 |
April 1998 Volume 25 Number 2 |
Internet Advertising Programs -
page 2 
The Smokeshop FinderAnother site recently added by Smokeshop magazine is the "Smokeshop Finder," located at http://gocigars.net. The site lists about 7,000 tobacco retailers around the world. Advertised in Smoke and Smokeshop magazines, and throughout the Internet, the site aims to be the complete listing of smoke shops for consumers. Searchable by country, state, and city, the Smokeshop Finder allows consumers to go online and quickly find the retailer nearest them. Retailers can go on the site to see if they are listed in the database, and update their listing electronically. Unlisted retailers can register online for free, and advertise their shop on the Internet at no cost. The listings include the name and slogan of the shop, the owner or manager's name, address, phone and fax numbers, and a spot for their Internet and e-mail address. Both the Internet address and e-mail listings are hotlinked, so potential customers can reach retailers with a simple mouse-click. The site is administered by Biz411 Technologies, Inc., the Internet services company that runs Dun & Bradstreet's site, among others. Armando Barreiro, Jr., the company's chief executive, explains: "The Smokeshop Finder is a living, breathing database. Every day new smoke shops come online, and it grows. Because it expands on a daily basis, it is the most comprehensive listing of retail tobacco vendors in the world." Retailers can access the site through Smokeshop's homepage (www.gosmokeshop.com) or directly at http://gocigars.net. Retailers may then register their store online; e-mail addresses and web site listings are automatically hotlinked by the site's management software. Additionally, Smokeshop magazine and Biz411 are offering complete media services to all listed retailers. Stores wishing to create their own web site, publish an online catalog, handle online orders, and create custom customer databases are welcome to call Biz 411 for more information. "Soon, every retail tobacco dealer will need to have an online presence. As the dependence upon online communication and its use grows, retailers will need a way for their customer base to interact with stores electronically. Whether it means notifying customers of a sale, keeping track of a customer's cigar preference and notifying him when that product becomes available, having a forum to promote store-sponsored events and activities, or doing mass e-mailings to store customers to promote new brands, a web presence can do it all, cheaply and effectively," notes Armando.
SMOKESHOP - April 98 |
