OLA Radio Challenge!

One of the reasons I am such a loyal member of OnlineAuction.com is because of our members! We have a team of outstanding sellers who are committed to the success of all. You will regularly reap the benefits of various members who have organized site-wide sales, envisioned new ways to advertise, shared their knowledge with others, and created avenues to have fun while doing business. They know who they are, so I'll just say thanks for all you do!

The latest news is a challenge issued by OLA-Radio.

Dave White, our OLA-Radio broadcaster, and MetzyMom, his co-host, have challenged every OLA member to the following, (copied from the OLA Chat Forums):

LIST ONE ODD OR UNUSUAL ITEM THAT YOU ALREADY HAVE IN YOUR HOME.

Do not go out and buy something from the store.
Do not go looking for it at a garage sale or flea market.
It should be something you already have.
Unusual or Odd are relative terms... what may be odd and/or unusual for you, may not be odd and/or unusual for someone else. So to qualify as odd/unusual, IT SHOULD BE DIFFERENT FROM WHAT YOU NORMALLY OR REGULARLY SELL.

For instance, I make and sell soap, so I wouldn't list a health and beauty product. (That's Metzy!) Get out of your comfort zone and category!!!

List as many items as you like, but choose only one auction for this challenge. List it as a 7 day auction. There is no price minimum or maximum. Be sure to use the 72/50 SEO/SEM formula (no more than 72 characters in the title, no more than 50 characters in the subtitle, be sure to use words from the title so they form the first part of the trio, and be sure that all the words from your title are used in your listing). Be sure to include a link in your auction back to your storefront.

Need some incentive? Check this listing out... http://www.onlineauction.com/index.php?page=auction:view_item&auction_id=970363
That item is REALLY unusual... and because it's already listed, it can't compete... lol...
List the link here so that we can all see it and vote on it at the next Thursday Night LIVE OLA RADIO Show!!!

Oh Yeah... There is a prize!!! The winner of this contest will receive:
1. Your advertising banner or logo on the OLA RADIO site and on MetzyMoms.com. Both of these sites are Google Ranked and part of the Knockout Software family. Your banner or logo will appear for 30 days.
2. Dave White will help you make a 30 second commercial and it will run for 30 days on the OLA Radio Program (not just the LIVE show, but it will be in the archived shows as well).

So look around your house, yard, and garage... find something unusual or odd... list it for a 7 day auction... put the link here in this thread... and then attend the LIVE OLA RADIO Show to vote and see who wins!!!

**Winner does need to be present at the show to win**
**OLA Radio Host/CoHost Not Eligible for prize package**

This contest is for OLA Members Only.

Great offer, eh? I thought so! So here is my submission...
(I'll be watching and waiting to see yours!)

Parrothead Expandable Hat in Colorful Honeycomb Style Parrot Features

This fun hat has parrot features!
It is unisex, bowler shaped,
and will expand to fit almost any head.
Composed of durable paper, in honeycomb style,
this headwear is multi colored, in a stripe pattern.
The front reveals a bird's eyes and beak.
(I think this is definitely a parrot!)
The back reveals tail feathers in yellow, purple and blue.
A must for any Parrothead!
Be the life of the party in this unisex design hat!

And don't forget to visit me at:

Blogging at OLA

OLA MEMBERS,
the bloggers, and the wanna-be-bloggers...

I have found some great information on how to improve our linking.
We are doing a good job, but we could be doing even better!
Want to know how?

Then you'll have to meet me this Monday night,
in the OLA Team Blog LIVE CHAT area!

Monday August 17, 2009 - 6pm PST, 8pm CST, 9pm EST

Go to the Team Blog, at: http://olateamblog.blogspot.com
Look on the right sidebar for the LIVE CHAT box - click on it.
When prompted, enter your OLA user name.

All OLA members are welcome,
but I'd like to stress that this info will be
most important to current bloggers.

Also, if anyone has questions about blogging,
or joining the Team Blog, or creating links, etc.,
this would be a good time to ask the Team..
I'll be happy to open up a discussion!

No sign-ups necessary, but let me know if you want a reminder!
Hope to see you there!


