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What Am I Doing Wrong???
Posted By: maryangel* on 7/6/2006 7:53 AM (CST)	250 Points
www.starwear.us My site and labor of love. I have been at it for almost two years, trying to get the name and my line out there. I have just posted an add for a sales rep. I am working on a shoestring budget so I have very little capitol to work with. I am not the best at marketing but I am a wiz at creating and designing. My exsisting customers come back again and again but I need to get more people to my site. I have done the whole google adwords thing and other things like that and sometimes it works and sometimes it does not. What am I doing wrong??? Can anyone help me find the right path so that these 16 hour days that I put in pay off. I am a one woman show at this moment, aside from my husbands help and would like to hire help but the money is not consistant enough for me to employ anyone. Please...I am desperate for some advise...Many thanks and kind regards, Mary, starwear.us

Posted by: DR Hitch*	Member Response
7/6/2006 8:39 AM (CST)
Ummmm....guess I shouldn't have opened your web site from my at-work web browser (wow!). Anyways, your web site itself looks VERY robust and well-architected. from a marketing perspective, I would think that some sort of a "referral" program could work very well for you to generate new customers (e.g. refer five friends to the site and get one free top with a bikini bottom). It's not exactly clear what demographic you're going after. In the US, many public beaches (esp East Coast) frown upon or don't allow thong bikinis, and men's thongs haven't caught-on as they have in Brazil, etc. So, I think you need to think-out your target demographics and then PUSH the link to your web site to that specific audience. By the way, have you gone after the professional body-building niche market?

Posted by: maryangel*	Author Response
7/6/2006 9:02 AM (CST)
ooops! guess I should have warned everyone that it is The hottest swimwear in the galaxy!...lol We have in fact been working very hard on a easy to use and nice to look at site. Not quite sure how to get the referral thing going, I am a bit clueless in marketing. We do sell worldwide so they European markets love our men's line and like I said are repeat customers. Japan seems to order the womens lines. and we are on ebay too. I am starting to explore the bodybuilding scene also. Thanks so much for your imput, I really appreciate it. Every little bit helps! Kind regards, Mary*

Posted by: skoobie99	Member Response
7/6/2006 9:06 AM (CST)
maryangel, Nice site - as douglas commented, maybe a little risque for viewing from work. I looked at a bunch of your pages couldn't find anything that rubbed me the wrong way - this is major from my perspective, as I think I am pretty picky. I really commend you on the many pictures, on the testimonials, on adding a personal message and on the very well laid-out 'contact us' page as well as the 'customer service' page. Overall, the site looks very good despite the fact this is a one-person show One comment: I believe you have mis-spelled Jewelry on your left navigation bar and when I clicked on the link, it returned an error. Also under 'One of a kind suits', there was only one example - again, not a fatal error, but think of the viewer's reaction. I don't know how you can break into the swimwear market, as I think it is a pretty crowded field, however the clubwear angle is one that should be aeasier to take. I think you need to focus on younger adults, as most middle aged bodies I know would not look very good in your outfits (just my opinion). Therefore you need to get yourself into the heads of the around 18-24 year old set and target the media they prefer. Hope this helps, John

Posted by: maryangel*	Author Response
7/6/2006 9:15 AM (CST)
Ha ha ha...I have a not so silent partner in London that insists that I spell it that way, since he is keeping the business alive when the sales are slow, I am inclined to do as he says even if it makes me crazy! Thanks for your vote of confidence on the site, I am quite pleased with the way it has improved over time. I am currently working more on the clubwear and have some models coming in a few weeks to shoot the new lines in. My hubby and I also do almost all of our own photography. Back to the jewelry, I just have to find the time to photograph it and will get it up, I am burning the candle at both ends. We are going to try the surf expo in September with the hopes to get some large orders and to begin manufacturing somewhere else. Just need to get over that hump if you know what I mean... I agree with you that middle aged women, unless they have been enhanced and are fitness freaks do not belong in our suits! Thanks so much for your advise. Mary*

Posted by: maryangel*	Author Response
7/6/2006 9:19 AM (CST)
PS John... Funny that you say risque as that is the name of my lingerie line, "Risque"Raggs"

