How to start an advertising campaign - Banner ads specific

Discussion in 'General Marketing' started by painthappy, Jan 18, 2008.

  1. #1
    Ok, so I've finally decided that I'm going to sell some banner ads on my site. Phew. It's a big step for me actually. I don't want to turn people off by selling ads.

    I have been doing affiliate marketing, which is via links, behind the scenes, and doing ok for myself. I pay for multiple servers, and have extra to spare. I'm in the black. I'd never make a living off of it, but I'm in the black regardless, and pay for some toys, new code, projects, etc.

    Now I want to start a banner ad campaign. I want to keep it simple, a top right rotating banner (like the one on the digitalpoint forums) and maybe 2 or 3 square ones, only one the forum front page.

    1. I put up and "advertise" link at the bottom about a month ago. Never announced it, just wanted to wait and see. No takers. Don't think anyone noticed it.

    So what's the best way to announce we advertising? Make a post? Or put up a "fake" banner (one for the site, or another project or whatever) and have the "Put your Advertisment here" link under it also?

    2. How much to charge? I don't even KNOW where to start. 1 month, 3 month, 6 month, 12 month?

    I was thinking...

    $150 for a month
    3 month, $25 for first month $150 for second two = $350
    6 month, $25 for two months, $150 for the 4 = $650
    12 month, $100 a month = $1200

    Now, I'm literally just making those up. I have not idea. I'd rather sell direct because I'll get better targeted ads. I've learned the PPC isn't the way to go for a lot of niche markets, or at least not for me.

    I've done some demographic surveys, and the people who visit my site have money and means, and well... they buy a LOT of stuff.

    Here's a snap shot of my stats:

    howmidoin.jpg


    So my question is... Am I out of whack on what I'm looking to do? Too low, too high?

    How did you guys/gals start, both pricing and getting the word out that you're now advertising?

    I want to get this right, the first time if possible. Well, at least to as close as right as possible :)

    Thanks in advance for the help.

    CB
     
    painthappy, Jan 18, 2008 IP