To browse treasures at Fleapirates, click on the banner below!

FLEAPIRATES BLOG & OLA TEAM BLOG

OLA Welcome Home Sale Concludes

Today marks the conclusion of the OLA Welcome Home Sale. Over 62 sellers participated in the year's largest OnlineAuction.com sale, featuring 5000+ products, attractively priced, and promoting Classic Auctions which lasted for 7 days.

I am thrilled to say that I had several sales at Fleapirates Plunder! Thank you to all my treasured buyers! I am proud, and blessed, to be a part of such an active, friendly and professional community.

Holiday shopping was at the front of my mind this week, as prices were slashed and great deals abounded. You should have seen my bookmark list... it was over 3 pages long! Unfortunately, some unexpected home issues affected how much I could spend, and I was only able to snag one treasured gift. What didn't get gobbled up in the sale remains on my bookmarks, and I'll continue shopping again soon. I usually start holiday shopping early, don't you? Last year, I bought nearly every gift on OLA! This year will be no different.

My plunder this week is a purchase from The*Tiki*Shak. It is a Cardinal Bird Feeder that my Mom will adore! She loves cardinals, and collects anything that shows off those beautiful red birds. Tiki has lots of other neat treasures in her store... click on the cardinal pic and I'll take you there to browse!

This may not be the brightest idea I've ever had, but I am going to let you peek at a few of the items that are still on my bookmarks. (Fight me for 'em, if you must!) These items are still listed in Classic Auction style, and to see their details, just click on the photo. And don't forget... if you are not yet a member of OLA, sign-up takes only a minute or two, and it doesn't cost a thing to become a basic buyer. We'd love to welcome you to our community!

Sneak Peek at OLA Welcome Home Sale

The OnlineAuction.com Welcome Home Sale has begun!

I started browsing the Sale at 9am, CST, and already there are over 3600 items active! For sure, more will follow during the course of the day, as sellers were instructed to stagger start times, so as not to overload the servers! Personally, I have already bookmarked items from LFWoodworking, Brightgems4u, and TheRoyalTreasures, our Sale coordinator. I've not made any bids just yet, as I am waiting for all the listings to appear, so I can browse, bookmark and plan my bidding! Ooh, this is going to be FUN!

To give you an idea of what is available, I chose to feature items from several sellers. I wish I could showcase a listing from each one of our 62 fabulous sellers, but there simply isn't enough space to do that here. The photos below are items that are active right now! Just click on the photo to be taken to the auction!

Little Cardinal PIE BIRD, piebird, pie vent, pie funnel
Maggiemaybecrafty ~ Currently $6.99

SIGNED LP PINK CABOCHON AND SILVER WITH LONG FEATHERS
Grammykay ~ Currently $1.99

NEW w Tag Quilted Purse
Raggy-lady ~ Currently $3.99


TIMBER WOLVES
Janeshope102289 ~ Currently $6.00

NEW DEREK HEART RED V-NECK TOP LARGE BUST 36-40 INCHES
Fabulous12345 ~ Currently $.25 cents

Ceramic Hanging Farmer Pig Figurine
Fleapirates ~ Currently $2.99

Searching the Sale is easy! Go to www.onlineauction.com. In the search bar, enter the letters WHS. You may now browse all the listings, or use the grey search box, (located at the right), to further define your search results.

You can also go back to my blog post entitled OnlineAuction.com Welcome Home Sale Aug 2 - 9, 2009 and use my seller list to browse by store!

So when you are shopping, be sure to stop by OLA and check out the bargains from our hard-working, friendly sellers! WELCOME HOME!

OnlineAuction.com Welcome Home Sale Aug 2 - 9, 2009

Kicking off this Sunday is the OnlineAuction Welcome Home Sale! As of this writing, there are 62 sellers planning on participating in one of OLA's premier seller-sponsored events. (Yes, I am one!)

During this exciting week, those 62 sellers will be creating their own specials to showcase many new items. Each Sale item will be running in Classic Auction style, for a duration of one week. Times may vary, so be sure to check ending times, to be sure you are not outbid! The perks will also vary from seller to seller, but you can expect to find an extravaganza of items, all at starting bids ranging from .25 cents to $9.99, and all with reasonable shipping charges.

