1. Put your web address on EVERYTHING:
- Business cards
- Stationary
- Brochures
- Email signature
- Any other marketing material or communications
- If possibly, include your web address with your companies logo

2. Establish links with other sites (reciprocal links)
Many sites have a “Links” page or section. Find sites similar to yours, or sites that offer complimentary products or services. You can support each other by adding reciprocal links.

Be active on blogs, forums, and other online communities. Most forums and blogs allow your web address to be included in with your signature. Your activity will generate visits to your website.

3. Social Networking
Create a Facebook account and establish a Dedicated “Page” featuring your company and website. This is very simple and requires no ongoing maintenance
Create a Twitter account. This service allows communication and updates from one Twitter accounts.
We don’t really like MySpace, but it can be an effective avenue to your website.
Your videos can be posted on YouTube and Vimeo (both video sites) along with links to your site. We prefer Vimeo.
Many other social networking sites are available. Explore.

4. Update your site frequently.
The best way to gain exposure and encourage repeat visits to your site is to keep your site current. Visitors love fresh content.

5. Be innovative; think outside the box.
You may want to sponsor or host a local event. If so, make sure your website is prominently featured on all promotional material. Create a press release about your site and your company. Send it to newspapers and media outlets in your region. Smaller newspapers and publications are often more receptive and accommodating, and sometimes they’ll follow-up by writing their own story.
*Here’s a great document to help you prepare an effective press release: press-releases-how-to. This document is from MSR Associates.

6. Consider renting booth space at a conference or business expo.
These provide great opportunities to meet and interact with potential clients. Renting booth space is not required–you may want to just go to the conference and exchange business cards.

7. Make sure you monitor your website statistics.
When you try something new, or expand your marketing, your website stats will clearly indicate whether or not your efforts are making a difference. This will help you determine the most cost-effective marketing strategies.

8. Create an email newsletter specifically for your clients.
Collect email addresses and establish your newsletter distribution list. Make certain your newsletter contains relevant and valuable information for your clients. Do NOT send newsletters too often (we suggest monthly), or with too much information (short and sweet is best). Be sure to always include a link to your site.

Take a look at SheJustGotMarried.com owned by Denee King. She does a great job of marketing her site, and taking advantage of social networking. We’d like to feature Denee’s ideas and recommendations in a future blog.