Beginner's course for marketing?

45 replies
I am extremely new to marketing and am overwhelmed 24/7 with all of it, but have a strong desire to market our website successfully. I'd love to find a beginner's course of some sort that could point me in the right direction for my particular market/website but don't even know which techniques to study (there seem to be so many and I'd rather start by learning the most effective strategies for my website). My husband and I are both servers and created a website for waiters and bartenders with comedy songs/videos and merchandise geared toward restaurant workers. Anyone care to take a quick look and offer some marketing advice? We just aren't getting traffic. I already ran a couple of facebook ads and we follow targeted people on Twitter (and also post on other blogs and forums relating to our topic, but I don't think waiters and bartenders really hang out at those places) so now I'm at a loss. Thanks so much for any input! Our website is pushthefish.com
#beginner #marketing
  • Profile picture of the author wfhblueprints
    Originally Posted by Josie Epperson View Post

    I am extremely new to marketing and am overwhelmed 24/7 with all of it, but have a strong desire to market our website successfully. I'd love to find a beginner's course of some sort that could point me in the right direction for my particular market/website but don't even know which techniques to study (there seem to be so many and I'd rather start by learning the most effective strategies for my website). My husband and I are both servers and created a website for waiters and bartenders with comedy songs/videos and merchandise geared toward restaurant workers. Anyone care to take a quick look and offer some marketing advice? We just aren't getting traffic. I already ran a couple of facebook ads and we follow targeted people on Twitter (and also post on other blogs and forums relating to our topic, but I don't think waiters and bartenders really hang out at those places) so now I'm at a loss. Thanks so much for any input! Our website is pushthefish.com

    Hi Josie,

    Its pretty normal to feel overwhelmed by the scale of things....there is too much information out there.

    Whats the main aim of the site?

    Having taken a look at your site I would recommend getting the Free 5 Ep offer above the fold (I.e make it more prominent) to increase your conversions to your list.

    In terms of traffic....

    Have you looked for related forums/blogs?
    Are their any restaurant related associations you could contact?

    You might want to have the facebook Fanbox plugin installed rather than all the social buttons it might drive more people to your facebook page and in turn drive some more viral traffic...

    Hope this helps

    Chris
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5552628].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Josie Epperson
      Originally Posted by wfhblueprints View Post

      Hi Josie,

      Its pretty normal to feel overwhelmed by the scale of things....there is too much information out there.

      Whats the main aim of the site?

      Having taken a look at your site I would recommend getting the Free 5 Ep offer above the fold (I.e make it more prominent) to increase your conversions to your list.

      In terms of traffic....

      Have you looked for related forums/blogs?
      Are their any restaurant related associations you could contact?

      You might want to have the facebook Fanbox plugin installed rather than all the social buttons it might drive more people to your facebook page and in turn drive some more viral traffic...

      Hope this helps

      Chris
      Hi Chris! Thanks so much for the response. I suppose the main aim of the site itself is to sell our album and merchandise. We give away the free EP in exchange for an email and also for traffic from Spotify, Grooveshark, Jango, Rhapsody and other music sites all in hopes for sales.

      We've certainly considered that no one buys music anymore and that we should just give it away to draw people in and then create products to sell from our website. We currently have T-Shirts, Physical CD's, and "Server Book Covers" (which I invented and the servers I work with all seem to ask for so they can personalize their own books) and I plan to add more to the list. (I just don't know what yet!)

      As for blogs and forums, we are pretty active on several of them, but still don't have the type of traffic I had hoped for. Again, I don't think many (compared to how many there are in the U.S.) waiters and bartenders hang out on these sites. But I don't know WHERE they hang out! Mixed in everywhere it would seem.

      I will try the Facebook Fanbox and see how that works out, thanks! And as for restaurant associations.....I'm not sure how well received we'd be but I could look into that as well! (We tend to push the envelope with our lyrics and subject matter!)

      Thank you so much for your input!
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5553949].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author frankm
    Hi

    You've come to a marketing website, and when posts like this come up the first thing people often ask is "Is there a market for what you're trying to sell?"

    And "Comedy Music For The Restaurant Industry" is a fairly niche topic ;-)

    But your website does look very good, and you've clearly put a lot of work into it.

    And obviously you're pretty talented.

    My gut instinct is that you might end up as some kind of live act - is that a possibility? I could see you as entertainment at restaurant worker Christmas parties etc... perhaps that would be easier to market yourself for?

    I'm not sure if that's something you'd want to do, but I think if I was working in the restaurant industry I'd be more interested in being entertained live than actually buying a record of music about the industry I work in.

    Sorry not to be of more help!