Browse often, bid early, and most of all, have fun!

To search for Sale items, you may enter the letters WHS into the search engine at OLA. From there, you can sort your results using the advanced grey search box, which you'll find located to the right of your results list.

Are your favorite sellers participating? Check my list! Below are the names of the sellers who have officially joined the Sale. Click on any name to be taken to either their storefront, or a list of their current active items.

sandkseller	magrizz	icecoldsales
k6559	rosesattic1	sophia02
goldi	victorious_rival	atouchofclass
yesterdaycollectibles	resellinggalore	robinsgoneshopn
1947girl	jenbana88	bargainsbyirene
abigmixedbag	ilivetobuy2007	rmksfl
honeycreek	debsvarietyshop	glasslass
brightgems4u	piasrotty	malco762
notner	elitecomputers	thetreasureshelf
weemansmom	redheadedgoddess	yawningdawg
davendeb1178	fleapirates	theroyaltreasures
raggy-lady	metzymom	curiocache
lookingforwhat	oddstoendless	draggontagger
kidatheart10	grammykay	ginmarie
jahjesters	maggiemaybecrafty	crochenlady
the*tiki*shak	aphrodite	cshort0319
janeshope102289	hidden_treasures1	tjintx
fabulous12345	the_trove2	lfwoodworking
seewhatimselling	aesthetics48	blbokram
jaswood2	sunflowerranch	mvpcollectibles
looking4agreatdeal	marysmeowskittyrescue	Your name could be here!

Choose A Category Special for July 29, 2009!

The OnlineAuction.com Wednesday Wave is a great time to take advantage of special sale prices offered by participating sellers! To qualify, you must be an OLA member, (buyer, seller, or both), sign up to be a participant, and make a single purchase during game hours.

You may register to be an OLA member by clicking the banner below.



The Wednesday Wave info and sign-ups are located HERE.

I am offering a Choose A Category Special for July 29, 2009!

10% Off Items in the Jewelry & Watches Category
15% Off Items in the Books & Publications Category
20% Off Items in the Pottery & Glass Category
25% Off Items in the Collectibles Category

Sale prices do not include discounts for shipping,
(although I always offer combined shipping rates).

Hope to see you at the Wednesday Wave!

House-Cleaning at OLA!

I've been checking out all the great bargains at OnlineAuction.com!

There's a nice variety of used and new products, in every price range, and offered from some of the friendliest and most knowledgeable sellers online.

While the majority of OLA members are located across the entire breadth of the USA, I've recently noticed that more international folks are joining the ranks. That is wonderful... welcome! I am experienced in both buying and selling internationally, and would encourage every member to learn more about reaping the benefits of international trade. A good place to start is the USPS, where you will find a wealth of topics detailing shipping instructions, requirements and restrictions to each and every country.

Did you listen to OLA-Radio last week? OnlineAuction.com owner Chris Fain was the guest speaker! He spoke at length about his vision for building the #1 online marketplace, the successes we've already enjoyed and the continual improvement plans that he has set for the future. Although he did not expound in great detail on some of the upcoming surprises that members can expect, he did mention an advertising campaign and other enhancements that are in the works to benefit all members. You can hear the archived OLA-Radio program by clicking here.

Since we are growing, isn't this a good time to ensure that you are up-to-date on all the features at OnlineAuction.com? It is time to put our best face forward! By effectively using the tools that are available to you, from both the OLA staff and other OLA members, you may increase the efficiency of your own business operation and leave a positive impression upon people who are visiting the site for the first time.

Let's face reality... if a new buyer visits you, and can't find what they are looking for in your store, (or your individual listings), they are less likely to come back. If you don't have good photographs, they will look for someone who does. And if you don't list your shipping charges, they might not take the time to write you and ask.

