In Business Since 2001 We accept Paypal
Home Article Directory
More from Bill Platt
"Bill Platt for Book Authors" Youtube Channel
Training for Book Authors
Other Resources for Book Authors & Publishers
FictionPlots.com (350+ Plots & counting)
Please Support Our Advertisers

 
D9 Hosting


12 Ways to Promote Your Business And Website for Free

Copyright (c) 2005-2023

You are very excited!! You have finally created your own website!! But the trouble is customers aren’t knocking on your website door. Why? The most probable answer is that your customers don’t know about your website. There is no magic Internet fairy who will knock on people’s door to announce your website’s arrival. The task is up to you. To get your website marketing off the ground you either need to spend time learning and doing it or spend money and get somebody else to do it.

If you are like many small business owners, you have most likely spent the majority of your website budget on creating the site, but have allowed very little money to actually promote it. Don’t despair, below are some great ways to promote your website and business for free.


1. Email Marketing

Your first step should be to send an email to your existing clients announcing the arrival of your website. If you are starting a new business and don’t have any customers, send an email to people you know who may be interested in your offer.

Under no circumstance should you EVER send unsolicited email (spam) to people you either don’t know or who have not requested to receive your information.


2. Search Engines & Directories

A search engine is a searchable database of websites collected by a computer program (called a crawler, robot or spider). When you enter a keyword, the search engine looks for keywords in its database, and any relevant records are displayed. Currently there are thousands of search engines and directories on the internet. Some of the main ones include: Google, Altavista, Yahoo, Excite, AllSearchEngines, Northern Light, DogPile, AllTheWeb, Lycos

To submit your website to the search engines, you can go directly to the search engine’s website and add your URL (website address). Search engines try to list sites that contain good content, so you need keywords and phrases on your pages that best describe your service and products. To find out what keywords your customers may be searching on go to:

http://inventory.overture.com/d/searchinventory/suggestion/

Once you decide on the keywords, use them in: (a) Your website’s domain name (b) The title of your page (c) The heading of your home page (d) The first paragraph of your home page (e) Meta tags – Keywords, page title, description (f) Titles of your graphics


3. Link & Banner Exchanges

Find websites whose business complements yours and add their website to your links/resource page. Then contact the company and ask for a reciprocal link. For example if you are a wedding dress designer, you could contact businesses that sell wedding cakes, jewellery, flowers and also venues, celebrants etc.


4. Email Signature

Every email you send should have an email "signature." This is text that is automatically attached to the bottom of your email message. You can include your name, business name, email address, street or postal address, website details, phone number, fax number, company slogan, description of your company and its products/services. You can set up different signatures for different purposes. If you are unsure how to set it up, check out your email program’s help index.


5. Feedback and testimonials

When you come across a great product or service on or off the internet, send an email to the business owner telling him/her how the product/service helped you. Like you, most business owners appreciate receiving positive feedback and they will most likely feature your testimonial on their website and place a link back to your site! You may even suggest it to the owner by saying something like “you have my permission to feature this testimonial in your promotional material and/or on your website”.


6. Autoresponders

Email autoresponders work like a fax-on-demand system. If you send an email to an autoresponder address, you’ll get back a pre-written message. Once you set up your email messages, everything gets done automatically. As soon as a prospect sends an email to your autoresponder, the system keeps working over and over again, like a tireless robot making sure no prospect ever slips through the cracks. Most autoresponder systems now handle your whole mailing list, so you are not having to manually manage your prospects.

Because the vast majority of customers will not buy from you on their first visit to your website, it is extremely important that you have an automated way to follow up with them several times to entice them back. You can use autoresponders to cross-promote various products and services your business offers.

Many webhosting companies will provide you with free autoresponders as part of your webhosting package.


7. Newsgroups

A newsgroup is a message board on the internet where users come to discuss topics of mutual interest. As a user you can start a thread (topic), post messages and respond to other postings. There are tens of thousands of Newsgroups on every possible subject. The best way to find a suitable newsgroup is to use Google Search. Go to http://www.google.com. Then click on the “Groups” tag. Run a search using a keyword related to your on-line business that you would like to promote from the groups search page. You can use Newsgroups for conducting market surveys, get new clients, promote your site, get answers to your questions, make friends.


