April 14, 2010
You have your own business and someone suggested that you get a website, because now-a-days a website is a must. So you had a website developed. Now what?
- Make sure you have provided keywords/keyword phrases for your site. Keywords are important because they tell search engines like Google, Yahoo and bing how to find you in the vast sea of existing sites. The web designer places keywords in the back of the site. What makes your business stand out? What words would someone type into a search engine to find your particular industry or type of service. Good keywords can help fish your site out from among the many others in a search.
- Keep your site fresh. Just because the site is up and functional does not mean that your job is over. DON’T ABANDON YOUR SITE. If an article is written about your business, get a link to the article to post on your site. If you provide a newsletter or calendar, update it accordingly. Search engines frown on outdated information.
- Try adding a Blog or Forum. Blogs need to be maintained on your end and updated consistently. And they keep people coming back to your site to view the next posting. Forums invite viewers to participate in conversation on your site. These site enhancements may seem like more work, but the results can be beneficial. Blogs and Forums keep your site active and flowing with new information.
- Remember Social Networking. Begin a page on Facebook, Twitter or Linked In. Starting pages and chats in the social networking arena can create a buzz. People may then look for more information from you, which can lead to more visits to your site.
- Don’t get discouraged. It can take a little time for a new site to move up on those humongous search engines. Thousands of sites are vying to get on the first few pages. So do your part. Don’t just depend on Google, Yahoo and bing to do all of the work in bringing viewers to your site. Tell people about your site. Put your website address on all of your advertising. Let everyone know your site is there.
Your website can be a valuable tool for you, if you use it as such. To purchase it and then shove it into the toolbox is a mistake. Maintain it, sharpen it and keep it active. Then it can do the job that you need it to do.
By Vicki Fields, New LifeStyles Client Web Site Content Manager
Good advice Vicki! I hear from many people that their sites aren’t bringing them business, but they haven’t made changes in months or years. Some don’t even check their email or completed form for weeks or months. If you aren’t going to keep up your web site, it can’t help you.