Posted by: darcy.moen	Member Response
7/6/2006 9:45 AM (CST)
Are you offering just direct to public sales, or do you accept wholesale orders from retailers? Point being, you come across as just an online retailer. Offer some affilate programs to get other web sites selling your lines. Be more blunt about wholesale selling (if you are going to sell your line through other retailers). In fact, you might want to set up an entire password protected area just for retailers to come and buy in quantity from you. I do hope you are looking to AMPLIFY your business by selling through retailers, with the increase of customer interest in new and innovative designs and an increased will of customers to pay higher prices for 'unique' styles (yes, boutique is back in vogue again) it makes sense to get your line out to as many retailers as possible. Hope i helped you. Darcy Moen Customer Loyalty Network

Posted by: MANSING	Member Response
7/6/2006 10:19 AM (CST)
Hi Mary Thornton, Your website is cool! I like that I should buy swimming dress from you! My girl friend she loved your design. Any way, your site representation is very good. Few things need to done to get access key for the business success. 4P – gives you really simple view what to do? It doesn’t stop you think only – Price, product, promotion and Place (Distribution) ; this is all in one solution for business success. People love changes! And that’s makes them more attractive! As I love to see different model representing different products. Some times we like something but we never make a decision to buy as long as we don’t have actual need/want of that product. Demand will only increase if there is sunshine, doesn’t matter it is in Asia, USA or in Europe. You have big market in USA. Only thing is how to target them, how to promote? May be by Penetrating Product Price? Need few mistakes to correct on the webpage like spelling and easy access to the page because of security reasons! Whatever you do? If there is a quality and affordable price people will buy it. If they don’t need, still they will wait for next summer! But they will buy? Every thing is possible! I hope this will help! Regards, M Bhor

Posted by: skoobie99	Member Response
7/6/2006 10:22 AM (CST)
Mary, OK, I understand your take on the spelling of the word jewelry - in that case, you should also change the spelling on the web page which opens-up when visitors click on the link (it currently reads search for jewelry returned 0 results). Also the way you spell it definitely looks weird (to my eyes) - maybe you can have US and British spelling side-by-side. One more comment - having pages with no items, or with one item detracts from the professional image you are striving to convey. I would suggest removing/hiding these pages and the links to them, until you have enough content to make them look intriguing for your visitors. Last comment - surfers? I don't know what surfer girls might typically wear, however surfer dudes typically go for the baggy look, not the types of swimwear you move. On the other hand, having a couple of models wearing your swimwear at an event like this, handing out say cards with your website address, could generate some serious publicity - just a thought ;-) John

Posted by: simonziou	Accepted Answer
7/6/2006 11:07 AM (CST)
Adding dealer zone is a good suggestion and I want to add one point. Maybe you can try to sell a culture, not only products, like Harley Davison. Make your products mean more than swimwears. First,make sure what culture you want and can sell,eg. free and sexy. Second,make your target customer believe your brand is representative of the culture. You can achieve this by product design, promotion, etc. Third, try to make your customers communicate with each other. Online forum would be a easy solution. I think word-of-mouth is the most powerful promotion tool. Small money can do big marketing,Good luck! Simon

Posted by: maryangel*	Author Response
7/6/2006 11:40 AM (CST)
Hi Darcy, thank you for your time and effort. yes we do offer wholesale, still trying to work out all the kinks though. I will speak with my webmaster about setting up page for people interested in wholesale. Sounds like a great idea... Again thanks, Mary*

Posted by: maryangel*	Author Response
7/6/2006 11:45 AM (CST)
M Bhor, thanks I am glad you like the site. I am not sure I understand about the security thing, did you have issues??? I will have my web master change the spelling I have heard the same thing from several people...lol they think I am a bad at spelling but it is a silly battle between me and my partner in London. I will again try to make it clear to him it is spelled different here in the states as compared to the UK. Thanks for all your valuable input, I will take it all into consideration. Best wishes, Mary*

Posted by: maryangel*	Author Response
7/6/2006 11:53 AM (CST)
John, the surf expo is a venue for all swimwear and resort wear companies to promote and sell their wares. We are not specifically targeting surfers and if we were we would certainly not be selling the "Speedo" look. I am aware that guys like big baggy board shorts and if I only had 72 hours in a day I would already have some of those on my site... I think that Europeans love the skimpy guy suits, and I also have a large gay following as well. My men's line actually sells better than the womens and I think that is because there is 250 ladies swimwear companies to every 1 men's. I sew everything to order at this point in time but am in the process of having some samples made overseas to take to the expo. Guess we will see what happens... Thanks a bunch, Mary*

