Don't Blame The Recession

If your inquiries are off don't blame the recession.

Sorry, but I don't buy it. Why?

First, I have too many clients who are doing just fine and on schedule to have their best year ever. Yes, inquiries are down in some markets, but in most cases I attribute that to more aggressive online advertising by the competition, not any recession (and I DO believe there is a recession in this country, right now).

Secondly, Google reports (4/18/2008 - Wall Street Journal) that their revenue rose 42% from the same period last year (Q1) and clicks on the ads it shows (Adwords) increased 20% in the first quarter compared to last year Q1.

It's also worth pointing out that they report showing "fewer but better ads in each cycle." In other words, Google wants to give brides relevant websites when they DO click on a Adwords sponsored advertisement.

I've always said Google Adwords works - 100% of the time.

In most cases, if people have set-up a Google Adwords account and didn't get good results it's a result of the program being incorrectly set-up (targeted keywords, poor ad copy, not using split-testing, national vs. regional campaigns, search network vs. content network).

The only other answer is that the website couldn't convert a qualified visitor (bride/groom) into an inquiry.

There is no doubt that there are economic pressures on the wedding industry but I attribute the majority of that to COMPETITION. And yes, the recession does have an impact. When the tide goes out in Gloucester Harbor all boats do float lower at the dock.

Now, more than ever, you need an expert behind you and "your cousin" who helped you build your website... please... don't get me started!

Chris Jaeger
Book More Weddings
http://www.bookmoreweddings.com/

Get the ADVANTAGE for your website. More traffic, more brides, more inquiries, more sales.