    Frank
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5552630].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Josie Epperson
      Originally Posted by frankm View Post

      Hi

      You've come to a marketing website, and when posts like this come up the first thing people often ask is "Is there a market for what you're trying to sell?"

      And "Comedy Music For The Restaurant Industry" is a fairly niche topic ;-)

      But your website does look very good, and you've clearly put a lot of work into it.

      And obviously you're pretty talented.

      My gut instinct is that you might end up as some kind of live act - is that a possibility? I could see you as entertainment at restaurant worker Christmas parties etc... perhaps that would be easier to market yourself for?

      I'm not sure if that's something you'd want to do, but I think if I was working in the restaurant industry I'd be more interested in being entertained live than actually buying a record of music about the industry I work in.

      Sorry not to be of more help!

      Frank
      Hi Frank! Naturally, my heart sank as I read parts of your reply, but my husband and I certainly don't want to waste precious time and money if this is going to go absolutely nowhere. Live entertainment isn't the route either of us would want to go as we have 6 children and both work and it just wouldn't be a family friendly venture at the moment. I do understand about not wanting to buy music as most people stream their music these days or all out steal it. We are considering other products to sell from the website (before throwing in the towel) and then just use our music on streaming sites to get people to the site itself. Thank you so much for your input! It's very much appreciated.

      And thank you so much for your kind compliments!
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5553989].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Brian Alaway
    Is there already a market that is buying something similar to this? You may be trying to create a market where there is none. Not saying that this can't work since I don't really know this niche but creating your own market is much, much harder than selling to an existing market. You could spend lots of time and/or money to drive traffic only to find that it doesn't convert. Much easier to find an existing market that's already buying and sell something that is better, cheaper, faster, simpler, etc.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5552690].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Snow_Predator
      Originally Posted by Brian Alaway View Post

      Is there already a market that is buying something similar to this? You may be trying to create a market where there is none. Not saying that this can't work since I don't really know this niche but creating your own market is much, much harder than selling to an existing market. You could spend lots of time and/or money to drive traffic only to find that it doesn't convert. Much easier to find an existing market that's already buying and sell something that is better, cheaper, faster, simpler, etc.
      Brian is absolutely right. One of the biggest mistakes you can make here is to put product/service creation BEFORE market research.

      Of course it is important to go into a niche that you are either good at and/or thoroughly enjoy, but it is far more important to make sure that this is a niche that other people are interested in and preferably willing to spend money on.

      I know this is not the answer you want, but there is a possibility here that you could be flogging a dead horse. My first website was one on how to accelerate guitar learning with hypnosis.

      I then came across the Gary Halbert Letter and realized I had done it all wrong. The idea is to find a hungry market first and then to give them the product/service they want, not to make a product/service and then go hunting for a market >_<

      So my advise to you would be to...

      1. Read the Garry Halbert Letter
      2. Do some market research to see if there really is a market for your niche - are waiters and bartenders actually looking for this kind of information? Or are they instead looking for guides instructing them specifically on how to get higher tips? Go on Amazon.com - see what kind of books are selling well for bartenders and waiters. Go on the Google Keyword tool, and see what kind of keyword phrases these people are searching for online
      3. If there is no market for your niche, then drop the website - sell it or just leave it and start looking for another niche. If there IS a market, then... well you ought to focus on generating traffic to your site, and that is a topic for another thread ^_^
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5553074].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author frankm
        Originally Posted by Snow_Predator View Post

        Read the Garry Halbert Letter
        Yes absolutely, that's where you learn what marketing really is (finding a market and selling something to it)...
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5553087].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author Josie Epperson
          Originally Posted by frankm View Post

          Yes absolutely, that's where you learn what marketing really is (finding a market and selling something to it)...
          Thank you, Frank! That is my required reading tonight!
          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5554200].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author Josie Epperson
        Originally Posted by Snow_Predator View Post

        Brian is absolutely right. One of the biggest mistakes you can make here is to put product/service creation BEFORE market research.

        Of course it is important to go into a niche that you are either good at and/or thoroughly enjoy, but it is far more important to make sure that this is a niche that other people are interested in and preferably willing to spend money on.

        I know this is not the answer you want, but there is a possibility here that you could be flogging a dead horse. My first website was one on how to accelerate guitar learning with hypnosis.

        I then came across the Gary Halbert Letter and realized I had done it all wrong. The idea is to find a hungry market first and then to give them the product/service they want, not to make a product/service and then go hunting for a market >_<

        So my advise to you would be to...

