When it comes to retail, the industry is a constant ripple of ups and downs between success and failure where income is concerned. The economy is in such a state that it can be a volatile time to go into business for yourself, or open a store, even online. This is why knowing how to properly market your goods is absolutely crucial to the longevity of whatever project you’re undergoing, and it’s important to take the right steps in advertising to not only get noticed but keep people coming back and spreading reviews by word of mouth.
Make Recommendations In Reviews
Although there are ways to purchase packages of reviews for products on sites like amazon, this practice isn’t always honest and if you were caught doing so it could jeopardize the integrity of your store or items being sold. One alternative you can try, though it may take some time and effort, is creating your own reviews or recommendations for your product by leaving a trail of theoretical breadcrumbs through other product reviews. Keith Patrick of Chron writes:
Many users read reviews of an Amazon product before purchasing and writing a review of a product similar to the one you’re promoting can be solid exposure.
If you’ve used a product, or even see a product that might be worth trying and it can be related to what you’re selling in any way, make it a point to write a comment about that item with a link back to your own merchandise. People shopping around looking for similar items can take advantage of this information and find your store without as much trouble.
Utilize Social Media
This is an obvious one and has been talked about so much lately on many marketing and advertising help websites, but the success speaks for itself. Utilizing any social networking site these days is a sure fire way to get your product a little recommendation. The more followers you can find, the more hits you’ll find your store or product listing obtaining, especially if people being “liking” or “sharing” to further endorse your merchandise. Make sure that your page is clear, shows an up to date attractive photo of what is being sold, and gives easy to follow steps on purchasing. You can create contests on your page to promote feedback and likes, suggesting that a random reviewer will be selected to win free merchandise.
Pay Per Click
One form of advertising that has been used for quite some time throughout internet operated selling is the pay per click tool. These advertisements can be a little pricier than other methods, but you don’t get charged every time the ad is shown, only when it’s clicked. Each time somebody clicks the advertisement it should redirect them back to your individual shop of product page, allowing them the change for purchase. Armando Roggio of practicalecommerce.com says:
The service is very similar to Google AdWords, but in many ways provides a more targeted audience. Amazon does require some minimum bids for popular categories.
This might not be a good idea if you’re just starting out and might not be getting enough traffic and purchases to support the clicks, but as time goes on this is a good one to keep up momentum.
Blog Widgets
Finally, if you’ve got a blog, or are using the social networking media for advertisement purposes you can add a widget to your site that displays certain products along with pricing to your readers. Blackhatworld.com explains:
Widgets are easily configurable features for your page that allow your viewers to see Amazon content without leaving your website or blog. Handpick your favorite Amazon products, showcase bestsellers or allow us to auto-select products that are relevant to your readers.
This is a great way to show viewers what you’re selling as well as where to find it, and it will spark an interest slightly better than a generalized explanation of what your product is or does.