Browncoat Marketplace instead of Google Ads?

POSTED BY: Succatash
UPDATED: Saturday, May 8, 2004 06:51
VIEWED: 6492
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SUCCATASH

Sunday, March 28, 2004 2:46 AM

I have an idea that would replace the Google ads and help Haken raise extra money to maintain this website.

You see, I have a slight problem with the Google Ads on this site. That's because I get paid to manage Internet ads for several small business accounts and I know how expensive those clicks can become.

Many small businesses use Google ads and they are very expensive.

Even though Haken only gets pennies per click from Google, the company could very well be paying $1.00 or more per click. And Google ends up the winner. And the small businesses lose big time.

Google may be the Alliance, but it's the Little Guy who pays when we click on those links.

So, I propose a Browncoat Marketplace. Name it after the marketplace in "The Message" where the cow fetus floats in the tank. A new page on FFF dedicated to Browncoats who want to advertise their business or service to other Browncoats.

I imagine plenty of us own a business or would like to promote the company we work for, or know someone who wants to advertise online.

This new B2B (Browncoat to Browncoat) marketplace would generate a lot more money for Haken, and it wouldn't be offensive advertising because it's just Browncoats tradin' and sellin' amongst ourselves and we support each other.

The difficulty would be setting up a payment structure. Haken already has a Paypal account. The cost breakdown might be as follows:

Business Rate (Over 15 Employees]
$15 per month for 453x62 banner link
$8 per month for text link

Small Business (Under 15 Employees]
$10 per month for 453x62 banner link
$6 per month for text link

Very Small Business (Individually operated)
$5 per month for 453x62 banner link
$3 per month for text link

Just a suggestion on the costs. My friend owns an online costume company, and he would greatly benefit from something like this. He's a Browncoat and he occasionally lurks here. He would love to pay.

I bet lots of Browncoats would sign up. What do you all think?

- Succatash

SUCCATASH

Sunday, March 28, 2004 3:32 AM

I would like to add:

Although the "small companies" did make the choice to advertise on Google, they signed up to appear on keyword searches on Google. Most of them don't know they are appearing on keyword-related affiliate sites as well. It's a tricky business.

Google does allow advertisers to turn off this feature, but it can be a little confusing.

BEEJ

Sunday, March 28, 2004 6:48 AM

This is a great scheme and, as a solo-preneur, I'd be happy to participate.

That's what space trash does...

BEEJ

Sunday, March 28, 2004 6:50 AM

I should add that I used Adwords when I launched my website and it turned out to be a very bad, very expensive undertaking. I set a budget and they sailed right by it, making me liable for costs I did not intend to incur.

Big time second on Succatash's comment about Adwords being hard on small businesses.

But regardless of Adwords suckiness for the likes of me, the marketplace is a great way for like-minded people to support each other.

That's what space trash does...

BLINKER

Sunday, March 28, 2004 7:28 AM

That's why I've only been clicking the "big business" links like eBay, not the humanitarian organizations.

As for the plan... I dunno, middlemen don't often take kindly to being eliminated.

_________
Sliders: Gate Haven - http://slidersweb.net/blinker

SUCCATASH

Sunday, March 28, 2004 9:39 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Succatash:
So, I propose a Browncoat Marketplace. Name it after the marketplace in "The Message" where the cow fetus floats in the tank.

Does anyone happen to know the name of this location in the 'Verse?

SUCCATASH

Sunday, March 28, 2004 6:37 PM

I don't think the Marketplace in the Message has a name. The script just calls it the Bazaar.

HAKEN

Sunday, March 28, 2004 7:21 PM

It's something worth trying, but I would like to take it one step further in that instead of just running banners, perhaps I can provide a full online store option with a shopping cart and using Paypal to accept payment.

I've been looking at setting something like that up to help fund the site by taking a percentage of the sales of the items sold. Perhaps I can expand that and provide the same service to fellow Browncoats. What do you think?

There are technical and logistical issues to work out, but we can start small and expand further as thime progresses.

Would your friend be interested in doing something like that? I could make his full catalog available online and allow people to order from it.

The same can also be done the Firefly dolls, the hats, patches, T-shirts, and posters that fans have made.

What do you think?

ASTRIANA

Sunday, March 28, 2004 7:33 PM

I think this is the best idea, Haken! I'd certainly shop through the site.

~A~

...I'm still free,
You can't take the sky from me.

SUCCATASH

Sunday, March 28, 2004 8:33 PM

Haken, what a big idea!

I spoke to my friend, he's on his way over so maybe I can get him to post a message.

He did say that it might confuse things if you collected the money. They couldn't ship the order until you payed them, and the delay might prove to be troublesome.

Also, he said his merchant account offers a better percentage than the cut Paypal takes.

It was a quick phone conversation.

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