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To Amazon, or To PPC? That is the Question...

by Oliver999
7 replies
Hi everyone,

I’ve seen various posts from this forum over the years, and benefitted from them. I never thought I would make the jump to online marketing, but I have, and what better place to gain insight into the industry than this forum.

I have decided to go into private labeling, and in particular, supplements. Although I do understand that Amazon is ‘the place to be’ as far as potentially making lots of money, from what I understand, it takes quite a bit of time and effort to get a good ranking with the review system etc.

For this and other reasons which would be difficult to explain here, I would like to start off by using PPC and my own Shopify website with my US based private label supplier taking care of the fulfillment. I have some capital, so paying for the products and ads is not a problem. My question is: Can my business survive on just using this model?
The reason I ask is that I’ve heard from MarkScottAdams that only something like 1% of PPC clickers respond positively, but that a much higher number (I can’t remember the exact amount – something like 15%) respond positively with credit card in hand for Amazon.

So for various reasons, I won’t be able to start with Amazon, but would like to know if it is actually viable to do PPC with my Shopify website and actually succeed.

Many thanks,

Oliver
#amazon #ppc #question
  • Profile picture of the author Oliver999
    In essence, I just need to know if an online, private label supplement business can be successfully run without Amazon by just using PPC leads to a Shopify website.
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    • Profile picture of the author Steve B
      Yes it can.

      Your challenge will be fourfold:
      1. Rising above the crowd of other supplements and proving that your product is superior to other established brands that already dominate the marketplace.
      2. Marketing your product effectively where the cost to the best PPC keywords is going to be quite expensive given the many competitors.
      3. Understanding how to navigate the supplement selling environment, paying for effective selling copy for your web site offer, and knowing the best (cost effective) places to advertise.
      4. Establishing your credibility and trust level with prospects. Why will they buy from you since your brand is no-name, your business is brand new, you have no track record or social proof.
      Yes, all these challenges can be overcome with time and a lot of capital. But, IMO, that's what it's going to take for you to be successful in this business. Be prepared for significant effort and time before the business pays off.


      Steve
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      Steve Browne, online business strategies, tips, guidance, and resources
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  • Profile picture of the author newxxx
    steve b makes some excellent ponts

    i'd think that unless you have million dollar business resources, it would be hard to private-label supplements
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    • Profile picture of the author Oliver999
      Wow!.

      Thanks Steve B and newxxx.

      I thought that private labeling supplements would be something of sure thing (if done well). If that is the case, can you guys suggest something else where you think my capital would be better spent, with faster results.

      Oliver
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      • Profile picture of the author Steve B
        Oliver,

        It will be difficult for someone to just tell you what business to begin.

        We don't know your talents, expertise, education, past training, your resources available for the business, your passions, or anything else about you.

        I mention all these things because I normally suggest that a new entrepreneur survey his talents, interests, and resources and find something that could be monetized from his expertise - his "advantage" that will brand him as an expert in a particular niche right now.

        Find something that you know, are skilled at, or are very passionate about and leverage your knowledge and skill so that you are perceived as an expert already without much further effort.

        Understand that it's also very important that you find a niche where you can satisfy a current "demand" in the marketplace. Look for a problem that you can solve with a product or service. Or find a widespread desire that people have that you can satisfy.

        Selling online is all about selling solutions and meeting needs and desires that are already out there.

        The very best to you.

        Steve
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      • Profile picture of the author Randall Magwood
        Originally Posted by Oliver999 View Post

        ...can you guys suggest something else where you think my capital would be better spent, with faster results.
        Yes. Selling information products that you create yourself, and set good prices for. Have you ever sold an ebook, DVD, CD, or even book online before?
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        ==>> Free book reveals make money with affiliate marketing
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        • Profile picture of the author Oliver999
          Thank you, Steve B and Randall.

          No, I haven't sold an e-book like that. I am quite interested in supplements; thus my desire to do private labeling.

          I feel that this is the area I would like to develop expertise in now.
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