A bit of advice please!!!

[theperfectpressie]

Hi everyone!

Hope you can help, i'm after a bit of advice regarding the promotion of the site that i'm currently putting together.

A bit of background info - it is a gift list site, for people to create lists of the gifts that they really want - for any event. I've been in contact with a designer regarding the look of the site, and he has come up with a couple of designs - http://www.theperfectpressie.co.uk/websites/index.html - click on the site to toggle between the 2 designs - i'd really appreciate your comments before I make a decision on the final design!

Does anyone have any ideas about how to go about marketing this sort of site??? An initial idea that i've had for promotion is to use my daughter's birthday as an example, to show relatives and friends how the site works - what do you think. Any advice will be greatly received!

Thanks in advance!

Rachel

[Jayne]

Hi,

I like both of them, but I think the blue one catches my eye more. I think using you daughters Birthday is a great idea.

I'm sure the techies will be along soon to tell me i'm wrong :lol: But I like it

Jayne

[bitsnstuff]

Hi,

I also liked both, but preferred the blue one, but also preferred the image of the woman, rather than the present image (on the blue one) - hope that made sense!!

Kate.

[Ravenfire]

I like both, although I preferred the blueand it had more of a christmassy/present feel to me than the purple. Also I am sure that I read somewhere that blue is supposed to be more appealing to the eye, but I could be wrong!!!

Toni

[Marina Stone]

I prefer the blue also, although it is a little too blue! Perhaps you could change the background colour of the centre banner to white/cream.

Am I right in thinking this website will work as a 'wedding list' works? It's the person who receives the presents who has a list of presents they like?

Will you do wedding, Xmas lists as well? (start marketing asap for Xmas!) The list could be endless but I imagine you have already thought of these!

Perhaps you could form liaisons with nationwide companies who supply partyware, party entertainment, venues, especially invitations, etc. so that when they have a customer who books/purchases from them in preparation of a celebration, they could provide them with your website details. You would need to offer them something in return. Commission most likely.

Just some thoughts.

Marina

[Marina Stone]

Jayne

I'm sure the techies will be along soon to tell me i'm wrong But I like it

How could you be wrong in your opinion? I think it's great you find the time to do so, and quite often from what I can see. :)

After all, you are as much, or perhaps even more of a potential customer for this website than a techie is. :wink:


Marina

[Jayne]

Thanks Marina,

Only work early morning, lots of free time at the min'. This is the best place to find knowlege I have found, learning lots. :D Plus I like to help people.

Jayne

[clickprofits]

I agree - sometimes the most helpful opinions are those from 'ordinary' people (as pointed out these are your potential customers) as they often see things which the techies and marketing experts miss. Having said that, it's also always worth getting techies and marketing experts to have a look at your site too! :)

Must admit I prefer the blue too or perhaps even better the suggestion above of blue but with the graphic (woman with gift & off white background) from the purple template?

One thing I do think you should do is sum up the main benefit of your website in a few words and use that as your tagline or it could be your third bullet point (where it says 'then next thing'). I read somewhere (think it was in the Big Red Fez by Seth Godin)
http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/0743220862/1567 that your website should make it obvious to the visitor within 5 seconds or less of landing on your page exactly what the website is all about (even if that visitor was a green bloob from Mars) and what it offers them. Something like "no more socks - always get the gifts you really want" or "the quick and easy way to guarantee you get the gifts you really want" - I am sure others can do better /shorter. :)

[SillyJokes]

I do wish you well with your project but I do wonder if it really is what people are looking for.

I would feel embarrassed to send a list of my desires to people, unless it is a wedding. It's my 40th this week and i'm having a big party, but I would never send out an email of suggested gifts.

The only person I'd possibly send this to is my husband as he needs a little help with present buying.

As a gift giver I would be quite surprised to receive a list of required gifts from anyone except my husband or kids.

One market which might be good for you is possibly where a whip round has been made for a colleague or friend and then a list of suggested gifts mailed round to those who donated in order that a consensus is made before the gift is bought.

Again, in this position I am usually happy for the organiser to sort this out. I don't really mind what happens to my fiver once I give it.

Another potential group is kids letting their parents know.

But I simply don't see it happening between friends.

Think carefully, do people really want this service?

[Greg]

Xmas lists as well? (start marketing asap for Xmas!)

If you're looking at press coverage for Xmas you really do need to be doing that now. With publication lead-times journalists are working on Xmas issues, some even earlier. To help, we have press release tips and advice at http://www.pressdispensary.co.uk/99323/press_release_hints_and_tips.php

I think the blue site is better for Xmas, and in general.

[DarrenH]

Hi

the following site might help, it's free to join and gives you a ton of great places to get some links into your site.

http://value-exchange.sitesell.com/bigmix.html

Also a good resources for looking for linking partners and other promotional info is...

http://searchit.sitesell.com/bigmix.html

Also free to use.

Hope that helps

Darren

[theperfectpressie]

Hi Everyone!

Thanks very much to everyone who has responded! I really appreciate all the feedback and advice that you've given me!

I like the blue one too!

I'll keep you posted on our progress!

Thanks, Rachel.