8. Office Stationery & Merchandising Materials

It is extremely important that your website is included on ALL your office stationery so that customers can see it over and over again. Consider adding your details to:

- Letterheads - Business Cards - Flyers - Brochures - Labels - Packaging - Merchandise bags - Catalogs - Invoices - Fax headers - Display units


9. Visitor Exchanges

There are many websites popping up on the net that are known as Traffic or Visitor Exchanges. People become members of these sites with the goal of generating free traffic to their site. The way it works is quite clever.

You visit another member's website and in exchange someone visits the website of your choice. Most of these programs work on a 2:1 ratio. This means that for every two sites that you visit, someone else in that same Start Page program will visit your site. Simple concept, isn't it?

For more information go to: http://www.web4business.com.au/FreeVisitors.htm



10. Articles

Writing articles is an excellent way for you to get free publicity. The publicity you receive by having your article published in a newspaper, magazine or website can be worth thousands of dollars in equivalent advertising space. Well written articles yield better results than advertisements and earn you respect from customers, who see you as an expert in your field.

The best articles are “tips” or expert pieces. People are looking for guidance and will purchase from the experts who show them how to solve their problems.

For a listing of on-line magazines (e-zines), visit: http://www.ezine-dir.com. You can then contact the editor of each magazine and offer them your article.


11. Webrings

One of the more interesting ways to add some targeted traffic to your site is to join webrings. A webring allows visitors to surf through sites that are related in one way or another. They are free of charge to the owners, members and visitors.

Webrings deliver targeted traffic day after day and once they are set up they tend to stay set up with little further maintenance.

Each webring is created and maintained by a person known as a ringmaster. This person accepts site submissions and validates that the site meets the topic of the webring. For more information visit: http://www.webring.org



12. Media Releases

Having a story written about you and your business will not only bring you lots of new customers, but will also provide you massive credibility. Stories about you in the media are far more believable, powerful and attractive than any ads you could possibly run. People will trust and respect you instantly.

A media release should provide enough details to be informative, but it should leave out just enough information to be tantalizing that the media person calls you to find out more.


There are many excellent ebooks on internet marketing. I would recommend you pick up at least one and start reading. For more info visit:

http://www.web4business.com.au/BusinessTools.htm




About The Author: Shop Amazon - Top Gift Ideas
Ivana Katz is the owner of Websites 4 Small Business, a company specialising in the design and promotion of small and home-based business websites. She believes that every business deserves to have a successful website, no matter what its budget. For more information visit http://www.web4business.com.au. To download your Website Plan go to: http://www.web4business.com.au/WebsitePlanRequest.htm

VOTE ON THIS ARTICLE
Needs Work >> 0 - 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 << Excellent Article

Tell our authors what you think about their article.



Top-Level Category: Articles

10 Most Recent Articles Written by Ivana Katz

Does Your Website Need An Extreme Makeover?
Written by: Ivana Katz | Distributed: 2007-05-07 | Word Count: 889 | Page Views: 2891 | Votes: 9 | Rating: 1.33
Does your website need an extreme makeover...

A pretty face is NOT enough!!! (when it comes to your website)
Written by: Ivana Katz | Distributed: 2006-10-31 | Word Count: 1084 | Page Views: 3403 | Votes: 14 | Rating: 1.64
Imagine meeting someone new ... they have a beautiful face, lovely hair, stunning smile, drop dead gorgeous body and are dressed in designer clothes. Naturally you are attracted to their striking appearance, so you start talking to them. After a few minutes you realize this person has no personality, only talks about himself/herself and has no interest in finding out about you. Any attempt on your part to speak gets shut down and if you do manage to ask a question their answer is usually "Yes, but ... let's get back to me".

Don't Waste Your Money Getting a Website ...
Written by: Ivana Katz | Distributed: 2006-07-06 | Word Count: 870 | Page Views: 3123 | Votes: 16 | Rating: 2.06
Let's face it, some people are just not ready to have a website. It seems that many first time entrepreneurs' idea of starting a business is getting a website. And that's it! They have no intentions of doing any marketing and if they do have a marketing plan it consists of telling their friends about it and possibly distributing a few brochures in the neighbourhood. Some people go as far as planning to advertise their business/website in the local newspaper. More often than not, they expect that as soon as they have a website, the money will start rolling in. They believe a magic internet fairy will appear and announce the arrival of their website to the world.

Making The Most Of Your Classified Ad
Written by: Ivana Katz | Distributed: 2005-07-15 | Word Count: 0 | Page Views: 2005 | Votes: 2 | Rating: 0.50
Classified ads are one of the most inexpensive ways to advertise your products or service. People read classified ads for a purpose. They are specifically looking for products, services and information that appeals to them. Unfortunately many people misuse classified ads.

How Do I Get My Business On The Internet?
Written by: Ivana Katz | Distributed: 2005-06-01 | Word Count: 0 | Page Views: 2041 | Votes: 2 | Rating: 0.50
This is one of the most frequently asked questions by small business owners. They are feeling the pressure from their customers and competitors, yet for many business people it is a daunting task, as they don't understand the whole process.

22 Essential Pages to include on Your Website
Written by: Ivana Katz | Distributed: 2004-08-26 | Word Count: 0 | Page Views: 2529 | Votes: 2 | Rating: 0.50
Wondering what pages to include on your website and why? Here is a list of important information that should be included on your site. Before you start thinking about what to write, it is important that you create a plan, which outlines what each page will contain. That way you won't repeat yourself or forget vital information. The most common pages on successful websites include:

10 Tips for Planning an Outstanding Website
Written by: Ivana Katz | Distributed: 2004-08-16 | Word Count: 0 | Page Views: 1934 | Votes: 2 | Rating: 0.50
When faced with the daunting task of planning what to include on your website and how to write the copy, here are a few tips that will make the task easier for you.

Watch your language! Please.
Written by: Ivana Katz | Distributed: 2004-07-30 | Word Count: 0 | Page Views: 2110 | Votes: 2 | Rating: 0.50
Whilst this slang MAY be understood by customers and staff in a record store, to the average person, it sounds like foreign language. And herein lies a lesson that needs to be learnt. When designing your website or any promotional material, make sure you use language that all your customers understand.

How do I get my business on the Internet?
Written by: Ivana Katz | Distributed: 2004-05-02 | Word Count: 0 | Page Views: 2335 | Votes: 2 | Rating: 0.50
This is one of the most frequently asked questions by small business owners. They are feeling the pressure from their customers and competitors, yet for many business people it is a daunting task, as they don't understand the whole process.

All of Author's Articles on this site:

Most Recent "" Articles

Ann Arbor, MI Offers A Lot Of Year-Around Family Fun
Written by: Jeb Maxwell | Distributed: 2010-01-20 | Word Count: 595 | Page Views: 4905 | Votes: 8 | Rating: 1.25
Ann Arbor, Michigan is the home of the University of Michigan, a leading institution of higher education. Ann Arbor is a wonderful place to visit. The University is co-mingled with the city and greatly expands the cultural places and events available in the area.

Flowers Are The Perfect Gift For Father's Day
Written by: Wesley Berry, AAF | Distributed: 2008-02-20 | Word Count: 486 | Page Views: 6071 | Votes: 17 | Rating: 2.24
Dads everywhere have Sonora Smart Dodd to thank for getting Father's Day started. In 1909, Sonora sat in a church in Spokane, Washington listening to a sermon expounding on the virtues of motherhood. But, as she sat there, she thought about how special her own father was since it was he who raised her after the death of her mother.

Finding the Adventure in Travel Again
Written by: Helen Bergstein | Distributed: 2006-05-11 | Word Count: 718 | Page Views: 4498 | Votes: 14 | Rating: 2.64
If you want to experience adventure at every level of your next trip, you need to go beyond the usual resorts and places to stay. If you're like most travelers, personal safety remains a priority, especially in today's world. A growing number of savvy travelers have found the perfect balance between adventure and comfort.

