Before reading this post I thought, Oh man discriptions take so much time and thought of it as neither here nor there. If I had time or could think of something to say I would add it to a product...now I realy see the value. Thank you so much for this information!
-Crystal
www.tdographics.com

i usually avoid long posts lol... but this is so helpful.

Thanks a lot for the tips.

To Zapgraphix:

Hi and thanks so much for the detailed instructions.

I do see the value of all of those tags and the way you are doing it.

But I am confused about some other things pertaining to my site. For example:

1- I have always heard that links, links, links is the all important factor. But your Zapgraphix site seems to have no links at all.

2 - Many sites here have filled their shop with search engine buttons, as they ask you to reciprocate when you put your info into their engine. I have done a few of these. Does this cause a problem?

3 - Many sites have joined webrings, or free banner exchanges. Again, do these cause an issue with the search engines?

4 - I have always read that 'sticky content' such as news feeds, etc. to fill up a site was important, yet again, your site has none.

5 - Finally, , I like to use my sidebar as a tease to come further into the store. Is this wrong?

I'm looking forward to your reply.

American Voice

quote:

I have always heard that links, links, links is the all important factor. But your Zapgraphix site seems to have no links at all.

Links in can be useful. Links out don't help and send your customers away.

quote:

Many sites here have filled their shop with search engine buttons, as they ask you to reciprocate when you put your info into their engine. I have done a few of these. Does this cause a problem?

Yes, sends your customers away.

quote:

Many sites have joined webrings, or free banner exchanges. Again, do these cause an issue with the search engines?

I don't think so, but it does nothing positive for you.

quote:

I have always read that 'sticky content' such as news feeds, etc. to fill up a site was important, yet again, your site has none.

Not every possible strategy needs to be followed to be successful. That kind of content can get people to your site. But it isn't useful if people aren't in a shopping mood.

quote:

Finally, , I like to use my sidebar as a tease to come further into the store. Is this wrong?

Whether it is effective or ineffective depends on the content, your target audience and your products. There is no right or wrong there.

As for strategy - you might seriously rethink that sound that plays on landing on your site. My guess is that you have a higher than average bounce rate. I left immediately. I make it a policy not to disturb people who are around me so I don't stay on sites that have sound. That is a very common response.

QTraveler: Because of all that you have going on in your sidebar, your pages take way too long to load. Every item in your sidebar loads before the products you are trying to sell. One every page. While those may be good content, in your eyes, they are driving away the shoppers you want to keep on your site.

I agree with Jen... I have a fast connection, and your shop took a long time to load. Having the side bar be much longer than the rest of the shop made for a lot of scrolling too. Is there any way to put some of that content elsewhere?

Thanks so much to the three of you.

I have been cleaning up my sites and they are much shorter now. I am stilling working on my detailed tags and blurbs.

I am sure only incoming links would help anyone's shop but I have not come across anyone out there in cyberspace who is willing to place (your) link onto their site without a reciprocal link. And I have gotten visitors and sales from some sites that I have exchanged links or banners with. If you know anyone who is advertising to promote our shops for free let me know.

As for the 'sound' you say was on American Voice, that is not me, that must have been coming from one of those "Spott" link buttons. That probably only happens once in a blue moon. And people swear by this Spott exchange.

Thanks again for your help.

American Voice


Ooh Baby Baby

This helped me SOOO much! Thanks x a million!

Good points to consider, and for what it may be worth, I'd like to add, that putting Photo Links on a site you already own, can't hurt when it comes to publicizing your Cafepress Shop.

If you have anything that's automotive related, I'd be willing to put a Link from one of my sites to yours, for free. However, yes, I would want a reciporical Link back to my Cafepress Shop, or at least to the site I put your Link on.

quote:

Originally posted by QTraveler:
Thanks so much to the three of you.

I have been cleaning up my sites and they are much shorter now. I am stilling working on my detailed tags and blurbs.

I am sure only incoming links would help anyone's shop but I have not come across anyone out there in cyberspace who is willing to place (your) link onto their site without a reciprocal link. And I have gotten visitors and sales from some sites that I have exchanged links or banners with. If you know anyone who is advertising to promote our shops for free let me know.

As for the 'sound' you say was on American Voice, that is not me, that must have been coming from one of those "Spott" link buttons. That probably only happens once in a blue moon. And people swear by this Spott exchange.

Thanks again for your help.

American Voice


Ooh Baby Baby

Thank you. I am new and found your info. incredibly helpful.

I set this shop up for a chance to learn how to do it and market - www.cafepress.com/presidentstuff. I will set up another in the near future.

I want to learn more about the affiliate aspect. Do you have any suggestions about places to find other helpful info.

Thank you.

Finally, a comprehensive guide for new users opening their stores and trying to promote. You know, some of the features on Cafe Press isn't explained very well. Anyways, thanks for the guide.

www.cafepress.com/deskcraft78

I have a question. When I search for an item on the home page of CP, i.e. jazz tote bag, my tote bag that is titled Serving Jazz Tote Bag does not show up on the page. I have the Basic acct right now to try this CP out. Could that be the problem?

Very interesting. Thanks for the advice

not a bad 1 but after hearing, it's seems a dogday work of load waiting ahead for me...