Showing posts with label self promotion. Show all posts
Showing posts with label self promotion. Show all posts

5/9/09

Interviewing Online Buyers and Sellers, Part 1


Anyone who regularly reads my blog knows that I am an online seller. Right now I am happily peddling my treasures at OnlineAuction.com. In the past year, thanks to my membership there, I've learned html, SEO, social networking, and self promotion, in addition to meeting a whole bunch of super nice folks, many of whom I am proud to call new friends.

I am a buyer, too! Most sellers are buyers, I believe. It's about being comfortable online... and those who are, in my opinion, are more likely to use the internet as a tool for all of their needs.

Let's face it though... times are tough, for buyers and sellers. So, with that thought in mind, I would like to take an informal survey and find out what the rest of the online world is up to. Each week we'll explore a new topic and build upon it in the weeks following. I encourage you to participate, both by taking the poll and leaving a comment! And I thank you for the discussion that I am sure will follow.

First. let's start talking to the sellers. Let's preface the discussion by admitting that sales are down everywhere. From my experience, long gone are the days when I could post a product for sale on my venue of choice and sit back, waiting for the bids/sales to arrive. It's taking a lot of dedication just to stay active and motivated. Do you agree?

My first poll touches on a subject of great interest to me. I know of several people who maintain stores at multiple venues. They spend an enormous amount of time going between the sites, and those who I know are handling the pressure well. I haven't expanded yet, (OLA is my top priority), but it sure is tempting to consider adding a venue to what I am already doing! If you are a multiple site seller, do you think that choice has been a positive one for your business?

In regard to listing at multiple sites, (for those who do), if you had a single item, would you offer it at each location and remember to remove it from the other venues when it gets a bid or a sale at one place? Or do you believe that certain wares are better suited to specific sites and prefer to offer your items in categories which are based upon complimenting the strengths of each individual venue? For me, if I decide to take on another venue, I would prefer to have items unique to each location, just to avoid any confusion or potential disappointments for my buyers.

So tell me...
On how many sites do you offer product for sale?
One
Two
Three
Four
Five or more
  
pollcode.com free polls


2/10/09

Self Promotion for Small Sellers

Do you sell product online?
Your own website or a community venue?
If so, then I am guessing self promotion
is high on your list of "things to do"!

hello sign Pictures, Images and Photos
It doesn't matter where you sell...
the more effort you put into self promotion,
the better your chances are of being seen & getting sales.

the sale rack Pictures, Images and Photos


So what do you do?

There are many opportunities to self promote!

I will list some of the ones that I have tried,
& I hope you'll join in by adding some that I didn't mention!
Or give me your thoughts on the ones talked about!

http://www.pingomatic.com/
I hope that because you're reading MY blog,
you already know how invaluable blogs are!
Search engine spiders love the updated content,
& tend to keep relevant content situated
at the top of their search engine results.
BUT... did you know you could "PING" your blog?
I didn't even know what that was!
embarrassed smiley Pictures, Images and Photos
Simply put, you can let the search engines
know that you've updated your blog by sending
them a "ping"... a reminder to check you out!
Read more about this at Wikepedia:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ping_(blogging)
And thank you, Supergranny, for recommending them!


OTHER PLACES TO TRY:
http://www.linkreferral.com/
Link referral is a place I am just learning about!
You place your store url, and participate in their
reviews of other seller's sites, and your rank grows.
http://www.oodle.com/
Oodle is a fantastic, fast growing website,
that allows you to list your individual items for sale,
and link to your store for completion of purchase!
Users are finding their items at
THE TOP of the search engine pages!
User-friendly and easy!
www.twitter.com
Another new venue for me...
basically a social networking site!
Allows you to stay in touch with friends,
family, colleagues, & buyers,
while promoting your items, your store or your blog!


Is anyone a facebook member?
I'd love to hear from you!
In the past, it seemed like facebook was a site
limited to the young.. not anymore!
Tell me how it works for you!

smiley chat Pictures, Images and Photos

So, OLA members, that's your
Tuesday Tidbit!
Ragmop must be busy...
I didn't get any Words of Wisdom today!
LOL! Lol smiley Pictures, Images and Photos

But be sure to check back next Tuesday,
because he's rarely out of things to say!
Just teasin' Ragmop... you're the best source of OLA info!

And now..
FLEAPIRATES
TUESDAY TREASURE!

Vintage 3 inch Kewpie Doll with Crocheted Outfit
Only $4.99!
Click the photo to visit the auction!