7 Tips to Hiring a Good DJ for your Party
Written by: Kamau Austin | Distributed: 2006-05-11 | Word Count: 563 | Page Views: 5407 | Votes: 11 | Rating: 1.36
If you want to have a party that everyone will be talking about for days and years later, hire a good DJ to run your music and light show. Hiring a DJ can actually be fun. Just follow these simple tips, and you are sure to have a fabulous DJ for your party.

Building your Credit to get a Mortgage
Written by: Kamau Austin | Distributed: 2006-05-11 | Word Count: 840 | Page Views: 5469 | Votes: 17 | Rating: 2.24
You are thinking about purchasing real estate. However, you are not sure if your credit is good enough to get a mortgage. There are things that you can do to build your credit so that it is worthy of any mortgage that may interest you.

1569 Unique Ways To Get A Free Lunch
Written by: Steve Robichaud | Distributed: 2006-05-07 | Word Count: 0 | Page Views: 3748 | Votes: 3 | Rating: 0.33
Everywhere you turn - T.V., Radio, magazines, or the Internet, someone is talking about government grants. What's the real story? Does the government give away real money, to ordinary people, to use for whatever they want? Let's take a closer look:

Don't Wait to Start Your Marketing Strategy
Written by: Jo Fulkerson | Distributed: 2006-05-07 | Word Count: 0 | Page Views: 4013 | Votes: 3 | Rating: 0.33
Your novel is finished, you’ve had it edited by a professional Editor, and you’ve done the rewrites. What? You haven’t had an editor edit your work yet? This is a must. There are many editors advertising in Writer’s Digest.

NEVER Reply to an eGroup Post!
Written by: BIG Mike McDaniel | Distributed: 2006-05-07 | Word Count: 0 | Page Views: 5272 | Votes: 3 | Rating: 0.33
eGroups are collections of people subscribed to a common (discussion list) address. When one member sends an eMail message to the eGroup address, it is automatically sent to everyone else on the list. As subscribers open and read their eMail, discussion threads take shape with additional posts and replies. The attraction of eGroups is the ability to join in at your convenience as opposed to the confinement of live chat rooms.

Reasons behind Shoulder Pain
Written by: Jessica Horowitz | Distributed: 2006-05-07 | Word Count: 0 | Page Views: 5065 | Votes: 3 | Rating: 0.33
Pain between the shoulder blades, or any pain for that matter, is your body's way of notifying you that something is amiss. You should never ignore it and hope it will *go away by itself*. There are a multitude of possible causes of pain between the shoulder blades. We'll discuss common ones in this article and start with the most serious conditions first:

Effective Managers Need To Coach
Written by: Wendy Hearn | Distributed: 2006-05-07 | Word Count: 0 | Page Views: 4549 | Votes: 4 | Rating: 0.75
Bearing in mind the fast pace of business today and the need to stay competitive, it's essential that managers should be effective. They need to be especially effective with their people and this requires learning to coach. For most managers, coaching has been added to their role anyway, but the majority haven't received any training in coaching skills.

Most Viewed "" Articles

TAKING RESPONSIBILITY - LIFE'S BIGGEST QUESTION
Written by: Richard Sparky Bryan | Distributed: 2006-05-07 | Word Count: 0 | Page Views: 13919 | Votes: 3 | Rating: 0.33
When did Americans stop taking responsibility for their own actions? My friend agreed that the slide began in the late 1960's with the growth of the drug culture. But he was quick to emphasize that although the sixties began the slide, the real sharp slope did not arrive until the 1990's. Along about 1993, the slide began to sharpen. It was not until early 1998 that the slope became a steep cliff.

High Thread Count Bed Sheets. How Many Threads Does A Bed Sheet Need?
Written by: Liz Beresford | Distributed: 2004-09-14 | Word Count: 0 | Page Views: 6740 | Votes: 3 | Rating: 0.33
High thread count bed sheets, often called percale, are much advertised, but what exactly does 'high thread' count mean? You know that it means quality and comfort, but do you know why? It used to be considered good to have thread count of 180-200 but thread counts of up to 1000 are advertised these days.. So what is going on? Does high thread count always mean better quality? Is there an optimum thread count, and if so what is it?

