How To Market My Website

If you do not have the resources to do pay per click advertising, you can try to do inexpensive kinds of marketing -- effective yet won't hurt your pocket. Here are some shoestring marketing ideas that can help you get the visitors you need at the least cost possible:

1. Create the best content you can with the best products you can possibly offer. Your content is your best advertisement - if visitors love your content, then they will go back and spread the word to others.

2. Make it easy for users to recommend your site. Viral marketing is very important -- and easy to tap on the Web. But give your users the tools. Get a Recommend this Site script from websites such as cgiscripts.com and similar directories of scripts. Some even go as far as giving incentives to those who recommend the site to their friends. If only 10 people go to your site, but these 10 people invite 10 more - that's additional traffic that you get for FREE!

Recommend Site Scripts (various) http://php.resourceindex.com/Complete_Sc…
Big Nose Bird Recommend this Site http://bignosebird.com/carchive/birdcast…
CGI Resource Index http://cgi.resourceindex.com/Programs_an…
Hostscripts http://www.hotscripts.com/PHP/Scripts_an…

3. Rank well in the search engines (organic search results, not the pay per click). SEs can be a big source of traffic. The key is to create the best content in your niche. If you have good content, other websites will gladly link to you and offer your site as a resource to their audience. Check the on-page factors and be sure to get linked from authority sites in your topic area.

If you are going to read only one piece on search engine optimization, I suggest you read Brett Tabke of WebmasterWorld.com's "Successful Site in 12 Months with Google Alone: 26 steps to 15k a day." http://www.webmasterworld.com/forum3/201…

SEO for Google http://www.powerhomebiz.com/052006/googl…
SEO for Yahoo! http://www.powerhomebiz.com/052006/yahoo…
SEO for MSN http://www.powerhomebiz.com/052006/msn.h…
Tying It Together: SEO For The Big Three http://www.powerhomebiz.com/052006/seo.h…

4. Send out press releases. While outfits charge as much as $650 per release, there are free press release submission places on the Web. Press releases allow you to (a) attract media attention; (b) get more back links to your website without sending each website an email request; and (c) get more visibility especially if your press release gets in Google News or Yahoo News.

http://www.prleap.com/sign_up.html
http://i-newswire.com/
http://www.24-7pressrelease.com/
http://www.pressbox.co.uk/cgi-bin/links/…
http://www.pr.com/press-releases
http://www.prfree.com/
http://www.clickpress.com/releases/index…
http://www.theopenpress.com/
http://www.przoom.com/
http://www.prweb.com
http://www.newswiretoday.com/
http://www.free-press-release.com/

5. Submit articles. Write articles and submit them to websites accepting author submissions. You get exposure for your business; establishes you as an authority in your field, and allows you to get backlinks for your website. If 50 websites publish your article and it contains a link back to your website, then you easily get 50 links from a single article. The more links you have, the greater your chances for increasing your search engine rankings.

Here is a comprehensive list of where to submit your articles http://answers.yahoo.com/question/;_ylt=…

6. Improve your conversion. Getting visitors is one thing; getting them to buy your products is a whole different story. Read the article "How To Sell More on the Web: 30 Tips To Increase Conversion Rates For An Ecommerce Site " http://www.powerhomebiz.com/092006/ecomm… for tips on how to improve your conversion rates.

7. Post a link to your site for free where it is allowed (always read the Terms of Use). Examples are:

Craigslist http://www.craigslist.com
Google Base http://base.google.com
Classifieds for Free http://www.classifiedsforfree.com/...
Text Link Exchange http://www.txtswap.com/
Recycler.com http://www.recycler.com/
Yahoo Classifieds http://classifieds.yahoo.com/
US Free Ads http://www.usfreeads.com/

Source(s):

http://www.powerhomebiz.com/guide/cases/…

• 6 years ago

Video Advertising

You'll find a four part series covering how to create those kinds of videos as well as how to find clients for them at Producing Videos for Paying Clients - Part I.

You might also find this one interesting - Finding clients for custom video, photo and web graphics work

Also, Use this ad to find local clients for your video business and Another video related service you can offer paying clients

Using well-known cultural references, stories of all kinds, to sell products.

