If your business has recently launched a website or will be getting a website in the future then this article is for you.
In the excitement of getting a new website and having it launched, website promotion is often forgotten. Businesses often assume that once they are online, people will visit the site. With so many websites for your customers to choose from, you must do something to make your business website an option. The "build it and they will come" theory does not work on the Internet.
Many web developers are only interested in developing nice websites. They do not know how to get traffic to your site. This is why it is important to use a developer that understands business needs and not just designs. Alternatively, plan to have your site professionally marketed.
Website Promotion
Any business can get a website. Only a few businesses know how to promote their site - effectively. The most basic promotion is to your existing customers.
- Invite customers to visit your site when you meet them
- Include the URL on all signage and stationery (invoices, letterheads, POS, etc.)
Your company email addresses should share the domain of your website. Example: sarah@businessname.com Customers will assume that you have a website at businessname.com
Search Engine Optimisation
SEO is vital to your site being ranked highly on search engines. Most potential customers will use search engines to find businesses that can help them. This way they can compare you with your competitors.
This type of promotion is the most credible because it is the search engine that determines the sites that are most relevant to the searcher’s query. SEO makes your site more relevant to what your potential customers are looking for so that your site will be ranked higher. There are online marketing professionals that can do this for you.
AdWords and Search Engine Marketing
Just as it was not enough for a business to get the free listing in the White Pages, businesses are expected to be found in the Yellow Pages. This costs money, it is a paid listing - it is advertising. Online advertising is the cheapest form of advertising available today. It also can deliver the highest returns on investment when managed properly by experts who know how it works and can get you the best value placements.
SEM such as Google AdWords uses search engines to place ads in the “sponsored links” column of search results. Websites have paid to be listed here because it gets them to the top or near the top of search results without optimisation.
More than a Website
For a true online presence, a website itself is not enough. Businesses are increasingly using other networks and information services to spread their message. Blogs, social networks and using traditional offline marketing all adds to your online presence and pushes more people to your site.
Blogs give you opportunities to share your knowledge and expertise with those looking for help. Use blogs to educate others, receive feedback and refer interested potential customers back to your website for more information. Writing a blog is also a good exercise for you to research more about what is happening in your industry and tests your ability to write about it.
Social Media is popular for individuals but businesses are also finding it to be an excellent medium for connecting with fans and customers. It is possible to create business pages on Facebook, Bebo and MySpace where you can post your message, send announcements and refer back to your site.
Offline marketing must include your web address. Put it on your Yellow Pages and newspaper ads, mention it on the radio and everywhere you advertise. People will choose to visit your site to get more information before contacting you if they know you have one.
What to do
Get in touch with a web development company that understands your business needs. Do not be immersed into a colourful, dynamic and flash website sales pitch. Your business needs a site that will get you business.
If you already have a site and want more visitors or more qualified visitors, talk to us at Attractum™.
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