subject: Use eBay Auctions to Send Traffic to Your Website [print this page] Use eBay Auctions to Send Traffic to Your Website
They have already known the benefits of having a website, however, many sellers don't see enough visits on their site and still have to depend on eBay to generate most of the income. If you are one of these people, please do not give up. There are several legitimate ways to send traffic to your site from eBay.
1. First, you need to check eBay's most updated policy, to make sure you do not violate these rules.
2. Put a link to your site on your "About Me" page and then link your auction ad to it. This is allowed by eBay. Work hard to encourage your buyers to visit "About Me" page before placing the bid. Once your potential buyers visit your "About me" page, they are very likely to visit your website. You should introduce yourself or your business on this page, such as how long you've been selling, how you picked this product line and the story behind it.
3.Create an email signature that has your website's URL, hyperlink, logo and a slogan. This is another free yet effective advertisement when you are communicating with your buyers. On average, eBay sellers send 3 email messages to each winning bidder of an auction, winning bidder notification, payment's received and the shipping notification. Sending these emails with your signature will increase the exposure of your website.
4. Use email to solicitate legally. Buyers like to ask questions, when you take the time to write back, it's a good opportunity to introduce them to your website, especially to bargain hunters. If you can see their email addresses, reply directly. Pay attention to your wording, write in a professional tone. Some buyers have concerns of buying or selling outside of eBay, so you need to work extra hard to build trust with your buyers, communication is the key, list your contact info including email, phone number and instant messenger or live help online, and your business hours. The more the better. If you have a registered business, it'll be a plus too.
4. Advertise your business name. Create a business logo and put it on your auction ad. If your website is ABCD.com, you can include ABCD on your logo, as ".com" is not allowed by eBay. You can also add your business name as watermark on your auction pictures. Many eBay buyers will type your business name in their web browser or just Google it.
5. Use an email address that is associated with your website. e.g. you could use sales@abcd.com when you register your eBay account and also put this email on your auction ad, such as: Still have questions? Feel free to contact us at service@abcd.com.
6. Change the user name of your eBay ID or eBay store to include your website address, e.g. ABCD, but omitt the ".com" portion as it is not allowed.
7. Established a CRM database of your customer's name and email address to build your own customer list. If you are using Blackthrone or some auction management software, you may be able to export the entire list to Outlook contact or any other CRM management system like ACT!. CAUTION! Be responsible in handling customer information, it's your responsibility and liability to safe guard this against fraud, hacking and any violation.
8. Customize your packing slip. Your packing slip can be a great way to drive traffic to your website. This is not controlled by eBay, so you are free to advertise! If you don't print any sort of packing list at all, you can print flyers or postcards and include in each shipment. Here are a few examples using by some sellers:
Visit our own website for more selections
Why pay more on eBay? Shop on our website and you'll save 20%
Sign up for our newsletter on our website to get a 10% off coupon
Here's a coupon code you and your friends can use to shop on our website [http://www.abcd.com].
9. Custom print shipping label and packaging materials. For those of you who print out postage through Paypal, Endicia or other software, besides the ship to and from address, you can also add a brief advertisement without extra charge, e.g., "For all your gift wrapping needs, visit [http://www.abcd.com]". You may also invest in custom printed sealing tape for your shipping box, in this way, your ad can reach more audience other than the recipient.
10. Differentiate your eBay store and your website. Buyers can be easily confused that your website is same as your eBay store. Make it clear in your ad or on your website. Selection wise, you may want to save some hot selling products to your website only, so the buyers have no choice but to shop directly with you.
At this point, you will be taking control of your own business and you will not have to depend on eBay anymore to monetize your sales.
Now, the last but the most important: Service, service, service! Offer better services to customers shopping on your website. e.g. if you offer 7 days returns and exchanges on eBay, offer them 30 days or more on your site. Give them a better experience, ship promptly and keep them informed, make sure your website is easy to navigate and secure to shop. Once they are pleased with the first purchase, they gain more confidence of doing business with you and will keep coming back.
