Creatively Belle

Most Interesting Business Challenge: Connecting / Networking

Promoting my business and building a large email newsletter list so I can increase sales - both online and offline.

Finding the email newsletters, websites and blogs to promote my business through is challenging.  Many business owners just haven't figured out that they can sell affordable ads in their newsletters and in their sites to other small businesses.

I don't like spending a lot of money on online advertising and marketing when I need to test it first. I prefer sensible pricing for advertising that I know what is being spent straight up and I can track my results (yes, another one that's been burnt by PPC).

I look for sites based in English speaking countries - I can ship anywhere and use PayPal so money isn't a problem - so the UK, USA, Australia, New Zealand, Canada etc.

I know that you need to have your site promoted with some depth on LOTS of sites to get the best results so they are the ones I'm after  - competition marketing, article marketing, directory listings, sales promotions etc.

Well I can rattle on for ages about internet marketing and advertising. :)

Solution: So my solution has been in finding sites that have affordable internet advertising and marketing that works.

It hasn't been easy and it is usually through word of mouth.

I've found niche ones but a really broad based one is www.SheInspires.com.au with a heap of advertising options that are well priced.

I use Constant Contact for: I solicit member donations | I publish calendars and schedules | I promote events | I send informational newsletters | I promote products and services

Other Areas of Knowledge: I do love marketing and business, the creative ideas light me up.

I'm a writer by trade - a professional writer and earnt my living from it for the first part of my working life.

I really enjoy designing my jewellery, particularly the Limited Edition range.

History is an endless fascination for me - the stories, learning why things today are as they are because of what came before and seeing the bigger picture.

Professional Affiliations/Memberships: Just local retail industry associations.