        1. Read the Garry Halbert Letter
        2. Do some market research to see if there really is a market for your niche - are waiters and bartenders actually looking for this kind of information? Or are they instead looking for guides instructing them specifically on how to get higher tips? Go on Amazon.com - see what kind of books are selling well for bartenders and waiters. Go on the Google Keyword tool, and see what kind of keyword phrases these people are searching for online
        3. If there is no market for your niche, then drop the website - sell it or just leave it and start looking for another niche. If there IS a market, then... well you ought to focus on generating traffic to your site, and that is a topic for another thread ^_^
        Hello Snow_Predator! Ahhh, flogging a dead horse. I cringe. If this IS the case then I wish I WERE the dead horse! Okay, just kidding......BUT you've all certainly helped me to see things from another perspective. I guess I've looked at our "business" as a "band" and certainly some bands have nice followings and support. Waiters and bartenders tend to bitch, gripe, complain and totally relate to one another regarding MANY aspects of our job, which my husband and I sing about in a comedic way. Anytime an article is written up about someone not tipping (or various other issues waiters deal with) waiters (and even ex-waiters) are the first AND most passionate responders to the posts. So, we took all those issues and wrote, produced and put out comedy songs about them in hopes that they would incite the same emotions I read on all of these comments. We threw in a few T-Shirts and a couple of other merchandise ideas and hoped to sit back and watch the cash roll in. Then I had trouble getting traffic....even though I was doing the things I've read to do. So I came here. And now I'm totally rethinking the last 5 years of work! Ahh!

        Ironically, I went to The Gary Halbert Letter and read about the Water Story. One of the lines in there read......

        "Buy a Luminaries branded EcoUsable bottle and receive music downloads inside!"

        I was inspired. I wonder now what I can place music downloads inside of? LOL.


        Thank you, Snow_Predator. I'm going to read the rest of his letters now.
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5554190].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Josie Epperson
      Originally Posted by Brian Alaway View Post

      Is there already a market that is buying something similar to this? You may be trying to create a market where there is none. Not saying that this can't work since I don't really know this niche but creating your own market is much, much harder than selling to an existing market. You could spend lots of time and/or money to drive traffic only to find that it doesn't convert. Much easier to find an existing market that's already buying and sell something that is better, cheaper, faster, simpler, etc.
      Hi Brian! I guess the market that is "similar" would be a group like the ones who follow "Flight of the Conchords" or "Weird Al" or some of "The Lonely Island's" stuff. (At least we THINK that's the case. We use an elevator pitch that says... "If 'Weird Al' Yankovic and the guys from Saturday Night Live all waited tables, and then got together and made an album about it, this would be it!" So in general, that's who we are targeting.)

      In your opinion, if we can't convert music sales, should we focus on WHAT our target audience WOULD buy and try to sell it alongside the music? I definitely get the feeling that many here feel as though there just isn't a market for us. (And that's cool, I highly value the minds on this forum! But if there IS a way to still use this vehicle to make it work then we will simply shift our efforts in a different direction with it!)

      Thank you for your honest feedback!
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5554041].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author TopKat22
    There are a lot of free information in the Make Money forum on here.

    The key to successfully marketing online starts with market and keyword research.

    You want to find markets where you can sell what people are already buying and that doesn't have too much competition.

    If you find those types of niches, it is easier to get traffic, get sign ups and make sales.

    I suggest you do this research on your current niche to see if it fits or do what you can to make it fit and then work to get free targeted traffic.

    I also sent you a PM.
    Signature
    44 days in and we broke the $10K a month recurring bench mark.

    Guaranteed 60% Opt In Rate Traffic-Real People-Fresh Today-High Quality Biz Opp traffic![/URL]
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5554209].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Josie Epperson
      Originally Posted by TopKat22 View Post

      There are a lot of free information in the Make Money forum on here.

      The key to successfully marketing online starts with market and keyword research.

      You want to find markets where you can sell what people are already buying and that doesn't have too much competition.

      If you find those types of niches, it is easier to get traffic, get sign ups and make sales.

      I suggest you do this research on your current niche to see if it fits or do what you can to make it fit and then work to get free targeted traffic.

      I also sent you a PM.
      Hi TopKat! I'm beginning to see this now, and I thought to a degree I had already done this. I searched "waiter, bartender, tips, tipping, waitress," etc., and it fit the criteria I had learned about in Ed Dale's challenge, so I thought I had hit on something that may work. Now I'm thinking that maybe I misunderstood?

      I just checked my inbox, and no PM. Would you mind sending it again? Thank you!
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5554238].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author Josie Epperson
        Originally Posted by Josie Epperson View Post

        Hi TopKat! I'm beginning to see this now, and I thought to a degree I had already done this. I searched "waiter, bartender, tips, tipping, waitress," etc., and it fit the criteria I had learned about in Ed Dale's challenge, so I thought I had hit on something that may work. Now I'm thinking that maybe I misunderstood?

