Need some advice

RoscoeandJacobsmom · Joined: 14 Feb 2007 Posts: 13 Location: North Alabama

I could really use some advice about how to draw more people to my site.I've tried telling my friends about it...posting it on my blog on myspace,trying to start a blog on bravenet.Told my sis to spread the word to some of her friends.It's starting to get a little frustrating and was going to just stop trying this all together but really want to do this.I have the link posted if you could take a look and give me some pointers as of what to do or change.Also better ways to spread the word would be of help. Smile

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*~Tasha~*

http://dmaffiliate.bravehost.com

karadawn · Posted: February 20, 2007, 5:04 am Post subject:

Well first I have to say this.......you really do need a "real" site with a domain and hosting. I know this is a scary thought, but in order to get the absolute most out of your business this is a MUST. Anita has hosting plans which the link is above.

I would also suggest stepping outside the box a bit. Word of mouth should only be an extra, not the main source of your traffic. I don't network on MySpace (it's all personal there), so no advice there. But I do suggest working on SEO skills, article writing, networking online (in groups such as this), link exchanges, publishing a newsletter, and possibly a little online advertising.

The site should be your first hurdle. Once you have a well designed site on a domain, you can go from there. Wink

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~Kara Kelso~
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karadawn · Posted: February 20, 2007, 5:08 am Post subject:

Oh and I should also mention, above the boards here you will also see a link to Anita's ebook that talks about kickstarting your business. VERY good read! I've worked with her for several years, she DOES know her stuff! Wink

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~Kara Kelso~
Advertising on Idea Queen
Over 700 daily unique visitors, great rates!

Prairie Soy Candles
Handmade Soy Candles - no dyes or additives!

Anita · Posted: February 20, 2007, 5:55 am Post subject:

Hmmm ... have you heard that you NEED paid hosting enough yet? LOL Kara of course didn't know that we already told you that in another post plus you mentioned in your PM to me that you couldn't afford it. However, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE put that at the very top of the list as soon as you can afford it. I'm not sure if you realize just how important it is for your business.

Oh and thanks Kara for recommending my book too! It really is perfect for where you are right now!

Some of the following might be repeating what Kara has said already but I've just been waiting for you to make this post so I could copy and paste my anwers, lol! So, here goes ....

There's a lot of articles and tips in our online marketing section. So please, take a look over those articles/posts a little first. If you have any specific questions about anything you see there, please don't hesitate to ask. We're posting in the online marketing section right now.

Now, my little warning before I get started. Everything I suggest is just that ... suggestions. Remember, it's your website so ultimately, it's your decision. You take my what I suggest and do what you want. Please don't ever take offense to what I have to say and I'll continue to help as long as you request it. What I offer is nothing more than my advice and what I might do if it were my website. With that said ... here we go.

First and foremost ... I know you had mentioned that buying hosting might not be an option right now. So, how about at least purchasing a domain name? It's only $7.95 a year. This will at least somewhat hide the fact that you're using free hosting. What you can do is have it redirected to your free site. (And if and when you get to this point, I can always help if you need it.) That will certainly help it look a little better. And it's a much cheaper (and please for the sake of your business - temporary) way to go. Besides, what do you think will look better to advertise ... http://dmaffiliate.bravehost.com OR www.dmaffiliate.com

(Again, I stress ... it's not the BEST way to go but it's better than nothing at all. Surely you can come up with $7.95 a year.)

Oh, and I have to say ... name your business. "My affiliate site" and "Dm Affiliate" ... just not cutting it. I highly recommend naming your "shop".

To me, everything looks like it's way over on the left. You're going to want that more centered. And please keep in mind, I don't mean just center the text, I mean center the whole page.

I would loose what you have as your home page. I think your home page should be what you call your "clothing & accessories" page. What I would do then is start off your page with your description of what your website is and what it has to offer (like what you have on your home page). But, loose the "I". Your visitors don't want to know what "I" have ... they want to know "WIIFM" (What's in it for me) so, be sure to tell them.

Loose all the clothing pictures on your clothing page (hopefully to become your home page). You can list each of the items the way you have but, instead of the pictures, use text. Put a small "general" description of all the shirts, all the pants, dresses etc. with a link to another page just for shirts and another page just for pants etc. (Using the shirts for example) On the shirt page, list the different types of shirts such as the Hooded Flower Tunic, Victoria Tunic and Crystal Tie Back Tunic and a small description of each. Here you can start putting up your pictures of each. Also include a link to the Daisy Maze website to buy. One thing to keep in mind about seo (very important) - content, content, content. Are you following me?

