Promote your web site for free

Promoting your web site via search engines is important. There are many other ways you can promote your site including many that are free or at little cost. You may already do some of these, you may have planned to do some but forgot. The secret to success as with much of marketing is to try new ideas test the results and then modify and adapt the ideas that work for your business. Use a combination of these with search engine marketing for the maximum benefit.

Email signature

Create an email signature in your email programme to help potential customers to find you. Include your company name and contact details. Include a short description of what you do.
For example an IT company could include the line:
Network computers, we connect offices.
You can also use a tag line to promote your latest new product or promote an event such as a seminar or exhibition you are attending.

Serious keyword research

Ask people who contact you for the exact phrase or words they used to find your site. You can of course use the keyword suggestion tools but then so does everyone else. Think like your customer or prospect, chances are they are not in your industry so avoid industry speak or jargon.

Bookmark

Ask visitors to bookmark your site and add to their favourites. Why don’t you bookmark this site now?

Content

Great content is vital. Equally important is to add new content and features. Search engines like sites that are regularly updated.

Answering machine
Put a message on your answering machine that directs people to your site. Tell them what they will find when they get there.

Send to a friend

Include a send to a friend button on your site or articles.

Traditional advertising

Include your web address on any advertising you do, flyers you produce and on your business stationery. Consider using promotional gifts and clothing to promote your site.

Comparison sites

If you sell products get listings on shopping comparison sites.

Trade Association sites

If you are a member of a trade association ensure your site is listed on their site.

Competitions and surveys

Create a competition or a survey related to your business. These not only can increase interest in your site but can also provide valuable information and useful stories for PR.

Gumtree

This is a classified advertising site based on areas and cities. It is a low cost way to promote your goods and services. Check it out to see if it can work for you.

Open 24 hours

Ideal for restaurants, and shops have a sign on display “Open 24 hours a day” at web address.

PR

Write press releases and send them to both traditional media and new electronic media. Also include on your own web site.

Articles

Articles are a great way of demonstrating your expertise and knowledge. As well as posting on your own web site consider making these available to other websites and newsletters for publication.

Tracking

You must use your web statistic to monitor and track your rankings and performance. This useful information can help you plan what to do next, what to drop and what needs improving.

Need a shortcut to success?

Want help from me to grow your business? Give me a call on 01226 290288 or email gareth@gapmanagement.co.uk

About Gareth Morgan

Gareth is a Marketing adviser and consultant who helps businesses to increase sales and profits with practical and cost effective marketing plans and actions.