• 5. Texts studied: TV insurance adverts Geico Advert Swift cover advert AA advert
• 6. Texts studied: Inspiration Fosters beer ads Crocodile Dundee Big Mac drive thru Wendys drive thru
• 7. TV advertisements Codes & conventions: Narrative Mise-en-scene Sound Cinematography
• 8. Narrative conventions : Plot : problems are encountered which are resolved by the insurance company Characters : Either domestic users – who have just bought insurance and want to talk about it celebrities – personalities are engaged in a mini-drama involving aspects of car insurance Settings : in cars; various driving locations in which driving appears to be fun/enjoyable
• 9. Mise-en-scene : used to promote realism via verisimilitude Locations: interior/exterior of cars; various driving locations in which driving appears to be fun/enjoyable Props: cars Costumes: familiar for protagonists; often similar to target audience, or typical of the celebrity’s image NVC: showing concern about dangers associated with being a car owner/driver; showing contentment at having the security of the insurance.
• 10. Our Research Sound : both diegetic & non-diegetic Music: usually a non-diegetic jingle over product information; some diegetic music can be used to promote realism but must n ot conflict with the dialogue for attention Dialogue: simple, characters & plot are verbally developed; plots revolve around insurance anecdotes Effects: usually limited to exaggerating motoring no ises
• 11. Our Research Cinematography : Camera: initial location shots give way to twin shots and shot reverse shots of main protagonists, at their eye level for empathy Lighting: naturalistic to promote realism Editing: continuity style to promote realism
• 12. Research: Audience profile – varies within the permitted driving age range Demographics: Both male and female Aged 17+ No socio-economic limits B C1C2 D E Initially domestic British Psychographics: Too varied to list – depends on advert concept; however, puritans are a common theme Uses & Gratifications – some commonalities include : To be amused To see others make mistakes To find models to imitate
• 13. Planning: Target audiences Plot outlines & script Character profiles Location reconnaissance Storyboard Shooting list
• 14. Research: Audience profile – for our campaign products Demographics: Primarily male Aged 17+ No socio-economic limits C2 D E Initially domestic British Psychographics: Cowboys Uses & Gratifications: To be amused To see others make mistakes To find models to imitate
• 15. Planning Plot outlines Advert 1: Stevo and Kev are in the car going into MacDs drive thru to get fast food. Stevo orders heaps of food because he has saved money on his car insurance. Both guys are happy and enjoy their feast courtesy of Bondi. Advert 2: Stevo and Kev are in the car when they get bumped from behind by an uninsured driver. But they are not worried because Bondi has them covered.
• 16. Planning: Character profiles Names: Stevo & Kev Age: 18 Family situation & recent history : both have grown up in Australia and moved to England after studies and are enjoying the freedom of living away from home and responsibilities; have got simple jobs that do not require much commitment, this leaves them plenty of time to enjoy themselves. Problems : want to be busy enjoying life and not spend time worrying about searching around for insurance Solution : Bondi Car Insurance!
• 17. Planning: Script for Advert 1 Int car approaching a MacDonalds drive thru Stevo: Hello Mr Mcdonald. Kev: Hello mate how you going? There will be 2 of us dining with you tonight. We would like 2 large cheeseburgers. Stevo: and 2 large fries. Kev: Wait a minute, didn’t you just save a bundle on your car insurance? Stevo: I sure did mate, double that order. Kev: Whats the name of that place again? Stevo: Bondi mate. Kev: Ah yeah that’s the one, they’re not on price comparison sites are they? Stevo: Nah mate. (they collect their food) Kev: Cheers mate. Stevo: Cheers.
• 18. Planning: Storyboard - stills required
• 19. Planning: Shooting list & Location reconnaissance Sboard with TBC Equipment & staff reqd Location description comments done Day/date/time Scene
• 20. Texts studied: Web Pop-ups
• 21. OUR WEB POP-UP Anchored to the product, car insurance because of the road sign theme that links with driving Bondi logo, = brand recognition Matches the concept of a pop up, to draw people in and provide them with an easy route to the customer to increase sales.
• 22. Conventions of real media products conform conform conform Representations conform conform conform Narrative conform N/A conform Editing conform N/A conform Sound N/A N/A conform Camerawork N/A conform develop & conform Mise-en-scene Radio Ads Web Pop-up TV ads
• 23. Conform = driving is fun and insurance is a necessary problem; Ozy male stereotype is used Representation Conform = simple script with two character dialogue featuring a car insurance issue; product information is dispalyed Narrative Conform = standard shot reverse shot; continuity style; cuts between shots in scene, fade between narrative and brand logo scene Editing Conform = realism constructed via focus on diegetic sound; non-diegetic voiceover Sound Conform = standard twin shot; medium close-ups at eyelevel; establishing shots for location Camerawork Develop = info ticker included at bottom of the screen Conform = car interior; Ozy male stereotype Mise-en-scene Television Advertisements
• 24. Mise En Scene Sunglasses (stereotypical Australian) McDonalds bag, representing that they are eating. Linked to the previous advert.
• 25. Our Research Cinematography:
• 26. Differences between our Productions The lighting is very bad here. Red glare, cannot see the actors well. The lighting is a bit better here but think it still needs to be brighter and therefore filmed in the day. At a closer view it is also slightly pixilated . The lighting in the shot is much better, all details can be seen as it was filmed in the day time . First Production Second Production Third Production
• 27. Production notes Debrief of shoot 1 -Needs to be done in daytime -Less camera angles -Make it simpler -Actors with more feeling and expression -Better sound Lighting-red light in McDonalds (car in Wayne’s world was similar idea but very well artificially lit) Camera positioning - Cut off someone’s head - Bonnet shot to encourage the actors to work together and create more of a relationship - POV from the position of the speaker in Mcdonalds Actors- showing crocodile Dundee on the laptop to the actors so they understood the idea we were trying to portray. External microphone Mise en scene - include stuff in the back of the car! - Cricket hat - ozzy rugby shirt - boys mag on the dahsboard RADIO- just use more expression - ozzy phrase to add to the adverts at the end (good call)
• 28. Our final design logo
• 29. Design elements Used in the writing Clouds used at the top of the logo This was used as a surfboard for the little character Used as a palm tree on the top of the lettering, parts have been edited out and it has been filled in blue .
• 30. Conventions of real media products Fake character surfing, represents chilled attitude and surfing is a stereotypical Australian past time. Steering wheel to connote to a car insurance company. Palm tree represents Australia again. Palm trees are often found on beaches and our company name is from a beach in Australia This is linked to the Australian nationality of our protagonist characters. The strapline is also linked to the first advert, as the characters are spending more money on fast food than car insurance.
• 31. Use of new media technologies As small scale independent producers new technologies were key to the success of our enterprises: Communication Interaction Feedback Production Exhibition
• 32. Use of new media technologies RESEARCH Store information: real texts our analyses Ask for feedback & advice from followers Locate and examine real media texts: Video Print Pop-ups blog Internet
• 33. Use of new media technologies PLANNING Mobile office: email, text, phone: locations recce photos Communicate with production team: post messages about meeting date/times Store planning info: eg, maps for locations Maps: locate MacDonalds locations; use streetview to assess Web: images for logo design mobile phones blog Internet
• 34. Use of new media technologies PRODUCTION iMovie & Garageband - for maximum quality and flexibility in picture and sound organisation Digital video recorder and Digital audio voice recorders - for high quality images/sound and immediate review Invaluable for organisation of production team post production assembly audiovisual recording mobile phones
• 35. Use of new media technologies EVALUATION Potential for increased feedback from a wider audience Feedback posted on our blog Storage Youtube blog
• 36. Audience feedback We have received feedback in various forms but the most useful was: Blogging There were many reasons why we decided to set up a blog, to: act as a production log act as a receptacle for work done enable us to communicate with each other enable us to communicate with our colleagues offer a forum for exchange and to get immediate feedback on our work
• 37. Audience feedback Over the time of our blog - need to include details of specific feedback from from blog and what you did about it
• 38. Evaluation of the effectiveness of the combination between main and ancillary products Evaluation = highly successful! Why? A synergy of brand identity is achieved via the elements of construction and messages generated Repetition of brand name: Bondi – written and/or spoken in all products Thematic – the Ozy lifestyle/attitude concept is present in all products Narratives are simple, in-keeping with the theme, direct reference is made to the service being offered in all products Representation of characters – easy going Ozy blokes present in TV and radio ads, plus surfer character in logo on pop-up Continuity of colour scheme – the blue and gold (similar to Australian green and gold) is utilised in all products Inclusion of logo – the Bondi imagery encapsulates the theme and is present in both TV advert and Web pop-up