Here is a list of HELP topics that you can find in the OLA Chat Forum:

• Setting up your OLA Store, by Renee, OLA Support
  
  
• Setting up your House Categories, by StubsInc, OLA member



• Using Auctiva, by Dragonmum2 & Aesthetics48, OLA members



• Shipping Calculator and Services, by Renee, OLA Support



• Resizing Your Pictures, by Ragmop, OLA Support



• Picture Tutorial for Chat Set-up, by Aesthetics48, OLA member



• HTML Help, a collaboration between OLA Staff and members



• Seaching OnlineAuction.com, by Fleapirates, OLA member
  

Now, these suggestions are just a cross-section of all the HELP topics available! Please take some time to peruse all the aids, and let's do some house-cleaning... we've got guests on the way!

I am on a kick about category organization right now. Yes, it is a chore, especially when you are adding new items and selling existing ones. Remember this... who wants to sort through a bunch of category selections and receive numerous No Auctions Found results? Not me! I try to re-set my category list at least once a week, to minimize the chance of seeing that notice in my store.

Anyone who needs help or tips on this task may contact me! It is not difficult, once you have walked through the steps a time or two. You may also contact either Renee or Rowen in OLA Support, by calling the toll-free phone number, 800-900-2828.

Let's all work together to create a welcoming site for new buyers and sellers, one that is easy to navigate, fun to shop, and encourages repeat business!

Thanks for reading! Be sure to stop by Fleapirates Plunder the next time you are browsing OLA!

For the musicians...

Do you have musicians in your family? Boy, I sure do... my kids! It started when they were toddlers, and much to my delight, music has stayed with them through the teenage years. They've developed an appreciation for all styles of music, and with that goes a curiosity and desire to explore the possibilities of creating music with various instruments.

We've had maracas, zylophones, an assortment of drums, (the djembe is the favorite), a violin, a piano, a recorder, and various guitars, just to name a few! Right now, my oldest child is an accomplished bass guitar player, playing in a local band, and is working to make a career in the music field.

Naturally, I keep an eye on what great deals are available online for music lovers and enthusiasts. While I am not always in a position to buy instruments or accessories, I love to browse, (and I've certainly bought a good share)! I've met some great people while doing business at OnlineAuction.com, and today I'd like to talk, once again, about one of my favorite members.

Bryant, from Build-A-Box, loves to buy, re-build and re-sell guitars. A true musician, he thrives on the hunt, puts his heart into the re-build, and prides himself on offering quality instruments to even the most discerning players. He offers other things for sale at OLA, as well, (like the computer tablet that I gifted last Christmas), but if you talk for any length of time with Bryant, you'll know that music is his passion. Last holiday season he even worked with me to find just the right gift for my bassist son, from ProTools, who was thrilled to receive a set of books which are teaching him how to create and operate a recording studio on his computer!

This kind of personalized service, with thoughtful communication, great products, excellent pricing, and affordable, fast shipping is exactly why I watch Bryant's auctions on a regular basis. I wanted to feature him today for this reason, and because he's got the coolest Custom Fender Stratocaster listed right now! You gotta see it!

Isn't the just the most beautiful guitar you've ever seen?

Luthier made, hand turned, birds eye maple neck.

Custom Luthier hand wound pickups.

Period correct tuners.

Flawless shaping.

Original bridge and blue paisley floral finish.

And the kicker? Best offers considered!

He's the expert, so click HERE and read all about this offer!

Browsing his store, you'll also find two other really nice guitars. I'll post the pictures and the titles, just to give you a little teaser! You click on the title to view the details.

G&L S-500 Premium Tribute Tri-Burst 06 Swamp Ash Body

Godin Performance Series

All you guitar folks have fun, and don't forget to stop by Fleapirates Plunder, too!

Searching OnlineAuction.com

Did you know that there are numerous ways to find the great bargains available at OnlineAuction.com? From Antiques to Video Games, and from Verified Sellers to Founding Members, if you know how to search correctly, that can't live without item is easy to locate. Let's take a peek at the various options... I'll bet there is one you haven't used before!

The Search Bar on the OLA Home Page:

• Enter your search criteria and search ALL CATEGORIES.
  This is the broadest search, and will give you results that match any and all of the word(s) you designate.
  
  
• You may also set this search bar to show results in a specific category, by using the drop-down menu to change the words ALL CATEGORIES to your category of choice.

