Now that your website is up and running, you need to get potential clients to visit it. After all, as I’ve mentioned in previous posts, these days a website is a crucial part of a successful business. But you can’t just expect people to find your site through online searches or happenstance. You have to advertise your website just as diligently as you advertise your actual business.

The following are some tips to get you started:

Communication
All forms of communication need to include your website address. Make sure it is on all letterhead, fax cover sheets, business cards, envelopes, fliers, brochures, newsletters, etc. Additionally, make sure that you/your staff mention your website to any potential clients that may call your office. Always guide them that direction because a majority of the information about your business should be contained on your site. Another great idea is to have your website mentioned on your hold message (like many customer service lines now do). This will help to decrease call volume for a busy business if clients can get the answers to their questions on your site.

On Products/Services
If you have a product with a label, make sure your web address is listed. And if you provide a service that doesn’t necessarily have a tangible product, such as lawn care, then request that satisfied clients place a small sign on their lawn for a week after you’ve mowed. Or, provide specialty products as a part of your service, like refrigerator magnets (great for a quick reference when they need you), mugs, keychains, t-shirts and the like. Just make sure all of these items have your website listed on them.

Advertising
Every business should advertise. And every advertisement should include your website URL in a clear, legible (i.e. large print) and noticeable location. Some common advertising mediums are billboards, vehicles and phone books. If you advertise on television or the radio, the same applies. Be sure to repeat your website once or twice in the radio ad (after all, most people hear the ad while driving and have to rely upon memory rather than a piece of paper) and to clearly display the web address on TV ads for the whole 30 second spot.

Interviews and Web Discussions
If you are being interviewed by a TV or radio station, be sure to mention your website in your responses. But don’t simply say “on our website” and leave out the most important part, the URL. And, if you frequently post comments on web discussions groups, blogs or forums, list your website as a part of your signature. And request that employees, partners and everyone associated with your business do the same.

Online Directories
There are many online directories that will market your business for you when potential clients search for a specific product/service in a specific area. Many of these directories are free, on the condition that you provide a link to their site on yours and they will, in turn, do the same. Others charge a fee to list your business. All of them provide a link to your website. You do need to be careful about which directories you chose. Make sure it is a directory that gets quite a bit of traffic and higher rankings on Google and other search engines.

These are just basic means of marketing your website. Be creative. The more inventive the marketing ploy, the better response you will receive.

Source:
• Entrepreneur.com: Make Your Website Famous

Bookmark to: