Online Advertising

[KMS]

I have been thinking of doing some advertising online? Anyone else have any thoughts of this? I have found some places, but they all seem like stationary sites and very plain for the money they are asking for. (Example: www.bimmershops.com)

[MINI4U]

Our "online" advertising is a good website that comes up in searches for our city. Between that and the good online reviews it has paid for itself many times over.

[KMS]

Our "online" advertising is a good website that comes up in searches for our city. Between that and the good online reviews it has paid for itself many times over.

 

Thanks for your response Mini4U. Are you just talking about "your" website? Do you use any external websites to advertise your company? Do you have a lot of BMW and Mini shops near you?

[alfredauto]

I use Google AdWords express. Costs me $130 a month or so. It seems to be working, when I pause my ads the phone stops ringing so much.

[KMS]

I use Google AdWords express. Costs me $130 a month or so. It seems to be working, when I pause my ads the phone stops ringing so much.

 

Do you know how many clicks or leads you get a month?

[mspecperformance]

The best way of online advertising is Organic SEO. There are a lot of factors that change your ranking and what exactly helps your ranking. Blogs, Review sites, proper content on your website, updated content etc all help. I am not going to pretend to be an expert which I certainly am not. Google Adwords do also help. I have also seen in my area (NYC) Yelp to be a big factor and ways potential customers qualify shops.

[KMS]

I am just starting to figure out how all of these back-end links work through SEO. Thanks for your responses. I did look into Yelp a little and I will some more.

[Pete K]

I use a combination of a frequently updated website (hosted by Google apps), Google AdWords, Google Plus for a maps entry and ratings, and Yelp for ratings. I even have a few ads on Craigs List that I keep running constantly. I've been in business a year and 90% of my new business has been via Internet referals. Yes, you do get some cheapskates looking for bargain deals but I am happy to have those customers go elsewhere After we discuss pricing.

[alfredauto]

On average, 32,000-40,000 people see my Google ad. 100-150 click on it. The ads promote auto repair to students. Students see my name and have to drive by my shop to go anywhere so it works. If there's more competition in your area or if your place is off the main drag a better website would be a necessity. For $1200-$1500 a year it has proven a good advertising investment.