INCREASE VISIBILITY

Websites are a tool which, if used properly, can be very effective in increasing visibility. They create a presence outside of your storefront or usual advertising avenues by allowing your business to be open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. They also provide many useful services to existing customers. Consider these ways of promoting your website:

SEARCH ENGINE SUBMISSION

We include search engine submissions as part of our service. There are thousands of search engines world-wide, and our service submits your site daily to increase the visibility of your site. Some search engines such as Yahoo have paid placement at the top of all searches. Although this is somewhat pricey, it may be an option you would want to consider. Please call us with any questions you have concerning this option.

MAKE YOUR ADDRESS KNOWN

The number one way people search for services on the internet is by exact address, so it is essential to make your domain name known:

• Have your website displayed prominently on your storefront.
• Print the name of your website on your business cards.
• Include the website wherever you advertise, including in your local Yellow Pages. You may want to do some special advertising to announce your website.
• Include the web address on any company vehicles and promotional items such as t-shirts and coffee mugs.
• Refer customers to your website for further information, and especially when dealing with customers over the phone.

BULK E-MAIL AND FAXING

Give us an e-mail or fax list of all recent customers, friends, and family, and we can send them a friendly message to alert them of your new website. From time to time send additional e-mails which include sale information, upcoming events, or a coupon. The first e-mail service is free, and then each time after that is just a charge of $15. When faxing or emailing remember to include only those people who have agreed to receive more information from your company.

UPDATE INFORMATION

A good way to keep people coming back to your site is to include some information which changes daily, weekly, monthly, or seasonally. Update the events, announce sales, offer a new coupon, provide information on services customers might not be aware of, and perhaps even include some insider’s tips. Encourage people to contact you by dropping by, or by phone or e-mail with questions or comments.

LINKS

Link your website with other sites which share a similar customer base. Links from their site to your own will improve visibility, and will increase top search engine placement. Take advantage of local and regional on-line directories, and for those who have the time and inclination, find internet sites offering discussion forums in your field. Promoting yourself as an expert in your area will make you and your business known and give you a positive reputation. These sites often have space for you to include a bio of yourself and a link to your website.