        I just checked my inbox, and no PM. Would you mind sending it again? Thank you!
        Okay, I got it TopKat! Thanks so much!
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5554251].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author dsouravs
    I saw Ur site and I think Ur on page SEO is -tive.
    I dont know what software u used to make ur site but when I see its source codes it shows no content. I think that's the reason its performing terribly in SERPS.
    Why not use WP?
    Create pages and posts with targeted keywords with contents and header tags and all.

    Thnx
    Signature

    I can convert your Non-Responsive website to Responsive website ... How sweet is that? :)

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5554229].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Josie Epperson
      Originally Posted by dsouravs View Post

      I saw Ur site and I think Ur on page SEO is -tive.
      I dont know what software u used to make ur site but when I see its source codes it shows no content. I think that's the reason its performing terribly in SERPS.
      Why not use WP?
      Create pages and posts with targeted keywords with contents and header tags and all.

      Thnx
      Hi dsouravs! We are currently using a host site called "Bandzoogle" since we do not have any experience with building websites and do not currently have the budget for it. We thought it would be okay to start with this and then move over at another point in time. I guess they don't "share" the content? They gave us the option of using keywords and tags and such and we filled in the fields, so I don't understand why none of it would be showing up? Of course, I don't really understand what you mean by "it shows no content" or why that's relevant to it's performance either! :rolleyes: I have SO much to learn. It would be a shame though if we couldn't optimize our pages, right? I will talk to the admins of the site about that. Thank you SO much for your time and effort in helping us!
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5554283].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author TopKat22
        Originally Posted by Josie Epperson View Post

        Hi dsouravs! We are currently using a host site called "Bandzoogle" since we do not have any experience with building websites and do not currently have the budget for it. We thought it would be okay to start with this and then move over at another point in time. I guess they don't "share" the content? They gave us the option of using keywords and tags and such and we filled in the fields, so I don't understand why none of it would be showing up? Of course, I don't really understand what you mean by "it shows no content" or why that's relevant to it's performance either! :rolleyes: I have SO much to learn. It would be a shame though if we couldn't optimize our pages, right? I will talk to the admins of the site about that. Thank you SO much for your time and effort in helping us!
        Many of use do not depend on search engines for our traffic so if you can get targeted traffic elsewhere, the web site you have is fine.

        However, I had no previous knowledge or tech skill to set up a webpage and I learned how to put up the basics and I've gotten page 1 of Google with several sites now in highly competitive niche markets.

        So now, the search engine traffic I get is just a bonus.
        Signature
        44 days in and we broke the $10K a month recurring bench mark.

        Guaranteed 60% Opt In Rate Traffic-Real People-Fresh Today-High Quality Biz Opp traffic![/URL]
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5554296].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author Josie Epperson
          Originally Posted by TopKat22 View Post

          Many of use do not depend on search engines for our traffic so if you can get targeted traffic elsewhere, the web site you have is fine.

          However, I had no previous knowledge or tech skill to set up a webpage and I learned how to put up the basics and I've gotten page 1 of Google with several sites now in highly competitive niche markets.

          So now, the search engine traffic I get is just a bonus.
          Thankfully, I really enjoy learning all of this, so it doesn't seem like a chore. (If only I had MORE time!) And I will definitely look into the other ways and learn what I can. Congratulations on your success! I hope to find it as well!
          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5554317].message }}
          • Profile picture of the author TopKat22
            Originally Posted by Josie Epperson View Post

            Thankfully, I really enjoy learning all of this, so it doesn't seem like a chore. (If only I had MORE time!) And I will definitely look into the other ways and learn what I can. Congratulations on your success! I hope to find it as well!
            You can do it.

            I had some successful offline businesses and had paid web designers and others to put those online as the internet evolved, however, I semi retired and then years later decided to do IM for myself.

            It was only Sept. 2011, in a state of confusion about where to start, that I posted in this forum to get some advice and direction.

            Focus and action where the common things mentioned.

            Now, I know, what is really takes is a system. Once you come up with one that works, you just scale it up and repeat it (if you want) in other niches.

            In a nutshell, the very basic steps are:
            Market, niche and keyword research so that you get faster results with less effort.

            Create website. (I highly recommend this. You should not ever send your hard created traffic to someone elses offer without capturing them yourself first.)

            Have a system to create a list. Build a relationship and eventually promote valuable products/services to your list.

            Get targeted traffic. Many free methods that are effective and have nothing to do with search engines.

            Once all that is done, tweak it one thing at a time until you get the opt in, opens and conversion rates you want.
            Signature
            44 days in and we broke the $10K a month recurring bench mark.

