2015年9月29日星期二

Paid Search-Conversion and ROI




Paid search marketing means you advertise within the sponsored listings of a search engine or a partner site by paying either each time your ad is clicked (pay-per-click - PPC) or less commonly, when your ad is displayed (cost-per-impression - CPM).



Paid Search is a very powerful tool for a start-up website to be recognized by search engine and see by customer. It's a very effective way for a new business to start. However, for some business, the ultimate goal is customer conversion instead of customer visit. So beyond paid search, focus on conversion rate is also very important for them.

I know a company spend a lot of their budget on paid search. The did get a relative high ranking with some good key words. But the problem is their conversion is incredibly low. I think their problem should be an alert for every website who need conversion rate as well as consumer impression.

1. Landing Page. As my teacher mention in class, landing page is very important for conversion. A bad landing page can make customer feel disappointed or confusion. The landing page should be very relevant to the search content and should be able to clearly instruct your customer to the next step. 

2. Key word. You can never say your key words are too relevant, There are always new trend and unknown relationship between key words and your website. For example, a car selling company may find customer who is selling their old car a potential customer or even some who is looking for suburban house can have a positive correlation with buying new cars. The only thing is, how much each correlation worth and set your budget based on that.


2015年9月21日星期一

Internet Marketing: Is it for everyone?

One of the easiest, fastest and cheapest ways for businesses to reach consumers today is via the Internet. However, is internet marketing necessary for every different kind of companies? Here is a story:


I had 2 internship in 2 star-up companies. These two company both have the same concept to some degree - introducing a new solution to a problem.

The first company is trying to build an online platform for used car trading. Unlike Craigslist, this company is trying to sell user's car directly to used-car dealers. In this way, seller can get more professional service and the buyer can save some money comparing to expensive car auction. This was a pretty good idea to me, because personally I would like to trade my car for a little less money but in a much safer environment. My boss was so obsessed to internet marketing. He spend a lot on all kinds of internet marketing media. The company have all kinds of social media pages and advertisement. And we did a lot blog posting and worked a lot on internal and external links to help SEO. But it’s not working. We tried every methods on internet marketing we can think of, but the conversion rate is still awful.

The second company is building an education rating system for schools and organizations. They use badges and points to make both students and teachers involved. They don’t use any internet marketing strategy at all. They don’t post any external links and they don’t even see their Google Analytics report. However they’re doing a good job on getting schools to sign up and use the system. The method they choose is calling, meeting, chatting. These more interactive communication ways makes them easier to demonstrate their concept and understand customer needs.


These two company makes me think that internet marketing may be a very good way to gain customer, but it’s not the only way and necessary way. Internet marketing is a less selective communication tools. If a company need to explain a new concept to customer or if a company are focus on a specific category of customer. I would choose some more interactive communication tools.

