Marketing DPC - DPChallenge Forums

06/11/2005 07:59:48 AM · #1

what if...

* dpc had a business card template for dpc members.
* you download it and add your name and add your user id in an area marked referral id
* you use something like vistaprints $6.95 for 250 cards
* you get a free month for every new paid membership that uses your referral id

Message edited by author 2005-06-11 08:00:08.

ClubJuggle

Canon EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM

06/11/2005 08:24:47 AM · #2

Actually, that's a pretty cool idea!

As with any referral program, there would be some logistical issues to work out -- anti-spam enforcement and coding come immediately to mind.

I'll float the idea to Drew, Langdon and Site Council and see what they think!

-Terry

Kavey

Sigma 18-125mm f/3.5-5.6 DC for Canon

06/11/2005 08:37:20 AM · #3

I already have a card like this, I paid out of my own pocket, about Â£30 including postage for 500 cards.

I do now wish I'd included an email address rather than just my dpc prints link but... I'll know for next time.

06/11/2005 08:50:17 AM · #4

Originally posted by ClubJuggle:

As with any referral program, there would be some logistical issues to work out -- anti-spam enforcement and coding come immediately to mind.

oh, crap...i hadn't even thought of the on-line abuse...

i was simply thinking of all the conversations i have with people out in the 'real' world where people are forced to remember 'dpchallenge.com', or they are scrambling for something to write with/on...i thought it would be nice to have a professional looking card to hand them.

and who knows--maybe the same way dpcPrints gets a volume discount from ezprints, d&l could get some sort of discount from one of the major card printers (like vistaprints or overnight). that may be the way to control abuse. if the card ordering is through a specific source, they would be able to gauge if the memberships coming in were out of line with the number of cards ordered--so as to help mitigate on-line solicitations.

kavey: knowing you, you didn't buy the entry-level card ;-) i only suggested the entry-level card as a starting point for those with a tighter budget.

Kavey

Sigma 18-125mm f/3.5-5.6 DC for Canon

06/11/2005 08:55:46 AM · #5

He he he... didn't I show you my card when you were staying at our house?

I paid extra to load my own graphics up - for a photographer that would surely be essential - gotta pimp one's prints ya know - and I paid extra for the glossy finish - which looks great!

Remind me later and I'll upload the design to show you.

I'd LOVE to get something for bringing new members to DPC. Would have to work out timescales etc for the referral too:

At the moment, the DPCP referral link only lasts a short amount of time - which is a shame because people often visit because of a referral, bookmark and then return later to purchase - and the referrer gets nada for those!

smilebig4me1x

Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6

06/11/2005 09:03:58 AM · #6

i wonder if i would get credit for the three i already brought here( and another on her way). i tell everyone i know how truly great this site is and even linked it from my yahoo profile as a "cool link" ;o)

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0L IS

06/11/2005 09:09:55 AM · #7

Originally posted by smilebig4me1x:

don't stop talking it up!

but i doubt if backwards credits would be possible.

what i was hoping from a coding standpoint would be along the lines of using the existing coupon code field. if the entry keyed in there is of a valid, current member, then that member would get the referral credit--but the new member wouldn't be getting a discount. or maybe it would be just as easy to add another field for 'referral id'.

kavey yes, i do have one of your cards! and i went the same route as you (my own graphics, and none of their advertising on the back).

Message edited by author 2005-06-11 09:10:04.

CreativeFlyPhoto

Canon EOS-5D Mark III

06/11/2005 09:26:17 AM · #8

I was thinking about this sort of idea too the other day ... and also thought about "valid members" ... maybe set some sort of number for "active members" (not including paying membership members) some people sign up and just participate in the forums for a while .. so maybe have a number for that "x" amount of posts ... or if they do submit to the challenges .. "x" amount of challenges ... after they reach that point for either section .. the person who referred them would get some kind of credit.

I think too maybe a field in our profiles to show that last time we "signed in" may help track who's signing on when ....

just my 2 cents :)