Posted by: maryangel*	Author Response
7/6/2006 11:59 AM (CST)
Simon, thanks, someone else once mentioned a forum to me, I will have my webmaster give that some thought. It can't hurt I don't suppose. I love your idea about trying to sell it as an image but would not know where to start. I have actually been doing this for about 18 years, just as a hobby and just started two years ago getting serious about it, I did the unthinkable and totally quit my paying job as a supervisor at UPS and put all my eggs in one basket so to speak, so I have to make something happen as it is do or die for me and I am not ready to trash the whole thing just yet! Thanks for all your ideas I will give them some thought! take care, Mary*

Posted by: Roberto	Member Response
7/6/2006 12:23 PM (CST)
My amiga Mary, not to bad! I liked that you filled up the Index page full of content! But, I think it is a bit to bland. If anyone can believe that. Not bland as far as girls and content, but the content boxes need some color. Just a little bit more color in the middle section. That is my only critique. PRETTY GOO MARY!! Also I would think about the internet a more local medium then international. So become the biggest seller of THONG BIKINIS in FLORIDA then move on. That doesnt mean you don't still try to market international, but you must start in one place and not every place. I would work hard to get your models on a talk radio program like Howard Stern or Tom Lykus, which is in your area. That will boost sells instantly. Put flyers in all types of locations. I would then have your website in some other languages if you have been selling a lot in other countries. It is just a good option. I don't know how your Brasilian market is, but Brazilian bikinis are a bit different. But, if there is a demand there have the site in Portugues. I can help with that:) To market it with an affiliate program you will need a database. Many companies can do that for you. Set it up where if someone brings 5 paying customers they get something free, or even a bulk retail. You can even post FLYERS and Radio add's in the backoffice for the retailers to download and use in their local promotions! You might want to start organizing on a datasheet then move to a program based internet program connected to your website. Start thinking of an affiliate program and make a link where they can download a contract. Go to other sites and get an idea of an affiliate program. Let me know if I helped any? If you need any programming or hosting let me know. Roberto aveye.com

Posted by: maryangel*	Author Response
7/6/2006 12:33 PM (CST)
Hola Roberto, I have my webmaster working on the front page as we speak. I agree with you all those words are a lot of blah blah blah... I like all your ideas. It is very expensive to get models on talk shows is it not??? I just spoke to my webby about the retailer page, forum and will see what he says about affiliates, I love it THANKS! you rock! M*

Posted by: Frank Hurtte	Member Response
7/6/2006 1:02 PM (CST)
Here a few misc ideas... Try placing your product into some of the upscale cruise lines.. Try placing your product into some of the semi-adult site locations...

Posted by: maryangel*	Author Response
7/6/2006 1:06 PM (CST)
ok, thanks that's a thought... Mary*

Posted by: Roberto	Accepted Answer
7/6/2006 1:10 PM (CST)
No it is not expensive, it is just a lot of work. It is pretty much you running after industry so that people see you. Maybe make a deal with local radio executive to have the girls come out to a "remote". wearing your clothing, have t-shirts made with your website, CLEARLY visible on the shirts. Then the girls can rip them off:) It is deal making, you have the product, which can and will sell, you need to get it out with a BUZZ. Also go online to Gay web communities, do a banner exchange, or link exchange. Add a link page. This will boost you up in Optimization also. Maybe do events like the www.erotica-la.com which was held a few months ago in LA. (I only know that because I pass the STAPLES center every day:) Events cost money, that is the only things. But, smaller events are around 3-500 bucks. NOT TO BAD! You really need to meet your media makers and buyers in your town. The executives, maybe call them up and make a deal. Especially SHOCK JOCKS. Say you will promote their site on your website, if you can put an ad. on their website. ETC. Also, look into wrestling companies, they always have FINE babes wrestling. They always are looking for costumes. www.asylumwrestling.com give the guy a call. Hope I help. Roberto Aveye.com ,

