Help Marketing a website...how would you do it?

[Bradleynova]

Hi everybody, I was recently hired onto a company to build traffic for the website, they are doing really well right now because they are known in San Diego for creating good video reviews of restaurants, clubs, bars and other cultured events in town. I have a two week period in which I must prove to my boss that I can increase traffic even more than the web site currently has otherwise I might not hold onto the job for long.

How would you market this site and get the name into normal public conversation? .....What would you do to increase traffic?

I feel like this Business forum might be a good place for me to find help! The site is www.shindy.tv

Thank you all,

Brad Hurvitz

[worldbeing]

seems like you would want to attract a wide array of viewers since your site has art as well as clubs. Difficult task, perhaps you should put on an event or host a celebration of sorts but that is PR and if your job is only for increasing traffic that is not your duty.

So the question is, in what place does a 21 year old and a 41 year old find themselves together?

[Nazreen]

So the question is, in what place does a 21 year old and a 41 year old find themselves together?

I guess the answer to this question is that you can usually find a 21yo and 41yo together, or any age for that matter, would be in a restaurant or coffee shop.

In marketing Shindy.tv, you can leave a placard or notice in that establishment saying that this club, restaurant or bar has been reviewed by Shindy.tv. So while you're promoting these establishments, you will also be promoting your site too. So the more videos the site creates, the more marketing will also be done for the website.

Going to food expos or fairs would also be a good way to advertise or market your website.

[Fergal]

You might consider looking at the site itself to look at ways to improve it and make it more attractive for visitors. It is a very nice site, but there is always room for improvement.

The video on the site is a good example of the work you can do, but some people do find videos and sound annoying on websites, so you might want to show a clear prominently displayed button to allow visitors switch off the video.

Why is there a Bacardi Silver ad in the middle of the video?

I'll review the site further and post more later.

[bojomojo]

Okay, now I will not be talking about technicalities to improve search results and indexing, as you need this done in 2 weeks, and normally that will take more.
You should consider the SEO after those 2 weeks.

Now lets see, a question: Are you targeting only the San Diego Traffic? or you want any traffic?

First of all, the site looks real sleek, but the design has nothing to do with the content I have to say, I think this is a niche pulling your videos, am I correct?

I dont know if you have the authority to change anything in the website so I am gonna stay with just this hint and move to another point.

Website Marketing:

I really Like Nazreen's Idea to put a TAG in each place the company reviews with like a rating and the website.
Add the videos to youtube with the website link and some rich tags
how big is your budget? You shoud place BANNER ads on similar content high traffic websites.
Forums, be around restaurant review forums and clubs. (online ofcourse)
Local Chatrooms, talk in chatrooms about the restaurants and post your sites videos, dont advertise the website directly.
Very Funny 1-2 word flyers in the restaurants and clubs you reviewed
A competition for best restaurant or BEST HOME USER REVIEW
There are some other advertising ideas like uniforms and other stuff but that will need budget, how big is yours?

[deepak_sharma]

Well Bradleynova i think thatyou are getting a little paranoid about your job. You just do your work well and if then also you are fired then thats the disadvantage of the company not you.

Well now coming to the technical talks of how to increase your traffic then i think if you are hired for this job you knew all the things of internet marketing like to engage in search engine marketing, along the lines of a pay per click campaign so their is no need to go into technicalities of this.

But along with this strategies it is advisable to use traffic analysis to gauge where your visitor are coming from and what are they looking for. This will help you to know your target customers better.

And last but not the least use business advice forum to advertise your website.Seriously its an very good platform.

thanks..

[silent_thunder]

Incresing traffic is a mix of both increasing you websites content and also increasing the presence of your website on the internet

1. register your domain in free web directories, So that your website gets popularised, there are 1000's of free web directories and there are people doing this kind of work

2. Original content has greater value than any other means of marketing that is a fact

3. btw I really liked the heaven sent desserts:D and also your websites design..So there is nothing wrong in your websites design ,its eye candy and the video seems to stream without any trouble

4.Do your work I think this website has some series potential, I can see it with the anchor, All the best

[Bradleynova]

The site is good, it is clean and I think the videos are rather entertaining too. To answer Fergals question of why there is an add in the middle of the segment, it is a prime location for advertising space and brings in a profit for the business. Also Nazreen has hit one of the things we do on the head, we do make a placard that says that the restaurant (or location) has been reviewed by Shindy.tv, this also is a good marketing device for us however it will only drive in traffic for those that remember to go to the site when they get home.

Now here is another question for you all because I think this is where we can bring in a large percentage of our traffic too. Many of our videos are currently on Youtube and the other video sites and a few of the videos have received many hits. How can we hook the viewer into going to www.Shindy.tv when they are finished reviewing?

[worldbeing]

Bradleynova, I agree that your site is sleek and has good content on it. I have the same question as Bojomojo though, is Shindy.tv trying to appeal to a San Diego audience or across the country? It looks like it is set up for a San Diego crowd so but also seems like you could reach those who want to travel to San Diego.

