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This question has been closed, and points have been awarded.
Aside From Google Ads, What Works Under $100?
Posted By: johnwhy* on 1/6/2005 7:04 AM (CST) 50 Points
What are some of the most effective techniques for winning customers while spending less than $100? This can include software, bots, email, articles, word-of-mouth, blogs, offline tactics, and so on. What are the critical details?

Posted by: rnorth Member Response
1/6/2005 8:07 AM (CST)
Johnwhy--

You can distribute press releases on PR Web for $80. At that level, if they are written properly, Google, Yahoo! etc. will index them.

Why $100? What is it that you are really trying to accomplish? Are you writing an article, "10 gifts under $100 for marketers?" or have you been given a very low budget approval limit?

good luck--
 
Posted by: danay* Accepted Answer
1/6/2005 8:41 AM (CST)
Hi John.

I would suggest blogs. Right now, $100 can get you great CPM from blogs while they're still a fairly new ad medium. Just make sure that the blogs you are advertising on have something to do with your target demographic.

For instance, don't advertise on a dog lovers blog when you are selling perfume to ladies. Just a little common sense, you'd be surprised how many folks still throw away their ad dollars on the wrong audience.

good luck!

BTW: Is the budget monthly, weekly?
 
Posted by: mateosquared* Accepted Answer
1/6/2005 9:23 AM (CST)
Viral marketing can be very effective on the Internet. This can be done through blogs like danay mentioned, it also can be done by identifying who your top customers are and communicating with them. If they like your product or service they will talk to others and the trend continues. This can be done through emails (don't spam), blogs, discussion boards, RSS (real simple syndication), as well as other electronic forms of communication. Depending on the size of your site, and your time you should learn the art of search engine optimization. If you have a small site with very specific products, it won't be very hard. That will help with organic search results, which are free. You could also do Google Adwords or other paid search and set a small budget with very specific keywords/phrases. It is hard to give you any really good solid advice unless we know what your product/service is.

Good luck.
 
Posted by: col Member Response
1/7/2005 8:21 AM (CST)
Hi There,

My top 3 techiniques would be:

1) Create an interesting and unique blog on your website

2) Create a value added weekly newsletter (which contains links to your website)

3)Overture Pay per click advertising --you can set your monthly budget as low as you like and have paid listings in Yahoo, MSN, etc.

Cheers!
 
Posted by: Papadoc (Steve)* Accepted Answer
1/8/2005 2:39 PM (CST)
Quite a variance depending upon how you interpret your question. Are you looking for any advertising experience that is under $100 so long as it gets you customers? Or are you looking to find ways that you can advertise and spend less than $100 for every customer acquired? Big difference and either makes sense depending upon then nature and profit of your product/service.

What you should be looking at is not how much you spend in gross... unless of course, that's all the money you have in the world. What you should be looking at is your cost of acquisition. How much money do you have to spend to get each client. That is what you factor into your per product costs. Think about it. Wouldn't you spend every bit of money you could on advertising so long as you knew you would get more back from each client than it cost you to convert them?
 
Posted by: sarah* Member Response
1/9/2005 3:27 PM (CST)
Hi John

I agree with the suggestions you've received so far about blogging, PPC advertising and viral marketing. I also think creating useful content such as whitepapers and informative newsletters will draw prospects to you, and keep them coming back.

As far as viral marketing goes, can I suggest a useful little referral tool that lets you track how many referrals you are getting and will cost you a maximum of US$20 per month:

http://www.urefer.co.nz

Cheers
 
Posted by: johnwhy* Author Response
1/9/2005 4:28 PM (CST)
I should clarify: I have $100 to start with, as a one-time, one-shot deal. Any additional marketing after the initial $100 must be paid out of PROFITS earned as a result of the initial $100 investment.

Thanks for everyone's awesome comments.
 
Posted by: johnwhy* Author Response
1/9/2005 4:34 PM (CST)
My site is a boutique storefront. It focuses on a special TYPE of product. I plan to resell selected high-quality products of that type from various manufacturers, and deliver value-added services to people who visit my site. Services might include expert advice by email or chat, independent product reviews, informative articles, links, taking suggestions from potential customers for new products to carry, etc. The idea is that, although my site is offering products for sale elsewhere at competitive prices, we are offering the BEST products from a VARIETY of sources all in one place. Its about convenience for people who desire that type of product.
 
