Adverising on eBay worth it? Any other advertising methods?

[JustCraig]

I have noticed a lot of adverts on eBay offering vending machine hire (as well as SWP and Kiddies rides etc.)

Does anyone on here do this? Do you find you get many leads from it?

In fact as a more general question - what methods of advertising do you find works/doesn't work?

(other than cold calling, which we all know is the best method of finding new sites - just any methods where the customer/site owner has to call or get in touch with you)

Facebook? Become 'friends with pubs/bars/play centres etc - would this work?

Google places - set up a website an then register it with Google Places so when people search 'Vending machine (Town)' your site will show up.

Flyer drops?

Advertising in trade magazines?

Any more thoughts?

[Venderbase]

I ran an eBay ad for a few months and didn't get a thing.

[JustCraig]

I thought as much to be honest.

[Coin Operated Group]

Google places? I shall give that a go

[JustCraig]

It is defo worth it as long as you don't have a huge amount of local competition as it practically guarantees you first page on Google.

http://www.google.co.uk/places" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Another useful tip is to use Googles Keyword research tool to see how many people are searching for vending machines in your area;

Try a variation of things that you think people would type:

i.e. Vending Machines (Name of your town and towns local to you)
Free Vending Machines (Name of your town and towns local to you)
Sweet Vending machines (Name of your town and towns local to you)
Vending Machine Suppliers (Name of your town and towns local to you)

etc.

https://adwords.google.co.uk/select/KeywordToolExternal" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Don't forget to tick the box that says [Exact] for exact search numbers per month.

[Coin Operated Group]

just signed up with adwords £4 a click

[Venderbase]

just signed up with adwords £4 a click

WWave goodbye to your money lol.

I've just cancelled my google adwords. All your clicks seem to get used even when you see no results.

[JustCraig]

I wouldn't bother with adwords (unless you have a free adwords voucher) - The link I posted was just for research purposes to see what people are searching for (or at least find out how many people are searching for a particluar keyword/phrase)

It is really not that difficult to get natural traffic from Google for a very targeted niche.