Marketing beyond the search enginesClick here to print out this form Ways to Promote Your Web Site - Beyond the Search Engines Many people depend solely on their ranking in the search engines. They believe that search engine positioning is the only important type of web marketing. It is an essential part of the marketing process but remember that while search engines are a primary way that people look for web sites, they are not the only way. People also find sites through many traditional advertising methods. Quite often these alternative forms are also effective draws, in particular for local markets. Here are a few ideas that work… 1. Include your web site address (called URL) on all your correspondence, including stationery, business cards, literature, brochures, etc. 2. Put your URL on promotional items like T-shirts, baseball hats, coffee mugs, pens… even your car 3. Use the signature attachment in your e-mail messages to list your web site address. 4. Issue a news/press release. 5. Include your web site address in any future display or classified ads you purchase in trade journals, newspapers, etc. 6. Develop a free service that you can market, especially online, to pull customers to your site. 7. Capture visitor e-mail addresses and request permission to send updates or future promotions. 8. Publish an e-mail newsletter. 9. Promote your web site in mailing lists and news groups. 10. List your business on Online Yellow Pages. 11. Announce a contest and mention that the details are on your web site. 12. Offer “Internet only” discounts and coupons. 13. Advertise your URL on a billboard 14. Purchase Links, Banner Ads or Sponsorships on High Traffic Sites. Choose sites that seem to attract the kinds of people who would be good prospects for your business. 15. Use your telephone “hold message” to feature your company's web site. 16. Spread the news of your site through word of mouth and networking opportunities. 17. Send a post card to potential customers announcing your new (or updated) web site. 18. Advertise on the radio or TV. It's a great way to stretch the benefit of short TV or radio commercials. Commercials tout your main message while your web site fills in all the details and takes the order. 19. Update your web site regularly to encourage repeat visits – daily, weekly or monthly. 20. Read your web site demographics regularly to see where your customers are spending their time…then expand those areas. 21. Choose multiple domain names. Use short phrases, which are easy-to-remember that describes your company or organization. 22. Search for any complementary business web sites that would be interested in hosting a link to your site and ask for a reciprocal links. Links are what the web was built on and they remain one of the best ways for people to find your site.
Final Thought A web site without a promotional plan is like opening a store in the desert… only the lost will find you. The key is to make it easy for people to find you! In need of commercial printing services? Darrell M Drouin: Consultant
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