Does this interest you?
New exchanges pop up all the time, and many times I’m asked to add them to Traffic Exchange List before they launch (ie: on launch day have them in place). I was just wondering what you think about this. Would it be a good idea, or would it be better to wait till they’ve been around and gained some attention on their own merrit?
The way an owner does a launch can tell alot about how they’ll run an exchange. If they don’t advertise it themselves, and don’t get people talking about it, would it be a bad thing to tell the world about them?
On the flip side, there are owners out there who just need a little bit of a push to get their exchange moving. This could be a great way to help some of the littler guys.
But then again, if every exchange under the sun is promoted wouldn’t it defeat the purpose? IE there could be a really smoking hot exchange being added in between 20 exchanges that are screaming failure. (remember How to Spot Bad Exchanges series of posts) So then it would be up to me to spend time to “pre screen” each exchange, something I don’t have too much of.
I could also do some kind of launch day listing you pay for, it would at least cut out on the number of exchanges and would pay for the time it takes me to check them out or what not. But then people saying I get paid to mail out for them would be true, but then again it would only be on Traffic Exchange List and anyone could do it.
See the predicament I’m in? I want to list as many exchanges as possible, but there are too many. Already there are over 100 exchanges on there. Crazy! Do we need more exchanges? Who knows. Feel free to discuss any of this post in the comments. (I’d prefer it here because it’s hard for everyone to discuss when there are 5 different forums also discussing it lol). I don’t moderate against opinions, just spam.
Hi Tim
I’m always interested in seeing the new TEs, but being a TE Junkie, I admit I’m tempted all too often to sign up.
I do like to help them by putting in some different URLs and think that if they are advertising well, there’s a good chance different people will see my ads.
It’s often interesting to see how they’ve set everything up too.
Soooo, I guess a page where all the new ones were announced might be useful.
There’s another side – the owners might like to see what’s coming so they can schedule accordingly. Not sure how that would be worked though.
All the best.
Lynda
Lynda Hills lastest blog post..13 Deadly ListBuilding Tragedies
Tim,
It would be bad to have TE’s out there that should be on TE List but aren’t, so I’m all for giving everyone a fair chance.
How you do it, e.g., accepting payment, is really up to you.
But how about the converse? Why not consider how/when TE’s get REMOVED from TE List? There are TE’s out there which are swamped with sites with credits and not much surfing going on, and very little attempt from the owner to improve things.
I reckon consideration of removal criteria might help you decide on entrance criteria.
Just my 2 cents worth.
John Davies
hitbandit
Well they do get removed from the reports when traffic dwindles. You’ll see them ranked 999. If I remove them completely then people will think they haven’t been added yet.
Hi there Tim, and everyone else.
Why not just announce the traffic exchanges when they are launched, without any great comment or fanfare. Invite people to try them, and pass comment, a bit like restaurant critics visiting a new eaterie. And then two weeks after launch, collate all the comments, together with your own observations, to give a definitive verdict on each new exchange. If there was a bit of a fuss made of it, like rewarding a “best newcomer” rosette it might encourage competition between the various newbies, and thus raise the standards.
Interesting idea ;-)
I had written a lengthy comment early on but for some reason I hit an erroneous key and it got wiped out.
Suffice to say I REALLY like this recommendation. It helps you, us, and the new owner has an incentive to become a TE standout.
My vote goes with Christopher.
I agree Christopher. In my opinion, an initial review or “announcement” should be just that, neutral and unbiased comments.
Often a TE who’s owner is not as well connected or well known in the industry or as familiar with the industry “ins and outs” is more likely to get lost in the dust of other owners sites. This industry is vast and rapidly growing, why not allow some space for relative newbies to get noticed, share in the spotlight a little and have fair chance not be at a disadvantage from the get-go!
Competition is healthy and I enjoy watching the new and veteran owners develop their sites for their members and to realize their dreams and goals. It’s even better when helping an owner launch & grow their site!! :)
Well, that’s my 2cents worth…
Take care & have a great day/evening!!
There seems to be another exchange launched every day and some are appalling.
Like Chris, I think they should prove their value before being added to the list – there’s no better judge than the user!
Hi Tim,
As you know some TE take time to get established the best way is to get them seen i always use other TE to do this.
If TE don’t live up to there claims then they won’t be around long.
As for chargeing a fee i do agree your well within your rights because they will geting top quality traffic at what price it will be up to you.
I agree with the above ideas and would add a probationary period of say three months for brand new TEs.
As a new exchange owner it would be nice to have my exchange listed and given a chance to be critiqued, by a high traffic exchange site, but at the same time there are so many out there and a lot of the bigger ones being run by gurus already get enough exposure and are listed high up on hoopla before any of us little guys even get a chance.
I know there are some that do their due dilligence and have advertisers and investors set up before they even put the first link on the page but some of us are still struggling and have to do everything ourselves and don’t have a lot of money to put into hiring copywriters and designers, so it would be nice if our exchanges were listed after we’ve done the hard work. Some of us have a major learning curve and it’s not easy getting these sites up and running on our own, so to have a major site like yours listing us would be a godsend, especially if it was free or low cost.
