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new to e-commerce

We are a small business just getting started in e-commerce. we're having trouble getting people to our site right now. we are aware of SEO techniques and email marketing which for us are in the infancy stage but are being formulated. we contemplated doing a mailer to our 30K member database but find the costs to be too expensive right now. I'm wondering if anyone has ideas to increase our online sales by driving traffic to the website? do you think a mailer would benefit us in the long run or go the SEO route and promote the website in the store?

7 Responses

  • Jan 08, 2010

    CEO

    Steven,

    Congratulations on the site. I think there are a few things (which you may have already considered). Definitely get the email broadcasting going on a regular basis, even if your list is small to start. It will keep your company top-of-mind with customers.

    I think if you do the mailer, it will be to existing customers and you want to focus on new customers (I'm assuming). That being said, I think the postcard might be good for a "hit" but I don't think it will do anything long-term.

    I think getting out online more and participating on the social sites, blogs, etc with SEO in mind will help you more in the long run.

    If you want to get something quicker, try a PPC campaign on Google. Perhaps you have some niche items that you could advertise for specifically to keep the charges lower? Finally, you may want to consider setting up an affiliate program so that other people can help advertise for you, for a piece of the sale.

    Good Luck with the site!!!

    Mike

  • Jan 08, 2010

    COO

    Steven,

    I agree with Mike's comment on trying a PPC campaign. It is the quickest way to drive traffic to your website until you have implemented a solid SEO strategy, which can take many months to bear fruit. For your business, your could consider radio ad's on an "oldies" station.

    Good luck!

    Sergio

  • Jan 09, 2010

    PAUL ROSENFELD

    Hi Steven,

    I think leveraging the customers you have already is a good, inexpensive place to start. Given your clientele, I would stay away from expensive print like direct mail. I like the comments above but please start with very small budget. I guess I"m wondering with your store, why you don't try more things there? You could also pump up your store's presence by ensuring you've updated your Google Place Pages.

    I'm the CEO of Fanminder, a mobile marketing firm. With your demographics, have you considered text message marketing? It' very affordable (see fanminder.com) and delivers at least 10-20X the impact of email. It's also just a few seconds to get started and takes far less effort than email. We have a 30 day free trial too. Feel free to give me a jingle on my cell or email which you can see on my profile and I'd be happy to assist.

    Best, Paul @Fanminder.com

  • J. T

    http://www.linkedin.com/pub/j-t/7/b7a/3a
    linked in badge

    Business idea creation

    (Jan 10, 2010)
    you are having trouble for attracting the visitor is because your target maket, position of your company and product and the segment you are appraoch does not align. it is call the STP (segmentation, target and position). e.g.: that's say you wear a short sloppy pants and messy hair. You told the people you are unknown of that you are the hair and fashion designer. would they believe you? NO.

    you can email me jack8690@gmail.com if you have any futher question you need help with.

    jack

  • Jan 11, 2010

    President and Chief of Customer Happiness

    If you cannot afford to do the mailer at least 4 times per year then save your money. I would do ONE invitation type letter when the site is live to your existing customers. Give them a reason to buy from you with a coupon code. If that is a problem then do 10K at a time. Why do you force them to register on your website? Your social networking links do cot seem to be working. Also, have you joined groups on facebook to discuss your industry?

What do you think?

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