I just started a web-based business. Need to know how to get customers?

Question

I just started a web-based business selling exotic teas from the Caspian rain forests. They are wonderful teas and everyone who has tried them has loved them. I just want to know how to get customers directed to my website without paying enormous fees to Google or Yahoo?

Answer 1

advertise

Answer 2

A few free resources – check out the sources box for links:

1) Create a blog pertaining to your field

2) Use Yahoo! Local & Yahoo! Groups – Be sure to read the TOS for each one!

3) Write articles pertaining to your field and/or expertise.

4) Advertise on Craiglist

Also, consider signing up for an affiliate program. These programs enable you to advertise on other's sites (your affiliates) and once a sale is made to you, your affiliates & the program are paid a commission.

I listed a few handy sites & articles relating to marketing, promotion & advertising. Here are some book titles that are relevant:

* 301 Do-It-Yourself Marketing Ideas: From America's Most Innovative Small Companies by Sam Decker
* Off The Wall Marketing Ideas: Jumpstart Your Sales without Busting Your Budget by Nancy Michaels, Debbi J. Karpowicz
* Guerrilla Marketing for Free: Dozens of No-Cost Tactics to Promote Your Business and Energize Your Profits by Jay Conrad Levinson
* Entrepreneur Magazine's Ultimate Small Business Marketing Guide: Over 1500 Great Marketing Tricks That Will Drive Your Business Through the Roof by James Stephenson

Hope that helps! I wish you much success & happiness in all your ventures!

Answer 3

There is relatively inexpensive web site submission software that will submit to dozens of search engines, I would go to something like CNET or downloads.com for comparisons. You also want to make sure your tags are well set up. Look on Amazon for web promotion books and peoples comments/opinions. Good Luck.

Answer 4

It's all in your setup too for the search bots to FIND your site (for free). When people type in EXOTIC TEA you go look at what others have in their html KEYWORDS. Contact me for more information if you'd like.