HIBs - in here if you have a minute please

I can't actually see any difference tbh I know how many visits I get from my website stats and don't even look at Hitched reports, wouldn't even know how to. And being a registered supplier doesn't actually stop others advertising.

Agree with the above, far too many are getting away with advertising even though they are not in the directory!

Thank you very much - it doesn't help when the rules are still being bent.... Will have to consider it carefully, as advertising money is very tight at the moment and I can't afford to waste it.

Do any other HIBs have anything to add???

Heather xx

I get very few click throughs from my ad/listing. But I get a fair few click throughs from this forum so it makes it worth while advertising to be able to come on here legitimately. Plus I'm not just here to advertise. I enjoy the forums....very rarely miss a day of having a browse. Plus I'm picking up personal tips.....as I hope to change my HIB status one day.....mmmmm....there goes that flying pig again.

I've had a few more click throughs recently, but i check my stats through my web host.

It does get a bit frustrating when there is advertising from people not listed, but i agree with sandy it makes it worth while advertising to be able to come on here legitimately, even though I lurk more than post!

Please report the non registered advertisers when you see them post so that the posts can be removed

Thanks

I have noticed an increase in traffic from Hitched recently. My directory listing and ad in the groomswear section are both showing a slight increase. (I use my own statistic via Google analytics)

The forum however has been very slow, I check in most days, but it has been slow for a few months.

I still get most of my trade from the internet but only a small percentage from referral sites like Hitched. (confetti was a complete waste of money btw.) If your budget is tight, I would advise teaching yourself some simple 'search engine optimisation' techniques. Search engine placement is worth 100 ad's. IMO

I usually receive monthly stats from Hitched, showing number of directory-entry views and website clicks.

This has been on the up and up since joining, so no complaints and definitely worth the money.

The only 'free' advertising I have seen in my field that might be of concern is those offering videography free-of-charge - this seems allowed on some forums but not on others.

I can see both points of view - an amateur offering a free service might not seem to directly affect the custom of 'real' videographers, though who is to say how swayed some people might be given the temptation of a promised 'professional' service at no expense. I guess it comes down to whether you want the assurance and peace of mind that the 'one-shot' successful capture of your wedding day is booked in the hands of seasoned professionals, or if you choose to take a huge risk with a freebie by an enthusiastic amateur.

Everyone has to start somewhere, though.

I've noticed an increase in hits on my website through Hitched too.

I used to be in the hitched directory but it didn't prove very effective for me, that was a few years ago mind.

I post, but only in response to topics as per hitched rules.

Totally agree with the comments about SEC....mind you if you do read up on it, make sure the material is recent as SEO (especially for google) is a moveable feast and the goalposts keep changing.

I've just discovered why I have very few clicks through hitched......Northern Ireland can't be searched for by county......Antrim doesn't exist....I can only be found if someone clicks on the map!