Advertising the SIte

[Mbella]

We are in the process of making some changes/enhancements to the site. We are looking into increasing traffic and attempting to determine the most effective methods for doing so.

Hardscape specific magazines are an obvious option and I have looked at a few. One of the one's I receive is Hardscape Magazine by Vanderkoii. I never really paid much attention to it prior to considering advertising with those folks and I have to say after looking at the current issue, it is nothing but advertisements. Literally, there is no content except for a little teaser by Vanderkoii. For that reason, we will not be advertising with those folks.

Where would you guys suggest we place our dollars in order to increase the membership/traffic?

[SCgreenscapes]

give away t-shirts at HNA. You don't even have to go. Just get in touch with someone like Donna and see if she will add them to the bags. I would think that you could get t-shirts as cheap as $5/each printed up and probally come close to what you would spend for some nice color adds in magazines and such. but that is still a chunk of change.

[Mbella]

John, I've been trying to get into contact with Donna for a few weeks. I'll PM you.

[JGabes]

Mike

Depending on your goal for promoting the site here are a couple of thoughts for you:

A) Talk to suppliers (I see Allied & Woodward's one here) and about putting something in their locations promoting the site.

B) Talk to Techo, EP Henry, and/or other manufacturer reps about a couple of things - 1) Having them promote the site at their upcoming road shows, 2) Having them put a link to the site on their website

C) Talk to the people active on the site about promoting it to others, JZap probably brought the site up to me 1,000 times in conversation and I finally got around to checking it out and seeing it's value. Like with our customers word of mouth will get the best result (and bang for your buck).

[Sodking]

State Landscape associations could be a source as well.

[LeisureSpecialties]

I agree with getting with supplyiers / Maunfactures. We are in Elkridge and Hampstead, MD and moving to Georgetown, DE. I would put a link to your website on ours, and I would also put something in each of our locations to promote the site. Your site is a great source of information!

[Pro Cut]

Where ever it will avoid the lawnsite - type people from joining!

I agree with the mfgs websites but you still might have homeowner/joe blow type traffic across those websites.