Happy Chocolate Day to everyone! Sunday, Sept 13th is National Chocolate Day. I have to say this could easily turn out to be one of my favorite holidays!
In this issue:
In this issue: How eBay & Amazon spend their advertising budget, FaceBook Fan pages and advertising, getting your products noticed by using Amazon Listmania, what are buyers going to spend money on this holiday season, QucikBooks help is here and more.
The Two Big Ecommerce Companies – How They Spend Their Advertising Dollars
Amazon & eBay
This summer I had the chance to attend conferences and dinners and hear two takes on advertising from the two online retail giants. I found their focus on customer acquisition and advertising budget a real take away lesson.
One interesting question that was posed to John Donahoe of eBay was “why isn’t eBay buying more advertising in the mainstream media?” I thought Mr. Donahoe’s answer was very interesting. If you’d like to read the more about it, I wrote an article on it. You can find it in the public area on the Web Sellers Circle.
Have You Setup Your Company (Fan) Page On FaceBook?
If so, you may be wondering when the most effective times to reach your fans are.
A new study indicates that Tuesdays seem to be the best day to post specials, discounts and promotions about your product.
Content posted on Facebook-based brand pages has an average click-through rate (CTR) of 9.89% on Tuesday, the highest for any day of the week, according to data from social media services vendor Vitrue.
An interesting fact is that taking all days of the week into consideration the average click-through rate for Fan pages is 6.76%. That’s much higher than average CTRs for display ads across social networks in general according to Vitrue.
If you haven’t set up a fan page for your business yet – that’s a compelling reason in itself.
With new applications being released to spruce up your page and promote your products now is the time to get to it.
Getting Your Products Noticed On Amazon With Listmania
On Amazon.com it can be difficult to get your unique product noticed by customers. The Amazon catalog is so massive that if your product isn’t highly ranked your item many never come up in search.
One way to get people to see you merchandise is the Amazon Listmania.
Here’s where users can create product lists around a subject or category. They can be subjects like “my favorite mysteries” or “ten things to take camping.” You can include any item in the Amazon catalog, including your own products. These lists are featured on related products on Amazon, in the user communities and are available for aStore and Amazon affiliates to use as links.
So by adding your product to a Listmania you can add additional promotions without spending any money.
That’s pretty sweet! In this video I show you how to set up an Amazon Listmania.
Bonanzle Batch Editor – The Best Tool With Possibly the Worst Name!
If you haven’t tried Bonanzle yet – here’s how simple it is to move your eBay inventory onto Bonanzle -it takes about 5 mouse clicks.
We had Phaedra Perkins Stockstill teach us how to use the Batch Editor – and I’m amazed how many things you can do with it and HOW EASY IT IS TO USE!
When I saw Phaedra’s demonstration, I couldn’t believe my eyes. This isn’t the kind of batch editing I expected. It’s visual, easy to use and includes a very simple, convenient ‘find and replace.’
Whether you are moving listings from eBay, cleaning up your Google Connector Information, or just managing your Bonanzle Booth – this tutorial will save you time, save wasted effort, and even increase your profits.
The Bonanzle Staff understands what sellers need. They made every effort to make this tool shine.
Once you start using it, you won’t be able to manage your booth without it.
Don’t miss the class. Buy the CD!
What are consumers going to spend money on this holiday season?
A recent TV interview with Pam Danziger of Unity Marketing spotlighted some sweet spots we can all look for as we go into the holidays.
The recession, which is considered to have bottomed out this time last year, has really changed what buyers are looking for.
According to Pam – consumers have changed their spending habits, and are now focusing on three key factors when considering a purchase.
- Quality
- Value
- Price
Consumers are looking more for “life enhancing products” and less at outwardly luxury items.
The first half of this year has seen buyers focusing on home purchases, with an eye on quality and value. Buyers are spending less on travel or fashion than they have in the past.
Here’s what consumers are looking for according to the Unity Marketing Study:
- Electronics and Photography Equipment
- Art and Antiques
- Furniture, Lamps and Floor Coverings
- Kitchen Appliances, Bathroom Equipment and Building Products
- Kitchenware, Cookware, Housewares
- Linens and Beddings
- Tabletop, Dinnerware, Stemware, Flatware
I did a quick search on the on eBay Pulse under home and garden found that it pretty much mirrors the findings:
- furniture
- anthropologie
- john deere
- pottery barn
- light
- bedding
- wheel horse
- rugs
- ralph lauren
- ikea
There are plenty of niche markets, that can be profitable. Check out eBay Pulse, do your Terapeak research, and then start looking for products.
