How to Promote Your Business Website » Jan. 1, 2010

These days, small businesses need an internet presence.  Today’s customers expect a company to have a well-designed website that provides product information and details about services.  If you’re a small business owner who can sell at least some products online, customers will often reward you with increased revenue and word-of-mouth advertising.

However, even the most inviting and easy-to-navigate website needs promotion.  Think about a brick-and-mortar business.  Customers often learn about a company’s products or store location by browsing the yellow pages.  If an advertisement motivates them to jump in the car, drive to a physical location, and walk through the firm’s door, they’re more likely to buy something.  Internet businesses operate on the same principle.  Customers need to know the address (URL) or your website and must be encourages to visit.  Effective website promotion generally relies on a combination of internet-based tools and traditional marketing.  Here are some tips:

 - Search engine tools.  By some estimates, 90% of web traffic stems from search engine results.  So getting to the top of those search lists is important.  After all, what’s the likelihood that a busy consumer will scroll down to your entry if it’s number 523 in the queue?  Increase your odds by placing key words and phrases throughout your site, including the top of your homepage and in text called meta tags.  You can also submit your site to multiple search engines.

 - Links.  Contact industry groups, trade associations and complementary business sites, asking them to link your site to their web pages.

 - Online advertising.  Consider paying to have your banner placed on someone else’s website or search engine.  One way to get more bang for your buck is to use internet advertising that’s keyword-driven—meaning you don’t pay unless someone clicks on your ad.

 - Traditional marketing.  When you order a new batch of business cards or add signage to your firm’s vehicles, include your web address.  Send out a press release to your local paper touting your new website.  And don’t forget to mention your URL when dealing with existing customers.

Like any significant business expense, it’s important to monitor your online and offline advertising expense in relation to sales revenues.  If that splashy banner isn’t pulling in customers, your marketing dollars might be needed elsewhere.