KNOWING YOUR OPTIONS
Copyright 2005 All Rights Reserved
New to online promoting? Wondering where to start and what to
start with...?
Here's an easy explanation, along with a few pros and cons for
"standard" online a.dvertising fare:
CLAS.SIFIED A.DS
First of all you'll notice right away that I'm using a
punctuation mark (the period) to break up certain words as I
type. This helps me make sure that when someone reproduces this
article, it won't create a log jam at the receiver's isp and get
fi.ltered into their ju.nk box.
A cl.assified a.d needs to be composed in a similar manner.
There are definitely words that one cannot help but use - they
just so clearly define what one needs to say and are unavoidable.
That's fine. Many publishers are already savvy to these "sp.am
tr.igger words" and make adjustments. They want their
ezines/newsletters delivered and read as much as you want your
a.dvertising to be seen.
But you do need to consider your words carefully.
The benefits of a cl.assified a.d are it can be placed
inexpensively or even for fr.ee INSIDE the ezine/newsletter. In
addition, many publishers archive their past issues making them
ideal for search engines to pull content/ searchable terms.
So, along with immediate a.dvertising, you also gain the
advantage of being archived for later searches :)
Another plus to the cl.assified ad is that done inexpensively it
helps you stretch your budget while you tweak and rework your
original wording.
Very few people can start off by writing THE ultimate
cl.assified a.d.
And, very few people have an unl.imited budget for doing that
most-necessary tweaking.
Find a spot where you can a.fford to work and rework your
cla.ssified a.d until you've achieved one that pulls the
tra.ffic you need.
The only "down side" to a clas.sified (if there even is one, and
I don't believe it) would be going up against other cla.ssifieds
in the same issue. However, with imagination and time you've got
the ability/means to create THE a.d that should pull for you.
SOLO ADS
The solo ad is much trickier regardless of how flippantly others
might try to convince you that it's not.
The SUBJECT LINE - the only words someone will see IN THEIR
INBOX - is the most critical component of a solo.
Solos are sent individually to existing lists. They do not have
the advantage of being archived. Once sent, that's it - so make
it good!
Again choosing the right spot so you can tweak and rework your
solo and it's subj line is important. Starting out with a $300
(!!) solo when you've never done it before can turn out to be a
major financial disaster - or not.
If you've got what it takes to get it opened, read, and acted
upon, bully for you! (If this is you, start your own solo
writing service, and I'm very serious.)
Most of us, however, do not. We need the room - both financially
and time-wise - to work up that winning solo.
Again, patience and an understanding of what your potential
audience will and will not BELIEVE is critical. People are
cautious, and, moreover, people are smart. Most people do
believe "if it sounds too good to be true..." so avoid that
pitfall right from the start.
Generate excitement - not hype.
WEBSITE TR.AFFIC/VISITORS or HITS?
There's a difference.
Hits are not visitors per se. Yes, the webpage itself is shown
front and center to a pair of eyes. And hits can and are a good
thing. But you also need unique VISITORS specifically requesting
to see your page. Visitors looking specifically for what you
have to offer.
Hits can be had by the hundreds if not thousands, and usually
for fr.ee (see my sitemap for examples, under the fr.ee
recommendations section).
Hits are, and should be used as, a good fre.e source for
branding your web page.
Hits are randomly generated. A person may or may not be
interested, may or may not have been looking for what you have
to show them.
However, most of us need VISITORS, people truly looking for what
it is we, specifically, are offering.
Once again, no one need spend bundles of cash to get unique
website visitors. Do shop around for this service.
GUARAN.TEED SIGNUPS
Guaran.teed signup programs abound on the web. It can be very
difficult to choose one that will deliver what they promise
which is typically a fr.ee-to-join or pay-to-join member into
your existing downline.
Shop around. I list a service that has good credentials and a
good reputation though I personally do not provide this service.
You'll want to look for a gs business that's been around awhile,
but even more importantly has good, solid testimonials and one
where you can actually get it touch with the owner.
Yes, pick up the phone before you order or email the owner and
request he/she send their telephone number to you. You want to
talk first and then act.
LEADS
Leads are second cousins to the right gua.ranteed signup service.
Leads can range from the totally useless to the "wow I hit the
motherload!" if you do your own due diligence tracking down the
right lead-generating service or system.
Leads are the lifeblood of any business, anywhere.
Ideally, leads are pre-generated lists of individuals interested
in what you have to offer. A lead list can be very basic (name
and email only) or include snail mail information and telephone
numbers.
The more information you are given the better because it gives
you more options to make, and keep, that contact.
Know what you are ordering ahead of time. Read. Ask questions if
necessary. Obviously if no one answers your inquiries, move on.
You've heard it before and it's totally true. List-building is
what it's all about online. By building a list of truly "I want
to be on your list!" people, you have the means to keep them
posted on what you're doing, and for how much :)
SUMMARY
All types of a.dvertising exists out there. All a.dvertising
should work toward the one ultimate goal of getting that persons
name and email (and phone number if possible).
While most people think "sale" or "mo.ney" if you scale down to
"that would be nice, but the name/email is even better!" you're
more than halfway to understanding and achieving your online
success!