Women's handbags and shoulder bags - need some help

[nateritter]

I recently created http://zuport.com. It uses affiliate links to retailers of handbags, shoulderbags, clutches, etc.

The reason I chose it was because of the difference between the recent search volume for good keywords for something like this, and the price of the ads. It's a bit of a longshot, but I've dedicated about $200 to find out if it works.

The thing is, I've spent almost $100, found $60 was spent on a non-converting keyword phrase, so I killed that, but then spent another $30-40 on other stuff that got click-throughs, but no purchases.

So, does anyone have any suggestions on how I could do this better? Perhaps strategies on creating the ads, or other techniques other than using MSN AdCenter, Google Adwords and/or Yahoo's version of these programs?

Thoughts, comments, help?

[lykrah]

Your site looks good... Very classy! But I am wondering who you are targeting. I know nothing about handbags but my guess is that the people looking for $30 handbags aren't the same type of people who are looking for $2000 handbags. Perhaps you should choose a niche. With the right niche in mind, maybe that would suggest the right keywords to you: either have keywords targeting bargains on handbags or luxury handbags that are unique or rare or whatever the niche is you're interested in.

lykrah

[Drewkerr]

Like the previous post said, be more specific or find a niche. You can really do both, just make your PPC more direct.

What are your current keywords? And your current Ads?

If a keyword is Designer Hand Bags make sure the ad directs you to the high end page (not the home page), if the search is discount hand bags make it redirect to the lower priced hand bag page. Being more specific with the keywords and where they are directed to can increase click-thru and eventually conversion.

Remeber this should be a test, so don't get discouraged if you don't get any sales at first. Explore all the options and figure out what works best, then narrow it down from there. Keep these following things in mind and try different combinations: keywords, actual domain name in the ad(designerbags.com might work better for higher end searches, then you can redirect it to the domain you have), ad headline, ad details.

Hope this helps. Best of Luck!

Drew

[nateritter]

lykrah,

Thanks for the compliments on the site. The reason I have such a variety is because I just wasn't sure who to target. My wife doesn't think too many people will buy high-end handbags on the internet, but I'm not so sure... so part of the design was to find out what category and prices people were clicking on, which would give me a better niche to go after. So, I'm watching the stats and overlays right now to figure that out. Thanks for confirming I'm doing the right thing there. I will be slimming down the product line and getting more niche in pricing.

Drew, the current keywords I'm running are:
handbags (and) accessories - the original term I saw that started this
womens shoulder bags
fashion shoulder bags
shoulder tote bags
large shoulder tote bags
designer shoulder bags

Thanks for your help guys. Any other suggestions?

[lyds]

Hi Nate,
As a handbag shopper I can give you a couple thoughts... first, I think picking a niche is a good idea. It's a little weird having that range of bags all mixed together when you search. There are so many places to buy handbags (purses, pocketbooks) online it would probably make you stand out to focus on the high end. Second, I liked the idea of them being "personally selected" but then it sorta defeated the purpose to see all kinds of bags thrown in together. Maybe if you really did edit the selection to the newest and best...

[nateritter]

lyds,

First, thank you for your response. I appreciate the insight, considering I'm not a handbag shopper myself. :)

It's a little weird having that range of bags all mixed together when you search. There are so many places to buy handbags (purses, pocketbooks) online it would probably make you stand out to focus on the high end.

Yea, I hear that. Another day or two and I'll narrow it down. It's good to know that the top of the line is one you'd select. I'll make sure the stats agree with that, but yes, I think I will shoot for the $600 range ones. That's the range most people seem to click on so far.

Second, I liked the idea of them being "personally selected" but then it sorta defeated the purpose to see all kinds of bags thrown in together. Maybe if you really did edit the selection to the newest and best...
If I knew more about which ones were the newest and the best, I'd be happy to be a better selector. If you'd like to help me out with this, I'd really appreciate it. I'm still looking around for more handbag affiliate programs as well to fill in the gaps.

Thanks so much for your response. I appreciate it more than you know.

[wildsoul]

I was thinking about your wondering if ladies buy expensive handbags over the internet...

It's pretty common that we will go out shopping in a brick/morter store, see an expensive item, and not buy it at the time. (Especially if it's a lot of money.) But then we'll be thinking about it later, and MANY of us will then go online to see if we can get that bag for cheaper.

Those are your customers, I believe.

Just the other day, a friend of mine did this with designer eye-glasses. We shopped, tried things on, didn't buy. When we got home, he was immediately on the internet looking for that same model at a lower price.

PS: There are regional differences in what ladies call their bags. I'm in California, and NEVER hear the word "shoulder bag." We say purse or handbag. So you might see where your target market is, and find out the regional key words.

[nateritter]

wildsoul,

That's great anecdotal proof for it. I've been tweaking a little bit to see what I can get out of it, but so far I haven't had any luck. Perhaps the regional differences are the issue.

Thank you!