items that appear to just be 'parked', I tire and move on. Just one sale gives me the 'ooomph' to try again.
To 'grab' these buyers you need to drive traffic to the site first. Now please 'no spamming' but search and join forums or groups in your area {either Geographic or Sales Arena} most will allow a link in your signature {dang I have checked most of those here}.
Post a Hi I'm new message, and maybe add to a 'hot' discussion. If it only generates a few clicks through and a single sign up, it was worth your ten minutes.
Encourage those who are signed up to do a little 'self promotion' by adding a link to their listings in their signature.
In an online world, we need to use online tools, and using what's already out there, and free is a good place to start.
We specialise in dolls and bears, everyone is tired of scams and ineptitude at 'the other place', we created a slightly safer {well at least verified and willing to ban abusers} marketplace. Set up a free discussion forum, posted a note in a doll forum, and generated 102 forum members and 200 pre registration requests {via a newsletter}.
Not exactly huge, but at least a start.
Sheila
I am using the usual SEO techniques {plan on researching more in this arena}, and purchased advertising in a magazine that also has a website {2 birds, one stone}.
We allow our highest price plan users to post a link to their website in their auctions only IF they have a link back. {it's advertising for them and x10 for us}
But I got to thinking, what REALLY attracts sellers?
Well BUYERS of course, sellers will always spend a little time and money if there are buyers waiting.
So we have decided to target buyers in my promotions too.
We have some small 'treasure hunt' type competitions, and we have a buyer and seller prize, the seller gets a free month of top level subscription and the buyer gets $xx.00 off a purchase of $?? or over.
{We pay the seller the discount in either cash or a plan, whichever they choose}.
We are working harder at finding buyers, since as a seller, when I list a few items that appear to just be 'parked', I tire and move on. Just one sale gives me the 'ooomph' to try again.
To 'grab' these buyers you need to drive traffic to the site first. Now please 'no spamming' but search and join forums or groups in your area {either Geographic or Sales Arena} most will allow a link in your signature {dang I have checked most of those here}.
Post a Hi I'm new message, and maybe add to a 'hot' discussion. If it only generates a few clicks through and a single sign up, it was worth your ten minutes.
Encourage those who are signed up to do a little 'self promotion' by adding a link to their listings in their signature.
In an online world, we need to use online tools, and using what's already out there, and free is a good place to start.
We specialise in dolls and bears, everyone is tired of scams and ineptitude at 'the other place', we created a slightly safer {well at least verified and willing to ban abusers} marketplace. Set up a free discussion forum, posted a note in a doll forum, and generated 102 forum members and 200 pre registration requests {via a newsletter}.
Not exactly huge, but at least a start.
Sheila