Ads on webpages that are just for you

[Angela]

We have been approached by a company that would create our ads and we'd pay $/a click through. They would show up on sites that we say. Business is all about getting the word out there, but I know for myself, I HATE the fact that these other companies KNOW that I just looked at a lamp on Wayfair.com and now I see an ad for it on Facebook. But that is me. Maybe some folks LIKE the easy access to things that follow them around for easy clicking.

I thought of you guys to get some opinions about this.

cheers!
Angela

 

[rrr]

We have been approached by a company that would create our ads and we'd pay $/a click through. They would show up on sites that we say. Business is all about getting the word out there, but I know for myself, I HATE the fact that these other companies KNOW that I just looked at a lamp on Wayfair.com and now I see an ad for it on Facebook. But that is me. Maybe some folks LIKE the easy access to things that follow them around for easy clicking.

I thought of you guys to get some opinions about this.

cheers!
Angela

If you don't like it then block it!

There are plenty of ways to block this stuff. Check out the addons for your web browser and take a look at "Little Snitch" if you are using a MAC.

 

[GaryProtein]

I hate that they know where I've been.

I don't want the ads specially for me. I'll take the run of the mill ads for everybody.

 

[Saturntube]

It would be great if they come with your name on it!

Hey Jorge, we know you just watched some tubes, now read this!

jajjaja

Anyway I think it the wave of the future and there is no way to stop it, better just hurry and get on the wagon before everyone else does....

 

[Ethan Winer]

I have no problem with targeted ads. I'd rather see ads for things I might possibly be interested in, versus the usual "Find a mate" and "Lose weight" and "Learn a foreign language" ads I usually see that I have no interest in.

--Ethan

 

[treitz3]

Hello, Angela.

It looks like I'm a little different with this. I somewhat like the fact that ads coincide with webpages I visit. I would rather see a link to something I have recently looked at than a link to a [for instance] female underwear site, gay singles site, escort services site or the like. Some of the links I saw when I got a new computer were a little.....maybe not offensive.....but definitely inappropriate, especially when a 4 year old or my wife is looking at the screen with me.

Now that I have my new computer up and running for a while, I use them somewhat as a reminder to get something I looked at, say a week ago but never ended up purchasing. I love that aspect, especially when it comes to music purchases. I don't know how they make money off of all of that stuff as I never click on any of it. I just use them as a reminder and go back through my search history to pick up where I left off using legit sites to search for what I want. With that said, it would be nice to have a little bit more privacy on the web.

Tom

 

[caesar]

You are better off finding visibility in other ways. Do all the audio shows and submit your gear for reviews to anyone and everyone. Put ads in magazines and on audio websites.

However, the best way to get visibility is finding people who own your brand and really like it, and have them constantly talk about it - genuinely, and spread the word. People trust other people who are like them. Unfortunately, many professionals in this hobby have created a bad reputation for themselves. It seems like they recommend very mediocre stuff while being paid for it via ads, etc. But if someone with no skin in the game, other than pure passion for your product, recommends something, it's a different story. So do all of the above.

 

[JonFo]

...
However, the best way to get visibility is finding people who own your brand and really like it, and have them constantly talk about it - genuinely, and spread the word. People trust other people who are like them. ...

Completely Agree. I'm one of the staunchest advocates for Sanders Sound System products, and I don't even own a single piece yet!

Roger and Angela's outstanding service and support, friendly approach to business plus truly great sounding products all combine to get best word of mouth one could hope for.

However, extending the reach and raising awareness are both critical to growing the business and reaching more interested parties.

Angela, I agree with the rest of Caesar's post as well, please target directly the sites you know your target market frequents. So one I'd seriously focus on is the MartinLogan Owners forum, as those should be your #1 source of prospects. I lose track of how many times we've answered the question "what's the best amp for my ML ESL?" over there. My usual answer is "Sanders".

This forum, and the online versions of the usual audio suspects are all good targets for this advertizing. But also encourage your continued participation in forums as one of the best forms of advertizing. Your interactions and Rogers thoughtful and educational responses do you a ton of good.

I used to work at DoubleClick (now part of Google) and can tell you that for your class and stage of business, this is a better way to go than trying to buy targeted ads based on individuals and CPC.

Your best marketing is yourselves and your products, keep up the good work, but get out there more

 

[Angela]

thanks for the input, everyone. We totally agree with the assessment that the products and word of mouth is the best advertising (especially in the small world of high end audio) and that has worked very well for us. I just did not want to immediately condemn this kind of advertising because I personally do not like it, but wanted to get input from others as well. We are not going to entertain this advertising.

Our business is doing really well and we are busy busy busy.

We are in Newport this weekend at The Show if anyone is in town!

 

[amirm]

I like that they know what I may be interested in. I hate it that they are so obvious about knowing it! Or how stupid it looks when you know how they got it wrong. I look at the video of bass fishing not because I am into bass fishing. But the equipment demo the guy was doing. Next thing I know, I am being sold on stuff for bass fishing.

I think they need to make their matching more "fuzzy" as counter-intuitive as that may sound as to solve the above problems. You don't want your customers to see how the magic trick is done...

 

[carolkoh]

I really don't think that most are doing it right. I look at something... I buy it or don't buy it (for whatever reason)... I don't need to look at the same thing everywhere else I surf to for the next few days.