How do you get word out that you are now a proud owner of a website? In this article, we’ll show you the 10 ways of promoting your website…

Now that you have a website, the most important thing is to promote it to everyone. Below are 10 ways you can use to start telling the world that you are now the proud owner of a business on the web!

1. Word of mouth! Don’t be shy about telling others that you are now doing business online! Find opportunities to spread the word about your website. Inform your family members, neighbours and friends. Include your URL (website address) on your business stationery such as letterheads, envelopes, fax covers and name card.

2. Include an email signature with every outgoing email of yours! You can include your name, company name, phone number and URL and one or two sentences describing what you offer. Don’t make it too long or tedious to read. To set up an email signature in Outlook Express, just go to Tools, then Options and click on the Signature tab. Type in your signature text, click Apply. Now each time you send an outgoing email, your signature will be appended.

3. Voicemail can also double as an advertising tool! Specifically mention your URL when you record your voicemail on your mobile phone or answering machine. Whenever anyone calls and leaves a message, they will hear: “Thank you for calling (your name). I am not available right now, but if you leave me a message, I’ll be sure to get back to you. If you need more information, do remember to log on to (your website address).” Important tip: say your URL slowly so your caller won’t miss it.

4. Don’t forget marketing materials such as brochures, flyers and even ads. Include your website on all these. Important tip: Give would-be customers a reason to check your website out. Teasers that offer freebies can often be tempting, especially if they are your target customers. For instance, how about a teaser like this? “Get our exclusive free report on 99 ways to advertise your website when you visit our website at www.yoursite.com”.

5. Be visible on the web! Submit your website to major search engines. This ensures that your business will be visible on the world wide web whenever anyone does a search related to your business and industry. To enhance your search engine rankings, remember to keep the information on your website constantly updated and useful. Another important tip: if you don’t know how to submit your website to major search engines, try reading it up on www.selfpromotion.com I highly recommend this site!

6. Another way to rank well on search engines is to be linked to other websites (through links exchange). Exchange links actively with other websites. However, that said, please make sure that the links are of quality. You don’t want to link to every website that comes to your attention so be discerning. Create a webpage specially for Links. This way, you won’t clutter up your (business) web pages with links.

7. Advertise offline! Do not believe that if you are now doing online business you can forget about everything offline. Use offline methods to complement your online marketing and promotion. But when I say advertise, pick your target market well. If you are offer services meant for home businesses, it makes good sense to advertise in websites or magazines that have readers who have their own home businesses or thinking of setting one up. For instance, why not advertise in eHomemakers’ printed newsletter if homemakers are your prospective buyers? This way, you are sure that your message is going directly to the people who are going to buy from you!

8. Let your website help you to collect email addresses of your web visitors. But first, offer your visitors a reason to leave their email addresses - to be updated on your business, to receive a newsletter, to be alerted about promotions and sales, and lots more. You can even give your web visitors a free report or a chance to win any of your products when they sign up for your mailing list. By leaving their emails, you know they’re interested in one way or another. These emails are valuable because with this database of names, you have permission to contact them, and in time, turn them from casual visitors to prospects and hopefully, into customers! But don’t spam them. Don’t send them blatant promotion about your products. Instead, offer them something useful. Remember the rule: give first before you expect to receive.

9. Organise a lucky draw or an online contest. Donate generous prizes to attract participants. Better still, combine both offline and online marketing for this purpose. Advertise the contest offline but ensure the participants log on to your website to join. This ensures they get to know your business, what it does and where to find you, when they need you. Once they’re at your website, try Tip # 8 so you can get their emails, with permission, of course. Read this article for 5 steps to organising a contest online.

10. Make your web visitors ‘work’ for you. Create a referral programme where those who refer friends or family to buy from your website gets a commission. Make this commission so attractive that no one says no. In this way, you end up with lots and lots of ‘salespersons’ who are going to point prospects and customers to your website, all without you having to do anything (except pay a percentage of your earnings to them). For example, I have my own referral programme where I pay out 20% in commission for every sale referred by our affiliates. Don’t think of it as losing profits, think of it as gaining more ‘salespersons’ than you’ll ever need.

Copyright 2004. RedboxStudio.com

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About the author: With a degree in Art, and actively involved in graphics and web design since 1998, Nic Sim (the owner and founder of www.RedboxHosting.com) is committed to sharing with you ways you can build a successful business online. Try out this easy-to-use, no-fuss DIY Website at www.RedboxDIY.com

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