Muzzling the Motor Mouths: Silence Workplace Windbags
Written by: Bill Lampton Ph.D. | Distributed: 2005-12-01 | Word Count: 0 | Page Views: 6464 | Votes: 4 | Rating: 0.50
During my twenty-three years in management, I dealt with blabbermouths frequently, so for the last ten years I have advised clients on how to silence the workplace windbags. Here are my suggestions for muzzling the motor mouths:

Better Than Botox is there a Safer Substitute?
Written by: Kamau Austin | Distributed: 2005-09-08 | Word Count: 0 | Page Views: 6345 | Votes: 3 | Rating: 0.33
Women since time immemorial have always looked for ways to enhance and prolong their beauty. This of course becomes more difficult as they age.

Transform Your Work Area into a Homey Environment
Written by: Ted Roberson | Distributed: 2006-02-24 | Word Count: 0 | Page Views: 6154 | Votes: 4 | Rating: 1.25
Nothing enables one to think and work better than a comfortable working environment. Especially if you have a sedentary job, you've got to have little knick knacks around that will enliven your spirits or which you can look at for inspiration or just to zone out in relaxation.

Flowers Are The Perfect Gift For Father's Day
Written by: Wesley Berry, AAF | Distributed: 2008-02-20 | Word Count: 486 | Page Views: 6071 | Votes: 17 | Rating: 2.24
Dads everywhere have Sonora Smart Dodd to thank for getting Father's Day started. In 1909, Sonora sat in a church in Spokane, Washington listening to a sermon expounding on the virtues of motherhood. But, as she sat there, she thought about how special her own father was since it was he who raised her after the death of her mother.

Sell Yourself, Not Your Products or Services
Written by: Bill Platt | Distributed: 2004-05-03 | Word Count: 0 | Page Views: 5851 | Votes: 2 | Rating: 0.50
Sell yourself, not your products or services. The point we need to make is that your products and services will change over time as your business adapts to the realities of the marketplace.

Building your Credit to get a Mortgage
Written by: Kamau Austin | Distributed: 2006-05-11 | Word Count: 840 | Page Views: 5469 | Votes: 17 | Rating: 2.24
You are thinking about purchasing real estate. However, you are not sure if your credit is good enough to get a mortgage. There are things that you can do to build your credit so that it is worthy of any mortgage that may interest you.

7 Tips to Hiring a Good DJ for your Party
Written by: Kamau Austin | Distributed: 2006-05-11 | Word Count: 563 | Page Views: 5407 | Votes: 11 | Rating: 1.36
If you want to have a party that everyone will be talking about for days and years later, hire a good DJ to run your music and light show. Hiring a DJ can actually be fun. Just follow these simple tips, and you are sure to have a fabulous DJ for your party.

Recipes For Online Failure And Success - Defining The Niche
Written by: Bill Platt | Distributed: 2005-12-10 | Word Count: 0 | Page Views: 5295 | Votes: 2 | Rating: 0.50
Every week, there are another several webmasters jumping on the bandwagon and opening their own article directory. Their success will rely upon the directory's niche definition.

Highest Ranked "" Articles

Saying "Yes" to Life
Written by: Bruce Elkin | Distributed: 2006-04-27 | Word Count: 0 | Page Views: 2102 | Votes: 5 | Rating: 3.20
Do you ever gripe and complain about life? About what happens to you, or what you have or do not have? I used to, a lot. I hoped complaining would make things better. But it didn't.

Finding the Adventure in Travel Again
Written by: Helen Bergstein | Distributed: 2006-05-11 | Word Count: 718 | Page Views: 4498 | Votes: 14 | Rating: 2.64
If you want to experience adventure at every level of your next trip, you need to go beyond the usual resorts and places to stay. If you're like most travelers, personal safety remains a priority, especially in today's world. A growing number of savvy travelers have found the perfect balance between adventure and comfort.