2015年9月13日星期日

10 Most Popular Used Cars for Internet Marketing

10. Ford Escape
2015-Ford-Escape-Best-Automotive
The Ford Escape was designed to be economical. With decent gas mileage for a vehicle of its size and an affordable price, this compact SUV was an instant hit. And while this model seemed to have issues with reliability when first introduced, Ford has, for the most part, managed to revamp its reputation. Now in its third generation, the Escape features a modern design with all the latest bells and whistles. But when looking for a solid compact SUV in a specific price range, the Ford Escape provides a good option. For between $10,000 and $31,000, those prices sure beat out the new model’s $23,000-$36,000.
9. Chevrolet Malibu
Chevrolet Malibu
The Chevrolet Malibu is one of those vehicles in the lineup that has been used for different purposes. It’s hard not to see these models in rental car fleets, and even a few law enforcement vehicles here and there. But now, thanks to a recent redesign, it has become more popular among new and used car buyers. And if you’re looking to the previous model generation, pricing starts around $10,000 and $20,000, versus the new Malibu with a price tag between $22,500 and $34,000.
8. Chevrolet Impala
2016-Chevrolet-Impala-High-Resolution
The Chevrolet Impala is currently in its tenth generation, having been around since the 1958 model year. And while it has seen its changes over the decades, it has remained a top seller for rental car fleets and the general public. And while it was redesigned for the new generation, the night-gen received a few updates and a facelift that make it the ideal used car. It still features much of the technology and features of the current model. For $11,000-$21,000, the previous generation starts to look pretty good next to the $27,000-$41,500 price tag of the brand new 2015 model.
7. Chevrolet Silverado
Chevrolet Silverado
Trucks have become more and more popular as they are no longer just service vehicles. Oftentimes you can find the same level of convenience and connectivity features, if not more, than in some of the sedans on the road today. The Chevrolet Silverado, winner of numerous awards, offers a good used value between $11,600 and $48,000, while a new model will run you between $26,000 and $52,000. And while this model is only in its third generation, you know that a used model will offer the same capabilities as the newest model.
6. Ford F-150
Ford F-150
As far as trucks go, the Ford F-150 has been the most popular for decades. For the last 30 years, the F-150 has been the best-selling truck in the U.S., along with being the best-selling vehicle for many of those. Why would a used model be any different? A new model starts around $25,000, and easily goes up in price with different trims and features. But when looking at a used model, we’d recommend sticking with one from either the 11th or 12th generations, as they feature the most up-to-date technology, safety features, and creature comforts. And with a price range between $11,000 and $60,000, there’s one for almost everyone.
5. Honda Civic
Honda Civic
The Honda Civic seems to be in an eternal battle with the Toyota Corolla to be the top in the compact car segment, and with extensive updates, it pulls ahead every once in a while. But the Civic has a long history of being a reliable, safe, and stylish car, with past generations keeping their edge in the used car markets. This model has been around since the 1970s, and isn’t going away anytime soon, as it is in its ninth generation. With seven different models to choose from, there will be one for every price range, especially when bought used. Expect prices for the eighth- and ninth-gen models to go between $9,500 and $25,000.
4. Toyota Corolla
Toyota Corolla
The Toyota Corolla is one of those cars that you see on the road all the time. And while the new generation is just gaining traction, the previous models have become more and more common thanks to brand recognition, safety, and reliability. After eleven generations, the Corolla is still one of the best-selling vehicles in the Toyota lineup, and even used, offers a great value. A new model will range from $16,800-$25,000, but used models in the 10th and 11th gens are priced between $9,000 and $18,000. We’d say it’s worth it to check out the used models.
3. Nissan Altima
Nissan Altima
The Nissan Altima hasn’t been around quite as long as some of the other models on this list, but that doesn’t make it any less popular among used car buyers. With five solid generations under its belt, consumers are drawn to the Altima for its great gas mileage, safety, and spacious interior. As far as used models go, we’d recommend opting for a fourth-gen model that was sold between 2007 and 2012. Used prices start at just over $10,000 and cap at $24,000.
2. Toyota Camry
Toyota Camry
As one of the best-selling vehicles in the United States, the Toyota Camry has carved out a place as one of the top cars people shop for, whether new or used. Having only been around since the early 1980s, this model quickly gained traction thanks to its brand recognition, affordability, and reliability. Although not as stylish as some of its competitors, it continues to get the job done. Since today’s cars are so heavily loaded with technology and connectivity features, we’d opt for a used 2006 model year or newer. Pricing for those will range between $10,000 and $31,000.
1. Honda Accord
2013_Honda_Accord_Sedan_Touring_f34

The Honda Accord is also one of those ever-popular models and is head-locked in a battle with the Toyota Camry as the best-selling nameplate in the U.S. Both cars offer their pros and cons, but it seems like more people gravitate to the Accord when looking for a used vehicle. With low maintenance costs, good fuel economy, and safety, the Honda Accord stays in the spotlight. While new models aren’t terribly expensive with a starting price around $21,700, used models between model years 2003 and 2012 can range between $9,000 and $26,000.

No Copyright intended.
Original article by Motor Trend: