Build
it and they will come. Not so!...
Getting your Web site on-line is the first step
towards success but hardly the last. People have to find your site
and they need help. First you have to sift through what works and
what doesn't.
One thing the Internet has plenty of is scammers
and schemers. Beware services that promise to submit your site to
hundreds of search engines because there aren't that many good ones.
Also cast a careful eye to the banner exchanges, link swaps, bulk
e-mail campaigns, and so forth. There is some good within these various
programs but finding it may not be worth the time investment required.
In the beginning focus your energies on some of
the proven ways to promote your Web site:
| Web Address |
This is one of the simplest and
most effective ways to promote your Web site. Adding your Web
address to all marketing materials, e-mail signatures, stationery,
business cards, the answering machine, outdoor signage, vehicles,
etc. introduces your Web site to people who are very likely some
of your best prospects. It also provides a great image boost.
Tip: If you are not ready for a reprint then go with affordabe
stickers for stationery, Biz cards, etc. |
| Advertising |
Using traditional media to promote
a Web site is smart business if you have the budget. Witness
the increase in Dotcom Television, Radio, and Magazine advertisements.
However, if you have existing advertising programs be sure to
include your Web site address wherever appropriate. |
| Search Engine
Submission |
This begins with the site development
itself. It is important to include META tags, page descriptions,
and keywords in the code of the web page. When the site is fully
tested it can be submitted to some of the larger search engines
and any specialty directories appropriate for the site's content. |
| Linking |
Links can be a great way to build
traffic for your site. Finding sites that compliment yours and
negotiating a reciprocal link can be a no-cost traffic boost
for both sites. |
| Viral
Marketing |
This is one of the Web's most
impressive abilities. Viral marketing occurs when someone passes
something to someone else and they pass it to someone else and
so on. Hotmail is the most famous example of successful Viral
Marketing. It can be as simple as offering free wallpaper, screensavers,
postcards, free e-mail accounts, or some other item that has
high demand and is easily distributed. |
| Newsletter |
Consider using a mailing list
to distribute a newsletter if you have the type of information
people want. If it is useful people will pass it on, thereby
helping to increase the distribution base. |
| Press
Releases |
Does your Web site offer something
new or particularly different? If so, prepare a press release
and submit it to the various news media or magazines most likely
to be interested. |
Developing a Web site promotional
strategy if just as important as developing the Web site itself.
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