A little over a month ago, I launched a new web site (tvcadillac.com) providing video coverage of the events in our community of Cadillac, Michigan. I'm trying to fill a niche with this site, not only focusing on the softer, "good news" headlines -- community events -- but keeping the focus to the Cadillac area (which tends to get limited coverage from the major stations, since they literally cover 1/3 to half the state, dedicating little time to each individual community.)
I've had a decent response to the site over the first month -- an average of about 41 video views per day, coming from 17 visitors per day (total of 271 absolute unique visitors over the last month). However, I am trying to promote the site and build a valuable community resource, so I'm here looking for suggestions
In terms of promotion, so far I've run about 50-75 ads locally on CNN (total of 100 between mid-September and mid-October), as well as a couple ads in the local newspaper. I have my car decaled with the logo and web address, so when I'm at a story that's free promotion. I've also been handing out business cards (with tvcadillac.com in big, bold print at the bottom, of course) to everyone I interview and just about anyone I talk to while reporting.
I think my key weakness is impatience; I tend to hope (unrealistically) for immediate results. I'm really hoping that I can build a viewer base simply by continuing to be visable in the community. However, I'm certainly open to suggestions about other ways to help promote the site... any suggestions regarding marketing tactics or improvements that could be made to the site itself would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks to anyone here who might have some tips or tricks!
I've had a decent response to the site over the first month -- an average of about 41 video views per day, coming from 17 visitors per day (total of 271 absolute unique visitors over the last month). However, I am trying to promote the site and build a valuable community resource, so I'm here looking for suggestions
In terms of promotion, so far I've run about 50-75 ads locally on CNN (total of 100 between mid-September and mid-October), as well as a couple ads in the local newspaper. I have my car decaled with the logo and web address, so when I'm at a story that's free promotion. I've also been handing out business cards (with tvcadillac.com in big, bold print at the bottom, of course) to everyone I interview and just about anyone I talk to while reporting.
I think my key weakness is impatience; I tend to hope (unrealistically) for immediate results. I'm really hoping that I can build a viewer base simply by continuing to be visable in the community. However, I'm certainly open to suggestions about other ways to help promote the site... any suggestions regarding marketing tactics or improvements that could be made to the site itself would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks to anyone here who might have some tips or tricks!