Posted by: maryangel*	Author Response
7/6/2006 1:16 PM (CST)
Roberto, I will look into all of that, I am it though no big wigs in this company except me...lol I am a legend in my own mind!!! hahahah Have you ever heard of Vero Beach???? They roll the sidewalks up at 4:30 around here. My stuff is a little extreme for local, so I am forced to deall with the tamer suits around here, but Miami is just a 3 hour drive... Thanks again. Mary*

Posted by: dhruvjaywant	Member Response
7/7/2006 3:42 AM (CST)
Hey Mary, Saw your site and must congratulate you for such a lovely site, yeah a few errors here and there is ok. well i think what you need to do is go out and reach the public to promote your site. Sit down with your husband and make a list of all events happening in your locale. Try to jot down a few events which are related to your field and then be a part of all those events, no you dont have to be a main sponsor or any of that sort. Incase you have Models, take them to each of the events and ask them to wear you costumes ask them to mingle with your target audience (Youngsters). Let the message go out through your Models that such lovely swimwear is easily available on your site etc. This way your presence will be felt everywhere and people will be aware about your site. I hope this will suffice your requirements

Posted by: cread	Accepted Answer
7/7/2006 5:17 PM (CST)
MaryAngel: There have been plenty of comments on the web site (which is nice) and the spelling (which is very distracting) and the empty pages (even more distracting). So, to the numbers side of the business. What keywords are you targeting? What analytic package are you using? What A/B testing have you implemented? What is your traffic level? What is your Adwords ROI? "Link Popularity Check" shows 469 links. That is nothing. You need to get numerous good inbound links. One decent PR release should generate you several times that number of links. Why aren't you using a dot.com? Have you considered independent or non competitive Rep organizations to carry the line? What is your trade show representation? You need to plan out your affiliate program: types of affiliates desired acquisition of affiliates handling system, in house or third party structure commissions payment system It looks like, and the comments seem to indicate, you have a hot and desirable product, I am an old stodgy CPA and not the one to ask. But there seems to be a lot of work to be done on the SEO/SEM side as well as marketing and affiliate programs from the looks of it. Good Luck, get rich, Charles

Posted by: maryangel*	Author Response
7/7/2006 5:47 PM (CST)
Thanks dhruvjaywant, I will think about your comments and I appreciate your help. Mary*

Posted by: maryangel*	Author Response
7/7/2006 5:56 PM (CST)
Hello Charles, Wow that hit me like a lead balloon! I have already spoken with my webmaster to get that thing fixed on the mispelled words. Working on the messed up pages too. All of you points are noted and I am sure the things I don't understand I will have someone explain to me. I have a creative mind and not a financial one so it is a bit complicated to me and I am not quite in the position to pay for management... I do believe whole heartedly in my company and nobody can work this hard for it to not become something big.... I feel it's going to bust out anytime, just need to get all the ducks in the right row and line em' up. As I have mention earlier in another post I have placed an ad for a sales rep, so we will see what happends with that. I sincerely appreciate your excellent advise and will...lol have it explained to me in terms I can understand...lol Thanks again for your time and input. with the kindest regards, Mary*

Posted by: Theresa H.	Accepted Answer
7/10/2006 3:28 PM (CST)
Mary, Haven’t looked at the site, but from the posts I can get an idea of what I’ll see. You’ve received some great feedback on the site and business ideas. I hope you consider this another good strategy to try. In the Caribbean there are 3 adult resorts called Hedonism (I, II, III). You may want to connect with travel agents who book to these resorts (do a search on the Hedonism/Superclubs website to find them) and ask the agents to include information on your website to the vacationers. Have a brochure, flyer or business card for them to hand out. People who go to these resorts would be interested in your swimwear. With a little research you can find out what agents or cities book the most travelers to the resorts and then target those agents/areas. Even better, get a few suits into one of their boutiques and see what develops. Your enthusiasm is contagious! Don’t give up. Theresa

Posted by: maryangel*	Author Response
7/10/2006 3:59 PM (CST)
Hi Theresa, thanks for the great input. Your ideas are definetely worth looking into. I will see about doing some reasearch, and I have thought about it before but got side tracked. Thanks for reminding me. Kind regards, Mary*

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