Website Promotion Tips?

[Industrial]

So I just launched my new website a few days ago and I'm having a reallllyyy hard time getting users.. The website is a photo contest ... and I'm essentially giving away money... I think when people see the site and since it's new - it might come off as a scam?

I've been on Facebook,Myspace,Twitter,YA,Digg(i made a post)..And Yet the only submissions I've gotten thus far are ones I've begged friends for... any tips guys? thanks!

 

[ManicMe]

So I just launched my new website a few days ago and I'm having a reallllyyy hard time getting users.. The website is a photo contest ... and I'm essentially giving away money... I think when people see the site and since it's new - it might come off as a scam?

I've been on Facebook,Myspace,Twitter,YA,Digg(i made a post)..And Yet the only submissions I've gotten thus far are ones I've begged friends for... any tips guys? thanks!

First impressions mean a lot. When I first clicked on your site it had that "cookie cutter" template feeling.

You site functions nicely, make the index page a bit more appealing.

I'm having the same problem as you right now (with the site in my sig.) I'm in a pre-launch phase (sort of) and I only got 3 sign-ups, and I don't want to lose what I already have. If I don't get frequent members the current ones will leave.

 

[Industrial]

Hey thanks for your opinion on the site, I really appreciate that! I actually hand coded - and like you noticed I'm a total amateur.. Hence the site looking a bit "sketch". I'm kind of hoping as more users use it and and when people start winning the contest it will be gain a trustworthy site standard. As per appeal.. I'm thinking if the site does get big I'm probably going to have someone do the banner for me(probably from this forum).

I signed up for your site By expanding my network does that mean I can promote my site? Or is this kind of like a new social media website with added perks to connect with?

Also I really like how your site looks - very professional. And if I may add, I'm not sure if you meant to this but, on the sign up pages the lines-boxes go over the polls, member search, tips and tricks..I'm using the Latest Firefox.

^^^ that issue also follows on the home page and as-well as others...also if I may add some of the sign up questions are bit personal...(it might just be me)...kind of like asking for an address.. then filling out a birthday and birthdate?

 

[codyjames]

I am gunna be honest (trying not to offend)

You would be better off either using a premade template or paying someone to design then you code it.

your site atm looks like its from the 90's.

But still your a beginner I think you did a great job in that regard. And nice website idea

Sorry if I was to rough

Cheers
Cody

 

[Industrial]

Oh Cody - my heart kidding lol.. But seriously, thank you for being honest. That's what I need right now... I'm having a hard time determining if my friends-family are just being nice or honest...it's nice to hear some good truth - thank you.

I'm thinking if my site gets larger and as it grows (hopefully by then I'll have the skill to do it myself).. but I'll most likely hire someone to do some touch ups (let alone the entire site).

But seriously, thank you again for your honest opinion

 

[codyjames]

Oh Cody - my heart kidding lol.. But seriously, thank you for being honest. That's what I need right now... I'm having a hard time determining if my friends-family are just being nice or honest...it's nice to hear some good truth - thank you.

I'm thinking if my site gets larger and as it grows (hopefully by then I'll have the skill to do it myself).. but I'll most likely hire someone to do some touch ups (let alone the entire site).

But seriously, thank you again for your honest opinion

No worries just trying to help, if I was you I would use wordpress.

It has TONNES of free plugins and themes (thousands).

Its not jsut a blogging platform anymore ive used it for full websites (like many others).

It also means its really easy to add content and manage everything.

Kind Regards
Cody

 

[lothos]

first impression. The site works nice. However, it doesn't look very good. You need a nice logo, and a better looking page.

Good job on getting people to submit photos. It's hard to get traffic at first, and having photos already on the site makes it look like people use it. That's important.

 

[ManicMe]

Hey thanks for your opinion on the site, I really appreciate that! I actually hand coded - and like you noticed I'm a total amateur.. Hence the site looking a bit "sketch". I'm kind of hoping as more users use it and and when people start winning the contest it will be gain a trustworthy site standard. As per appeal.. I'm thinking if the site does get big I'm probably going to have someone do the banner for me(probably from this forum).

I signed up for your site By expanding my network does that mean I can promote my site? Or is this kind of like a new social media website with added perks to connect with?

Also I really like how your site looks - very professional. And if I may add, I'm not sure if you meant to this but, on the sign up pages the lines-boxes go over the polls, member search, tips and tricks..I'm using the Latest Firefox.

^^^ that issue also follows on the home page and as-well as others...also if I may add some of the sign up questions are bit personal...(it might just be me)...kind of like asking for an address.. then filling out a birthday and birthdate?

Thanks for the input, I didn't realize the firefox issue, thanks for pointing that out. As far as the mandatory fields I changed what is required, address is no longer required, I had address etc, etc in there for businesses who wanted to be listed with full address and contact info, I change it all now so those fields are optional and not required.

 

[DNNinja]

To be honest and take this as constructive critism, I wouldn't share the site at all so if you need help with a new template pm me.

 

[Industrial]

Ouch that one did hurt... But thank you for the honest opinion.. and the offer for the temp. Hmm I think I have an idea in mind where I can keep a similar look but freshen up the page a bit.. but I'm definitely open to ideas and suggestions from you guys - the experts

 

[richrf]

Hi,

I think your site is pretty good. It's not fancy, but I think these kind of sites have to have their very own edginess and rough down home kind of feel. The problem with getting visibility is that this has to be done via word of mouth. Friends, family, co-workers, fellow students, etc. If you have a Facebook page then beg people to put something on and see if it catches on. If it doesn't ... well then maybe the idea just will not work.

Keep posting in different forums and get feedback. But in this case, if friends will not help out then probably no one will. My son never helped me out with my site ... enuf said.

 

[Industrial]

Wow thanks for your very honest & kind reply... I was starting to get a bit doubtful on my idea/design... So far asking friends to submit is going very well...I'm just nervous this might turn into a friends and family contest only lol.. I think you're right though just keep promoting and see where it gets... I went to a party and everyone seem interested in my site (although I was lacking business cards - my next investment)... I just did a little presentation today in my web design teachers advanced class too! I got new opinions I can mesh with the great insights you all have given me.

 

[richrf]

Wow thanks for your very honest & kind reply... I was starting to get a bit doubtful on my idea/design... So far asking friends to submit is going very well...I'm just nervous this might turn into a friends and family contest only lol.. I think you're right though just keep promoting and see where it gets... I went to a party and everyone seem interested in my site (although I was lacking business cards - my next investment)... I just did a little presentation today in my web design teachers advanced class too! I got new opinions I can mesh with the great insights you all have given me.

Glad I was some help. Sometimes, these kind of sites need a more gritty feel rather than polished. You never know.

I've tired dozens of ideas on my site, each one I thought had merit. Unfortunately, no one else did. So I just accepted it as a learning experience. It is said that only one idea out of one hundred work, so if at first you do not succeed, try try again .. and again .. and again. Keep working at it! And GOOD LUCK!!

Rich

 

[cedriclee14]

The main point of this tool for website promotion is that you remind recipients of your identity and your service so they use your services or at least you can point to friends.You remind friends and clients your services by placing your URL on paper, e-mail, sell sheets, voice mail, business cards.

 

[hazelg]

I think if the deal is really good then people will start spreading it.Maybe you need more better deal to do it?

 

[Corey]

have you tried social bookmarking?

Cheers
Corey

 

[seoever]

Also try high pr directory submission