How to List Products on Comparison Shopping Sites

Getting your products listed on comparison shopping sites can help turn your business from small to large. Millions of shoppers rely on and visit these sites daily. Some sites provide free listings--others charge fees on a cost-per-click (CPC) basis. You can also use RSS news feeds to gain listings of your products on comparison shopping sites.

Things You'll Need

• Current eStore or website
• Updated product information
• Monthly budget for fee sites

Instructions

Update, Research, Explore Your Options

1. 

   Research options on CPC and free sites.

   Go online and visit major sites like Shopping.com, PriceGrabber.com, and BizRate.com. Get acquainted with their fees and application process. Also check out free sites like Price.com, myTriggers.com, and The Find.com. These sites typically function like web search engine crawlers and "attach" your product listings at no cost. If your products are handmade, green, or appeal to a very specific type of shopper, be sure to explore smaller sites like Etsy.com and CaféPress.com to target and attract specialty shoppers more efficiently.

2. 

   Update your website, photos, prices and product descriptions.

   Update your eStore and Website. Make sure your products display well. Update photos if needed. Improve product descriptions. Assign item numbers. Most sites will review your current online presence. Improve your chances for approval by making the very best presentation possible.

3. Use free sites. These sites typically have an easier application process, but may take longer to grant approval and see your products listed. Take advantage of them to test results, get shopper feedback, and to research how your products compare to competitors.

4. Test Cost-Per-Click (CPC) sites. Test one to three CPC sites during the same time period that you have products on free sites. Remember, CPC sites will charge you every time a shopper clicks and redirects to your website, whether they buy something or not. Most CPC sites allow you to set a daily or monthly budget. So plan carefully and accordingly. Start with top-selling items and conduct a test for 3-4 weeks. See how CPC sites compare to results you get on free sites.

5. Use RSS feeds. If you know how to prepare materials for an RSS feed, use this resource, or take the time to learn how. All of the major search engines use RSS feeds. This will provide even more exposure for your products on shopper comparison sites.

6. Compare results. Learn what's working and what's not. Set up a tracking system to monitor weekly sales, clicks, data about buyers, and shopper feedback. Compare results for every site where your products are listed. Some companies provide valuable data, measurements and feedback along with their services.

7. Develop your campaign. Use your test results to develop your marketing campaign. Many companies, especially smaller businesses, are discovering how to use comparison shopping sites as a major component of their overall advertising and marketing strategy with great success.

Tips & Warnings

• The amount of your monthly budget is a key consideration. Plan wisely. Launch a strategy to successfully generate more traffic and sales by incorporating comparison shopping sites.

References

• eCommerce Optimization: Shopping Portals & Product Listing Guide
• eJaz.com: Using Shopping Comparison Sites to Boost Your Sales
• Shopster.com: Holiday Marketing and Shopping
• aShop Commerce: Using Shopping Comparisons Sites (UK)