"best restaurants/events/bars/amusement/hotels/(what ever else you cover)"

As for the 'youtube hook' you are looking for.. try a trailer of some sort and have them go to the website to view the rest, something like that.

By the way, my favorite video is the Average White Band Anthology (http://www.shindy.tv/episode/17/Anthology) video. I live in San Francisco and I have heard of this venue, looks like a lot of fun. What is your favorite video?

[Nazreen]

...How can we hook the viewer into going to www.Shindy.tv when they are finished reviewing?

In the videos I saw from your website, you've already put the name of your website at the start of the videos. This in itself should make the viewer go to your website after viewing your video.

Also, make sure to check your videos on youtube on a regular basis to see if anyone has left a comment. If they did, you must also be proactive and give an answer/email in response to their comments. Just saying a simple thanks will go a long long way.

[bojomojo]

Actually I dont really think there is such a hook, but if there is a way to do it it will be using actionscript in making the FLV video, you will have to encode your video into FLV before uploading it and use Flash MX to add some actionscript to make a button or so, not very sure it will work, but its your only hope.

You should upload some tempting versions of your videos to youtube, not only the normal ones, let me explain, like the video stops at a certain suspension point and gives the link, tho that will repell some viewers but will attract some others. I am not into the restaurant business so I cant tell what that suspension point might be.

After the 2 weeks pass peacefully and I am sure they will with some good work, we should talk about some efforts that will get you some search engine traffic, which is the kind of traffic you want :)

Note: Never consider buying what they call TARGETED traffic, will never help in your case.

[Hurbel2k]

Facebook is hands down the way to go for this site.
Create a dining / party group for the area, attract people by giving them news pre release and politely direct them to Your site.

[Bradleynova]

I think that is a good idea. A few of our videos are getting tons of hits on some video websites, perhaps ending the video with a "view more of the same at shindy.tv" You think that would be a good idea?

How would you word it?

[Fergal]

A simple message at the end of the videos saying "More at Shindy.TV" should be enough.

I notice that you do the videos for free, how does the company make their revenue, is it directly from advertising sales on the Shindy.tv site?

[Swastik]

~~First of all, the website looks decent. Thumbs up~~

Anyways, Now let's take a look into your matter. The time span you've given is around 2 weeks and thus we are behind the short-term huge blast in the traffic spikes. Okay, let's create a basic blueprint of what you could be doing which should increase the web site's traffic.

First of all, you can answer your boss two-fold. One, with the short-term traffic spike that you'll be able to achieve. Second you could be building backlinks in the process that will be affecting your long-term traffic as well.

If your target market is San Diego, let's go for it. Don't be disheartened that you might not be able to complete you work in time. YOU WILL DO IT!

Remember that along with our work, we have to keep track of whether we are doing it right or not. So, if possible setup a particular goal of how many visitors you're planning to receive. And keep a track of how well you're going. Since the time frame is short, you could do it every other day?

Our first step : Blog commenting.

Believe me or not, it'll bring in a good amount of traffic. Also, it will build some backlinks for long term organic traffic. Here is a list of some San Diego blogs :


http://www.sandiegobloggers.com
http://www.sandiegoblog.com
http://www.sandiegoblogs.com/
www.gosandiegocard.com/blog/

Second step : Social bookmarking websites

Create a blog and publish a killer story, or a list of 101/11/1000/100/99 :D tips on doing something and link to Shindy.tv. That would be enough to melt some of your company's servers.:D Here are a few social bookmarking websites, in case you don't know :


http://www.stumbleupon.com
http://www.digg.com
http://www.mixx.com
http://www.slashdot.com

Third step : Social networking websites

Since you mentioned that you want it to be on the mouth of general mass, this tactic could help you a bit. Go and search for relevant groups in some social networking websites such as facebook, myspace etc and become a member and advertise your website.

Now some small, yet effective strategies :

-- Use the website's name in every forum signature you use, every forum avatar, your MSN and all IM status and every similar thing.

-- Write out an eBook on San diego (get someone to do that for 40-50$) and give it away for free in the local market, with a mention on Shindy.

-- *Please don't take this one seriously, I am more funny person:D* Anyways, list the website on sale for 10,000,000 $ on some marketplace. Being that big amount, people WILL dig in to see what it is. But no one can buy it, you know why! . You'll build some traffic through it. * Again don't take it seriously, it might be something over-cautious*

If you have some budget, then buy a website with around 500-1000 uniques a day, and remove all the content and redirect it to shindy.:D

There are some nasty tricks, I agree. But time is also short!

Here are some good articles for you to read : (or watch)


http://www.mastersofseo.com/2008/01/11/using-digg-and-putting-up-a-digg-this-button/
http://blog.guykawasaki.com/2006/09/how_to_use_digg.html
http://www.blogherald.com/2008/07/18/are-blog-comments-a-source-of-referral-traffic/
http://www.greatcookscommunity.com/video/video/show?id=2004634%3AVideo%3A13039

Best of luck, and should you encounter any problem - Add me on MSN swastik2020@live.in [Spammers, stay away please]

Best of Luck for your job mate

[Bradleynova]

Swastik, I thank you so much for your advise! You seem to have a lot experience in marketing and I have already started using some of your tactics.