Freedom- or Burden of Choice?
Written by: Patsi Krakoff | Distributed: 2004-09-30 | Word Count: 0 | Page Views: 1198 | Votes: 7 | Rating: 2.57
Everyday decisions have become increasingly complex due to the overwhelming abundance of choice with which we are presented. A trip to a typical supermarket reveals enormous choices such as 85 different crackers, 285 types of cookies, 230 varieties of canned soup, 80 different pain relievers, and 360 kinds of shampoo. Does this improve the quality of our lives?

Building your Credit to get a Mortgage
Written by: Kamau Austin | Distributed: 2006-05-11 | Word Count: 840 | Page Views: 5469 | Votes: 17 | Rating: 2.24
You are thinking about purchasing real estate. However, you are not sure if your credit is good enough to get a mortgage. There are things that you can do to build your credit so that it is worthy of any mortgage that may interest you.

Flowers Are The Perfect Gift For Father's Day
Written by: Wesley Berry, AAF | Distributed: 2008-02-20 | Word Count: 486 | Page Views: 6071 | Votes: 17 | Rating: 2.24
Dads everywhere have Sonora Smart Dodd to thank for getting Father's Day started. In 1909, Sonora sat in a church in Spokane, Washington listening to a sermon expounding on the virtues of motherhood. But, as she sat there, she thought about how special her own father was since it was he who raised her after the death of her mother.

Testimonials and Reviews Increase Your Real Sales Potential
Written by: Bill Platt | Distributed: 2006-02-10 | Word Count: 0 | Page Views: 3118 | Votes: 9 | Rating: 2.00
The one essential ingredient for online success in any endeavor is gaining your prospect's trust.

7 Tips to Hiring a Good DJ for your Party
Written by: Kamau Austin | Distributed: 2006-05-11 | Word Count: 563 | Page Views: 5407 | Votes: 11 | Rating: 1.36
If you want to have a party that everyone will be talking about for days and years later, hire a good DJ to run your music and light show. Hiring a DJ can actually be fun. Just follow these simple tips, and you are sure to have a fabulous DJ for your party.

Ann Arbor, MI Offers A Lot Of Year-Around Family Fun
Written by: Jeb Maxwell | Distributed: 2010-01-20 | Word Count: 595 | Page Views: 4905 | Votes: 8 | Rating: 1.25
Ann Arbor, Michigan is the home of the University of Michigan, a leading institution of higher education. Ann Arbor is a wonderful place to visit. The University is co-mingled with the city and greatly expands the cultural places and events available in the area.

How to Decorate Your Home on EBay
Written by: Pamela Cole Harris | Distributed: 2005-09-14 | Word Count: 0 | Page Views: 2283 | Votes: 5 | Rating: 1.20
If you are on a budget (and who isn’t?), a wonderful place for find home decorating accessories is auction sites like eBay. But before you go a’baying, here is some advice...

The "Proprietary Blend" Nutritional Supplement
Written by: Will Brink | Distributed: 2006-02-10 | Word Count: 0 | Page Views: 3625 | Votes: 5 | Rating: 0.60
In a nut shell, I went onto cover each of these common marketing terms that are used to sell supplements to unwitting consumers and explained each in detail as to what I view as their common misuse within the market place.











Download an eBook today
 
Directory Navigation
Locate By Category:

ALL Categories
Arts & Crafts
Arts & Entertainment
Automotive
Business - Offline
Business - Online
Career
Computers
Education
Family
Finance
Food & Drink
Health & Wellness
Home & Garden
Humor
Internet
Nature & Pets
Real Estate
Religion
Self Improvement
Shopping
Society
Sports & Recreation
Technology
Travel & Leisure
Uncategorized
World Events
Writing & Speaking

Change Number of Results:
50 - 100 - 200 - 500
Article Reprint Rights
Creative Commons License

This work is
licensed under a
Creative Commons
License


You are not required to show the creative commons license notice when you reprint this work.
Article Statistics
Word Count: 0

Total Views: 6329

Article Rating: 0.33 of 5
Votes Cast: 3

More Articles By Author:



Last Distribution Date:
2005-03-29 00:32:39

Internal ID: #1993





All Articles are Copyright © 2001-2023 of the Defined Authors.

All other material and images on this site are:
Copyright © 2001-2023, ThePhantomWriters.com