Continued from page 1
> Sign here. I'll get you N thousand hits a day.
So Choose, Already
How can you do so? Each of above largely contradicts all others on list, relative to a "best approach." If you read supporting arguments, you undoubtedly found some facts to support view. But opinions included added to uncertainty of conclusions.
To be in a position in which you are forced to reevaluate any major aspect of your business, is one in which you stand alone. You're fortunate if you know even a single person with whom you can chat about dilemma. And in end, you alone must make decision, execute it, and live with consequences.
I don't know of a tougher spot to be in. A struggling business can be made or broken by a single decision. And even a successful business may take a heavy hit given a bad one.
Give It Time
Unlike hypothetical CEO above, you do not need to make any major decision today. This week. Or even by end of month. If it's your ad campaign that is floundering, cancel it. Then get on with business. Add fresh content. Seek new products easier to sell. Improve your newsletter. Stay on top of support. And so forth.
And, of course, begin dealing with problem. But not whole of it. Nibble at it in little bits and pieces. And let results show you over time what will work best for you.
Break The Problem Into Manageable Parts
For example, focus on what you're read about banners, and lay all other advice about advertising aside. Explore as time permits. If you become convinced it won't work for you, move on to another item. But if you decide this is something you must try, do it.
But only as an experiment. Don't for a moment consider 10,000 CPM at Yahoo, for that's utter foolishness. Begin small, test carefully, and do so over time. Given anything resembling positive results, maybe try a different banner. And monkey with other variables, such as location. All in hopes of better results.
Little Decisions Are Easier To Make
The key is in making small moves and tracking results with care. Each action will succeed or fail. You only need to give it time. Move on to a different element of your plan for improving your overall advertising campaign, only when you're confident of your decision on latest move made.
Let time help you make decision. And you can spare it. For element being considered is sufficiently small that total failure will not have significant impact on your business. Success, however, is one more positive step toward achieving your goal.
Bob McElwain, author of "Your Path To Success" and "Secrets To A Really Successful Website." For info, see Get ANSWERS. Subscribe to "STAT News" now! mailto:join-stat@lyris.dundee.net