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Building a website can often be an expensive task
for many small business owners, especially when you factor in costs
for advertising and promotion. Fortunately there are several simple
and inexpensive ways to get your website noticed without breaking
the bank in the process. These methods require a time investment
only and can make a big difference in the number of hits your website
receives. In no particular order they are...
Link Exchanges: Link exchanges are
a very important part of website promotion as they boost traffic
to your site and play a major factor in your search engine ranking.
Try to approach as many companies as possible about featuring your
link on their web page in exchange for the same favor. Remember
websites with similar or complimentary content to your type of business
carry much more weight in search engines than simply random links.
Include Your Website URL on Everything:
By everything we mean EVERYTHING. Make sure your website address
is always included on every e-mail you send, any advertising you
send out or even on your vehicle. Be a walking billboard and get
into the habit of letting as many people know you exist as possible.
This may sound excessive but you'll be surprised by how many customers
learn of your business this way who would have no idea otherwise.
Submit to Online Business Directories: Did
you know there are countless online business directories who will
let you list your website for free and provide a backlink to your
website? Places like the online Yellow Pages or Yahoo Classifieds
allow you to submit your website and general business profile upon
registration. Better or more prominent listings in directories need
to be purchased but this is a good way to test the waters and see
which one might be a good fit later.
Post on Blogs or Forums: Blogs or
message boards generate loads of traffic as they are used daily
by hundreds, or even thousands, of regular members. Join a forum
or two that relates to your particular type of business or subject
matter and participate in some of the discussions that interest
you. This is not only a great way to learn but also to demonstrate
your knowledge with others who in turn may visit your website and
inquire more about your services.
Network With People: Quite simply
meet as many new people as possible and let them know what you do.
Word of mouth is one of the most avoided but most critical ways
to advertise your website. Go to parties, social events, or even
volunteer your time to a worthy cause or function. There are even
many small business meetup groups in your area looking for new members
to join and discuss business ideas and strategy. Get yourself out
there and meet the public.
E-Mail Campaign: The great things
about e-mails is that they cost nothing and you can send as many
as you like. Though some are weary of e-mail advertising due to
the high volume of spam and junk mail nowadays if done right it
can be just as effective as a mailout or newspaper ad. Make sure
any e-mails you send are written professionally and also consider
hiring a designer for help with the design or template.
Write Articles: Writing articles
for online publications, e-zines, or forums is a great way to get
free publicity for your business and also establish credibility
as an "expert in your field".
There are also countless websites online designed exclusively for
the purpose of publishing articles as a means of sharing information
on a variety of topics. If you are blessed with decent writing abilities
be sure to make the most of them in regards to your website.
Add a Bookmark Function: Encourage
people to remember your site once they find it by adding a bookmark
function. It is relatively easy to incorporate a button or link
on your website that allows visitors to add you to their favorites
list. You want people to keep you in mind both short term and long
term so being added permanently to their address book will accomplish
exactly that.
Talk you your web master or developer about adding this feature
if you believe it might be helpful.
Exceptional Customer Service: There
is NO substitute for this. The best way to promote your business
online or elsewhere is to provide customers with a memorable experience
when they do business with you. Good service and a quality product
will sell itself and is still one of the best ways to get referrals
and get people talking. Always remember advertising itself is useless
without a quality product and good people to sell it.
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