In the movie Field of Dreams the ghostly voice told Ray “If you build it they will come.” But that’s not necessarily true of your website. Once you build it, it takes work to get them to come.
1. Include your web address in all printed marketing materials.
It may seem simple but you’d be surprised how many businesses forget to include their web address on their yellow pages ad, letterhead, newspaper ad, or brochures. If it has your name on it, the web site had better be there too.
2. Include a live link in all outgoing email
It’s easy to configure your email software to automatically include a link to your website as part of the signature. How many emails do you send in a day? Make them work for you by including your URL.
3. Post comments on related blogs and include a link to your website.
Not only will you have another link to your website, but if the readers are your target audience they may decide to click over to your website.
4. Write articles on topics related to your business or industry.
Whether you are writing for the local newspaper, and industry magazine or someone’s newsletter, you are usually given space to include a brief bio as part of your by-line. Make sure your web address is part of your bio. Approach any associations you belong to, local newspapers, industry magazines about writing for them.
You can also send article to online article directories such as www.ezinearticles.com. Others can use your article in their newsletter as long as they include your bio – with URL.
5. Use a call to action in your off-line advertising to give people a reason to visit your website.
Use your off-line advertising to offer the download of a free report, the sign-up for a free newsletter, the use a free tool, a free teleseminar. Even though it’s free, make sure you sell the benefits of this freebee. You have to motivate people enough to make the effort to get to your website.
6. Send snail mail
Do you have physical addresses of clients or prospects? Send a mailing – a letter, postcard – promoting your freebee. The freebee they can only get from your website. And don’t forget, don’t give a way the freebee without collecting email addresses first.
7. Use talks to promote your site.
Whenever you give a talk, mention your website – several times if you can work it in. Tell them about the free report and how it expands on the talk you just gave. Make sure the URL of your site is on any handouts you give.
None of these methods will drive huge numbers to your website. But used in combination, as part of your overall marketing strategy, you should see a steady increase in traffic to your site.
Andrea J. Stenberg
