Sponsorship opportunities for members who have a small business?

Jeff · November 16, 2005, 11:22:21 AM

If you are a member of the Forestry Forum that owns a small business, I have created a space on the entrance page of the Forestry Forum for advertising. We have a huge amount of traffic now and I think many of you might possibly benefit from such an ad. The link created can go to your website, or if you dont have a website, we can create a simple single page for you, OR we can link it to a listing in the find-a-sawyer database if you have one there. The cost of this sponsorship should be affordable and should also be deductable as an advertising cost/business expense on your taxes. I am going to ask for $15 dollars a month to be listed on the front page. The space is limited and I would like to do this in 12 month chunks.

Take a look at www.forestryforum.com .On the far right side of the page, the blank area underneath the forum toolbox. If we do this, It will have a header something like "Member companies" or something.

SIGN UP LINK

crtreedude · November 16, 2005, 12:11:30 PM

Sign me up Jeff - and make it for a year.

First of all, I am all for supporting the group here. I get a lot of value (and laughs) from this site, giving back makes sense.

But, from a totally business point of view - traffic for a website is everything. Since Forestry Forum is a heavyweight in traffic - just look at all the people here - it creates higher rankings in google. Cheaper than paying adwords or other pay-for-click stuff. Also, Google will count this a a very good link since for most of us, it is in the same industry. Link farms can drive down your rankings if they are unrelated.

Also, I already pay 100 dollars a month to EcoWorld at it is some of the best money I have ever spent. I monitor our traffic and I can tell how much I get from our advertizers. I am always looking for value like this.

For those of you who have websites and need traffic - this is a great deal.

Fred

stumpy · November 16, 2005, 01:06:42 PM

Count me in!!!

ronwood · November 16, 2005, 01:11:20 PM

Jeff,

What would you charge to host a website along with advertising? My only concern is how do you distingush between your current sponsor and members that have small business?

Ron

Jeff · November 16, 2005, 01:24:29 PM

I generally charge 20 a month to host a basic website that has its own domain name. That includes a few bells and whistles, so about 35 a month to include the ad. The bigger the website of course, the more it may be. A site wit ha tom of graphics, say for a phtography site would be more. There is still the free space offered to members but that is very limited space and function.

This is only being offered to individuals that are forum members that have a small business. Not to a corporation or large company that can afford a regular sponsorship. The link on the front page will be a text link using the name of the company, or DBA.

Texas Ranger · November 16, 2005, 04:47:17 PM

Hmmmm, $15 a month. About fifty cents a day, sign me up for, oh, 3.5 days, I think I can get that much out of the chair cushion. ;D

dutchman · November 16, 2005, 04:52:53 PM

As a part time sawyer, I would love to give you money, and get a tax break.
I do most of my sawing fall thruogh spring.
I would like to do 6 mo. at a time, say from Sept 1 thru Feb .
If you start soon I would sign up for 3 mo. for sure.
DBA: CARL'S CUSTOM SAWING

Thanks for your efforts.
Carl

Jeff · November 17, 2005, 09:39:09 AM

I am still hoping to get a little more serious response to this, were going to need at least a few that would want to do this for appearances sake. Now this does not have to be a wood related business. I know there are several out there that have unrelated businesses. This is fine because its a premium to a member for the sponsorship.

Steve · November 17, 2005, 09:54:23 AM

I'd be happy to sign up Jeff. I'm about a week away from launching a new/revised site and would like to wait until that was live before putting my link up though.

Hawaiian Hardwoods Direct

dewwood · November 17, 2005, 10:58:37 AM

Jeff,

Count me in for a years sponsorship. Let me know what you need and I will send you a check.

Patty · November 17, 2005, 11:03:52 AM

Since it does not have to be a wood related business, we would be interested in trying a 6 month subscription.

johncinquo · November 17, 2005, 12:39:11 PM

Count me in Jeff. We have a site already that maybe we can link to. In my line of work we have to go through a "compliance" department, but I think keeping our own site and linking to it should be OK. I'll PM you some more details!

I have already done business with a few members on here and its real nice talking with folks that already kinda kow and trust you than just some stranger on the phone.

WeeksvilleWoodWorx · November 17, 2005, 01:18:53 PM

Count me in Jeff. I'll commit for a year.

Brian

Jeff · November 17, 2005, 02:05:43 PM

Sounds like this may be very do-able at this point. Give me a little time to arrange some sort of payment device through pay-pal to make it easy for even those outside of the U.S. I will also certainly have other methods for those that do not use paypal.

Now, since you are the folks involved, I would like some input from you all on what the heading above your sponsor links should say.

"Member sponsors" ?

"Please support these
contibuting Companies"

Ideas?

Texas Ranger · November 17, 2005, 02:06:45 PM

OK, your sense of humor disappeared with your shoulder mess up, so, 6 months, tell me when and how.

No on Pay Pal, you take a check? You may not have to hold it very long. :

Jeff · November 17, 2005, 02:26:43 PM

Quote from: Texas Ranger on November 17, 2005, 02:06:45 PM
OK, your sense of humor disappeared with your shoulder mess up, so, 6 months, tell me when and how.

No on Pay Pal, you take a check? You may not have to hold it very long. :

No it didn't. I find you are just as "funny" as I ever did. ;) I've just gotta be more clever in trying to find ways to pay da bills now days.

Texas Ranger · November 17, 2005, 02:28:35 PM

Ouch.

Jeff · November 17, 2005, 02:29:47 PM

:D

Yer a trip Tex.

johncinquo · November 17, 2005, 02:54:26 PM

How about "Send your money to John" area.

Or "Folks we do bidnez wit" area.

Or "Got cash to blow?" area.

Or "Dang I wish I had bought that disability insurance" area. :D :D Insert pokey stick dude here.

I can imagine some of the "ads" were gonna get up there. Chets Lube, fill, bear grease and Taco stand. Grits, Grits, and Sweet Tea delivery and counseling service. Sit a spell and we'll work out all your troubles. Furby's chicken farm and Goat ropin. If were not in, please leave a message as were on walkabout. Hey you can start a 2nd business. Jeffs mobile hog slicer and portable buffet table.

I gotta quit, I'm crackin up too much.

I'll be looking for your info when it gets around.

Texas Ranger · November 17, 2005, 04:12:57 PM

Jeff, save a place for "Grits-R-Us". 8)

crtreedude · November 17, 2005, 04:13:37 PM

Member Sponsors sound good.

Or perhaps....

"The Usual Suspects" ;)

Texas Ranger · November 17, 2005, 04:14:29 PM

Jeff, save a place for "G-r-i-t-s-R-Us". 8)

Texas Ranger · November 17, 2005, 04:18:28 PM

smiley_big-grin2

Patty · November 17, 2005, 05:39:31 PM

You could call it "Forestry Forum Marketplace" ; or "Forestry Forum Small Business" or "Forestry Forum Member Services"....just a few thoughts...to perhaps give you some ideas. :P

Jeff · November 17, 2005, 05:44:18 PM

Patty, thats kinda the direction I am thinking as well. I want people to realize that there is something there for them, not that we are simply listing supporters, although that is certainly part of it