Have you fallen into this very common online marketing mistake? I see so many businesses fall into a need to be online, they call around to some companies that build websites, they dump a lot of cash into building the site that has all the latest technology built into their online website, yet it doesnt seem like anyone visits their website, but themselves.
There are many good companies out there that can build a very nice, very savvy website, and give you a very large bill for it. They rope you in with all the latest techno jargon, and dazzle you with the sights and sounds of how they can make your website special. So the question becomes, is a site great if no one knows that it is there?
Putting up a website with the latest technology to make it look appealing to the visitors may hinder the search engines from actually being able to see what is on your site. You have to realize that the search engines dont see the websites like we do. The search engines see the text, menus, links and content that you put into your website, but if it is filled with video, pictures, flash and java the search engines may not see anything at all. If the search engines cant tell what is on your website, then it will never appear for those looking for your services.
Your business doesnt need a Website your business needs an Online Marketing
Solution that consists of a website, yet it needs to also contain a way to pull in traffic to your website. Your online marketing strategy needs to consider the content within your website, directories that you need to build a relationship with, becoming a published authority figure in your industry and distribute video content that pulls in your future customers.
So your first hurdle to understand and conquer finding a balance between being appealing for both your visitors and for the search engines. Content is King both for those of you who visit and for the search engines that review your site. You will want to put in content that the search engines can view written text, anchor text, and alt. text for your pictures. You will also want to put in content that will appeal to your visitors selling your product or service, pictures to demonstrate what you have to offer, video to show them why they need you and an easy format for them to navigate around. Just like everything in business, you must find a balance, so both the search engines bring you visitors and your visitors become your customers.
And if Content is King, then links are the queen. The links that make the most difference are those that are one way direct links from established websites that already hold authority amongst the internet. Claiming your business on many business search directories are the first places that you need to obtain links. Many of us use these searches on our computers and smart phones to find businesses that we are looking for, so go to these directories and claim your business and get the links to your website. The easiest links to find are those business directories and organizations that your business already belongs to, and just need to request links from their online directories to your site. Then as your online business grows, go out and find those organizations, business and directories that will provide you with links to your business.
Becoming a published expert in your field will propel you and your business authority online. The first step in this is actually coming to the realization that you are an expert in your field. Once you come that realization, you need to take what you know and show those out their looking for your product/service what you have to offer. Create articles based on your expertise, based on what your customers are looking for, and make them rich with content that the search engines will love. Once you have your content, go out there and publish them with the article directories online. Review the directories that you are going to submit them to and make sure that they are reputable and high established. Because just like directories, more is not better better is better.
Lastly, Video is where everyone is spending their time on the web these days. It is a proven fact that more time and more searches are for videos each and every day. It has been shown that todays internet traffic spends 30% or more of their time watching videos online, so are you missing out on this traffic? Most people used to be scared off from making videos, but it is truly not that difficult use a cheap video camera, even most smart phones, or even just a powerpoint presentation with an video editing software it doesnt have to be a Hollywood production it just have to have the content that your customers are looking for. So dont shy away get it on video and then get it out there!
Hopefully I have showed you what it takes to get know on the web. It seems a little daunting when you first think of it, but it is really not that difficult. Just as in your daily business, you must see what needs to be done, put together the order you want them done, and stick to your timeline! Dont fall victim to those out there that are looking to sell you the latest and greatest website, because they will sell you just that for a price, but what they wont sell you is the traffic that you need to realize your potential online.
