Most visitors to a BANS store may not realize where they are, that they are at the middleman, unless it's clearly stated on the site (eBay). Once they realize what just happened, most of the visitors will never return. So, unless you're constantly getting new visitors, you may not be able to rely on a stable income. One exception could be if you have helpful content in addition to the listings, which could attract return visits. I've been fortunate enough to make $500 in my first month, but concerned about future potential. I'm also excited to review the stats for my second month. Has anyone been operating a BANS store for over 6 months? How's your experience? Does it follow what I'm saying or am I completely off here?
I don't know how you can make a statement of fact like that. I have a couple of sites now five months old and earning revenue each month. According to my stats around 30% are returning visitors. If you know your niche and set up relevant store pages already searched (and indexed) it makes it quicker for the user to find what they are looking for. Pages also load quicker than ebay as there is no peripheral loading of ads etc. Useful and unique content also helps bring the user back and feeds the spiders. This is what you need to promote and give a reason for the user to return. Notwithstanding the above, it does'nt really matter if they buy through your "store" or not, what matters is dropping your cookie on the pc of people who are looking to buy. The more that you can do that the more you will earn. $500 in your first month is really great. keep it going. all the best
To me it's all about the niche. You're making people's job easier to find things and categorizing it in a way where it's easy to shop. Perhaps they don't want to type in "(1961, 1962, 1963, 1964) Ford Thunderbird -salvage" every time they visit eBay. It's all about the value you add to their web experience (which is what Google rates your site on). Targeted searches and an interested public make some of my BANS sites very popular.
Just speaking from experience. If I clicked on a site that just took me to eBay, my next visit would be to eBay and not to that site anymore. As pointed out if your and the other post, unless the site is improving on the experience and making it easier then eBay, then I can understand. But most of the sites I've seen isn't that helpful and find eBay offering a better experience.
The biggest problem with BANS is that your newly built site is nothing more than a thin affiliate site that will be quickly nuked by google. You can add content to help keep your site around, but at that point, you might as well just use WordPress... which for me is doing a much better job at bringing traffic.
i agree with sixfigureblogger. You have to add in unique contents to make it "thicker" in the eyes of SE. this can be done by adding contents like tips, tricks, video, tutorials etc.
Yah, but how would you go about putting eBay auctions on a wordpress blog? xD What would be a good combo is Wordpress blog + BANS type stuff in the sidebar, but I'm not (aware) of any plugin that allows this :\
Yes I think you are correct. But is that not the case for any affiliate website. Our job is to find and direct traffic to the advertiser and get a one time commission. I know of a few product review type sites that are "sticky" and as a result have return visitor, but remember MOST of the advertisers will only give a commission on sale for a period of time after the initial visit. In eBays case there Action Referral Period is 30 day(s). So on the 30's day if that visitor goes back to eBay even through your site, you will not get commissions. So focus on new visitors....Thats why you need constant marketing. New Links, new articles and press release and anything else to keep new visitors coming to your site.
I don't think that you necessarily need to build the store around wordpress, but you can add content like "cylai" suggested. Add some articles about the product, reviews, tips, etc. That's what I'm about to do. My site is getting good traffic from google and I'd hate to lose it.
I use BayRSS and love it... check it out http://bayrss2.com My fear with BANS is it is only a matter of time before they put some kind of filter on it and slap everyone.
I write review for each product I am promoting. For example, say I am promoting treadmill. I will write article that contains the following: - how to choose a good treadmill; - my favourite treadmill brands, and why I recommend those brands; - tips on buying treadmill from eBay. I will then end the articles with listing of tredmaill from eBay. Oh yeah, I always ask the visitors to contact me if they have any problems. Some will email me, and in most cases they will end up buying. if u need further helps feel free to ask or PM me