Website Tips

If you build it, will they come?

The design of your web site is only one component of your internet presence. Making sure people find and use your web site is crucial.

Although it’s important to be listed with the major search engines, you can’t depend on them to drive visitors to your site. Search engines use a number of variables to rank your site which may include meta tags, alt tags, page text, and even domain name. There are also paid listings, although the expense is *sometimes* too high for most small-business budgets.

Other advertising

• Links to and from other web sites that complement your business.
   
• Your web site address should appear on your ads, business cards, letterhead and brochures, as well as at the bottom of every e-mail you send.
   
• If your business has a storefront or office, make sure there are signs advertising your web site address.
   
• Is your business local? Consider inexpensive auto magnets for you and your employees.
   
• Offer options for customers or site visitors to sign up for an email newsletter on your website, via your catalog, or in your storefront. Don’t forget to establish a privacy policy to assure those customers and visitors that you will not sell their email address. Then, make sure to take advantage of this opportunity for low cost advertising. At least twice a year, send out emails to the list regarding sales, specials, or related news. If you frequently have sales or specials, send notices once a month; however, as a general rule, don’t send more than once a month.