Using eBay as Lead Generation

eBay is a fantastic source of both lead and traffic generation.  This has been a secret of many successful marketers for several years.  eBay has 100’s of millions of users and adds 10’s of millions each month.  Most of them are buyers, which is why it’s such a good source of traffic.

Advertising on websites, using Adwords, and traditional marketing, means that you try to get a new customer that perhaps isn’t even looking for your product or services.  eBay, on the other hand, is full of people specifically looking for what you have.  So they are more qualified than, say, an Adwords click.

Big eBay Mistake

One of the biggest mistaked eBay sellers do is post an auction, sell an item, and post another auction.  Over and over and over again, it’s the same story.  Getting a new customer is way harder than selling to an existing customer.  Existing customers already know you.  They trust you.

To overcome this, focus on your existing customers.  Market to them.  If they bought one product from you, they’ve already demonstrated a) they’re interested in the niche b) they’re willing to spend money c) they trust you. 

The Trap

The way that you use eBay is simple.  List a product, an inexpensive product that you can ship them on CD, or a printed manual/report.  Everywhere you can you’ll get your companies URL in front of them (and this is a bit tricky because eBay doesn’t let you do it wherever you want).

If the experience is good, your new customer will see what else you have on eBay.  If all you list is this one niche specific information product or inexpensive item, they’ll visit your URL as soon as they see it.  On your website you have many other products, or just one more (expensive) product.

You’re using eBay as a lead generator, and as a source of traffic.  The more people that come to your site, the more orders you’ll take.  Traffic + Product = Sales