I thank you all for helping me, I had a meeting with the boss this morning and he gave me an official offer.

Brad
http://www.shindy.tv

[Jolie]

You can market or advertise your site through exchanging links with related business websites.

[Bradleynova]

Bojomojo mentioned we should talk about search engine traffic... Care to start that conversation up? I really do not know how to increase search engine traffic without paying for it.

Could you help?

Thanks,
Brad
Brad@shindy.tv
www.shindy.tv

[silent_thunder]

awesome post swastik reps have been added though I know about these techniques to put it in this manner is amazing great work man!!

[Fergal]

Brad, the methods mentioned above will help your search engine traffic. The more sites that link to yours the higher your site will rank in the search engines, hence the more search engine traffic you will get.

Have you implemented any of the suggestions from this thread yet?

What kind of results have you seen since you started this thread?

[Bradleynova]

Hey everybody,

I have implemented some strategies thus far, as you may have guessed swastik was extremely helpful with his recommendations. I have started blogging and have signed up for many of the sites he mentioned and they led me to more social networking sites as well.

We recently uploaded another video to youtube and similar websites with a hook at the end of it as you can see from this Youtube link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G9b4pn5mgR8 (scroll to the end of the video to see it, and if you want to actually watch the video please come to www.shindy.tv to see it :) )

Also, if you come go to www.shindy.tv we have changed the video order a little bit from a previous suggestion. We made the ad at the very beginning of the video and then play the entire video. Thank you for that idea too.

I have been reading everything you are all telling me and I appreciate it very much, keep the posts and ideas coming! I know we will soon start marketing with some money and I will look to you all for help on SEO. Thank you guys!

[Fergal]

Thanks for the update Brad, I'm delighted to hear that everything is working out for you. The video looks great and the hook at the end is very appropriate. One comment I would make is that I had to increase the volume on my speakers to hear the hook, the video volume seemed to dip when it switched to the Shindy.tv section at the end.

Obviously we'd be delighted to hear future updates or any further questions or requests you may have.

[Bradleynova]

Thanks Fergal, things really are going well here, overall the traffic has increased. Now we are actively looking for investors. I know that similar sites have been purchased by large news stations for millions of dollars, and now I ask you all if you or if somebody you know would be interested in investing in this site.

This is no sales pitch but I do know that we are looking and the best way is to network, so I thank you all for your consideration and please continue to throw some ideas my way as I surely will implement them.

Cheers,
Brad
Brad@shindy.tv
http://www.shindy.tv

[Nazreen]

I've often heard people in marketing say Advertise where your competitors advertise. You can also apply this in marketing shindy.tv.

Let's say that your competitors have been advertising using a certain media for several months. It would then be safe to assume that their ads are probably working and reaching their target audience. They've also probably done some media research so if you place your ads in the same media, chances are that you'll also enjoy the same success as they have.

There's was one food review site in Singapore that advertised their website by giving away table napkins and tissues with their website clearly illustrated in there. They enjoyed some success doing that and after a few months, another food review site also did the same thing.

[Fergal]

Brad, if the company is looking to sell the site they will have to show that the business is earning good revenue or at least has good revenue potential. Is Shindy.tv currently earning revenue, what is the revenue model?

[Bradleynova]

The company is just beginning to make a profit and has a business plan with a good revenue model. We are just in the startup phase and will be moving closer to the all around money making strategy.

From selling advertising space
to Product placement
paid to report

we will eventually have a social networking and communication forum on the site too that will gain popularity.

Overall, we are enjoying what we do and want to continue doing it, but we realize that we will need investors for some more capital (to shoot more videos and get them on the site faster). Also, if a large company were to purchase the show that would be great as long as we can continue working it.

If anybody knows anyone who is interested in an exciting investment opportunity, please feel free to contact me!

Again here is the site http://www.shindy.tv

Cheers,
Brad
Brad@shindy.tv

[Fergal]

Congratulations on the success of your site to date. The videos on your site definitely give the impression that Shindy TV is an exciting company and a fun place to work. Good luck with it.

[Jolie]

You may increase traffic by joining communities, social media etc..

[kylelmoon]

There's was one food review site in Singapore that advertised their website by giving away table napkins and tissues with their website clearly illustrated in there. They enjoyed some success doing that and after a few months, another food review site also did the same thing.

That is a very good strategy. Let them test the water first then learn from their strengths and weaknesses. But do not just simply copy their style and technique or you will be labelled as a copy-cat. Innovate a bit and be creative. If you have both same quality and product people just be divided. But if you have a better one. People will be drawn more to your business. :D

[Jolie]

I want to share my experience in making websites popular.. Posting on forums and blogs creates backlinks for websites which helps in quality backlinks and generate traffic.