Forum Moderators: rogerd
I've recently placed Adsense onto the forums to back the server payments and have built good relationships with a few up and coming businesses.
I am seeking website sponsorships/affiliates, how do I go about getting businesses looking into investing into advertising? I would like to start building the classifieds section and providing a place for vendors/sponsors.
How can I convince businesses that my website is worth advertising on?
We average about 3500 uniques a month, averaging 8-11,000 hits per week with a 26.2% average growth. Theres is a slight dip in the charts due to a recent forum opening.
A couple of questions to start off with,
How do I define "Unique Visitors" to businesses?
Whats a reasonable price for the impressions/return? (they say in promotional advertising, there's always an avg 10% return, 3500 / 350)
What would I do if a business does not have a website?
How do classified based forums kick off there sponsor base? It is a new website with potential, what can spark the fire?
[edited by: rogerd at 4:43 am (utc) on Dec. 26, 2006]
[edit reason] no URLs or specifics, please [/edit]
Generally, you should be able to report the methodology used by your software. If you are using Google Analytics, for example, simply citing the source should be adequate.
3500 uniques aren't going to attract mainstream advertisers - I'd focus on niche advertisers who would see your community as a good way to hit targeted buyers. While you are in your growth phase, consider sponsorships for the community rather than CPM or CPC deals.
consider sponsorships for the community rather than CPM or CPC deals.
Also, consider affiliate programs "if" you can find some that are an excellent "fit" for your niche.
For instance if you have career oriented site, perhaps offer some continuing education affiliate programs.
I don't particularly like Azoogle, and would recommend against them. Try to find some smaller affiliate niche programs. Takes A LOT of trial and error, but once you find those good programs that actually payout, hold on to them and grow your relationship with them.
Good luck!
I recently discovered the magic of Google Analyze *ugh i wish I knew about it a year ago*. Being that I'm new to building websites like this, I recently begun building statistics to show to future clients.
I hope within a half a year to start piecing together a nice presentation based off of statistics.
If I chose the affiliate route, I'd need to come up with yearly contracts, wouldn't I? Does anyone have input on Affiliation/Sponsor Programs and yearly contracts?
