Help! My marketing tactics aren't working

From Saba

hey YOU COULD PUT YOUR product on the top with discounts and stuff- look at amazon website – put catchy phrases like – amazing socks at mega discounts – put mission , vision on a separate page- thats not the central theme of an e- biz website
Try looking at ice.com and copy their design somewhat!

From Angelina

Its a very interesting and cool post about online shopping. people are using online shopping to buy any product.
I need this info for socks buying

From Sam – Lewisville (TX)

Shawn,

Don't be discouraged bro. A lot of the comments on here are a little too abrasive but there's definitely some good meat on others.

I want to applaud you for putting your best foot forward and I've got some great tips for you.

1) I do agree with others that the site needs some work. It looks a tad outdated with tables, etc… I would recommend that you look in to downloading and installing WordPress and finding a free or CHEAP theme that is suited to your business needs. There are tons of places to find these.

2) I would contact local businesses in Wichita Falls (i.e. Jerry's Scoreboard, Second-hand sports, etc..).

3) I would contact the local high schools about purchasing your socks for their teams and then selling their coaches on the benefits of Shawn's microfiber socks vs. the normal Hanes socks that they're currently buying.

4) Optimize your site for online sales and then get an online store with Ebay or Amazon.com.

Just a few ideas, there's more ways to get your name out in the athletic world in Texas, e-mail me and I'll share them with you.

http://www.samritter.com

From Leticia, Madisonville, Louisiana

Hi Shawn:

First I will start by saying I'm almost like you. I have a homebase buss. and I make my own website because it was too expensive to be made by a web designer. I will have to comment on a couple of things about your website.

One is the information on it is too big. Second I will take those wrestling people pictures out of your site and put a picture of somebody wearing your socks and take a picture instead or compare your socks with the regular socks so people can see the differences. Try to not show a brand name. Also go online like where they sell shoes and get ideas of layout and information.

Go visit local shoe stores, make a nice porfolio and give them some samples. Contact your local news channel and see if they can make a special report of the benefits of wearing good socks, specially on diabetic people or athletes.

Good Luck,
Leticia
http://www.bobbinlacebaby.net

From Vicki C, Bedford, TX

I am not a business rep or marketer–don't even work now-a-days…but I AM someone who buys socks–and I look for quality socks for my husband who is type II diabetic and loves to play golf. He needs quality socks.
If your socks came in cut-downs they would be just what I would look for.

But your web site is a mess–you are trying to impress people into buying your product or to create a relationship with a focus group. That is not going to sell socks IMO.

If you have a great product then you need to show it and show it quickly, effectly, and without all the grammar mistakes that give the home-made nature of your site away. While some people don't think good grammar is important in modern culture, you won't find any mistakes in those of top-flight products like Nike, Toyota, General Mills…
keep trying–people want good product. But do yourself a favor and find someone to rework your website.

From Barbara, Marietta, PA

You may end up having to go beyond the typical marketing methods. Have you gone through the process of having print work done and letting local schools and colleges know about you etc. I suggest that you send some of an announcement by way of a printer and have a person with graphic experience assist with design. http://www.albertdesignstudio.com

From Dwayne Johnson, Kissimmee, Florida

Shawn,
Dont take this the wrong way. The website is a mess and while you are selling a very good product that people may need, the website in its current design will not sell it for you. You need to get a professionally designed website that will show your visitors and potential customers the strength of your product.
You can visit http://www.dprosolutions.com and we can re-evaluate your website for you.

From ivy columbus oh

Hi, Shawn.

I went to your site to see if I could provide some insight. The first question that popped into my mind when your site came up is "What is this?"

If your goal is to sell socks, my initial suggestion would be to notify people that that is what you are selling. I didn't see the words "Buy my socks" (or some version of that) on your Home page. The verbiage on your site gives the impression that you are selling something else.

Also, socks are basically a commodity product, and because of that, are really hard to tie to a niche market (i.e., urban elitists). While I love your message, you may want to think about splitting off into 2 sites. One that just sells your sock products, with a link to the 2nd: a blog-type site that would go into more discussion about Urban Elite – the Movement.

Also, when you click on your product links at the top ("Get Money Green" and so on…), your site still doesn't mention what the customer will be buying. I would highly suggest getting with someone who builds e-retailing websites. Your image and verbiage needs to be much clearer.

Then, after that, you should think about investing in affiliate and keyword search marketing.

Please stop by http://www.randompursuit.com!

ivy

From Gil Torres Round Rock, TX

It pleases me to see something good in apparel is happening in Wichita Falls. DO, by all means, press on, Shawn. Do not give up!
Some thoughts: Your marketing tactics are not working and your product’s unique. I am going to assume your price is modest. Cards and samples aside these three are really what determine your bottom line profit.
My question is what is unique for the producer of these socks and for the retailer who buys from you? I can appreciate if my question seems absurd, but that is the uniqueness of the Independent Enterprise Networks. IE-Networks utilize the Knowledge, Skills and Experience of contractors and retailers/resellers in the production and sale of apparel. You don’t need me. You need a network that generates income for members whether contractors or retailers, or members just out to build networks. When network members stand to gain from the network they inherently become proactive advertisers for the product or service.
I’m not a flash and glitter or even a fashion guy, but I would expect that from an apparel website even if it’s socks. I went expecting to see some displays of your product, but instead had an annoying pair of feet in my face while I read your mission statement. The second page was not much better with magnification of fibers.
Throwing money at a business will not make it fly, necessarily. You may need to pause and think for a moment.
I myself am driving to launch the IE-Network. It is diverse. It expands. It will launch in Texas. Information: Workingmannequin.blogspot.com Best wishes, Shawn. gt

From www.TerryReeves.com – Nashville, TN

First I want to say that i am not bashing you at all. However, your website gives no impression at all that you are serious about your goal of selling a product. In this age especially, a dated or unprofessional website will cause visitors to back out quickly.

You definitely need a website face lift and a much more professional appearance online. Unfortunately, that can be costly. However, if you are serious about making a product that sells online and off, it is a cost you will need to pay.