New site, wondering how to market these products

kkibak · Share | #1 (**permalink**) 12-18-2003, 06:43 PM

Hi,

I just started an online business selling outdoors supplies (like fishing tackle, knives, etc).

I'm wondering if anyone has any good tips on how to market THESE types of products (the site is at http://www.yourbestdeals.net ).

I've read all the general stuff, like adwords, yahover, etc.. but am wondering if anyone has any suggestions for my site specifically.

So, if anyone has time, if you could take a look at my site and let me know if you have suggestions / tips on how to market such a site, it would be much appreciated.

Thanks (anxiously awaiting replies!),
Kris Kibak

John Scott · #2 (**permalink**) 12-18-2003, 06:53 PM

"Your Best Deals" sounds general. For branding (and marketing) purposes, I'd name the site with a name more focussed on outdoors equipment.

A few pictures and limited time offers on the index page would be good.

And your server was very, very slow responding. I initially clicked through to a new page, which did not come up immediately and I closed the browser. That's kind of a natural reaction - if it doesn't respond immediately, users will often just close the browser and check out the next site.

The "No Photo Yet" is not good. People covet what they can see. Get some pictures up there.

And become a helpful member in the Online community that you serve:

http://groups.google.com/groups?hl=e...p=rec.outdoors

http://groups.google.com/groups?hl=e...&group=alt.rec

http://groups.google.com/groups?hl=e...tdoors.camping

And then target all those keywords related to the products you offer. Search engine optimization, ya know.

kkibak · #3 (**permalink**) 12-18-2003, 06:55 PM

Oh yeah, there actually are pictures I just updated the database today for inventory purposes; forgot to ad stuff to the main page.

Do you guys think switching to a mysql database would help? It's access right now, but I only have to pay a little more for sql.

I'm thinking that might help with the speed, let me know

Thanks for the response, I'll get to work on your suggestions right now

John Scott · #4 (**permalink**) 12-18-2003, 07:08 PM

I personally prefer MySQL - but I've never used Access, so I can't comment on that.

kkibak · #5 (**permalink**) 12-18-2003, 07:38 PM

the site's gonna look strange for the next 15-30 minutes, im updating the database to fix a glitch

kylebacc · #6 (**permalink**) 12-18-2003, 11:08 PM

hehe yes very strange indeed....

kkibak · #7 (**permalink**) 12-19-2003, 03:26 AM

Okay, got the work done finally. Sorry about the delay.

Well, now I'm ready for suggestions again, so if anyone has a minute check out http://www.yourbestdeals.net and give me some advice / tips on how to market these products.

Thanks All,
Kris Kibak

Fruit & Veg · #8 (**permalink**) 12-23-2003, 09:01 AM

John hit the nail on the head for me regarding your domain name. It sounds like a shopping comparison site. Unless you're planning on expanding to sell TV's sports equipment, CD's, computers, etc I'd change it now. It maybe a bitch and a hassle, but just do it.

Use your affiliate program to get links up on sites related to your area. Your AP and mailing list could be your top sales generators - use them wisely.

ps. some of those images (next page and previous page) aren't light fingered from Amazon are they?!!

kkibak · #9 (**permalink**) 12-23-2003, 08:54 PM

Hi,

I'm not sure what light fingered means but if it means copied, then no. They were included in my shopping cart/software package.

On another note, how are the pages loading for you guys? Quick, slow, medium?

I switched the DB to SQL, so hopefully there's some speed improvement.

Thanks for the reply, I'm looking into getting another domain name, just need to think of something good.

Maybe if I'm successful I could use yourbestdeals.net as an actual network site linking my other business ventures.

Thanks,
Kris Kibak

kkibak · #10 (**permalink**) 12-23-2003, 08:55 PM

Oh yeah, I almost forgot to ask:

How do you guys suggest I promote my affiliate program? None of you are interested are you?

Thanks,
Kris Kibak

PS:

Plans from your suggestions so far are as follows (feel free to critique):

1) I'm just going to remove all my products that don't have pictures. Chances are they won't sell anyway, and they just slow my site down.

2) Add limited time promotions. Maybe "Free shipping on orders over $200," or something like that would be good (Feel free to suggest here).

3) Try to get the affiliate program going. I'm not sure how to promote this yet.

4) Switch to a more product-specific domain name.

5) Improve categories so that it's easier for customers to find what they're looking for.

kkibak · #11 (**permalink**) 12-23-2003, 10:40 PM

What do you guys think of SurvivalSupply.biz as a domain name?

Fruit & Veg · #12 (**permalink**) 12-29-2003, 02:39 PM

Sounds good - better than the other one. You could use your mailing list subscribers and ask them - I personally know zilch about outside stuff!!

I think you could be surprised that your customers are willing to help you shape your site.

For promoting, check out http://www.affiliateannounce.com - that'll get you started.

Derf · #13 (**permalink**) 12-29-2003, 03:08 PM

Well I have spent lots of time outdoors myself... If you could Maybe get linked from major outdoor magizines websites and advertise in something like backpacker,canoe, outside anything that would hit your target market... you might be able to work up an affiliate program with them also