Advertising web site

[cekman]

Wondering if anyone has any good ideas on how/where to advertise my jewelry site on the web?

I'm currently doing pay-per-click advertising on google, yahoo etc. and I get a lot of sales from this - but the cost is killing me - barely breaking even.

Has anyone tried any of the services designed to improve webiste rankings in non-sponsored searches. Are there any free sites that have worked good?

Any suggestions would be welcome - also non-web advertising would be helpful too.

Thanks!
Cobweb Corner

[Polly]

Hi,

If pay-per-click is working fairly well (although expensive), that's a good sign -- it means that you know what words people are using to find what you sell.

How well does your site come up via "natural" searches for those words? And is there anything you can do to increase the findability of your site via those key words, without making your pages look odd?  i.e., simply describe your site and/or pages and/or jewelry a bit more.

The SERVICES that offer to improve your rankings for you ... STAY AWAY from them.  The vast majority are con artists.

There are a few exceptions though, such as Jill Whalen at http://www.highrankings.com
Sites like highrankings.com that offer (useful) newsletters and news feeds about how you can work on your own web site to improve findability, are the way to go, because no one knows your stock or your market better than you do. To see how to do your own SEO (Search Engine Optimization), get on her web site, read through the articles, and start writing a little more copy for your Web site.

It sounds like once people get to your Web site, they like it, and your images and such do a good job selling your wares. But images need words to go with them, or the Search Engines won't report back what you have to offer.

Also, if you're a Rings & Things customer, we do link to our customers' sites whenever asked.
Simply send
1) your Web site address,
2) your account number or the business name you order with, and
3) a brief description of your products or Web site. (Approximately 20-word limit.)
to:
http://www.rings-things.com/SECURE/editor.html

--Polly

[cekman]

Thank you for the response - I really appreciate. I will go to the link you suggested.

Yes - once people are at my site things go well - it's just getting them there that is the hard part.  My site only shows well in the regular search rankings for a very few keywords - not the ones I would prefer.

Pay per click definitely works - but it is VERY expensive.

Thanks again
Carla - Cobweb Corner

Hi
I'm new to computors,and websites.Mine is new and not up long. I also sell jewelry,along with many other things in the way of crafts.We were told ,to advertise everywhere.Exchange links with other sites,join topsites put there banner on our site.Join forum's,craftmalls,send out newsletters to customers,people who signed oue e-mail list,newspapers,craft magazines,get a partner site if we can,put your URL,ande-mail on all e-mail or notices,give out Bussiness cards.Sometimes e-bay will help,or other craft auction site.Good place for tips is Banner Chic www.bannerchiccraftmarket.com
Thank you and God Bless
sneekysnake
www.mandmsouthwindgeneral.com

[jennrose]

Hi Cobweb Corner,
i too am looking for the same information. Just today I found two sites, Etsy and Yessy, I dont know anything aobut either, but one was recommended by a fellow beader. I have seen things on craigslist but I worry thats too tacky. Not sure if this is any help, I just know how frustrating this can be...good luck. Jennrose

Dear Carla...the best advertisement is to people like us, when joining a forum or blog make sure to add your url to your signature.  I can't tell you how many times I've purchased off sites I pickup off a forum.  The other new trend is blogging...talk about the inspiration behind your pieces...trials & tribulations of assembling (we all love getting these tips)...what seems to be selling...what doesn't...etc.

Robyn

[tanzanite]

hi carla, one more way to advertise your site is to submit it to directories whre you can get free submissions! isnt that cool? well, for starters, here is the link to one free directory-www.iSearchLink.com.  the link will take you directly to the jewelries section and the rest is piece of cake.  

do try it!