Question
Here's an interesting tidbit, verifying one reason why it's tough for web site owners to compete with a giant like eBay.
http://blogs.zdnet.com/ITFacts/?p=8942
Nielsen//NetRatings reported that search sponsored links, led by eBay, Shopping.com Inc. and InterActiveCorp, comprised 34%, or nearly 13 bln, of online advertising impressions. eBay ranked #1 in sponsored links placements, which featured more than 15,000 companies, during the week ending August 21, 2005. eBay placed nearly 400 mln sponsored link impressions, equating to 3% of total placements that week.
WOW
Answer
The mere fact that their paid ads are seen more often does NOT necessarily translate into the same percentage of sales. I may get less visitors (per 1K), but I bet I make MORE sales for those fewer visitors.
Almost EVERYONE on the planet has heard one or more horror stories of buying something on eBay. Just like positive advertising reputation, so too does the bad. Unlike many Mom & Pop's that may have NO known reputation, they also (rarely) have any negative reputation associated with them.
Answer
I agree entirely, Kathleen. I was merely pointing out that unless we web site owners SE optimize and bust our bums to get decent SERP's, it very difficult to get noticed... via the search engines, anyhow.
And yes, I'm sure that the big advertisers get far fewer sales, percentage-wise.
Cheers
Answer
I have been stressing this for a long time. Everyone is looking for a "magic bullet" but that doesn't exist. The magic is a combination of a lot of things that if done correctly will put you up there with the "big dogs". You just have to be patient and keep plugging away. It just doesn't happen overnight.
Mike
Answer
us little guys can compete on what we do well.
currently I have the market cornered on "custom dyed underwear"
number one first page on google....
now I just have to wait for a buyer