Google AdWords/AdSense Self-Funded Advertising
Here's a good technique that I've been playing with for a few months:Google adwords/adsense self funded advertising. I've been using this technique for the last year with some very effective results! Here's how it works - I have both a Google Adwords account coupled with a Google Adsense account registered in my name (perfectly within the current programs' terms of service). I use Google Adwords to direct large amounts of traffic to the site in question using virtually every general topic keyword that relates to my site's content. I carefully craft ads to generate the highest click through rates and am rewarded by Google for doing so. Remember, I'm not concerned with only attracting those who will buy my products, but also with attracting the freebie hunters and general surfers who are interested in my site content and free downloads - I want everyone who is even remotely interested!
While I'm generating the traffic (and paying a bundle for it I might add) I carefully position my Google Adsense blocks so that they generate maximum revenue without undermining my saleable product. This is a little tricky and can take some trial and error. You can see an example of this in action on itintl.com a website targeting beginning importers.
The pros:
- Additional sales - If enough people come to your website, they will buy what you are selling. Sometimes people skimming for how-to articles and free downloads can't resist paying the paltry sum of $9.95 for all the information they need all in one place - even if that's not what they were looking for!
- Exposure - With Google's content-match programs and affiliate sites, your name will be popping up all over the place. This can lead to a very positive reaction and additional benefits from non-customers. Case in point - the website listed above receives most of its traffic from Adwords and was recently referenced by FedEx (one of the world's leading authorities on importing) in their monthly bulletin. This newsletter containing our link was sent out to all of their customers and mentioned us as the premier place to purchase importing information! As you can imagine, sales reached an all time high, and I can guarantee you that the FedEx webmaster didn't spend a cent.
- Cost - This is the best part! The beauty of this technique is that you end up spending very little. Depending on the content of your site and the marketability of the keywords that you will attract, you can actually make a little money! With itintl.com, we break even or spend a few dollars everyday. That's anywhere from $1 to $10 to attract thousands of visitors and reap the resulting sales. None of your business, FYI - don't even bother asking ;)
The cons:
- This method won't last forever. As unscrupulous webmasters use variations of this technique to scam Google, they will put an end to it. Try it for now and keep an open mind on adapt it to future changes.