Air New Zealand and The Hobbit

This was clever . . .

Targeting Your Audience

When drafting an ad, it's not enough to write a single ad for a single product.  Every product is perceived differently by different audiences.  What are those audiences?  Children, adolescents, teenagers, young adults, adults 22-25, adults 25-30, and so on.  And then there is gender to consider, ethnicity, and groups, like gay and lesbian, businessmen, mothers, fathers, and so forth.  Here is one link that is a helpful reminder of how to compose an ad for multiple audiences.

Some good points about target marketing from Inc. Magazine . . .

"If you're not differentiating yourself in the marketplace, what happens is the consumer looks at price as being the motivator," says Susan Friedmann, author of the books Riches in Niches and The Complete Idiot's Guide to Target Marketing. "And they look at the cheapest."

If you don't know specifically which customers you are speaking to, you are actually speaking to no one, says Tammy Lenski, a business mediation expert who has advised clients about successful business through target marketing.

"The big danger is that without a target market, it's like standing in a park shouting in the wind," she says. "When you have a target market, its like standing in a park and talking to a specific group of people."

That means you can't be afraid to exclude certain types of consumer from your marketing or to target your advertising at small groups. Some customers will feel left out, but those are the sacrifices necessary for a successful business, says Greg Head, founder and CEO of New Avenue, a strategic marketing firm.

More on audience here, here, and here.

And more . . .

". . . specialization . . . improves credibility, Head says."

"You've got to be perceived as the best at something," he says.

Then, once you've identified that base, use it to improve the business through things like social media and interactive marketing to find out more about what the customers are looking for, Lenski says.

"You've got to essentially engage that market. It's a two-way conversation," she says. "That's really where having a target market pays off."

Demographic Profiling.
 

Website Business

From Bill Myers:

My wife charges $600 to $800 to create, install, and train a client how to use their new custom web site. That price includes the creation of custom logos and site graphics.

Before she takes on a client, she does a 30 minute phone interview with them so she can better understand their needs and their personalities.

She has learned that it definitely pays to get to know a potential client before agreeing to work for them, as some people have personality traits that make it difficult for them to ever be satisfied.

To find clients, Sonya got involved with different professional organizations on the national level, which showcase examples of her work. Lately, most of her new clients have come as a result of word of mouth recommendations from her other clients.

Getting into the web site creation business requires knowing HTML, CSS, PHP, Wordpress, Photoshop Elements, Aweber, Constant Contact, and web hosting. It also involves being able to solve problems and holding the clients hands through training when necessary.