How to Get the Most out of Your Website

So many business owners get a website only to let it languish and stagnate. You wouldn't neglect your building, your equipment, or your marketing budget, so why ignore your website? With traditional marketing avenues quickly losing their appeal and effectiveness, your website is the new frontier for you to reach new customers and connect with old ones. Here are some tips to make your website work hard for you:

• Visit your website on a regular basis. If it is right in front of you, you can’t ignore it.
• Do not neglect your content -- update it frequently.
• Search your competition. Find out what your competitors are doing online and see if their ideas will work for you.
• Make sure your website has the information and services that your customers are looking for. Why spend time on the phone giving a customer directions or business hours when they could save both of you time by simply finding it on your website?
• If you have items that are of particular interest, consider placing links with short descriptions on your home page.
• Put your website address on *everything* -- letterhead, ads, brochures, business cards, etc. Treat it like a phone number.
• If you have a blog or a podcast (and you should), make sure to regularly schedule time to make entries or broadcasts.
• Just like above, if you have a newsletter, make sure to regularly schedule time to compose and send them.
• Keep your email lists current and look for ways to expand them.
• Make use of free and low-cost tools to market your website. There are numerous industry publications and online resources that allow you to post your URL for free.
• Make sure you are listed in online directories, such as the Yahoo Yellow Pages.

This is just a few of the many ways you can get the most out of your website. This list can get you started, but don't be afraid to try new ideas. Also, feel free to share your ideas with us.

As always, we are available to help at any time. Feel free to contact us!