.
Rebecca Beasley
Tangisurf
I find exchanges that have a lot of help on launching from people like you that we trust, tend to get the same members and we see the same sites. People join because of ‘recommendations’ from you and other large exchange owners, and they are generally people from your exchanges.
Sometimes it’s great to find small new exchanges, they have fresh eyeballs! You have a lot of good ideas posted above, just mention them with no fanfare, maybe charge a few to be listed etc.
Mariannes lastest blog post..Local Search And Its Benefits To Your Business
You should place TEs on yours where members from startexchange .com are members. I am owner of 4 small TEs and other sites and I would not make ads for a site that is not listed or wanted by my members. A probationary period might be good, but it slows the whole process down.
Another method is a very effective one, a TE is placed on your TE for maybe 30-45 days removed for 30-45 days always cycling, that makes a TE interesting, I am not seeing over and over the same ad to eternity but new ones.
geronimo
To charge s small fee to get listed or maybe add the listing in the sx upgraded memebrship like TE Toolbox can be a solution.
All exchanges should get a fair chance to get listed and prove that they are worth to use. Maybe a top 100 list is enough.
Kjell
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I agree with Christopher’s comment. A mention on your list could help a smaller, newer exchange, even without a direct recommendation from you.
If it wasn’t too much, I would be willing to pay a small fee to have my TE listed. We launched on New Years Day, and are working very hard on promotion.
Thanks Tim, you always have great ideas!
Carole
mermaidsmagic.com
Hiya Tim I don,t believe that you should put it in the traffic exchange list the day it launches or before, maybe put the word out that there is a new T E launching but they should show first they are willing to do what it takes to get noticed. In my experience a TE has people join, The key is to keep people interested and motivated enough to want to stay and believe me if it is a good exchange or not everyone will know it.
Hi Tim,
I think Christopher Anton has a good idea and I myself think that would be the best way to go with this, let the members decide the out come.
The help you would give, by bringing the TEs to the people would be a win win for both you and the TE owner, but I think setting a minimum number of good comments before they are added to the list would be fair.
I also agree with Marianne, I have seen many TEs start up and with days not weeks or months have a large number of members that came from the same TE you just left, promoting the same programs and all. Its a new exchange but all the same members.
So I guess with that said getting the new and smaller TEs noticed could also get a lot of new members for everyone. Some TE owners may even be willing to pay a start up cost to be added to the list, I don’t think they would want to pay monthly fee, but you never know.
This would be a tough call to make, glad it’s you making it. :)
The one question I have always wanted to ask, Does it really matter if your TE gets on the list or does it matter that the bigger TEs help promote it? There are many TEs on many list but the ones in the top 5 places are the ones that had help from the big boys so to speak.
Sorry for running on and maybe shaking the bushes, but I think the list is second place to the help a smaller exchange would get from the bigger exchanges.
But either way you choose to go I hope everyone benefits from it.
To your Success,
Steven
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Hi again Tim
In reference to Steven’s question >>> “”" The one question I have always wanted to ask, Does it really matter if your TE gets on the list or does it matter that the bigger TEs help promote it? There are many TEs on many list but the ones in the top 5 places are the ones that had help from the big boys so to speak. “”"
Personally, I believe that it should not make any difference if a site is listed on “The List” or not, however, the reality seems quite different…
You are not stirring the bushes any more than myself Steven, this is a time for open communication and comments to facilitate in reaching the ultimate result “an effective and worthy solution” for all individuals and sites involved.
This LIST is a fact of life. All owners/potential owners/members are fortunate to have access to knowledge and connections to people /resources that will help them succeed in this industry…. they merely have to work hard and learn. A successful business and long term social connections and business/personal friendships are not handed to those on a silver platter in this industry… everyone must work hard to achieve their goals and not expect things to be done for them or that they will make huge sums of cash over night, life doesn’t work that way.
You know me Steven, you know what my values and work ethic are.
I here by challenge everyone to help each other to help ourselves.
This industry is vast and plentiful for everyone. Many freely offer their knowledge and experiences to those who are learning… others do not.
From my experience thus far, Tim & others I know more personally are there mentor so to speak and freely respond to questions asked to help educate newcomers… very generous considering time is a valuable commodity!!!
I trust Tim will make the most appropriate decision after evaluating all comments from members and owners, no matter who or how popular they may or may not already be.
As for paying for membership onto the list… wouldn’t that lessen the credibility of “The List”??!! ……. just a thought!
Hi Tim, I am a member of near 100 TEs’. I find that most are carrying almost all the same ads. Which tells me, most members are all the same members on each one.
If no results are are obtained on,say, a dozen sites, the same results will ensue with the other 80+.
These are starting to look like a waste of time ie: sellers trying to sell to sellers.
Just my thoughts.
All the best,
Robert.
Ultimately it comes down to results, but it’s always fun to see a new traffic exchange promoted.
Promoting a new traffic exchange is fine but it must earn it’s place in the rankings.
Great post!
Jimmy Adames
Hi Tim, an idea!
