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HOME | COOPERATIVE MARKETING | SEARCH ENGINE MARKETING AND OPTIMIZATION | HOSTING & DESIGN |
Cooperative Marketing Programs
The Internet is a wonderful resource for marketing. However, it seems that everyone is trying to get rich from the Internet these days. With tens of thousands of people competing for consumer dollars, the marketing channels that we have relied on for years have become highly congested. The online marketing efforts of legitimate small business seem almost futile in this sea of SPAM, hype, pornography, and more. We had to find a better way for small business to market effectively using the power of the Internet.
It was clear that a business-by-business marketing approach was very inefficient and no longer effective. We needed to create a collective marketing strategy for power and channel it through a common outlet for efficiency. Our solution was to build a virtual infrastructure for small business at the regional level. Our group of cooperative networks create a powerful and efficient marketing system that doesn't rely on traditional channels, producing results that would be near impossible for small business to achieve on their own. It's a win-win solution.
Our cooperative programs include:
Business Directory
The Shenandoah Valley Business Directory at ShenBiz.com is the core of our system. It allows consumers to find products and services quickly without using search engines. Shenandoah Valley consumers told us that they would rather use a comprehensive directory than a search engine when shopping locally. However, their primary complaint with directories is lack of information beyond name, address and phone number. So, the first thing we did was include a 200 word introduction in our listings. The directory as a standalone product would be powerful enough, but there is more.
Our directory is also a search engine marketing system of keyword-rich content and highly relative links. Each listing adds category relevant content to our pages and includes search-friendly links to your website. The result is greatly improved search engine performance for the network and all participants. The only requirement for participation in the directory is a return link on the home page of your website.
The Business Directory is free. All you need to do is add your listing and add the return link to your website. That's it. No excuses. Every business in the Shenandoah Valley should be listed in the directory.
Business Partners Network
The Business Partners Network adds yet another level to the cooperative system. In this network a dynamic links page is placed on each participating website. This page updates automatically so it is care free, there is nothing for you to maintain. The page contains links to each participant. This provides your visitors with a quick reference to other businesses in the Shenandoah Valley, while increasing SEE for your site.
To participate in the network you must meet a few requirements:
1. You must be listed in the business directory.
2. Your web host must support PHP scripts (most do).
3. You must upload our Network Partners page to your website.
4. You must create a link to the Network Partners page on your home page.
Ad Networks
Our text ad network is designed to take advantage of the existing traffic at member websites. Each participant gets one ad and in turn displays the ad zone on their website. Ads randomly rotate through the ad zones one each website providing hundreds, or thousands of quality LOCAL exposures. Competing ads are blocked from displaying on your site. As the network grows, the potential for traffic is endless. If you have been disappointed with the results from the national networks, consider replacing them with a ShenLink ad network.
Our display ad network is coming soon. It operates the same as our text network except that it displays small, full-color display ads rather than text.
Coupon Center
Our new coupon center is under development at ValleySaver.com. Coupons are a very efficient method of advertising because they are an in-commerce solution. After the initial program costs, your only cost is the discount offer itself, which is directly related to the sale. Existing coupon programs can cost hundreds of dollars plus the value of the discount offer. ShenLink Internet is creating a merchant friendly solution. Soon, just $49 will put a coupon online at ValleySaver.com. Watch for further announcements.
Other Programs
Our cooperative marketing model is moving beyond the Internet and into other mediums. Projects currently under development include cooperative radio campaigns and our own specialty and seasonal print publications.
One Final Note
Every small business needs to put advertising and marketing at the top of their things-to-do list. We are amazed at how often we see or hear a huge "going out of business" promotion for a business we never knew existed. Search engine marketing is one of the most powerful tools available for small business. Directories can provide more traffic than search engines because they provide direct referrals plus search engine results. ShenLink brings most of these powerful tools to you FREE OF CHARGE, so there is no excuse to put it off any longer. Let these tools work together to bring you continued success. Add your listing to the directory, join the ad network, and participate in the Business Partners network TODAY.
For more information: 800.893.2918 Email
