Fastest results?

[bitsnstuff]

I will need to start marketing my site soon - once it has been completed, almost there. I am trying to work out the best way to approach this. I have found various options:

press releases
leaflets
reciprocal links
directory listing (on and offline)
keywords

However, I am not sure where to start. I have a very limited budget, until things get off the ground (the usual chicken and egg scenario) and wonder if anyone could advise which method provides the quickest results. I will probably end up doing all of the above, but need to get things going quickly to bring in the funds for more marketing.

Any help would be appreciated.

Thank you.

[top-click]

Hi bitsnstuff - how are you doing!

In my experience;

press releases - at least 2/3 weeks to impact in weekly news - and longer in magazines
leaflets - artwork & priniting & distribution time
reciprocal links - I know there's some somftware out there but not sure how good/safe it is?
directory listing (on and offline)
keywords - 2/3 days to get a high quality high volume/low cpc campaign going

Cheers
Rob

[bitsnstuff]

Hello again :lol:

Thank you for your reply. I was wondering about the PPC - do you work in the same way as Google Adwords?

Is it a suitable system for a start-up with a very small budget or something that should be considered later once established? I am concerned that if I set it up too early, I may end up with a huge bill for people who have clicked but not bought anything.

Also is it sensible for someone in my sector where the main words would probably be baby, wedding, gifts?

[top-click]

Hiya - its pretty scalable really - set up costs £5 if you DIY - and you can set daily limits to keep costs in check.

Don't get too hung up over the fact that your words are in demand - there are ways around that!

I'd say give it a go - am here to help if you want - and yes PPC (PayPerClick) is AdWords, but also used when buying sponsored links across quite a few peoviders - Overture etc

Speak soon
Rob

[Rob Holmes]

Rob - could I hi-jack this thread and ask what return for their money people could expect when using your services ?

Cheers,

The other Rob :D

[epiphany]

press releases
You can get this in the paper within the week if you get the right hook, we have had interviewer's round at people houses within an hour of publishing a press release

leaflets
too slow, marketing shows that people generally like to see your logo, leaflet or sales pitch a few times before they bite

reciprocal links
Takes months to have an effect

directory listing (on and offline)
as above

keywords
as above

[Amber]

I don't think there is a "right" answer to this, really. I think it depends very much on your business, and it's a matter of trial and error to find out what works for you.

I'm a big fan of using press releases, mainly because if they are used they give you free advertising which can be much more effective than an advert. That said, a press release will only work if you have a newsworthy story to tell, i.e. there's not a lot of point in just sending out a press release saying "I've started a business"

Keywords, inbound links, directory listings etc (i.e. search engine optimisation) is always worth doing, but it can take a long to kick in, so in the early days of your business it could be worth expoloring some other options as well as search engine optimisation.

[top-click]

Hi Rob no problem, ask away,

[You'va asked the question most marketeers hate, as there are so many variables to consider - but most have an answer for!]

There are a few scenarios on my site http://www.top-click.co.uk/html/scenarios.htm which will give you a general idea of the return on business objectives, but I am guessing this is not the answer you are looking for?

For pure ROI, for every £1 my biggest client spends they earn back £1.72 [after my fees] - this is probably closer to the answer you want?

As mentioned, there are several caveats that can drastically improve ROI, mainly if;

We have the ability to track clicks through to sales
The site is designed [both aesthetics and copy] to promote sales/conversion
There is a slick and easy buying mechanism - shopping trolley etc.

I think it's also fair at this point to say that using my company has additional ROI benefits in that

a] The methodology and experience we employ will almost certainly dramtically improve on the performance of this media you can achieve yourself - e.g we can achieve more clicks for your budget and avoid the penalties some media owners impose for badly maintained campaigns. Additionally, most people waste a great deal of cash experimenting with adwords - when we can help you hit the ground running.

b] Save you time - setting up a campaign properly can be very time consuming as can maintaining it - this allows you as the customer to concentrate on what you do best!

I think this answers your question, but I've been known to waffle - let me know if you want more! ;)

Top-Click Rob

[bitsnstuff]

Thank you very much to Rob, Rob, Amber and Epiphany for all your great advice - much appreciated. :lol:

[Ozzy]

Just to add my bit to this, and to recommend Top-Click Rob... :)

When I started up I used PPC to get immediate results whilst my "natural" listings worked their way into the search engines. Although expensive, if managed correctly it will at least bring in some income (subject to items mentioned by Rob).

At the very least I would suggest giving PPC a serious look to get your website "off the ground" :)

[top-click]

Ozzy - you are clearly a man of distinction!

But seriously bitsnstuff, i can do 2 things for you 1) give you some pointers and talk you thru' the process 2) give you a free trial [I'll set up a mini campaign, with a mini budget!] you just pay the click costs at cost, which we can put an upper limit on. If it works well for you then we can roll out a larger campaign.

I will offer this *trial* to all members shortly [I'll post it in the offers forum] once my site redesign is completed.

Let me know anyway, cheers
Rob

[Rob Holmes]

cool

I had my fingers (and wallet) seriously burned by trying to work out the PPC stuff myself.

I lost approx £600 in a week with not a single sale - some things I am good at, PPC I am not!

If the time and budget arrives at the same time Rob we'll take you up on your offer :)

Rob

[bitsnstuff]

Thank you very much Rob, once again your help is greatly appreciated. I have been snooping around Adwords, but was so worried about getting a huge uncontrollable bill, I chickened out. It would be great to start a campaign with some expert guidance.

Thank you. :D

Kate

[top-click]

Hi Kate, no problem,

I'll send you a PM and we can go from there

R
Top-click