Internet Marketing Tycoon

**skyhawk133** · 10-04-2006, 12:00 AM

Ok... it's THE question when it comes to advertising. Where can I get the biggest bang for my buck? I've got about $3,000 to spend on advertising. I run a programming and web development community with lots of good content. I already run around $600-$800/mo in PPC campaigns.

I'd like to do something that either helps brand the site, or brings in new members. I already have GREAT organic traffic, but I don't think the name recognition is there to keep people coming back. It doesn't have to be traditional, I've thought about purchasing a mailing list of teachers and sending a sample of our free reference sheets, or some other non-internet type of marketing.

What do you think I could do to get the biggest bang (new members, return traffic, branding) for my $3000?

**Kbutler3** · 10-04-2006, 12:21 AM

You should create your own mailing list, and send out information about updates on your site and new information every so often to keep people comming back.

**skyhawk133** · 10-04-2006, 01:44 AM

I already send out a newsletter. I need something to attract new traffic. And brand the site to keep people coming back. The site itself is already pretty sticky for people that find and use the site, so that's not a problem.

**A.N.Onym** · 10-04-2006, 02:50 AM

Invest the cash in creating a single themed resource on one of your topics.
If there's cash left, create another resource on a controversial topic in your industry.

Unfortunately, promoting communities isn't that easy (I suspect). You can only get real people from the SEs or from other forums, posts, etc.

I'd figure with an established community, you can create valuable content, designed to spread via word of mouth.

Btw, I suspect you can improve your AdWords costs somewhat.

**chovy** · 10-04-2006, 11:11 AM

Throw some love my way...

http://utuxia.com/advertising

**junger** · 10-04-2006, 12:19 PM

Can you use the money to encourage your community to bring in new members? They are the best resource you have to finding new people. Maybe a contest of some sort?

Money is a great driver to get people doing things.

**rex_b** · 10-04-2006, 01:00 PM

Buy-out existing sites in your niche

**shermanchoo** · 10-04-2006, 03:55 PM

Invest in a good Article Distribution service or software. It will pay you dividends in the long run.

**skyhawk133** · 10-04-2006, 05:17 PM

Do you have any suggestions for article distribution?

I'm really more interested in some sort of branding (online/offline) or traditional advertising. But I do like the idea of trying to generate more word of mouth using contests and rewards.

**depotgang** · 10-04-2006, 05:27 PM

Nothing is better than doing Professional Press Release for branding your sites. I think Press Release are more powerfull than just simple articles.

**chovy** · 10-04-2006, 07:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by depotgang

Nothing is better than doing Professional Press Release for branding your sites. I think Press Release are more powerfull than just simple articles.

what types of things should I include in a press release?

**skyhawk133** · 10-06-2006, 11:24 AM

Alright, so far I've decided to purchase 25x1GB USB 2.0 Thumb Drives branded with my logo. These are for monthly giveaways to members who submit new code snippets and tutorials.

I was able to get 25 drives for $17.50 each and I'm still working out the pricing for getting them stamped. Should be around $1-2 each after setup cost.

This should increase stickiness of the site, draw in more content, and help create word of mouth advertising.

**jdjenkins** · 10-07-2006, 10:06 AM

Also for article distribution you could look at contentpropulsionlab - it can add audio and video as well,

best wishes,

J.