[northbranch]

This post really hit home, as I was dealing with some negative comments on a reddit ad for my new site last night:

http://www.reddit.com/comments/tzfhy/the_hippest_mens_socks_...

I think there is a great takeaway here that negative feedback is often useful, but you should not blindly try to please everyone. For us, comments like that will certainly help refine our pricing and marketing strategies. Trying to convert that person into a customer, however, would be a waste of energy and focus.

[cjy]

The socks look like they are very nice quality, but given the bright designs, you had expect some comments. The negative comments are probably a plus on net as they drive more people to look at the ad. How did the advertising work out for you? Any sales? I advertised on Reddit and lots of traffic but no sales.

[northbranch]

We've had a similar experience. It was a good experiment, but our marketing is driven more by trying to connect with individuals and turn them into ambassadors. Rather than blanket the web with ads, I try to find influential people who I think will love our products, and send them an unsolicited sample. Besides, what's more fun than mailing out free polka dot socks?!