            Guaranteed 60% Opt In Rate Traffic-Real People-Fresh Today-High Quality Biz Opp traffic![/URL]
            {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5554342].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author EvanBeck
    I won't cite a specific course, but will tell anyone getting into online marketing to start building lists. Stay in evergreen niches, and don't worry about making money right off the bat...the money will come once you have a list.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5554269].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Josie Epperson
      Originally Posted by EvanBeck View Post

      I won't cite a specific course, but will tell anyone getting into online marketing to start building lists. Stay in evergreen niches, and don't worry about making money right off the bat...the money will come once you have a list.
      Hi Evan! I'm assuming you mean an email list? Newbie, here. I have somewhat of a system in place for collecting emails though I still do not have an email marketing system or newsletter of any kind. I have a few on my list already and have no idea what to do with them! That's my next study! I would think that waiters and music are both pretty "evergreen"....would you say? I don't see either of them going away anytime soon! And we are in this....or something like this for the long haul! Thank you for your advice!
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5554304].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Lazy Larry
      Josie,
      Just out of curiousity I did a quick Google Keyword Tool Search on your Meta Keywords. If you plug in the keywords, you'll find that all of them have low competition but one, Bartenders, which is not a good sign.
      You want to see competition, like TopKat was talking about, which I think you have already figured out.
      Also, the keywords you have targeted in your Meta Keywords and the keywords that come back when I plugged your site into the Google Keyword Tool to see what Google thinks your site is about and it comes back for a lot of keywords that are going to be very difficult to rank for.
      In my opinion, I think sometype of paid promotion online or offline is what you're needing.
      Try doing a search in Google for Weird Al and Sat. Night Live and see what sites come up. Copy down the top 10 or so of each one, then take those sites to Quantcast.com and see what the demographics of the audiences of those sites are and compare them to the market you think you are targetting. Are they similiar, do they have commone characteristics of what you are going for. If so, then you could do some small media buys on websites that match the demographics that you are going for. Atleast you will have a better chance of converting a customer that is probaly more likely to buy. If you on a tight or no budget, then offer the website owner a share of the revenues or something.
      If that interests you, do some more research on here and look for media buys or do a google search or youtube search for more info on media buys. Maybe investing in a WSO in paid placements would benefit your cause.
      I hope my advice helps a little bit.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5554372].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author Josie Epperson
        Originally Posted by LHForce View Post

        Josie,
        Just out of curiousity I did a quick Google Keyword Tool Search on your Meta Keywords. If you plug in the keywords, you'll find that all of them have low competition but one, Bartenders, which is not a good sign.
        You want to see competition, like TopKat was talking about, which I think you have already figured out.
        Also, the keywords you have targeted in your Meta Keywords and the keywords that come back when I plugged your site into the Google Keyword Tool to see what Google thinks your site is about and it comes back for a lot of keywords that are going to be very difficult to rank for.
        In my opinion, I think sometype of paid promotion online or offline is what you're needing.
        Try doing a search in Google for Weird Al and Sat. Night Live and see what sites come up. Copy down the top 10 or so of each one, then take those sites to Quantcast.com and see what the demographics of the audiences of those sites are and compare them to the market you think you are targetting. Are they similiar, do they have commone characteristics of what you are going for. If so, then you could do some small media buys on websites that match the demographics that you are going for. Atleast you will have a better chance of converting a customer that is probaly more likely to buy. If you on a tight or no budget, then offer the website owner a share of the revenues or something.
        If that interests you, do some more research on here and look for media buys or do a google search or youtube search for more info on media buys. Maybe investing in a WSO in paid placements would benefit your cause.
        I hope my advice helps a little bit.
        LHForce, your post gives me hope! I would rather try first to make what I have work rather than to scrap it and start all over. I am going to go back over what you proposed very carefully and see if this is an immediate solution I can implement for now. Thank you so much!
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5554397].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author TopKat22
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by Josie Epperson
    Hi TopKat! I'm beginning to see this now, and I thought to a degree I had already done this. I searched "waiter, bartender, tips, tipping, waitress," etc., and it fit the criteria I had learned about in Ed Dale's challenge, so I thought I had hit on something that may work. Now I'm thinking that maybe I misunderstood?

    I just checked my inbox, and no PM. Would you mind sending it again? Thank you!


    Okay, I got it TopKat! Thanks so much!

    You are welcome.

    I think those keywords are too generic.

    What problems to these people have?
    What solutions can you provide for them?

    Once you have identified a problem and you can provide a solution, you want to look at what else you can provide to help these people that is of value to them and something that eventually they will be willing to pay a small fee for so that you can make some money for providing the information, product or service to them.

    I also look for niches where the product or service will be needed monthly on a recurring basis and/or a niche where I can start by giving something free, selling valuable stuff at lower price and then having a higher price product/service for the serious buyer who want faster, easier results.
    Signature
    44 days in and we broke the $10K a month recurring bench mark.

