How to jump start my online store

[Sausagestore]

This is my first post on this board. You can usualy find me in google groups. My question to you guys is: I just launched an online store. Any ideas on how to jump start it. I already have ppc campiagns on yahoo and google and i'm about to start my mailing blast. Is there anything else you think you should do? Or is there something i should add to my content?

You can check the site out at:
www.mandlers.com/sausagestore

All opinions about usuablity are welcome as well:)

[jestep]

I would think that you could benefit from some well planned press releases. Also, look into advertising on sites where people are interested in food.

As far as usability goes, I like the site design. There are just a few small things i would change.

A 5 - 10px padding inside the main information box on the sausage page would make the text easier to read. Also, I personally would change the mouse over effect to a click effect. That way the visitor makes the action intentionally to look at a particular sausage. The add to cart button is too obscure. It should be easier to recognize. I would use a standard submit button, or at least make the button have a border around it.

Requiring the visitor to add mustard to their order is also a bit confusing. You should either make it optional to add mustard or state that there isn't an additional charge. This way people wont think they are forced to buy something additional.

Lastly, when a visitor is in an area, you should make the navigation button at the top look depressed. This way the visitor knows where they are at all times.

Other than that I think you have a very good start. Definitely stick around this and other forums. Make sure you are using a decent tracking system, and keep adjusting, and tweaking as necessary. You will definitely want to start optimizing and promoting the site to rank well naturally.

[richkoi]

Start building a mailing list as soon as you get your first order. After that send out monthly newsletters to this list to help retain customers.

Also, don't forget the value of direct mailings (yes, snail mail). It would not hurt to get a list of addresses in your demographic and send a postcard announcing your new online store (be sure to offer a coupon so you can measure the effectiveness).

If you are using Google, make sure to try their site targeted feature. This will give you the opportunity to advertise directly on web sites where potential customers may be.

I like the layout. Everything is clean and easy to use.

[coreperformance]

I don't think you're ready to launch - the site is full of typos. Give it a good proofread before you introduce it to the world.

[chrisJumbo]

Looks very clean. Easy to navigate. As far as building traffic, write some articles and post them on some free article sites. Here are some of my favorite.

www.Buzzle.com
www.ezinearticles.com
www.Isnare.com
www.GoARticles.com
www.IdeaMarketers.com
www.Article99.com


Also, look to build links with other on-line food stores or even local businesses.

Keep up the good work.

[Keimos]

Sausagestore,

Go with adwords, if possible use adsense. Google will then look.

Next find as many free directories as you can and submit to them.

Make sure everybody locally around you knows about you.

Most importantly, find out how people would look for you, both in the phone book and more importantly on the internet. How are your competitors found?

Also increase your index content, its full of sales pitch that would not necessarily match what people may be looking for.

Also look at what you are offering, it may be good to you, what about your customers.

Also look at your code, accessibility, local delivery etc. Would you buy from you.

Keimos

Keimos

[Sausagestore]

Thanks guys, all your comments are great. I will definetly stick around and see what else i can pick up.

[incrediblehelp]

Have you considered PPC for men gift and fathers day type keywords?

[Paul B]

Wouldn't Mine is 9½" Long be much funnier than Ours is 9½" Long on the T-shirt?

[wallmann]

This is could really put you over the top and it does not cost you a cent to implement.

I am using this to get more traffic now.

Larry