Standard marketing and public relations tactics such as organized word of mouth and branding techniques to increase website name exposure can increase visitor numbers. Be sure your website address is printed on every publication and advertisement, on letterhead, in e-mail signatures, and in every issue of your company newsletter.
Make sure your site is “sticky.” This means once you’ve captured a visitor, she or he will want to spend time reading through your content and clicking on your links. Generally, the more interactive your site is, the stickier it is. Consider adding chat rooms, weblogs (also known as blogs) and daily content changes.
Just as in any business, websites need a clear plan before they decide the best ways to promote their site. Review the nature of your business, your customer base and the need for e-commerce transactions before developing your promotional plan. And never forget to analyze the competitive environment and work regularly to make your site relevant and easy- to-use.
When you are ready to promote your site, consider these three tried- and-true tactics:
1. Article Writing – Just write about a topic you know that’s relevant to your business. Submit your articles (get them edited and proofread first) to online publications, sites and subscription services that accept article submissions.
2. Forum Submissions – Find a few internet business forums your really enjoy, and post answers to people’s questions in your field of expertise. This helps you make an enduring reputation for yourself as a knowledgeable and trustworthy professional and increases the searchable links to your site.
3. Ezines -Submit your articles to Ezines for exposure. The Directory of Ezines is well-known as the premier resource for the best Ezines. Just type it in your browser.
By Laura L. Link, APR, Executive Communication Coach, author,
conversationalist and veteran public relations consultant. Laura is
a sought-after coach specializing in communication issues for
business leaders. To have Laura visit your business or professional
group, contact her through her website: www.strategylinkpr.com