Advanced Search:

Advanced Search offers you the opportunity to set parameters. You may enter as much information as you like, and the more specific your request, the more specific the results will be. They are useful to search other people's auctions, as well as your own! Here is a brief synopsis of what they search fields will accomplish for you:

• The Search Phrase is where you place the words describing any specific item you are searching for.
  
  
• If you know the auction number, enter it into the Auction # field for a fast way to get directly to the listing.
  
  
• The Categories field allows you to choose a single category to search.
  
  
• The TYPE field gives you the option to view only certain types of listings, (Classic, Fixed Price, Dutch, Absolute or Sealed).
  
  
• The SORT option is a drop-down menu which will display the results according to the method you choose. Try them all!
  
  Price Lowest First / Price Highest First is a great tool for researching the prices of your competitors, or to see if an item you are interested in is in a reasonable price range as compared to other sellers.
  
  Bids Lowest First / Bids Highest First is especially useful if you are researching a product that has multiple listings and you'd like to see the amount(s) of bids that have been placed.
  
  Ending First / Ending Last is one I use quite often. When featuring an item in the chat forum, under Interesting Auctions of the Week, I usually choose the ENDING LAST sort option, so that I can quickly pick an item which has plenty of time left for maximum viewing on the thread!
  
  Title Descending / Title Ascending will alphabetize the listings for you.
  
  Auction ID Descending / Auction ID Ascending is a great way to check your own listings! Use the Descending tool to sort auctions from newest to oldest, and the Ascending tool to sort from oldest to newest.
  
  
• On a budget? You may also set a price range, and peruse only those listings which fall within your boundaries.

Advanced Search also allows you to search by seller and by bidder.

MEMBER SEARCH:

• Do you know the name of the member and wish to see what they have for sale? In addition to using the Advanced Search link, you can click on Member Search and enter their user-name. This will bring you to their Feedback Record, where you can click on View All Member's Auctions, (if they are a seller), or Ask A Question, which will initiate an omail to the member.

SOME EXTRA TIPS:

• Another way to get to see a certain member's listings is to click on their name, either in the chat forum or on any OLA page. This will also bring you to the member's Feedback Record.
  
  
• When accessing someone's listings through their Feedback Record, you will be taken to an OLA Search Page, which will highlight all of that member's active listings. You can sort through their products by using the grey Search These Results box that is located on the right of your screen. The functions work similarly to the Advanced Search options.
  
  
• Verified Sellers do not have a store. You may recognize that a seller is a Verified Seller by looking for a key icon located next to their name. The easiest way to search products that a Verified Seller offers is to use the grey Search These Results box detailed above.
  
  
• Founding Members have a store. You may recognize that a seller is a Founding Member by looking for a set of gold wings located next to their name. The easiest way to search products that a Founding Member offers is to access their store directly. Do this one of two ways:
  
  1.) Enter the url into your browser's address bar. It will read the same for each seller, changing only the name at the end. See below! (The green text will be changed to feature your intended seller.)
  http://www.onlineauction.com/store/fleapirates
  
  
  2.) Click to enter any one of the auction listings in the OLA search results. You will find a store link under the Details, Shipping and Payment box at the top right, (look for a house icon). You will also see the words See all My Auctions at My OLA House at the bottom of the listing. Click either of these links and go right to their storefront! Categories are located on the left of the store.

NOTE: If any seller has not yet organized their store categories, please contact me for assistance! You can also contact either Rowen or Renee at OLA by omail or by calling 800-900-2828.

2 yards BANYAN Floral Chintz Fabric by Brunschwig and Fils

Beautiful 2 yard remnant has a cream background, with pattern featuring shades of pink, red, blue, green and gold. Fabric is 54 inch width, and has a small border. This is designer fabric, and is usually available through interior design professionals.

Drapery quality, this lovely fabric is also perfect for pillows, table accessories and crafts.

Available at a starting bid that is a
small fraction of the original cost!

Click HERE to view all the details of the auction.

And be sure to check Fleapirates Plunder for more fine fabrics,
fabric embellishments, collectibles, and more!
(Click my banner to visit the store.)