A quick tip: If you have a business license, register for FREE access to this catalog of houseware suppliers.
HousewaresDirect provides links to the most up to date and comprehensive product information database in the industry. The dynamic search engine will help you find relevant products. Approved retailers will have access to wholesale pricing and have the ability to generate orders on-line directly with any of the suppliers.
http://www.housewaresdirect.com/
Share Your eBay Stories For Your Chance To Win A Copy Of The eBay Marketing Bible
One thing that was mentioned at the eBay dinner was the demise of eBay Live. It made us all kind of sad… and got me to thinking.
It would be fun to reminisce a little about past eBay events, both official and unofficial.
So, let’s share our favorite photos and stories.
Here’s the deal: Post your favorite photo on the CloverCity FaceBook page, along with a quick blurb about why it was your favorite photo or event.
Was eBay Live your first chance to learn about the education program? Or was it your first chance to meet eBetsy, Griff, Meg, John, Janelle Elms, your true love or_____ face to face? Was the ‘eBay University’ coming to town the turning point in your career? Or was the eBay Radio Party the best party in Las Vegas? Was eBay Live the first shin-dig you ever attended with an ice sculpture or flowing chocolate fountain – or was it the music from ‘Mr. Lister’ never leaving your head – let us know your favorite story and share your photo.
Add your photo and blurb on the CloverCity Fan page – the photo/story with voted with the most ‘thumbs up’ votes by September 30th -wins the book, the eBay Marketing Bible.. (*photos must be taken by you – you may submit as many photos/stories as you wish)
Go NOW and look for those favorite eBay photos! Post them ASAP.
QuickBooks Help is here!
Are you like me – received the free copy of QuickBooks this year, and left it on the shelf unopened?
I couldn’t bring myself to open it up and struggle through the process of setting up the books – and the thought of learning one more thing seemed like too much.
Bookkeeping has always been one of those spots in my business where I just feel overwhelmed before I start.
And judging from the questions and comments I receive from my students and colleagues, I know I’m not alone.
So, I set out to find help – and I was fortunate to meet Sheryl Schuff, CPA.
We talked, we planned, we plotted and worked all summer to produce a product that I know will help eBay & Online sellers who struggle with the complex issues relating to keeping the books for their taxes.
We’re calling it the QuickBooks Rapid Up & Running Premium CD Set and you can find out more information here.
As we get closer to the end of the year those piles of papers need to get entered into a place where you can easily access them. You’ll need to pull out important information – not just for Uncle Sam – but for yourself.
I’m sure you want to know if all this hard work is resulting in a profit!
I’m amazed at Sheryl’s generosity – when we put the finishing touches on the lessons, Sheryl suggested a fantastic bonus for everyone who purchases – thirty days of follow up support. That means you’ll have a place to ask questions and receive answers quickly from a Certified Public Accountant with over 30 years experience helping small businesses like yours!
The CD’s are on the way to the presses and to celebrate we’re offering you a chance to be the first to own a copy – and get the QuickBooks help you need- plus receive $10.00 off!
If you order now we’re offering the QuickBooks Rapid Up & Running Premium CD for $10.00 off the regular price.
Grab your copy now (it’s tax deductible).
What’s Happening At The Web Sellers’ Circle
- Sheryl Shuff CPA continues to guide us through QuickBooks
- Phaedra Stockstill’s class about the Bonanzle Batch Editor is available
- We’re preparing for our second affiliate web site give away – join now, deadline for entry is Sept. 22nd
- The forums are lively – we’ve had a suggestion to start a series on webinars and go-to-meeting for education specialists – we think that’s a great idea and will start rolling out the videos and classes soon.
We just received this wonderful testimonial:
“Excellent Information and Very Timely
Any time I have a question, I can always find the answers here at WSC. As I am building my new adventure, the information I need is always here. I browsed all the affiliate programs you have listed here, and it saved me a large chunk of time versus google. I expect to make a decision soon and move forward. Thank you for consistently providing the information, tips, and tools needed to build our businesses. Phaedra Stockstill ”
One Last Word
Facebook
CloverCity
Promote Your Page Too
Don’t forget to join me on FaceBook and show us your favorite eBay photos and share your stories for a chance to win a free copy of the eBay Marketing Bible.
That’s it for now,
Cindy Shebley
eBay Certified Business Consultant
author eBay Marketing Bible
www.websellerscircle.com