Putting your website on the internet is only the first step to get your website noticed.
Sooner or later, the web spiders will crawl around it and a while after that you’ll start appearing in the search results, but probably only for very specific searches such as your company name. And, let’s face it, if someone knows your company name they probably already know a bit about you.
So, how do you go about getting your website noticed by people who don’t already know you?
1. Be the expert
You almost certainly know a lot more about your industry than the average person. So spread the news! Put up a question and answer session on your website. Maybe answer questions in places like Yahoo Answers. Contribute to forums. Wherever you can share your knowledge and start getting your name and website known.
2. Contribute to the web
There’s no rule on the internet that says you have to stay within the boundaries of your own website. Look for sites where you could be a guest author. Or submit some articles to the various article directories – these allow you to have a “resource box” at the end where you can promote your website.
3. Give out your business card
They’ve got your website on them, right? Business cards are an easy ice breaker. But make sure you have a photo on your card – full colour cards are cheap nowadays – so that people can put a face to your name. And use both sides of the card – think of it as a mini sales leaflet, listing the benefits of using you.
4. Run a competition
It doesn’t have to have a massive prize. If the answer to the question can only be found on your website, that could be a good way of introducing people to you. Or the entry form could be an email autoresponder so you can store people’s details and keep in touch with them. Be creative and publicise your competition far and wide.
5. Search Engine Optimisation
Start with the basics: make sure your title and header tags are correct. Then move up to other forms of search engine optimisation such as getting more links pointing to your website. This isn’t an overnight option – optimising your website is a long-haul task that should be taking place as long as you’re doing business on the web. Enlist the help of an expert search engine optimiser if the thought is too daunting.
6. Write a newsletter
It doesn’t have to be a long newsletter. In fact, since most people are pressed for time nowadays, short and sweet will probably get a better response. Talk about things that your readers (potential customers) will find interesting. Don’t be too professional either – let your voice come through in your writing. It’s more personal that way and people will relate to it much better than a corporate email.
7. Write a list
Lists like this one are crowd pullers. Pick up any tabloid newspaper and you’ll see them using lists all the time. “7 Things You Never Knew About …”, “The 5 Mistakes Most People Make When …”, that kind of thing. Keep each headline short and then write a brief explanation below it. Then move on to the next point. It’s quick and easy for you to write and it’s fun and imformative to read.