Promoting your Business during a Recession

 

Author: Spencer J Casey


Wed, 08 Jul 2009 19:00:00 CST – When the economy trends down, it extremely important to utilize technology to stay ahead of the competition. Your business plan should include a well-designed webpage, reliable e-mail and text messaging capabilities, and an internet marketing strategy. Why? People are turning to the web for basic information, including business phone numbers, street addresses, and e-mail information. Printed business directories and newspaper ads are now being replaced with digital media. Does your business have a well-crafted comprehensive internet strategy?

As technology has evolved, so too should your business. Potential customers are now utilizing search engines to located businesses within a specific industry and geographic location.   As mobile technology expands cliental are also searching the web on their mobile phones and using applications such as google maps. Clients want refined search results and access to contact information quickly. With that in mind, it is imperative to have an internet strategy and to bolster your online business presence.     

Businesses need to develop a website that clearly defines their mission, products and/or services, and contact information. Content should be well organized and specific. It is important to highlight key information on each page, with header tags, <H1> . Also provide alternative text for each photo on the website. Make sure you include meta tag information (Information on Meta Tags: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meta_tag) in your webpage headers, including a page title, webpage description, and keywords. The meta tag information should parallel the content on the website. Search engine bots, read HTML code when analyzing your website. The more information you can provide the bot the more likely your website will be ranked higher during the promotion phase.
   
Another suggestion is to develop a XML site map, (How to build a Site Map: http://www.xml-sitemaps.com/). The site map is a text-file that identifies all the pages within your web and allows you to rank their importance/relevance, and how often they are updated. Once again, this information helps provide the search engine bot details on how the site is designed. By following these simple steps, your website will be ready to promote.     

Once you have completed development phase, submit your website to search engines, web directories, blogs, feeds, industry specific listings, and reference websites, (How to submit your website to Google: http://www.caseydesigns.com/Feeds/GoogleListing.htm). Search the web for free URL submission on google.com, yahoo.com, bing.com, aol.com, etc.   Consider developing a link exchange strategy by adding to your website URL to social media pages, blogs, and discussion boards. Consider adding “fresh content” to your site, such as a newsletter, blogs, or feeds.   Consider using a pay-per-click service, such as Google Adwords. Also remember to promote your business using company stationary and cards, domain branded e-mail, listservs, direct mail, and traditional advertising methods. A well rounded promotion strategy is critical.

During tough economic times, you should invest more time and energy into your website. As technology advances, your website will continue to be an important gateway to your businesses success.

 

 

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