Getting the most out of your web page.

You only have a web page or site for one reason and one reason only; to show the world what you have to offer. But having a website is not enough, we all need to maximize visitors to our websites. Big business has a number of ways to promote their sites and they spend thousands to make sure that they hold their first page ranking. Big corporations such as Coca Cola would probably be on the first page of any given search engine without even trying, but it's worth noting that they do spend a great deal of money doing it.

So what can a small business do to promote their website?

Make sure your site is on Google and as many search engines as you can find. We at Gettaweb can supply our hosting clients with an easy-to-use software package that can submit your site to the top 10 search engines with just a click of a button.

Think small, think local

Forget about trying to compete with the big boys. They have it all sown up and they know it. You have to look at your business from the perspective of a niche market; having something everyone wants or needs, but only supplied by you. The other alternative is to think small and local.

Web directories

Now you need to do some work. Get your website on every web directory you can find, especially local ones. It's a good idea to do this every few months or so, as new web directories keep getting pushed out there.

Is you ULR on all your documentation?

You would not believe how many companies spend hundreds of pounds producing a website and then fail to promote their site via their own documentation. Taking Coca Cola as an example, every can or bottle they produce has their website details printed on them. You should do the same. Make sure every piece of documentation you send out has your website on it; letters, business cards, invoices, quotes, etc. If you have a van or a car, get your website details printed on the side, front, and back. Hundreds of people see your van every day, so give them something to think about.

Tell everyone

Tell the world that you have a website. Tell everyone who is willing to listen and also make sure you tell everyone who is not willing to listen. Become that boring guy down the road, you know the one, him with the website!!

News paper advertisements, get it on!

There is a furniture company near where I live that has a great website. It shows everything they do, it goes into amazing detail and the photos are perfect; it must have cost them a bomb. The funny thing is, they pay good money every week to advertise in a local newspaper, but nowhere in the advert does it mention that they have a website. If it was my advert, half of it would be made up of my site's URL. Please make sure your website is on every advertisement you publish, this is a must.

Link exchange

Now think about exchanging links with others. This can prove somewhat problematic as there are a few companies out there that say they are willing to exchange links but what you get in return is a small line hidden away with thousands of others. Make sure you get like for like. Don't exchange links with other companies who do the same work as you, unless you are truly 10 times better than they are.

SEO, value for money?

Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) services; now you are starting to fall into the money trap. Yes, SEO companies can prove beneficial and give you a return for your money. But tread carefully as you need to make sure you are not spending more on SEO than you are getting in return. We at Gettaweb supply a search engine optimisation service that is truly cost effective. Please note, however, that we only supply this service to our web design and hosting customers.

Not On Google Maps, Shame On You

Being on Google maps is a must for any small company. Almost everyone who wants goods or services from a local suppler will at some point or another reach for Google maps. I personally would only search Google maps if I was seeking tradespeople such as brickies, joiners, plasterers, roofers, etc. There's no point in trying to contact tradespeople if they are miles from where I live. So if you're supplying goods or services within your local area, then you must be on Google maps. Please note that there are other maps, but Google are by far the largest and most used.

Need Help?

If there is anything that has been covered within this sheet that you are not sure about, or if you need assistance in doing anything mentioned above please don't hesitate to contact Gettaweb.You can always call us on 01555 820059 or email us info@gettaweb.net