Page 1 of Website Advertising advice needed

Hi,

Just recently ventured into the world of self employment and have opened an online shop.
I was wondering, what is the best way to advertise the site online and ensure google can find it etc?

I have looked at companies who do this all for you etc but it is a very expensive operation.

Any advice?

Steve

If you dont know by now youve probably picked the wrong career.....

What exactly is the business? If you are selling stuff, then you could sell on somewhere like Amazon and Ebay to start with, and send all your buyers the website address?

Thanks for the replies, I dont think this is the wrong thing to do as early experiments have proven sucsessful and 4 years working for the biggest online retailer helps.

It is a rock and metal merchandise store joined with a smoking paraphanalia store. I can give you the address by pm as I dont want to seem like i am trying to plug it here.

Definitely sell on eBay, and mention the URL in all your adverts. I often do look at ads on eBay, and go directly to their website if it`s mentioned - the prices may be slightly better, or the shipping is cheaper/easier to combine several things.

Sounds like the market you`re in would suit eBay sales as well.

Find out `exactly` who your market is, and find out where they go, what they read, what they buy and what they do with there spare time.

Then advertise in those places as cheaply as possible.

Knowing exactly who your market is is key, and is not normally found out quickly, much proper research is often needed in order to be `sure`. That way you wont waste advertising in the wrong place.

If you have plenty of stuff for particular bands, have a look round and see if they have any unofficial sites/forums out there.

Put it on here if it`s not breaking any rules. Push yourself forward and good luck in your venture. Remember Oor Wullie when your a millionaire

All the best.

Oor Wullie. :)

If you want cheap advertising and only want to pay for people who see your site then you need CPC or Cost Per Click.

There are two companies I would recomend Google Adwords and Overture.co.uk

Good luck with your new business

Credo!

This item was edited on Thursday, 7th April 2005, 23:54

You could always give GoogleAdwords a go...

You may have noticed the ads down the right hand side of Google when you do a search. Your ad is paid for on a per click basis. Google explain it best themselves here

It`s a good way of getting on to Google without any friggin` about. You can set a limit on your budget too just to try it out.

Apologies for repeating same info as above - connection playing up took bleedin` ages to post the message (sodding dial-up)

This item was edited on Friday, 8th April 2005, 00:09