July 1st Kicks Off the OLA Team Blog Challenge!

July 1st kick off the OLA Team Blog Challenge! Here we are, at the start of 30 days of committed blogging, intended to rev up the SEO of all participants. I'd like to issue a big welcome to our newest members, SunflowerRanch, Curiocache and KidatHeart10, who have already gotten into the swing of posting on our blog. Kudos to you!

There is always room for more bloggers on our team, so I hope many more OLA sellers decide to join in the fun and take charge of advertising their own businesses! Those who have questions are encouraged to contact either myself, (Fleapirates), StubsInc, MetzyMom, Aesthetics48, or SunflowerRanch. Any of us would be happy to help you get started, get motivated, learn blog techniques, and reap the rewards of consistent blogging!

Another way to get information would be to attend the Team Blog Webinar that will take place this coming Monday, July 6th, at 9pm EST, 8pm CST, 6pm PST. It will be held in the LIVE CHAT room that you will find on the right sidebar of the OLA Team blog. Just click the button, and be sure to enter your OLA username, as "guest" questions will not be acknowledged.

And finally, I'd like to shout a huge Welcome Back to one of my favorite sports card dealers, Cardmanlou1, who has just returned to OLA! He is such an inspiration to me and other sellers, and we're all glad to see him back listing product and active in the chat forum. Do you know I, (jokingly), tried to race him on listing auctions today? At last count, I had hit 84 and he was still going at 532. WOW! In one day! Everyone stop by his store, check out all those items and welcome him back to our OLA family!

In Lou's honor, here's one of my latest baseball card listings:








1995 Upper Deck MINORS Scott Rolen # 78 Phillies Top Prospect

Click the title to visit the listing!

An Invitation, An Offer and A Challenge!

Calling all current and future OLA sellers!

It's time to rev up our SEO!

Won't you join us for the OLA Team Blog Challenge?
Click HERE for all the details!

July 1st - July 31st, 2009
and beyond!

United We Stand - Divided Is Not An Option!

The OLA Team Blog is a collaboration
from several OLA sellers...
and we'd like YOU to reap the benefits
of being an OLA Team Blog member, too!

Assistance is available, so there's no reason to delay!
Find out today what SEO can do for you!

Fleapirates
StubsInc
SunflowerRanch
MetzyMom
Supergranny
Aesthetics48
LFWoodworking

Have you checked out the OLA Wednesday Wave?

Have you checked out the OLA Wednesday Wave?

I've been playing the Wave for some time now. It's an evening of socializing with fellow sellers and buyers, and a chance to offer some specials, nab some deals, and motivate people to browse my store. Sounds pretty good, eh?

A weekly event, the Wednesday Wave is hosted by TheRoyalTreasures and Raggy-Lady, with back-up hosting provided by DraggonTagger. This week featured 26 participants. I've seen that number go as high as 40 - 45 people, however, and the atmosphere is always welcoming, in hopes of attracting a larger crowd! Perhaps this week, people were busy starting their summer activities... whatever the case, it was still a successful night. In total, there were 133 items either sold, or bid on during the game.

There's always a prize awarded to the participant who catches the most waves, (ie; makes the most bids/buys). Each week one member donates the prize. This was my week. I purchased a $25 Starbucks gift card, and was fortunate to have my local Starbucks donate a coffee mug as a bonus! Many thanks to the Starbucks on Central Ave in Highland Park, IL!

Our winner this week was Rodbusterscubadog, with 16 waves!

Special mention goes to the_trove2, who ended the night with 43 bids/buys! WOW! Everyone should stop by this lady's store, because she's obviously putting up some great stuff for sale. (And as a past customer, I can recommend her quality merchandise and great service!)

Personally, I'd like to see the Wednesday Wave grow to include 50+ participants each week. What fun, chatting and bargaining with that large a group! Many of the sellers offer discounts and freebies, but having a special is not mandatory to participate in the game. The only requirement for inclusion in the game is to make a purchase from one of the participating sellers in the game. (You may make as many purchases as your wallet will allow, but one purchase fulfills your obligation!)

