eBay Marketing Tools: Using A Seller’s Blog

Used as another marketing tool, eBay sellers can appeal to a wide variety of customers using a blog. This creative marketing method not only allows for a convenient way to reach new and existing customers but also assists sellers with saving fees using referral reimbursement credits.

To begin, sign up for a free blog and list information about your online eBay store. Give some information on your background, interests and store’s history. Not creating something looking like a sales pitch, write relevant information pertaining to the products found in your store. For example, jewelry sellers could create posts about proper jewelry care, jewelry cleaning, birthstones, popular jewelry designers and other relevant information. Between posts could be a link to your seller’s online store. However, if looking to save a lot of money, consider using each item listed to earn a referral fee.

When a buyer clicks on the link to your item outside of the eBay seller store, buyers may be eligible to receive a referral fee. This is basically a reimbursement of 75% of the item’s Final Value Selling Fee. Links must contain the referral code in them and the URL with referral code can then be inserted into your seller blog. Check after each post is published to ensure the referral link appears when clicked. Referral links will have either “?refid=store” or “&refid=store” in them; depending on which page of your store is chosen.

After the blog is created, now it is time to market it. But, who do you send it to? eBay sellers with Basic, Premium or Anchor Stores are allowed to send monthly emails with 2,500 emails for Basic Store subscribers, 7,500 emails for Premium Store subscribers and 10,000 emails for Anchor Store subscribers. Take advantage of this paid, included store benefit and market your seller blog to previous customers. Customers, mainly those who had a positive experience with the seller are more likely to purchase from the same seller again; especially if an item is listed that sparks their interest. When choosing this option, send a link to your blog and from your blog; link directly to the item. Referral fees must come from a link outside of the eBay.com website; so it is important to first direct customers to your seller blog.

To expand your seller blog, visit forums and target your blog to that specific audience. The goal is not to appear as spam; so mentioning of the blog must be kept to the signature line. Lure forum participants to your blog by maintaining participation and use the information discussed to generate ideas for new blog posts. To find forums, perform a search using the type of item being sold: “ceramics”, “children’s clothing”, “shoes” (as examples) and the word “forum”. You should be taken to a forum where you can begin marketing to a new audience.

Be sure to update your blog regularly, and if selling different items, consider having multiple blogs. When done correctly, the Store Referral Credit can help eBay sellers reduce the amount taken on Final Value Fees and successfully grow their online business.