Sorry just had to post another idea.

I link to a lot of the Aussie puppet companies, but it occurs to me that I should really contact them, get put on their mailing list, and then write about upcoming shows; in exchange for a link to my site. I know a number of small companies who don't really get a lot of promotion, so it would work out for all.

It sounds like you have a multiple entry strategy at work for your site.  Don't change that it sound like a good strategy.  IMO I think its great that you offer both a store and articles and other resources.  And from the kind of traffic the resources are getting I think this could at the very least generate an awareness of your site that will i the long run generate revenue.

Sounds like what you're really looking for is our thoughts on what area to go to increase peoples knowledge of your shop exisitence on the web.

Sounds like what you're really looking for is our thoughts on what area to go to increase peoples knowledge of your shop exisitence on the web.

Yes!

On a side note; I got a hit today from a Myspace comment list. I went and viewed it, and it turns out some random person saw my site, and thought their friend - who is apparently either into puppetry - would be interested. So the strategy seems to be working!

Na I moved my product page up front to the first page instead of the info that was on the home page. I am getting more hits per day with just that simple move.

I can just imagined if I really tried. I'll be glad when my new site is ready.

Billy D.

You're saying I should make the Shop the home page, instead of what's currently there? Get rid of the home page altogether?

That's not such a bad idea, whether you're suggesting it or not; I could simply remove the navigation to the Home page at the top of the site, and change which page appears as 'home'. I wouldn't have to delete the home page, just sort of hide it, and see what happens. If it gets me more hits or sales than the way I have it now, I could make it permanent.

yeap! It's a good Idea. People would chose what they looking, if they see it at the first time! (What you see is what you get). People like that!

Miguel!

I have another question on the same topic: I have a popular article on where to buy puppets in Australia. I wrote this last year sometime, mainly because people don't really know about puppet shops or makers and where to find them. Is it silly of me to still list a whole lot of puppet shops and makers, or should I remove the list now that I'm trying to convince people to only shop with me?

I mean, I want to leave it up, because I think it's good to talk about what's going on in Australia, and I actually enjoy being able to promote other Aussie puppet people; I'm just wondering whether it detracts from potential sales.

I know that most business people would say that it is not good to promote your "competition" but I would encourage you to leave the article.  First thought is that it might actually help in search engine results for your site. Perhaps a potential client would find you because they searched using a term related to a competitor. What you have to offer may not fit their needs or you may not wish to offer what the companies on your list offer.

That's true. A person could get to your web (Because of other product), but can switch to your product!

Nice.

Miguel!

First thought is that it might actually help in search engine results for your site. 

It does; if someone searches for buying puppets, the article usually comes up in the first page or two of Google results (Second result first page for Aussie google). After having thought about it yesterday, I've been paying attention to my stats, and it looks like people read the article, check out the Gallery or Shop page, and then head over to the links pages for other places. I don't think it's a bad thing to have the info, particularly if it increases interest in Aussie puppets. I also get a lot of thumbs up from people around the country who I've linked to and are glad to see someone talking about the local industry; which can't be a bad thing either 

You bring up a good point, which is that I am really not in the position to offer certain kinds of puppets, like vents and so forth. I've had calls from people who often want things I can't build, or at least am not comfortable with my skills yet to do. One person even called and wanted punch and judy puppets, and when I replied I could build some, declined because it was a rush thing and really just wanted someone with stock already made up.

... Going back to a different point, I changed my site on the weekend and now the Store is the home page. I've just checked my stats, and there has been a steady incline in more hits to the Store page; this however doesn't mean much, since for the past few months, hits to the Store generally go widely up and down. I can say definitively though, that the hits to the Store page have consistently - since the change - overtaken the number of hits for my most viewed article (how to make a marionette). I'm leaving things the way they are for the moment, as a test, but I'm not 100% convinced removing the old home page is going to do much.