101 Ways to Advertise Your Business Online and Offline
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1 INTRODUCTION...................................................6
2 HOW IS ADVERTISING DIFFERENT IN 2018?.......7
STAND OUT OR NEVER BE KNOWN........................7
IMPORTANT MESSAGES IN 2018...........................8
CREATE AN ADVERTISING PLAN..........................10
AN EFFECTIVE ADVERTISING PLAN FOR 2018
TACKLES A WIDE RANGE OF MEDIUMS AND IT
DELIVERS A CLEAR MESSAGE. IT ALSO PROVIDES
CONSUMERS WITH A CLEAR SOLUTION TO THE
EVER-POPULAR QUESTION, “WHAT DOES THIS
BUSINESS DO FOR ME?”.....................................11
3 WORD OF MOUTH IS STILL KING........................13
#1: FOCUS ON CUSTOMER SERVICE....................13
#2: LOCAL OFFERS..............................................14
#3: BE ACTIVE IN THE COMMUNITY....................14
#4: SPONSOR LOCAL ACTIVITIES.......................14
#5: ASK FOR THE RECOMMENDATION.................14
#6: ASK CUSTOMERS TO COMPLAIN....................15
#7: KEEP THE PROMISES YOU MAKE...................15
#8: DO MORE THAN THE MINIMUM.....................15
#9: SATISFY THE UNHAPPY CUSTOMER..............15
#10: AS FOR REPEAT BUSINESS LATER, TOO......15
#11: LOOK THEM IN THE EYE..............................16
4 FREE WAYS TO ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS......17
# 12: GOOGLE LOCAL..........................................17
#13: GOOGLE COUPONS......................................17
#14: CHECK OUT YELLOW PAGES ONLINE...........18
#15: GET ON YAHOO LOCAL................................18
#16: GET REVIEWS ON YAHOO LOCAL.................18
#17: SEND OUT PRESS RELEASES........................18
#18: TRADE WITH OTHER BUSINESS OWNERS. . .18
5 BUILD A WEBSITE..............................................20
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#19: BUILD A WEBSITE.......................................20
#20: GET YOUR WEBSITE LISTED IN SEARCH
ENGINES..........................................................20
#21: USE SEARCH ENGINE OPTIMIZATION.........21
#22: KEYWORD RICH TITLES..............................21
#23: WRITE AN EFFECTIVE META TAG.................21
#24: LOCAL.COM.................................................21
#25: CRAIGSLIST................................................22
#25: GET A BLOG.................................................22
#26: SET UP A NEWSLETTER...............................22
#27: REGULAR EMAIL CAMPAIGNS......................22
#28: ALERT EVERYONE THROUGH A PRESS
RELEASE...........................................................23
#29: RUN A CONTEST..........................................23
#30: GET IT PRINTED..........................................23
6 SOCIAL MARKETING AS ADVERTISEMENT..........24
#31: LINKEDIN...................................................24 #32: FACEBOOK..................................................25
#33: MYSPACE.....................................................25
#34: VISIBLEPATH..............................................25
#35: SOFLOW......................................................25
#36: ORKUT.........................................................25
#37: TWITTER.....................................................25
#38: DIGG.COM...................................................26
#39:YOUTUBE.COM.............................................26
7 FOCUS ON SEO...................................................27
#40: HEADERS....................................................27
#41: KEYWORD PLACEMENT................................27
#42: KEYWORD DENSITY....................................27
#43: HYPERLINKS...............................................28
#44: WEBPAGES..................................................28
#45: FOCUS ON THOSE KEYWORDS.....................28
#46: GET LINKS IN..............................................28
#47: LINK YOUR SOCIAL NETWORK SITES..........28
#48: LINK HOW TO ARTICLES.............................29
#49: HUBPAGES (FORMER SQUIDOO).................29
#50: HUBPAGES..................................................29
#51: NETWORK FOR LINKS.................................29
#52: EZINEARTICLES.COM..................................29
#53: OTHER ARTICLE DIRECTORIES....................30
#54: FORUMS YOU VISIT....................................30
#55: ANY PLACE ELSE.........................................30
#56: DO NOT FORGET EMAIL...............................30
8 WORK THE BLOG................................................31
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#57: POST REGULARLY........................................31
#58: INTERACT WITH OTHER BLOGS..................31
#59: WRITE A GUEST POST.................................31
#60: BE UNIQUE..................................................32
#61: PLACE A BOOKMARK TOOL..........................32
#62: BECOME A RESOURCE..................................32
#63: CREATE AN EFFECTIVE LANDING PAGE.......32
#64: INTERACT WITH OTHERS............................32
#65: PAID SEARCH..............................................33
9 HOW TO STAND OUT..........................................34
#66: GET ON TELEVISION...................................34
#67: GET ON RADIO............................................34
#68: OFFER LOCAL DISCOUNTS...........................34
#69: WRITE FOR THE PAPER...............................34
#70: AVOID THE GRAPHICS, BUT GO BIG............35
#71: DO GO FOR MEDIUM....................................35
#72: FOCUS ON LIVE CHAT..................................35
#73: OFFER A FREE SERVICE...............................35
#74: EXPAND YOUR SERVICE AREA.....................35
10 TIPS FOR ADVERTISING YOUR BUSINESS
LOCALLY FOR LESS.............................................37
#75: THE BASIC BUSINESS CARD........................37
#76: FLYERS STILL WORK...................................37
#77: USE YOUR CAR............................................37
#78: CHECK OUT YOUR CHURCH..........................38
#79: GET LISTED IN YOUR CHAMBER OF
COMMERCE.......................................................38
#80: GET INVOLVED IN SCHOOLS.......................38
#81: PAPER COUPONS WORK..............................38
#82: CHECK OUT TRADE FAIRS...........................38
#83: USE THE CLASSIFIEDS................................39
#84 USE PROMOTIONAL TOOLS..........................39
11 NETWORKING TIPS THAT WORK......................40
#85: LOCAL BUSINESS NETWORKING.................40
#86: WRITE A DIRECTORY..................................40
#87: BUILD YOUR BLOG WITH OTHER BUSINESSES
.........................................................................40
#88: TWITTER ABOUT OTHERS............................41
#89: CHECK OUT YAHOO GROUPS.......................41
#90: GO WITH THE MOMMY BLOG.......................41
#91: NETWORK WITHIN GROUPS........................41
#92: PULL TOGETHER FOR A CONTEST................41
#93: CHECK OUT INTERNET RADIO.....................42
#94: FLYERS EVERYWHERE.................................42
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A CONCLUSION WITH MORE..................................43
#95: DO HIRE A PRO..........................................43 #96: DO NOT FORGET THE SALES PAGES.............43
#97: GET ELECTRONIC IF YOU CAN.....................43
#98: RESEARCH WHAT’S NEW.............................43
#99: GIVE A SEMINAR.........................................44
#100: TALK ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS...................44
#101: DO NOT HIDE IT: ASK FOR THEIR BUSINESS
.........................................................................44
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1
INTRODUCTION
As a business owner, you know the importance of having other people
know about your business. Advertising is rarely an option. Even those
huge companies that you know well, who do not need to advertise
(because you will likely go to them repeatedly) put a good deal of their
profits back into advertising their business.