    Guaranteed 60% Opt In Rate Traffic-Real People-Fresh Today-High Quality Biz Opp traffic![/URL]
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5554288].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Josie Epperson
      Originally Posted by TopKat22 View Post


      You are welcome.

      I think those keywords are too generic.

      What problems to these people have?
      What solutions can you provide for them?

      Once you have identified a problem and you can provide a solution, you want to look at what else you can provide to help these people that is of value to them and something that eventually they will be willing to pay a small fee for so that you can make some money for providing the information, product or service to them.

      I also look for niches where the product or service will be needed monthly on a recurring basis and/or a niche where I can start by giving something free, selling valuable stuff at lower price and then having a higher price product/service for the serious buyer who want faster, easier results.
      I practically laughed out loud when I read "What problem do these people have?" because, O boy could I name a few! Drugs would be number one on my list, followed by too much partying and not enough money!

      But seriously, I have read that those questions are the key and if I can answer that, then I'll make money. But I can't seem to answer that. Waiters and bartenders come in "all makes and models" and nothing specific to them comes to mind. (Other than "How to make bigger tips" and I can't picture any of them actually taking an article based on that seriously or even reading it....except maybe a very select few. And maybe I'm wrong? But the people we work with just wouldn't be interested in reading those types of things.)
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5554334].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author TopKat22
        Originally Posted by Josie Epperson View Post

        I practically laughed out loud when I read "What problem do these people have?" because, O boy could I name a few! Drugs would be number one on my list, followed by too much partying and not enough money!

        But seriously, I have read that those questions are the key and if I can answer that, then I'll make money. But I can't seem to answer that. Waiters and bartenders come in "all makes and models" and nothing specific to them comes to mind. (Other than "How to make bigger tips" and I can't picture any of them actually taking an article based on that seriously or even reading it....except maybe a very select few. And maybe I'm wrong? But the people we work with just wouldn't be interested in reading those types of things.)
        This is where the market and keyword research I go over is vital. You start with what you DO know and then go from there.

        For instance, for an example- I just put the term "how to make bigger tips" and "how to make more tips" in the Google keyword tool, exact match and the results were 16 and 58 respectively Global Monthly Searches.

        My guideline is at least 2500 Global Monthly Searches to even use a keyword.

        Even though I don't depend on search engines for traffic, this shows you the interest level of that idea or niche online. Not very high.

        I'm not saying you can't make any money in the niche, I'm saying that you either have to find another approach or find another market that has more prospective clients.
        Signature
        44 days in and we broke the $10K a month recurring bench mark.

        Guaranteed 60% Opt In Rate Traffic-Real People-Fresh Today-High Quality Biz Opp traffic![/URL]
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5554357].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author Josie Epperson
          Originally Posted by TopKat22 View Post

          This is where the market and keyword research I go over is vital. You start with what you DO know and then go from there.

          For instance, for an example- I just put the term "how to make bigger tips" and "how to make more tips" in the Google keyword tool, exact match and the results were 16 and 58 respectively Global Monthly Searches.

          My guideline is at least 2500 Global Monthly Searches to even use a keyword.

          Even though I don't depend on search engines for traffic, this shows you the interest level of that idea or niche online. Not very high.

          I'm not saying you can't make any money in the niche, I'm saying that you either have to find another approach or find another market that has more prospective clients.
          I guess originally my idea wasn't to solve a problem for them, but to entertain them. Where does that fit in? Or does it? We've given our music away to locals and then had listening parties to get feedback and everyone says the music is spot on and hilarious. They do tell their friends, but not many are buying. Could we USE our music to draw people to our site and then try to sell something else?
          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5554374].message }}
          • Profile picture of the author Lazy Larry
            Another thing I just thought of, are your songs listed on Itunes? I listened to some of the songs and I think they are the type of thing that could go viral with the right push.
            {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5554390].message }}
            • Profile picture of the author Josie Epperson
              Originally Posted by LHForce View Post

              Another thing I just thought of, are your songs listed on Itunes? I listened to some of the songs and I think they are the type of thing that could go viral with the right push.
              Thanks, LHForce! We are on itunes. And CD baby. And our own Youtube channel. And Amazon. And several others. We've only been launched now for about 5 days. I guess I should be a little more patient! (We were in pre-launch stage for awhile, though)
              {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5554406].message }}
            • Profile picture of the author Josie Epperson
              Originally Posted by LHForce View Post

              Another thing I just thought of, are your songs listed on Itunes? I listened to some of the songs and I think they are the type of thing that could go viral with the right push.
              And ha ha..."push"....we call ourselves "Push The Fish"!
              {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5554472].message }}
              • Profile picture of the author Josie Epperson
                Thank you SO VERY MUCH to everyone who is taking the time to respond to my post! I was REALLY hoping to come here and find some great advice, and I have! I'm so grateful!
                {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5554479].message }}
          • Profile picture of the author TopKat22
            Originally Posted by Josie Epperson View Post

            I guess originally my idea wasn't to solve a problem for them, but to entertain them. Where does that fit in? Or does it? We've given our music away to locals and then had listening parties to get feedback and everyone says the music is spot on and hilarious. They do tell their friends, but not many are buying. Could we USE our music to draw people to our site and then try to sell something else?
            Yes, of course, as a matter of fact, you should pick markets where you can easliy sell upgraded products or related products to them.

