Need some serious advice.... and the AT Effect ;-)

[Deleted member 4644]

A couple months ago some high school buddies and I launched a travel web site designed to be the "Facebook" for travel.

Unfortunately... we have had an extremely hard time getting users. Even worse, we have had a hard time getting users who post worthwhile content and return to the site after their first use.

We have spent $100s (more actually....) on various forms of advertising, including web banner ads, Facebook ads, google ads, yahoo text ads, and even physical flyers.

So far, our ads have brought us fewer users than word of mouth advertising! We are running out of time and money.. and its pretty frustrating to boot...

So, I have two requests of ATOT.. 1) do you have any ideas for effective advertising of any form for a web site 2) please visit the site and give us feed back and maybe even make a travel related review

Anyways.. thanks for reading and the site can be found at http://www.travbuddy.com

 

[jumpr]

It's a good idea, but people just don't travel as often as they go to class and meet people.

 

[Deleted member 4644]

Originally posted by: jumpr
It's a good idea, but people just don't travel as often as they go to class and meet people.

I know... we don't expect people to log in on a daily basis, but most people log in once and then vanish

 

[jtusa]

At least you were able to get your website up and running. I have a brilliant idea for a website, which to my knowledge doesn't exist yet, and if it took off like I'm pretty sure it would, I'd be a millionaire. Seriously.

 

[SmoochyTX]

Why aren't you calling Australia 'Australia'????

Other than that, a quick glance at the site and it looks good. Maybe focus some more on pics of the actual places traveled on the home page besides focusing more on members' pics. It also seems most of the newest members pics are just happy faces because they're not uploading pics and that's not good. I really do think it would be better if it showed pics of actual places rather than member icons.

Good site overall though. Good luck.

 

[quakefiend420]

the layout of the site looks good

no ideas for advertising, though

 

[Deleted member 4644]

Anyone else?

 

[AgaBoogaBoo]

It's definitely a good idea and I compliment you on setting up a site that looks nice, is functional, and has potential

Have you tried becoming more active in forums related to camping, hiking, etc.?

 

[Safeway]

I agree with the camping, hiking thing.

Other than that, it's true that people are going to upload a few vacation photos and leave.

 

[Udel]

I think it has alot of potential. I'm signing up, for what thats worth! Good luck.

 

[George P Burdell]

The site is well made... it's clear you guys have worked hard on this. Good luck :thumbsup:

 

[George P Burdell]

And I've got some bad news: http://wikitravel.org/en/Main_Page