How do you market to other small businesses online?

[Lucki]

I actually couldn't justify myself writing into forums believing it to be a waste of time. I should be focused on more 'active' marketing strategies but Leela you made a very valid point in that getting involved in forums is now an effective marketing strategy. I don't feel so guilty now - thanks.

Times have changed too and more people are spending time online so why not put your thoughts out there and get communicating - who knows where a email/article could lead.

I also feel when you are intentionally trying to promote your own business on forums, it's very apparent to others. The key is to share knowledge and ideas freely without expecting anything in return and you'll be surprised what eventuates.

[Lucki]

I'm pretty new to this so could you give me more information on article marketing and tips on generating a great one?

[LeelaCosgrove]

Taking my own advice, I'm sure much of what I have to say on this will sound like self-promotion ... so I'll send you a private message with my thoughts on this ... coming your way, soon!

[LukeMoulton]

Originally Posted by LeelaCosgrove

That's interesting Luke.

I've been to a lot of workshops / seminars of Google Adwords - and EVERY single one of them has told me to disable the website placement ads, because they get little to no conversion.

Having tested this myself, it's held up.

I get an okay conversion rate through Google Adwords on the search site, but something ridiculous like 0.0000001% through website ads ...

Have you got some conflicting research to back this up? I'd LOVE to see it!

You are correct in your assumption that the Content Network has low click through rates, but this doesn't mean it shouldn't be used. Although click through rates might be very low, I've found that conversion rates are quite high for the placement targeting because you develop highly targeted leads.

Best practice is to setup a separate AdWords campaign for Content Network & Placement Targeting with up to 50 keywords in each AdGroup.

[LeelaCosgrove]

Hey Luke,

It's not an assumption - it's a conclusion I've come to from analysis of the facts and from talking to some of the best in the business on an international scale ... my understanding was that best practice was to NOT run content ads, because the conversion is miniscule ...

Do you have some numbers to back up using them? Like I said - I'd love to see conflicting evidence ... always happy to change my stance on something if there is evidence to the contrary ...