Power Sellers Unite

fullphp · Joined: 17 Sep 2006 Posts: 3

Hi folk,

I have an auction site which I launched about a week ago:

http://www.free-auction.org

We currently list just about everything and accept people from everywhere.

However, I have a bit of a problem!

After posting in a few forums I have discovered that my site is too general (yes, I know it's using phpprobid) and my point is that my main competitors in this field are E**Y, OnlineAuc**N etc.

I have been told that I need a niche in order to grab a corner of this market.

Saying that, I have another site which I almost launched last year (scotbids.com). The aim of this site was to try and target people in Scotland (where I'm from). I reckon I can get a bit more attention if I focus on just one Country as opposed to the whole world.

I know free-auction.org is a good name but am I just going to be bashing my head against the wall with it? Should I perhaps go with scotbids.com and maybe recieve less traffic (but more targetted)?

See my dilemma? What do you "brainy" folk think?

Thanks for any suggestions.

2BOYSandTOYS · Joined: 14 Mar 2005 Posts: 10095 Location: Kansas

fullphp:

First - welcome to PSU!! Glad you're here and appreciate your membership! I would definitely agree that there are many auction sites already 'here' and all appear to be interesting in gaining market share.

Again, there are several also that are using the PHPPro Script! So - broad market launch of 'specific targeted launch' appears to be the question of the day.

I'm not familiar with the market in Scotland, but it might be a good idea to start small and then see what works. If you can build a membership and get some listings, your members will quickly share what they'd like to see and do. Find a way to diferentiate your site/script so that it's got a crisp feel and is easy to use/register/etc.

I personally am not engaging in any new sites - at least until next year. I want to settle and load inventory where I'm at for the upcoming selling season! But - it may be worth your while to start small, get community feedback and then see where the road takes you!!

Best of efforts to you and your site - whichever road you travel!! :D :D

mojavelyn · Posted: Sun Sep 17, 2006 10:14 pm Post subject:

Hi Fullphp, I kinda like the dash names myself. Not sure about the .org tho.

fullphp · Joined: 17 Sep 2006 Posts: 3

Thanks for your feedback. Food for thought.

Anyone else got any comments?

axsstech · Joined: 06 Sep 2006 Posts: 85

i don't have a preference on the domain name honestly, although the free auction would probably be more descriptive for search engines

the site was down so i couldn't check it out, i just hope your auctions are "free" or else that name wouldn't be a good idea.

whatever you do, i would redirect the domain name u don't use to point to the one you do!

good luck wiv it mate!

Daikon · Joined: 08 Aug 2006 Posts: 949

Lost connection to MySQL server during query

fullphp · Joined: 17 Sep 2006 Posts: 3

Okay guys, a day early!! We've launched.

http://www.scotbids.com

As mentioned above, we have the following promotion:

First 20 people = 100% off fees for life
Next 30 people = 80% off fees for life
Next 50 People = 75% off fees for life
Next 100 People = 50% off fees for life
Next 300 People = 25% off fees for life
Everyone else = 25% off for first 3 months.

Place will fill up quickly (especially after tomorrow, so hurry).

All memberships and auctions will be manually verified for the first few days.

All forums discussions will now take place within the scotbids system as opposed to the temporary forum.

Cheers - oh, and enjoy.