This week I was reminded that some of our clients are new to web marketing. Even those clients that have been at it for a while, still come to us with basic questions about what they should do to promote their business online. A question we frequently get is, why aren’t I getting more leads from my website? 

Our response is usually, “what are you doing to market your website”? If you are having difficulty answering that question, you’re not alone. 

Your site is an essential marketing tool. But, merely launching your website (without marketing it) isn't going to trigger leads. It would be great if it did, but things are never that easy. Now that you have your website, what’s next? 

Here is the first of our 4 part strategy in marketing your website:

1. Announce your new website. 

This may seem like an obvious one, but its frequently overlooked. You can announce your site in a number of ways including asking local bloggers to blog about your business (perhaps announce a special that you’re promoting or open registration), announce your site on Facebook, through email, newsletters, networking and business events, word of mouth, etc. Be sure to include a link to your new website so that people can find you easily. Also, include your url on any promotional materials, print work, and business cards. 

Having a new or improved website is a great opportunity to contact your clients/potential clients-- remind them who you are and that you appreciate their business, demonstrate to your buyers that you’re serious about your business and you’re here to take care of them. To show off your new website is to take pride in your business, not just a marketing ploy (in case you were feeling sheepish about touting that new site). Its up to you to tell people to check out your new site, then its up to the site to draw them in and lead them to your contact page.

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