Your initial
reaction might be no, I don't need a website to pull in local trade.
Lets examine exactly what it is costing you for traditional advertising.
Or should I refer to what used to be the only advertising means.
Here is
a Comparison of traditional advertising and internet advertising.
A Business
web site designed and marketed for local trade could take your business
to a new higher level, IF DONE RIGHT!
If you
are planning to take your business online use these simple strategies
to build local clientele.
-
Provide
high value content
I cannot stress this enough. Most businesses are caught up in providing
a list of everything they offer and are busy explaining why they are
qualified. They fail to relate to their customer through benefiting
their needs. Most site visitors will want to know exactly what you
can do for them.
-
Develop
a Unique Selling Position
Develop a branding statement that sets you apart from your competition.
When running my wedding photography business I was often told that
I was great at making people feel relaxed and was often referred to
other in this manor. What a great compliment, I do offer a personal
touch with my business whether it is photography or consulting. My
mission statement is "I Personally Work with YOU on every aspect
of Starting Your Business Online - Taking it One Step at a Time."
-
Optimize
your web pages
You will want to optimize your web pages using a geographical area.
More and more people are surfing the internet before they open the
yellow pages. And when you consider how much you can spend on traditional
yellow page advertising. Then a Yahoo submit of close to $399 a year
doesn't seem so much after all.
Through my site I offer several course on optimizing your site with
targeted keywords, this is stuff you really need to research because
you know your business best!
-
Promote
your website
You website url should be published on every piece of literature you
hand out. Business card, receipts, invoices, even your business vehicles.
Don't forget special publicity campaigns to promote your website.
-
Train
yourself and your staff to promote your website
It should be the last thing you mention when visiting with a customer.
Take every opportunity to verbally point it out.
-
Start
a list of email addresses
Don't hesitate to ask your customers directly for their e-mail address
and let them know you will be sending them updates and news periodically.
An opt-in ezine (email newsletter) is perfect way to keep in touch
with your customers. (An opt-in ezine warrants a strategy of its own)
You can see my web site for tutorials on building a list.
-
Offer
special Web-only discounts
Give people a reason to go to your web site. This will encourage word
of mouth advertising. Don't just put up an about us web site. Make
it interesting for your customers, encourage repeat visits by updating
information regularly. Enticing your competitor's customers to do
business with you rather then with them.
Put your
thinking cap on and brainstorm new and ingenious ways to inspire repeat
visits and local word-of-mouth buzz.
The Net
is a more powerful business-builder than an offline Yellow Pages ad,
or any other single promotional tool at your disposal. Actually your
site works well *with every other marketing method* you currently use.
(including your yellow pages ad)
But's its
only a matter of time before your local competitor does it as well.
So get the most out of your web site by following a proven action plan.
I recommend
reading the SBI Action
Guide, you can get this free download from my site. It will explain
every aspect of site building for today's market. Remember "Do
It Right" when your are building your web site.
****************************************
web consultant, Beth Siess ©SIES Services 2004
Teaching YOU how to Build Your Web Business
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