The web has changed the way people do business. These days, it’s not enough to have an ad printed and distributed. You need to have a presence on the web as well. That’s where people are focusing their attention when they need to find goods and services. If you want their business, that’s where you should be, too. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to use your website as a marketing tool. Let's look at some.
Improve Search Rankings
Most businesses that attract new customers via their websites have used superior search engine optimization (SEO) techniques to do so. Basically, they have used a combination of keywords on their websites to focus traffic.
For example, a restaurant that’s known for its burgers might use keyword phrases like “best hamburger in [city]” or “great burgers near me.” Customers seeking a hamburger restaurant will search the web using those terms. On your website, incorporate keywords that customers will use to find businesses like yours. It’s a low-cost way to market your product or service.
Email Lists
Here’s a simple truth. Marketing to existing customers costs less than marketing to new customers. Some industry leaders estimate that acquiring a new customer costs five times as much as retaining a current one. This is not to say you shouldn’t try to get new customers; however, if people have bought from you once, chances are good that they’ll buy from you again.
For example, let’s say that you’re an independent publisher. Most hardcore fans can’t wait for their favorite author’s books to come out. If you have an email list attached to your website, each time you publish a new book, you should announce it to your email list. Chances are very good that the people on that list will buy the book. This principle works with nearly every industry from the coffee shop that rolls out a new recipe each season to the car dealership that gets new cars on the lot.
Coupons, Sales and Giveaways
People love to get free stuff. That’s why adding coupon offers or giveaways to your website can be such a success. People search the web for coupons, so if you use the right keyword strategy, you can attract them. When you offer a pop-up coupon or a giveaway to those who visit your site, you have a chance to add their names to your mailing list. As has already been discussed, using keywords and making the most of your email list can do wonders for your business. Adding coupons or sales to your website taps into both of these options.
The Internet can be a great source of new business if you know how to use it. Consider utilizing SEO, keywords, email lists and coupons in your marketing. If you want to boost the bottom line of your business, these are some techniques you should try.
Do you need a better website? Click here to check out what we’ve done for others!