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domestic_goddess

I would love to set up a home design website with some really nice but well priced accessories. I have been toying with the idea for ages but have no idea how to go about it...... Where would I source suppliers from and how would I get people to visit my site.

Thanks

Kilty_2

I can answer one of your questions - attracting visitors.

You would need to take part in business networking, meeting other businesspeople and getting your name out there whilst advertising locally at first (leaflet drops, etc) then slowly building up the amount of advertising as your business grows. Word of mouth is the best form of advertising in the world.

Once you start up, I can recommend 4Networking (https://www.4networking.biz) for business networking. Since joining their online community in October I've managed to get two clients and get my business off the ground (I provide web design & development). Even if you join before starting up, you can seek advice on suppliers etc since there are some EXTREMELY knowledgeable people there.

Since you are investigating online based business you'd need to have a decent website put together - don't do it yourself unless you have extensive knowledge of web design and development - you might save money but you'll lose money in the long run.

domestic_goddess

I am trying to source some reliable suppliers for stock for my new venture, are there any trade shows where they would go to exhibit their products.

windswept

I am afraid that you have just missed the big one, the NEC spring fair, I would try their website as you can still register with them and you will find hundreds of suppliers. https://www.springfair.com. There is also the country living spring fair.

WhiteLily_2

Hi

You could try The Spring Fair at the NEC in Birmingham - you have missed this years though. Spring Fair is the big one for interiors, gifts, jewellery, household etc; . The other ones you could try are Top Drawer & Pulse which are held at Earls Court in Spring and Autumn. Be aware that some suppliers will not work with an internet only based business. This is to offer some protection to their High Street customers who obviously struggle with the internet competition. You could also research into wholesalers who deal with your chosen line - that way you can cash and carry - keeping your cash flow moving! When I set up my gifts and home acessory business - the most stressful part was sourcing the product. Good luck in what you do!

kimbatty

Theres a whole directory of trade fairs which you can download on the NEC site, the best ones are the Spring and Autumn Fairs but another good one for innovative products is the Top Drawer show. You have to go down the directory quite a few pages before you get to events but it's very useful

http://www.necgroup.co.uk/organiser/trade/pdf/TradeFairsDirectory2006.pdf

Astaroth

I am very surprised at the recommendations for attracting visitors especially on door drops - whilst I have been sent a few pieces from marketing agencies recently trying to "prove" you can use DM and door drops to drive people to websites the normal thinking is that these simply dont work for driving business to websites.

The more common pieces of advice for increasing website traffic for sales to the public (rather than B2B)...

1) Get your search engine optomisation correct to get yourself as high up the natural listings that you can

2) Do paid advertising like Google Adwords

3) List yourself in every free directory you can find... this also helps SEO

4) Consider doing link exchanges with compatible but non-competitive sites (eg if you are selling designer bathroom white goods then possibly something like a store that sells designer towels - though that is probably a bad example)

kimbatty

Astaroth wrote:

I am very surprised at the recommendations for attracting visitors especially on door drops - whilst I have been sent a few pieces from marketing agencies recently trying to "prove" you can use DM and door drops to drive people to websites the normal thinking is that these simply dont work for driving business to websites.

The more common pieces of advice for increasing website traffic for sales to the public (rather than B2B)...

1) Get your search engine optomisation correct to get yourself as high up the natural listings that you can

2) Do paid advertising like Google Adwords

3) List yourself in every free directory you can find... this also helps SEO

4) Consider doing link exchanges with compatible but non-competitive sites (eg if you are selling designer bathroom white goods then possibly something like a store that sells designer towels - though that is probably a bad example)

Yes definately agree with all of those for an online business. Your top priority is going to be getting your site well optimised to help with your seach engine placement. You'll need to word your index/entry page really well with plenty of keyword specific text as this is the most important page for SEO. Think of some of the most relevant phrases for your business, services and products and make sure you have them on the first page several times to give good keyword density as well.

SWap links with other sites who are relative to your business but ensure they also have a google ranking first, say at least 3 if not more.