Prosper Newsletter: January 2007 > Ecommerce
You understand that the following information is educational in nature and is not intended to be legal, accounting, or tax advice. You are responsible for your own financial decisions and should consult your own legal, accounting, and tax advisors before making your financial decisions.
Tools Implemented
It's been a few months since the last call with my mentor and things have progressed at a steady clip. Using all the tools I learned about while talking with Chris has helped me to position my site on the first page on most major search engines, and I've been getting a steady stream of sales though the site. My Website has been my pride and joy for the last few months, with me devoting a significant amount of time promoting, and improving the site even more to help with its SEO. Without the help of Chris H., and later Chris B., I don't think the site would be doing as well as it is. It is to their credit that my website is as popular as it is, and there is a new site that is well on its way to reality. Also, thanks to them, I've been able to look at other opportunities for eCommerce success, keeping my niche market my core market, and supplying similar items on similar themed sites. As for the numbers, my website has garnered a little over $500 in sales over the past 7 months. It's growing, but not at it's peak yet. I expect things to pick up over the next few months as Google starts to recognize us, and an ad campaign starts in some fishing/hunting sites over the next few weeks. Thanks Chris and Chris!
- Raymond D.
Saint Hubert, QC Canada
There are many things you may do to make your auction more appealing-to take it to the next level. Listed below are several suggestions to help you do just that:
Format Your Auction Site
Use bullets and headers (and sub-headers) to break your text apart. If there are certain features to your item, use bullets to make each feature stand out. Most people do not like to read long drawn-out descriptions. Bullets create a list that customers may quickly glance through and gain all the information that they need. Also, use headers to break up various topics, such as descriptions, return, shipping, and buying policies.
HTML Code
HTML is code a computer can read to create an elaborate page with text and images. Using html code can visually enhance an auction. It also allows you to add more images, without paying additional eBay fees. There are many free html templates on the Internet that you may use to create your own html pages. DeSaCS.com (www.desacs.com) is a great place to find html auction templates. Once you have a template, all you have to do is fill in your own information where you are asked to do so, and then copy and paste the code into the html tab of the description box (when creating an auction). The computer will read the code and your listing will look like the template with your own information.
To learn more about html code, access the archived group calls and listen to html 101. You may also use online resources to learn more about html, such as at EchoEcho.Com's Tutorials (http://echoecho.com/html.htm).
eBay's Designer Listings
If you do not have a template that is html driven, you may want to use eBay's Designer Listing feature. This is quite inexpensive and it will help your auction appear professional. Make sure to find a border that compliments your product.
Services
There are paid services where you may obtain a variety of templates, web hosting, and auction tools. Such services include the following sites:
Andale, Inc., at www.andale.com.
The Seller Source Book, at www.sellersourcebook.com.
There are plenty of other services as well. You may find many more by searching at Google for auction services or auction templates. Each site will likely charge a fee, so make sure you compare each, and find a site that carries the specific tools you need.
Please note that many eBay Powersellers use services, such as those mentioned above. If you see a nice looking auction, scroll to the bottom of the description and you will most likely see the name of the company or service that created the auction.
Goals
There are 5 quick and easy steps to follow that will help you achieve any goals that you want. This process is not complicated, but will produce results every time if you follow it.
There are helping and hindering forces in your life. There are 5 helping forces to be aware of to help you achieve your goals:
- Write down specific and clear goals-only 3% of the population writes down their goals, and those 3% achieve more of their goals that the other 97% combined. Take a 3x5 card a write down your goals. Make the goal specific and measurable in numbers. Put a time limit on it, which helps act as an alarm clock. Write down on the card: My goal is to do such and such by this date and time. Use a new card for each goal.
- Focus your subconscious-read your goal out loud to yourself at least 6 times a day. Do it over and over, in the morning, night, in the car, everywhere. Make multiple copies of your goal. You may want to put them on the mirror, on your nightstand, and anywhere you will see it often. Reading it aloud often will help you put it into your subconscious. Your subconscious never sleeps, and this will help you work on your goal while you sleep.
- Defend yourself-sometimes when you have a goal you will go to friends or family and share it with them. Often they may tell you that your goal is not realistic, or that you will never get there. Say no to these negative attitudes and dream stealers. Don't buy into it, and do go with it. Defend yourself and your goals and press on in obtaining them.
- Listen to hunches-inspiration may come to you from your thoughts, other people, or any other means. If you have a good idea that comes to you, quickly write it down before you forget, and then go with it. Keep a notebook with you and by your bed so you can write thoughts down immediately. If you wake up in the middle of the night with an idea, stop and write it down right then and there. You are likely to forget it by the time you get up. You can also try using a micro cassette recorder or digital recording device. This is easy to use while driving. You simply hit record and speak your thoughts. Do whatever it takes to write it down immediately. If you are in the shower, you could write it in the steam on the mirror and write it down when you get out. The important point is that you need to do whatever it takes to write it down as soon as the thought comes to you.
- Share the rewards of your achieved goals-if you keep all the rewards to yourself, you will find that you are not as happy or successful as those that share their abundance. Find some way to give service to others. It may be helpful to keep a notebook or journal of the kind acts you do each day. Set a goal to serve or help or share with others each day. It may simply be smiling and saying hello to the clerk behind the counter if they are having a bad day.
These 5 forces can make a difference in helping you achieve your goals. From here on we will provide more detail on each of the 5 forces.
