Tell me more ×
Answers OnStartups is a question and answer site for entrepreneurs looking to start or run a new business. It's 100% free, no registration required.
up vote 1 down vote favorite
1

We sell a document management software designed for small businesses.

I would appreciate any ideas about what would be the best places to advertise such an application to small businesses (assuming an advertising budget of around $5000). Most of our customers are based in the US.

We have tried Google Adwords. We are considering advertising on Linked-In. Anyone's had success with that?

share|improve this question
3  
We welcome posting your site, blog, etc. under your registration. – JeffO Aug 31 '10 at 17:38
Yeah, sorry. But like I said, go join communities that might have your target audience. – BhargavPatel Aug 31 '10 at 21:19

7 Answers

up vote 1 down vote

There are some pretty cool niche ad networks. One that comes to mind is CarbonAds

share|improve this answer
up vote 1 down vote

You should contact application (web) blogs. Its kind of like a press release and you will get a lot of exposure.

http://web.appstorm.net/ < Start there. They do this service called Quick Look. Here are some benefits. http://web.appstorm.net/why-quick-look/

You will gain so much exposure I can tell you that. It costs $50.

share|improve this answer
Thanks for the tip, Bhargav. We are a Windows based application and it looks like appstorm only looks at mac, web and iPhone apps. – Patrick Aug 31 '10 at 12:56
@Pat with the right angle you could promote it on Lifehacker. The people you reach are what matters most; try to think of users for your application and where they spend their time. Then try to pump for a feature or just a write up. – mfg Nov 17 '10 at 14:37
up vote 1 down vote

Try to get in contact with a B2B business that will act as the "in between" between you and the consumers. Document management solutions are on demand now because of increased security threats.

share|improve this answer
up vote 0 down vote

Also consider complimentary products offered by other companies whom you may already be partnered up with. They should already have established sales channels. Adwords is tough (competitive) if you aren't narrowed down to a local area.

share|improve this answer
up vote 0 down vote

Patrick, For how long you used gooogle adwords? Your campaign was only for search engine or textual links too?

I believe google adword must have provided you targeted traffic if used properly. My suggestions to you is:

  1. Let professional do your google adword.
  2. Join small business communities/forums like young entrepreneur, entrepreneur, biznik and post article how your software can help small business owners.

Your marketing should be solution oriented rather than product oriented and it will work.

share|improve this answer
up vote 0 down vote

Patrick, expanding on what Adam wrote, look for companies that provide related services to your target market and try to partner with them on a revenue share. The primary objective is to gain exposure and validation; the revenues will come in time. I would like to see what your product as I may have some contacts for you. Good luck.

share|improve this answer
up vote 0 down vote

Contact local or nationwide Business Associations and provide their Members with a small Discount if they buy from you. It will only cost you to search for the contact details and to write a letter.

However, this might take some time. So it's nothing to do in a hurry. But it's another way to get more exposure.

share|improve this answer

Your Answer

 
discard

By posting your answer, you agree to the privacy policy and terms of service.