I realize there has been similar threads written about this, but I'm budgeting out about $1,000/month for advertising purposes. What should I do with this?

Should I put it all into Google adwords; or a number of advertisements on several websites; or spotlights and sponsored categories on some web hosting directories?

I'm looking into advertising online rather than local; what would you do?

I realize there has been similar threads written about this, but I'm budgeting out about $1,000/month for advertising purposes. What should I do with this?

Should I put it all into Google adwords; or a number of advertisements on several websites; or spotlights and sponsored categories on some web hosting directories?

I'm looking into advertising online rather than local; what would you do?

If you are looking at advertising with a budget of 1K per month, I would do some offline (local) and online with ROS (Run of the Site) banners. I am sure WHT could cut you a deal...wouldn't they?

Also look at getting banners made. A good place for banners is http://www.banners911.com they seem to have very good pricing. Then after you have your banners of choice ROS with TopHosts, WHT and other numerous directories. Good Luck!

Agreed with HF. You should definitely do local advertising. I would recommend joining a Chamber of Commerce (or the equivilent of it) as you will reach many businesses for a very good price. Good networking too.

Google Adwords are a waste if you don't have a lot of money to spend, I'd wait on that.

Well the problem with local advertising that I see is that I don't design websites. Most local businesses who would want web hosting would need a web design as well.

Well the problem with local advertising that I see is that I don't design websites. Most local businesses who would want web hosting would need a web design as well.


Take initiative and strike up a deal with a local web design firm/individual. Its a two way street. You provide them with design clients and they will host their clients on your servers.

Take initiative and strike up a deal with a local web design firm/individual. Its a two way street. You provide them with design clients and they will host their clients on your servers.

Exactly!

This is what we have been doing, and it is working out great. I would recommend trying to find a couple of local designers that specialize in different fields (Flash, HTML, php, etc..) that way you will have all your bases covered when a customer would like something designed.

Sounds great guys--thanks a lot!

$1000/month on adwords can definately work. You just need to do your homework and setup and effective campaign. A $500 test budget would be required if you have no data on the keywords for the hosting industry.

If I had to chose between banners or adwords, it would be an easy choice to go with adwords. It is a much more targetted campaign and can deliver immediate results. banner advertising is more a brand name campaign and it requires steady funding an d patience for results.

I would suggest using a keyword yahoo tool located at http://inventory.overture.com/d/searchinventory/suggestion/ to see what people are looking for also.

Where can I learn about setting up an effective campaign? What do you think about places like lazworld.com where they manage your adwords campaign for you (for a price, of course)?

Step 1 would be to read the documentation on Google's site, and setup an account and test it out. You don't need to spend much cash at all to get your account up and learning the basics. There is also a great book out on Adwords. Go to amazon and look for:
Winning Results with Google AdWords

Very good read.