Here is an example of what I'm thinking for the shirt page:

Hooded Flower Tunic
Hooded flower tunic hangs 31 inches from the shoulder. Has a lightweight material and cap sleeves. 60% rayon, 40% cotton. Made in the USA.

Victoria Tunic
Victoria tunic has a side cinched tie on the left and has wide flowy arms. Hangs 27 inches from the shoulder. 60% rayon, 40% cotton. Made in the USA.

Crystal Tie Back Tunic
Crystal tie back tunic hangs 25 1/2 inches from the shoulder and ties behind the back. 53% rayon, 43% polyester, 4% spandex. Made in the USA.

Pretty much the same way on your website but I envision the text right beside the pictures and note the name of the shirt is your link. (Another seo tip.)

By the way, it looks as though you're a part of a great affiliate program. It looks like you're able to have an affiliate link to a specific item ... not many companies offer this.

For online, it's going to take a lot more than just "word of mouth". Is it a help? Absolutely ... but, for online you're going to need a lot more. More specifically, you're going to need to learn a little SEO - search engine optimization. A simple search on "increase online traffic" or "search engine optimization" and you'll pick up quite a few tips. Plus, the articles here on the online marketing section will certainly help too.

Okie dokie ... I'm gonna stop for now. This should give you a few things to work on for now ... and I'll be back. Oh! Get yourself a newsletter started too! If you need any help with that, let me know. Other than the newsletter, we'll work on getting your website fixed up, then we'll work on getting more traffic there. (However, some of the things we'll be doing with the website design will help with the traffic too!)
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RoscoeandJacobsmom · Joined: 14 Feb 2007 Posts: 13 Location: North Alabama

Thanks so much for all the advice! and yes I have heard need paid hosting enough,lol....I know that's very important.I have been trying to fix up my site in the time being...so knowing what all I need to do is a plus.You two have been very helpful.Anita I will go and fix up my site soon and yes I will def. get another site.Yeah we can afford $7.95 a year,lol so that's not bad.I have since place that have really high domains and stuff.Besides dmaffilate.com looks a lot better.Once I do what all you said for me to do I'll get back to you,thanks! Very Happy

_________________
*~Tasha~*

http://dmaffiliate.bravehost.com

Anita · Posted: February 20, 2007, 5:13 pm Post subject:

Great! Now as I said in my PM, I go for surgery tomorrow and then I'm not sure when I might get back online. I'm really hoping for Thursday, lol but I can't guarantee that. You might not hear back from me until next Tuesday though ... just know I'm not ignoring you and I will be back! LOL!

Take care,
Anita Razz

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P.S. You have to check this out:
COMPLETE Business For Sale - All Ready to Go!

RoscoeandJacobsmom · Joined: 14 Feb 2007 Posts: 13 Location: North Alabama

Hey,yeah I remember you mentioning you have surgery and I hope it goes well.I do want to be able to get all the things you mentioned done.You do know your stuff and I'm glad that I joined and got advice.I'll def. get a hosted domain soon.Until then I figured I mine as well fix the site I have up to make it look a little better,lol.I did however have a friend buy something yesterday.She said she bookmarked the site and is going to let her friends know about it but like you said I need to get these things done and I will because I am taking this serious cause I want to succeed and not fail so thanks ladies! Very Happy

_________________
*~Tasha~*

http://dmaffiliate.bravehost.com

Anita · Posted: February 21, 2007, 6:29 am Post subject:

Oh! I can tell you've been busy!! Good for you! It looks so much better centered now Wink

Ooooh! I just get so excited watching / helping with things like this! One thing I love is that you're honestly trying to do what we suggest and really working on it. Too many times folks come along, ask all kinds of advice ... we give it and then we get nothing back but a whole bunch of excuses why they can't do it.

I don't ever mind helping anyone as long as they're willing to help themselves too Wink

I look forward to see how things are when I'm able to get back online!

Take care,
Anita Razz

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P.S. You have to check this out:
COMPLETE Business For Sale - All Ready to Go!