            However, I would get them on a list to do so. It is hard enough to get traffic once. Let alone repeat traffic. And people spend less and less time even on sites they like.

            The reason all the top marketers and "gurus" say "the money is in the list" is because it is true.

            Plus, once you build a list, it is your asset. Regardless of what else changes that you cannot control, you would still own your list.
            Signature
            44 days in and we broke the $10K a month recurring bench mark.

            Guaranteed 60% Opt In Rate Traffic-Real People-Fresh Today-High Quality Biz Opp traffic![/URL]
            {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5554442].message }}
            • Profile picture of the author Josie Epperson
              Originally Posted by TopKat22 View Post

              Yes, of course, as a matter of fact, you should pick markets where you can easliy sell upgraded products or related products to them.

              However, I would get them on a list to do so. It is hard enough to get traffic once. Let alone repeat traffic. And people spend less and less time even on sites they like.

              The reason all the top marketers and "gurus" say "the money is in the list" is because it is true.

              Plus, once you build a list, it is your asset. Regardless of what else changes that you cannot control, you would still own your list.
              On our site, we give away a free EP download in exchange for an email. We've gotten a few to sign up, but maybe we need to offer some other item instead. Now, as far as marketing to them in a newsletter.....ugh! I suppose we hire someone to write it for us? That seems a bit overwhelming.
              {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5554464].message }}
              • Profile picture of the author TopKat22
                Originally Posted by Josie Epperson View Post

                On our site, we give away a free EP download in exchange for an email. We've gotten a few to sign up, but maybe we need to offer some other item instead. Now, as far as marketing to them in a newsletter.....ugh! I suppose we hire someone to write it for us? That seems a bit overwhelming.
                You do not need to hire someone to create a fancy newsletter.

                The followup emails can be just an short emails. I have found these do much better than newsletters anyway.

                I'm sure you can do it yourself.

                Plus, if you do want to create a fancy newsletter for once a month or something, in addition to the followup regular emails, autoresponders like aweber have great templates to just fill in the blanks with your information.

                I think it is overwhelm that keeps most people from going forward but when I finally just decided to learn a little and do it myself, it wasn't so hard at all.

                Then I tweaked one thing at a time until I was getting good stats.

                And yes, I would say if you are getting decent traffic that you feel is coming from valid sources and few or no sign ups, I would change the offer to something more enticing.
                Signature
                44 days in and we broke the $10K a month recurring bench mark.

                Guaranteed 60% Opt In Rate Traffic-Real People-Fresh Today-High Quality Biz Opp traffic![/URL]
                {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5554490].message }}
                • Profile picture of the author Josie Epperson
                  Originally Posted by TopKat22 View Post

                  You do not need to hire someone to create a fancy newsletter.

                  The followup emails can be just an short emails. I have found these do much better than newsletters anyway.

                  I'm sure you can do it yourself.

                  Plus, if you do want to create a fancy newsletter for once a month or something, in addition to the followup regular emails, autoresponders like aweber have great templates to just fill in the blanks with your information.

                  I think it is overwhelm that keeps most people from going forward but when I finally just decided to learn a little and do it myself, it wasn't so hard at all.

                  Then I tweaked one thing at a time until I was getting good stats.

                  And yes, I would say if you are getting decent traffic that you feel is coming from valid sources and few or no sign ups, I would change the offer to something more enticing.
                  You sure are encouraging! Okay....I do best by "mimicking" what others have done, so reading some other emails and newsletters will help me, I'm sure!
                  {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5554516].message }}
                  • Profile picture of the author TopKat22
                    Originally Posted by Josie Epperson View Post

                    You sure are encouraging! Okay....I do best by "mimicking" what others have done, so reading some other emails and newsletters will help me, I'm sure!
                    Yes, great idea.

                    The key is to be mimicking people who are promoting to your similar markets.

                    The first step is to get targeted traffic, then to have a great offer to get signups, then the first email is the most important email, because it is the one most everyone will open.

                    After that, subject lines are most important because if they don't get someone to open it, who cares what it says inside anyway.

                    Then work on the contents of the emails to get conversions.