Posted by: sarah* Accepted Answer
1/9/2005 9:05 PM (CST)
Hi John

I'm sorry dude but I think you have to spend more money. Have you been to a brick-and-mortar boutique store recently? The marble floors, custom-made furniture and designer lighting schemes don't come out of a bargain basement sale.

Online is more similar to offline then people think. If you want to appeal to the high-end market that would shop in offline boutiques, then you'll have to create a similar experience of luxury online- and that costs money.

If you're still keen to give it a go on a shoe-string budget, then I'd suggest creating partnerships with other online retailers of luxury goods- in a complementary rather than competing category.

Instead of paying them for advertising, or even clicks, why not offer them a commission on sales (like an affiliate program- except you choose who is eligible). This way they'll put more effort into promoting your site than if they just get a few cents per click
 
Posted by: Papadoc (Steve)* Member Response
1/10/2005 12:37 PM (CST)
With that clarification, my suggestion is... your ONLY option is PPC (pay per click) advertising with Google or Yahoo. Don't bother with the rest of the PPC engines. Even here, I'd suggest Yahoo's Overture service OR turn off the network advertising on Google. You simply cannot afford to have a single fraud click. If I am using terms that you are not familiar with, there's lots of information here and elsewhere for you to do your research on it.

However and quite honestly from a very seasoned expert in this area, don't expect your $100 to get you much business. At .50 per click (example) that gets you 200 people coming to your site. It's hard to convert people on a brand new website and if you haven't been at it long, there are and will be things that you don't think of that are impediments to doing business with you. That's not personal, it's just part of the learning curve. If you convert 4-5 of those 200 to customers, you'd be doing darned well. If they are going to test you, it's probably going to be with something small.

Any advertising takes time and it takes getting people back several times before they buy. This happens with PPC as well. Others you will never convert. Some of your competitors will click on your ads just to see who you are and use up your money that way. Others will get there by mistake no matter how well you write your ad. And if you have people that visit your site, some might bookmark it, others will just know that when they went to Yahoo and searched, there your ad showed up. If your $100 has dried up by then, you are just GONE.

With such limited funds however, don't bother with the higher cost words. Stick with search terms that cost less and you might even get it down to as low as .20-.30 each. You won't get them coming in as fast, but you will get more of them and your potential for conversion will increase.
 
Posted by: johnwhy* Author Response
1/14/2005 10:29 AM (CST)
About ready to close this, but giving it a bit more time in case someone has a killer tactic not yet mentioned. thanks.
 
Posted by: Ndovu* Accepted Answer
1/23/2005 8:38 AM (CST)
Hi Johnwhy,

Depending on the profitmargin in your calculation I would try to set up a affiliated network. It basically does cost you nothing and you pay a comission only once you made a sale. Search in google for affiliated programs.

You can try to locate forums which are used by your target market and answer questions which pop-up there and include a link to your website in the signature. Or link them to your website if there is the answer.

Set up a list with e-mail addresses (properly obtained to avoid any conflict concerning spamming!!!!!!!) and do an interesting e-mail newsletter.

Above measures do cost exactly: zero-point-nothing (except for the time you invest)

For the banlance pay-per-click is certainly the option I would choose!

Good luck with your venture!
 
Posted by: websavant Accepted Answer
1/25/2005 12:42 PM (CST)
Because you've not shared what type of boutique store you are running, it is hard to give you suggestions specific to your product, but here is an example that may apply.

If I were trying to sell handbags for example and I had $100 to promote it and drive additional sales, I would start with small fashion oriented newsletters specifically geared toward shopping. Lucky Magazine is all about shopping - where to find the deals, new items, unique shops and best service - but they are expensive and large. There are smaller groups that are more grassroots, like Chicago Fashionista (chicagofashionista.com), Budget Fashionista (thebudgetfashionista.com), and She She Me (shesheme.com).

There are several ways to work with newsletters like this...
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Create a giveaway/sweepstakes that lets members enter their email addresses, and include a send to a friend feature to help spread the word. Give anyone who signs up a discount on your product through a certain date (to create urgency). Then use that list to continue marketing yourself.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Give 'exclusive discount' for members of their lists
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Pay for an advertorial inclusion - provide them with blurbs and links to your product that they can work from.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Pay for a banner ad
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Revenue sharing deal on any sales from the ad
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Mini Articles - if the product is cool/unique offer up several ready-to-print mini articles around the subject that these small and often under-staffed groups can use as fresh, fast content.