What do you need to shop for next week? Most Wednesdays we have sellers offering a wide range of products, from soap and candles, to edible goodies and homemade crafts, to assorted advertising, packing and mailing supplies, and both new and vintage jewelry and collectibles. We'd love to have new members join us for this special evening of camaraderie and fun!

The Wednesday Wave info and sign-ups are located in the OLA Chat Forum, under the Special Sales Events and Weekly Games section. Hope to see you there!

Here's one item in my store that didn't get swooped up last night...

Green Crackle Glass Cruet with Double Ball Stopper

I think this gorgeous crackle glass cruet is from the Rainbow Glass Co. There is no sticker, but it was common practice years ago to remove the stickers from the bottom. It is the stopper that led me to Rainbow Glass, as this particular style was offered by their company. This cruet is in excellent vintage condition! I find no chips or breaks, and no evidence of any prior repairs. A beautiful collector piece. It is green... I'd call it an emerald green. Measures 6 1/2 inches tall, including the stopper. The cruet without the stopper is 4 1/2 inches tall. Total width is about 3 3/4 inches. Weighs 9 ounces.

Interviewing Buyers and Sellers, Finale!

In this series of blogs I found out, using my polls to quest for information, that sellers are using multiple venues to increase their sales. The majority of the votes cast indicated that many people spend time at two sites. As a result, I am joining the ranks and opening a second store. I've chosen Seller's Arena, and as they are in the progress of opening an innovative new mall, I am on hold with this project until their programmers have completed all the testing necessary to ensure a successful grand opening. I've heard through the grapevine that this may be only days away... and I am anxiously awaiting the opportunity to expand! OnlineAuction has provided me with a home base that I am proud to be a part of. This next step will increase my internet presence and empower me to continue learning and using the tools of online merchandising, while at the same time building new relationships, a larger inventory, and a diverse customer base.

I also found out that buyers are pretty set in their ways when it comes to finding product. The results of that poll indicated that most buyers look to their favorite venue first, before proceeding on to a search engine, like Google, or to the old stand-by, eBay. What does that tell you?


That tells me that the single most important thing you can do, as a seller, is to create good titles and descriptions! If you don't, your items cannot be found!

Many of you have read my blogs about SEO, but it is worth mentioning again... good SEO is a combination of several things.

First you must concentrate on keywords.

According to Google: What are keywords?
The keywords for your Custom Search Engine should describe your search engine's content or subject matter. Google uses this information to tune your search results to ensure they are as relevant as possible and to promote the most relevant pages for your search engine. Good keywords are words and short phrases that describe any of the following:

• the topic of your search engine
• the content of the pages you want promoted

Create titles that include relevant keywords and keep them short and concise. No more than 72 characters. Focus upon the item, not an adjective, like beautiful or wow! Your most important keyword(s) should be featured at the beginning of the title.

Expand upon your title in the sub-title.

Expand further in your listing! The same keywords and phrases should be used in your description. Your first, (and last), paragraph is vital, as this is where the search engine spiders concentrate heavily on keywords.

Once you start writing with your head, and not your heart, your placement on the searches will improve. It does not happen overnight... the whole process is like building blocks, and must be constantly added to and maintained. Blog, join a networking group, a discussion panel, or a social site, like Twitter!

Everything you do helps build recognition for your store and your items.

Understand that search engines look for relevant, changing content. So list often! And revise your listings as necessary. OLA, for example, gets spidered approximately every 2-3 days. Issues like the popularity of both your host site and your items affect the outcome of the searches. Links increase popularity, so place OLA links, your store links and individual items links everywhere you can!

Use the tools available to you. One that I recommend is Oodle. Another is FreeWebSubmission. Others include AddPro and EveryPlaceISell. There are more options out there... find 'em!

If you're blogging, be sure to add your blog to the rotation at AlphaInventions!

Lastly, read. There are many sites which are full of good information on Search Engine Optimization. Get involved, get motivated, and get informed! Here's an article to get you started: from Cyberindian.com.

Good luck, everyone! Thanks to all who participated in my polls. Let me know what else you're doing to promote your stores! And don't forget to stop by and see me at

Fleapirates Plunder!