WEBSITE MARKETING TIPS
1. Include The URL/Web Site Address on all Business Correspondence
You need to incorporate the website name as you did with the fax number a few years back. Make it a standard part of your business communications.
- Business cards
- All other company literature including: Letterhead & envelopes, billing statements and purchase orders, outgoing fax cover sheets, etc
- Outgoing fax cover sheets
- Company "On-hold" feature that incoming callers may hear.
- All broadcast advertising - Radio and TV Spots
- All promotional items - Pens, pencils, calendars, hats, t-shirts, etc.
Ideally you should include your web address and give them a reason to come.
Example: Shop our online store at... See full color photos at... Apply for credit online...visit...
Have a rubber-stamp made. "Visit our Website at... or "Visit us online at: www.mycompany.com" Use in on all pre-website literature until new material (with the web address) has been produced. In Winona, MN Contact Mikes Stamp Shop: 452-4130 or J & K Office Products: 454-4357
2. Use Email Effectively
- Respond in a timely fashion to email inquiries. The sooner you respond the better. You may not know when your potential customer will check their email next but you can be sure to have a response waiting for them when they do.
- Add to your signature at the end of all email correspondence. The signature area (3-5 lines) should include your company name, web address, tag line or slogan, and phone and fax number. Netscape and Microsoft Explorer web browser can automatically incert this key piece of information at the end of each outgoing email you send.
3. Register The URL With the Top Search Engines and Directories
- Having links from these sources can dramatically increase your site's
traffic, as it makes it much easier for people to find you when they are
simply searching for information on a specific product or service.
4. Find Regional Search Engines and Directories to List Your Site with
- Area newspapers, associations, etc. listings and other smaller but more localized directories. These can be as valuable to you as the larger directories. Make it easy for other to find you when they are searching for products and services locally.
5. Write a Press Release Announcing Your New Site
- Include information regarding the site's content and purpose.
- Tell about the benefits your customers will now have.
- Use proper press release writing guidelines.
- Put a "slant" on the story to attract journalists and readers.
6. Banner Advertise on Other Sites
Banner advertising will increase awareness about your company and that may assist in giving you a competitive
edge over your competition.
- Investigate other commercial web sites in your area and evaluate potential banner advertising to increase the traffic of your target market.
- Be sure to evaluate traffic, demographics, cost placement, and rotations of your banner.
- To create your own banner ad we suggest touching base with your web site designer.
7. Links!
Increase Web Site Traffic by Obtaining Links From Numerous Sites
- Begin with investigation of possible links from trade associations,
business partners, providers of complimentary products/services and other web sites in your industry.
- Ask for links and offer to provide one back to that site.
8. Utilize the Tricks of the Trade!
These will continue to change, and keeping in tune with the industry will be helpful. Web site designers are great sources for information, and are usually willing to help you understand the changing environment. Give your viewers a reason to re-visit your site and communicate with you. Consider some of the following:
- What's new/News area. A visitor can quickly see the latest info.
- Create an online contest, and announce the winner online.
- Host an online chat on subjects that apply to your business-after all
you are an expert-share your expertise.
- Have a company newsletter available via e-mail.
9. Do You Have Curb Appeal?
Does your business have a good amount of traffic (walk-by or car)on a regular basis? Why not put up lettering such as www.yourco.com on the outside of your building or a large banner. Be sure the letters are big enough to be seen. Most businesses have anywhere from a few hundred to thousands of viewers each day. Take advantage of it!
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