For example, with handbags three minis to choose from could be "bargain bags that don't scream bargain shopper", "Snow to Spring: 3 bag styles that can make the transition" or "Mobile Madam - portable work bags that don't look mannish".
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Tag Team - Partner up with some other advertisers they currently work with and create a group giveaway around an event/holiday such as Valentines day.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Work a co-op deal where you pay a small amount for the ad space plus a % of sales in commission. It's often hard to get a commission-only deal.
--------------------------------------------------------------------


If you care to share the product category you're working in, I am sure this group could come up with more specific ideas.

The bottom line is that if you only have $100 to get started, you're going to have to create something of value (an offer, promo, giveaway, discount, etc.) that others will be interested in.
 
Posted by: mgoodman Member Response
2/4/2005 2:57 PM (CST)
If the $100 figure is really the most you can spend, I'd concentrate it on just a very small number of prospects. Perhaps you can give two people $50 each for visiting your website. If you pick the two people carefully, perhaps one of them will buy.

OK, so I'm exaggerating. But the point is still valid. Concentrate your effort so that you target your offer to the most likely prospects. Maybe even call them on the phone. For $100 you're not likely to reach very many qualified prospects, so don't waste a lot of time trying.

BTW, the most effective trial device is a free sample. Can you give free samples and use the $100 to pay for referrals?

I suspect you don't have a very strong business proposition to begin with if $100 is all you're willing to invest in getting traffic. Do you know what your conversion rate is for people who click-through to your site? If it's low, it really doesn't matter how many visitors you get for your $100, does it? Also, what's the average purchase price and profit per sale?
 
Posted by: Nancy Myrland Accepted Answer
2/4/2005 10:09 PM (CST)
As I read in an article this past week, "Don't skimp when it comes to marketing your company." I would wait until you have enough money to accomplish the goals you have outlined in your marketing plan, if you have one. If you don't, back up and start over. Don't rush to market just because you're excited, or because someone is forcing you to launch at a specific time. Give yourself every opportunity to be successful. Many people spend hours and many dollars coming up with ideas, buying inventory, creating a logo, web site, etc., but they fail to budget appropriately for a great launch, then sustained marketing activity. Please don't waste your $100, because one shot deals won't produce the results you need to build and sustain your business. Marketing is not a one-time activity, but an ongoing, thoughtful, targeted effort that never stops--NEVER, EVER, EVER!

I certainly want you to be successful. Give yourself a chance and wait until you have written a plan (it's okay to outsource to one who knows how to market if you don't feel qualified) and have the money to make it work.
 
Posted by: Val (Moderator)* Moderator Response
2/14/2005 12:27 AM (CST)
Hello all. I am closing this question, since its more than two weeks old. We do this to make sure members' contributions are rewarded in a timely manner and to improve the visibility of newer questions.

Thanks, so much, for participating!
Val (Moderator)
 
Posted by: johnwhy* Author Response
2/14/2005 3:49 PM (CST)
hi

i'd like to award points to certain answers. can i still do this now that the question is closed?

thanx
 
Posted by: johnwhy* Author Response
2/14/2005 3:50 PM (CST)
it says points were awarded, but i did not select who i wished to award points to.
-john
 
Posted by: johnwhy* Author Response
2/14/2005 3:52 PM (CST)
Points were awarded, but not by me, the author. i'd like the opportunity to select the accepted responses myself.
-john
 
Posted by: johnwhy* Author Response
2/19/2005 6:16 PM (CST)
As author of this question, I'm not happy that points were awarded by the moderator instead of me. I was not given any warning that it was my last chance to award points. Thats's not fair. I dont approve of the points that were awarded.
 
Posted by: Val (Moderator)* Moderator Response
2/19/2005 6:32 PM (CST)
Hi John. Sorry you didn't get our messages. You may want to check your spam folder if your email system blocks some incoming messages. We sent you 2 notices that we would close your question if it wasn't closed by you within 2 weeks. Both emails went to you in January.

The emails were sent to: johnwhy@bluebottle.com

I will refund your 50 points so you can use them for another question. But please keep in mind that if your question is more than 2 weeks old and has been inactive for several days, one of our moderators will close it.

Best wishes,

Val
 


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