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Thread: Useless, expensive online advertising

  1. #1
    Site Caretaker Dave A's Avatar
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    Useless, expensive online advertising

    Maybe I'm getting to cynical about online advertising nowadays. But when you've been around the net a bit and got a site that relies on advertising to cover the bills, I can't help being fairly critical when I'm approached to advertise on a website.

    So I thought it might be useful and therapeutic to launch something the exact opposite of Powerful, affordable advertising rather than wreck Norio's fine thread by venting off there.

    Today I get approached by a new website for dentists. What this website does is solve a dilemma for dentists in that they aren't allowed to advertise (BS - sorry, did I sneeze).

    For the bargain price of R300.00 per month I get to be one of only 5 electrical contracting companies in Durban that will be allowed to advertise on this website. I get a whole page to myself to promote my service, and I can load 3 photos. Best of all, I can expect every dentist in Durban and surrounding areas to fall over themselves to use my services because of my fine contribution.

    The deal for dentists, I hear you ak? You guessed it - they need to pay to be on the site too. Not a deal breaker yet - let's look at this fine site.

    Google it - nothing. Google hasn't found it yet.
    Type in the URL. There's this empty site. Pardon me for not posting a link, but there is nothing to see other than a homepage outline that says "content coming soon."

    Maybe one day this site might be worth spending R300 a month on - but that day isn't today, or this month. Probably not even this year.

  2. #2
    Email problem Alvin's Avatar
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    What's this website, Dave?

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    Site Caretaker Dave A's Avatar
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    sadentalonline dot com
    Try clicking a button...

    My point in raising this is do some research and think for yourself a bit before you fall some marketing spin.
    Last edited by Dave A; 05-Sep-08 at 07:56 AM.

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    Platinum Member SilverNodashi's Avatar
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    So Dave, how did you hear about this website, and what benefits do you get (according to their sales rep?) for the R300?
    Get superfast South African Hosting at WebHostingZone

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    Site Caretaker Dave A's Avatar
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    They called - telesales. Quite a strong pitch, too.

    I then got a follow-up email too. Here's a taste:
    ADVANTAGES OF ADVERTISING WITH SAdentalOnline.com
    1. Full Page Advertisement (not alongside any other advertisers).
    2. Allow dentists to locate your business on the SA Map and access your information 24/7, 365 days a year.
    3. Targeted Advertising- Reach all Dental Professionals on this website specifically designed for them.
    4. Get exclusive advertising space! - Be one of only five selected service providers for the Electricians category in your city.
    5. Fully Tax deductible expenditure for your business.
    6. Free fax to email.
    7. Get the best value for your advertising investment!


    DISADVANTAGES OF NOT ADVERTISING:

    1. We are concerned that your current clients may potentially be attracted to other electricians that are already advertising with us.
    2. You’ll be missing out on the only detailed/comprehensive South African Business Directory specifically directed to this select market.
    I just love the free fax-to-email throw-in

    SoftDux - you're in the hosting game. Let's put this in perspective.
    Roughly how much is monthly hosting for a small site with sitebuilder functionality? Better give local and off-shore hosting price options.

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    Diamond Member wynn's Avatar
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    What should an advert cost PM? how big?
    I am interested because I have to pitch a few prospects in the near future and have no idea of charges.


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    But wait, there's more........


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    Email problem Alvin's Avatar
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    Hosting is about R60 pm with all the bells & whistles

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    Email problem Alvin's Avatar
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    What's actually quite freaky is:

    1. "Targeted Advertising" - What the bleep would a dentist need with an electrician on a site that's designed for them. Does each industry now have their own comprehensive yellow pages?

    2. Don't you think they should've put some content on the site before approaching potential advertisers (at least some affiliate banners)

    3. I think they forgot to hyperlink their buttons, and search fascility, and registration form, and......

    R300 A MONTH!!!!???? Great ROI that would be for you Dave. :-)

  10. #10
    Site Caretaker Dave A's Avatar
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    Talking of yellowpages - when yellowpages tried to sell me a listing on their yellowpages.co.za, after I did the analysis I pointed out that they should be paying me, not the other way round. Now, a bit less than a year later...
    Attached Thumbnails Attached Thumbnails Click image for larger version. 

Name:	yellowpages.JPG 
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    Last edited by Dave A; 05-Sep-08 at 06:23 PM.

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