In today's marketing environment nothing can be more frustrating than harnessing the power of the web. Many small business owners have been captivated by stories of wildly successful Internet entrepreneurs taking a few dollars and making millions on the web. Unfortunately, most business owners soon realize getting a successful web site going isn't as easy it may seem. Additionally, getting three hundred visitors in three months could leave most business owners wondering if it's all just hype. The faulty but oh-so prevalent myth that "if you build it they will come" is a major obstacle for business owners trying to make a successful e-commerce venture. The truth is you could have an amazing site that no one ever sees, eventually getting lost in cyberspace. Before spending an hour or even a dime designing a web site, you should understand how your promotional efforts should be conducted. Otherwise, having a web site will be as useless as a box of brochures you never take out of the box. There are several key strategies a web site owner can employ to ensure her site's success, which of course includes networking with other sites. But most importantly, make sure your web site development won't exceed the costs you expect your new web site or redesigned site will bring you! - Contact qualified and related sites and trade links.
- Contribute articles to e-zines that target your same market. Check out http://ezinesearch.com
- Give your visitor a reason to return. Try contests, polls, free articles, downloads and other useful information.
- Capture contact information through opt-in forms such as newsletters, or contests.
- Incorporate your address everywhere including flyers, out-going e-mails, business cards, and any advertisements.
- Submit to top search engines such as http://Yahoo.com.Make sure you have a well-designed layout.
- Ask friends, associates, and family to review your site.
- Implement e-mail signatures in all out-going e-mail including any autoresponders you have.
- Participate in forums helping others in your area of expertise.
- Test sales letter with a well-planned pay-per-click campaign.
A great way to implement this plan is to dedicate a few hours each day on some of the steps. For example, every Monday and Tuesday morning you could spend contacting sites to exchange links and maybe spend the latter half of the week following up with previously contacted web masters. You can continue your daily plan by moving on to participating in forums for a set period each day. This list isn't all-inclusive but as long as you follow these basic steps you should have no problem getting a surprisingly affordable and consistent flow of traffic. |
