eBay affiliate / Wordpress question

[Goldfinger]

Hi. I've finally started working on the site in my signature (I actually started doing it to guide my brother and sister since I've done a lot of selling on eBay). As I've been working on it, the idea of setting up niche sites as an eBay affiliate has been rolling around in my brain. I understand the concept of it and I even purchased BANS last winter (and did not like it at all). I also understand that BANS just got slapped by Google.

Now that I'm starting to understand Wordpress a little bit, I was wondering if anyone knew of a video program or step by step instruction site that explained how to show eBay live listings on a site, using WP without paying for someone else's installation software? It would need to be designed for a first timer.

I've had no luck so far. I looked at the API material presented on the eBay Partner Network site and it looks like it's for someone way more advanced than me right now. I want to know if there is something out there that would work sort of like a plugin I suppose. Am I asking for too much?

Thanks in advance.

[ivatel]

Hi

I'm sure there is a fairly easy way to do that yes. Is your wordpress self hosted?

I will have a look at it tomorrow unless someone else pops in with the full answer.

Another way that you can do this and very quickly is to use squidoo you could have it set up within an hour or so including content.

Could I ask where you read about the google slap on BANS please.
I would like to read that as I have a couple of sites I dabble with. Their ratings on google are getting better I just checked them.

The trouble with bans is it could be classed as a "thin affiliate site" IF it is't changed considerably from the generic sites it creates.

I went to a lot of trouble to make mine unique so hopefully that is the reason why mine are ok.

The BANS boards are quiet I did a search and they don't appear to be moaning (which they normally would be on there if something was afoot lol!)
Thanks for now
Lynne

[Goldfinger]

Arrgg...I cannot find where I read that about the Google slap. I think it was on the boards at eBay Partner Network and I know it was just last night. It was several people writing about a very noticeable drop off in commissions during the last couple of weeks.

As for your question, the site I'm working on now is self hosted. Once I find some more productive niches I'd like to build some more self hosted sites to drive traffic to by whatever nifty new means we learn during this year's thirty days.

I've been playing around with a niche finding tool that I purchased (I couldn't resist) and now my wheels are really turning. The problem is, I've got the ideas, I just don't know what technology is available and how to get it and apply it.

Sorry to ramble.

[AndyWiltshireNZ]

Thats a common problem, too many ideas and not enough time or technical knowledge to implement them...

These may help point you in the right direction, they all appear to be free, but I haven't looked into them deeply:


eBay Editor Kit:

The secret is to use the eBay Editor Kit, which will produce some Javascript you can insert into your Worpdress template or post. Here’s the description of the Editor Kit from eBay:

The eBay Editor Kit (EK) is one of the most innovative and effective affiliate tools available. With the EK, affiliates can add relevant, real-time eBay listings to their Web sites in just seconds. Best of all, the EK produces click-through rates two times greater than traditional banners!

Whatever your Web site’s content or user demographic, eBay’s Editor Kit will dynamically list pertinent eBay auctions and listing details, including product information, gallery images, bidding prices, and ending times. Each specification is completely customizable.

Fortune Fox:
Ebay Affiliate Wordpress Plugin Tool Increases Revenue

TWP:
This looks most interesting: TWP Auctions v3.0 beta

Theres quite a few options so I will be trialling these offerings over the next few days for my own sites if you would like some feedback and guidance.

[Goldfinger]

Thanks very much for the links. I'll definitely be checking them out and may have to take you up on the offer for feedback and guidance.

Thanks again.
Mike

[ivatel]

Hi Just sent you a PM hope it helps
Lynne

[AdamJ]

I would love to hear more feedback on BANS, was just aout to purchase it for my NRL site - have you guys seen any returns on it?

[Goldfinger]

I just want to point out that I originally read about the alleged "slap" on the eBay partner boards and I was just mentioning it in passing in my original post. I sure don't want to start a stampede.

I'd suggest doing a search on the topic (maybe in newsgroups?) if you're concerned with it. It could have been a few folks going through a bad spell with their products just making assumptions.