                    So, I take it one step at a time and keep tweaking these things in the order above until I get the stats I want. And I have to tell you, in each niche, I was very surprised at the very small amount of tweaking that was ever needed.

                    Something as small as changing -- "Sign up for ______ " to
                    "Click this link now to get your very own immediate access to _______" in an email.

                    You CAN do it.

                    Just keep it up.
                    Signature
                    44 days in and we broke the $10K a month recurring bench mark.

                    Guaranteed 60% Opt In Rate Traffic-Real People-Fresh Today-High Quality Biz Opp traffic![/URL]
                    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5554541].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Michael Meaney
    Ed Dale's 30 day challenge might be worth checking out, ideal for complete newbies http://www.challenge.co
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5554402].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Josie Epperson
      Originally Posted by Mick Meaney View Post

      Ed Dale's 30 day challenge might be worth checking out, ideal for complete newbies http://www.challenge.co
      Thanks, Mick! I made it through about day number 13 on the last challenge and "life" happened so I stopped, but I've always intended on going back and redoing the whole thing! I really did learn quite a bit, even in 13 days!
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5554443].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Warrior Soul
    I believe you need to go to the offline section in the forum

    Because your website target offline niche..

    I think that is the best the place to post your thread in... they well help you a lot.

    by the way, I liked you website it is nice

    and all the best in your life and business

    Best regards,
    Warrior Soul

    Originally Posted by Josie Epperson View Post

    I am extremely new to marketing and am overwhelmed 24/7 with all of it, but have a strong desire to market our website successfully. I'd love to find a beginner's course of some sort that could point me in the right direction for my particular market/website but don't even know which techniques to study (there seem to be so many and I'd rather start by learning the most effective strategies for my website). My husband and I are both servers and created a website for waiters and bartenders with comedy songs/videos and merchandise geared toward restaurant workers. Anyone care to take a quick look and offer some marketing advice? We just aren't getting traffic. I already ran a couple of facebook ads and we follow targeted people on Twitter (and also post on other blogs and forums relating to our topic, but I don't think waiters and bartenders really hang out at those places) so now I'm at a loss. Thanks so much for any input! Our website is pushthefish.com
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5554510].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author AnnaSEO
    Spy through other websites in your niche.Find what they do and it will help you succeed.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5554573].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author yasser
    Have you thought of selling your awesome products on ebay. I think this will be a good starter. You will be able to build a good list of customers and you can promote your website through these customers. Try ebay, it is always the best for starters. Best of luck
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5554596].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author twelvejewelz
    Ill tell you right now there is no need to pay for any courses. With this site and the amount of info available online you will have all you need and more. Read the link in my sig and it may give you a couple basic ideas where you can start promoting. You need to figure out exactly who your audience is before anything
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5554727].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Randall Magwood
    What is it that you want your visitors to do? Do you want them to check out your new CD? Do you want them to like you on Facebook or follow you Twitter. Do you want them to subscribe to your email newsletter? Do you want them to wait to listen to your music? Do you want them to read your blog?

    Be decisive, and stick to one strategy. I personally would stick with having them sign up for email newsletter. All of that other stuff can come later.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5554753].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Lazy Larry
      It's funny when you start following a thread and get involved in it. You get emotionally attached to it.
      Randall just got me thinking with his post. Facebook!!! I know you have a Facebook page already, so if it was me, I would be trying to drive people to like your Facebook page. I would highly bet, your target market of bartenders, waiters and waitresses are Hyper-active on Facebook.
      I think driving people to Facebook would be a good way to build your "list" would be a good strategy. Maybe if they "like" your page, they get a Free Song.
      Like I said before, the product you are putting out could become a viral product in the bartender/waiter/waitress crowd if it catches on and Facebook is a great way to help get that wildfire going.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5563662].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author YasirYar
    Josie you have just pushed your fish in the vast ocean of internet. You can either be patient or do some offline marketing in your hometown. This way you will get some local publicity before you get global recognition. You should work on your social media as well and build a twitter community to begin with. Talk to me if you need more info
    Signature

    >>>Get your websites ACTUALLY ranked by checking these out: Quantum SEO Labs, Home Page Link Building & SERP Ability. Want to get rid of negative listings? Check out Reputation Enhancer.

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5563903].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author TopKat22
    I still think "list building" is the best place to start. It isn't really too difficult to get started in that.

    You really do need to get a method, a niche and create a systematic approach so that you can really make it.

    So many newbies in the beginning waste a lot of time and money jumping from thing to thing.
    Signature
    44 days in and we broke the $10K a month recurring bench mark.

    Guaranteed 60% Opt In Rate Traffic-Real People-Fresh Today-High Quality Biz Opp traffic![/URL]
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5564033].message }}

Trending Topics