What if, a traffic exchange actually opened the surf sites to buyers ?
ie: just have a ‘guest’ entry for anyone interested in looking (surfing) for things to buy, but do not want to join?
It would cost the owners of the TEs’ very little and would certainly help the members with sales. And the end result, help the owners.
Spaced out ? I don’t know!
All the best,
Robert.
Hi Tim,
In my opinion exchanges should not automatically get included on TEList.
My take on it is a ranking system for traffic exchanges. Do I really care about an excahnge that is ranked #3,597?
Probably not.
I’m going to be looking for exchanges ranked in the top 40 as a minimum.
Adding too many exchanges to this ranking system only serves to make TE List look like a free for all site rather than give it credibility to rank exchanges properly.
I think your present system works well. I’m not opposed to you doing it a different way, just giving you my viewpoint.
Mike
Hi Tim,
I would like very much to have my site listed on your Traffic Exchange List but as Michael said, what’s the use if I can’t be in the top 40? I would rather wait until I have built up my site and get some time and experience under my belt. Then list it and see how it does. It would not benefit any TE to be listed way down at number 100 or 200, etc.
Just my 2 cents plus S&H. ;)
Jonathan
As a new TE owner, I would love to be listed in Hoopla or Traffic Exchange, it would be great for the exposure. But, I know it takes time. I’ve been open for about one month and have almost 1200 members. I still have a lot of work to do, but if anyone would like to take a look, be my quest. Even you, Tim, LOL.
http://www,samuraihits.com
Hi Tim
Many very good points being made here. Maybe make adding traffic exchanges a a monthly affair. You add exchanges to the list on the 1st of the month using whatever criteria you want to use. Otherwise it becomes a full time job.
As a surfer, I am only interested in the top 20-40 or so and the rest are just not worth my time to surf. The days of keeping track of 100 traffic exchanges are long over.
Cheers!
Tony
Tony Tezaks lastest blog post..Get the Viral Marketing Secrets and Make 100% Commissions
Hey Tim,
Tough call but a worthy gesture.
You probably need a separate list directory for Emerging Sites to watch.
You could charge a one time fee for addition – like five bucks.
You could make it a vertical scrolling bar and allow members who clicked the text link to leave to review (maybe for points at StartExchange).
These comments will give you some kind of measured response if and when you decide to add them to the rating list.
Thanks for all you do,
MAXTRAFFIC – Simply The Best
Jamess lastest blog post..Traffic Exchange Owners’ Forum
Hi, I am all for helping the little guy get a start, goodness knows there are a lot of “gurus” out there with either an unlimited advertising budget or the marketing experience to get things going on their own. If you don’t know who they are or who is the one starting the new system how do you know whether the help them or not?
I do not think you should list every one, that would just cause confusion, I said all that to say I think you should wait until the opportunities have launched before you do anything.
You’re right, the TE’s are popping up like mushrooms. You get the feeling of a hunt for easy cash!
A proper pre-launch among a few good folks and get their comments, good and bad, would weed out a lot of the “bad” TE’s.
Better have a “few” really good ones, than a thousand “poorly” mixed in.
The choice is ofcourse on the user side, but weeding out the “poorly” TE’s upfront, will eventually strenghten the remaining. The affiliate funnel rating system is good, as it takes every users experience and preference into account, for the top 20 only. The rest you cannot vote on or put your link into.
A truely universal [global] voting system for all TE’s would be helpful, in experience, preference, etc.
Noone wants to see their own site(s) as part of their surfing. Nor noone wants to get unwanted “error” messages from windows, like enter username and password to a completely unknown site; or the new craze Virtual Agent, which prevents the whole idea of a TE. Should be banned all together
I think that some very good points have been raised already.
Maybe you could try a ‘league’ system, a bit like the Stock Markets So you would have a TE50 – this would be the top ranked 50 exchanges; a NETE – this would be New and Emerging Traffic Exchanges – say 6 months and under. The remaining Traffic Exchanges would just be listed on the full listing. This way, people looking for new and developing exchanges can see whats new, whilst those looking for a top performer would be able to see this too.
I think newcomers to the Traffic Exchange industry might also find this method of classification easier to understand, as they would be able tosee the difference between a new exchange that is still growing, and an older exchange that is not moving.
Maybe you could tie it into a movements index – have like a top 10 climbers and fallers.
Just a couple more ideas to toy with :)
Richard
Interesting idea Richard :)
Here is another thought…
What about simply organizing “The List” by the date of launch or the size of membership and to heck with popularity, etc??
That way it would be completely unbiased rankings since the stats would be purely based on those statistics.
The only drawback to that is owners would need to trust the “honor system” and set standards for “active member stats” and not maintain false active member levels to have the appearance of larger active membership…. wow… can any “list” truly be 100% unbiased and fair? Glad it’s not my list to manage and organize!
Hi Tim,
Surf there first, check it out. If you want to promote it after that, do it.
If not, tell the TE owner why.
I think someone experienced would know whether your members would enjoy the experience or not.
If you don’t have the time to test it in that way. Why promote it?
I am all for doing on to others etc. But you don’t want to be promoting something that will make you look ill informed.
God Bless You,
Caroline
fivereasons