As a small business owner, marketing your business is important. It does
not matter if your business is a small one, such as a local repair shop or
retail store, or a larger one, finding the right way to communicate with
your prospective clients is critical.
One of the biggest concerns a business has is getting their potential
clients to know about them. You know you have a great service. You are
confident that you can wow the customer with your abilities. Yet, they do
not call. They do not come in to your store. They do not visit your
website. The only way to help this process is by spreading the word about
your business and letting everyone know what it is and what it can do for
them.
Do you have a strong advertising background? Most small business
owners (offline and online) do not. Yet, you do not need to have this type
of advertising background to find success through advertising means. The
more creative and direct you are, the more successful you will be. Keep in
mind some things you do not want to do such as promising more than you
can offer. However, be as creative as you can be if you hope to attract
new customers to your business.
This book outlines the tips and strategies your business needs to do well
in 2018, a year that promises to offer new opportunities, new insight and
plenty of profit for those businesses that can provide they can advertise
well. However, this is an area of business that is changing. If you are to
find success in business in your 2018 advertising strategy, you need to
stand out from the crowd and approach advertising in new and interesting
ways. This book provides you with 101 ways to build an effective
advertising plan.
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2
HOW IS ADVERTISING
DIFFERENT IN 2018?
Advertising a business is still as important as ever. Each year, thousands
of new companies open their doors. Internationally, hundreds of
thousands of businesses get their start. Many of these businesses are
direct competition for you. With that understood, it is important to
consider a few more important details about advertising.
STAND OUT OR NEVER BE KNOWN
With advertising, you need to be more creative than ever if you are going
to stand out. A simple ad in the local newspaper is not enough to generate
enough talk about your business to have people interested enough. A
small banner ad on a moderately sized website is still not enough to
generate the type of income that your business is looking for.
More so, the times have changed. Consumers themselves are more used
to shock advertising than ever. A scandal may hurt one person, but it can
often bring higher revenues to a company. However, now, people have
very high standards in where they shop, what they buy and what they pay
for it.
To further to explore that topic, consider these important factors when it
comes to advertising your business.
1. It is easier for the consumer to do the same thing repeatedly. In
other words, they are not going to go out of their way to visit your
location or to remember your website’s domain name unless you
have something that is new enough to them to make them want to
do so. If it is easier to do something else, though, people will do
that.
2. People do not want to pay more money for something. If you
cannot compete with big companies, include those large
department stores that seem to outdo every other company out
there, then consumers will not pay attention to your business. Use
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your advertising budget to differentiate your business from the
businesses of others. This is more important in 2018 because it now
is more important than ever for people to watch every penny they
spend.
3. Forget about misleading ads or promising more than you can offer.
Most consumers are wise enough to see right through the
advertisements that are obviously too good to be true. Consumers
also do not want you to spam them, to overwhelm them with mail
or email just to learn about your product or service.
4. There is more game in town. That means that there are more
people competing for those all important ad spaces on your favorite
websites. This may mean that your average advertising dollar is not
going to do as much as you had hoped that it would. On the other
hand, it may provide you with an ideal option for doing something
big that is memorable.
5. The Internet, television, newspaper and even direct mail is all
interconnected today. Your message needs to be strong enough to
reach across all of these playing fields properly. If you use
conflicting information, you will simply confuse your company.
There are a few things to point out, in addition, that are more positive.
For example, today’s consumer is well aware of the price of products, but
they are still looking for a good deal. Getting more for their money is
always going to be a big factor for the average consumer. Look for ways
to add something to the product you are offering that helps it to stand out
from the rest of the world’s products.
More so, consumers are knowledgeable. They are happy to learn about
new companies, but they want to learn about them before they will use
them. Either through your website or through your advertising, you need
to communicate who your business is, what it has to offer as well as what
makes it unique and better than the rest.
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IMPORTANT MESSAGES IN 2018
There are a few important messages that you want to use within the
advertising that you do in 2018. These messages are what people are
looking for.
1. Cost effectiveness: Price is a strong, important tool especially as
more consumers are looking for a way to save money after taken
advantage of by lenders, leaders and investments.
2. Environmental friendly: Today, people expect a business to be
doing everything that it can to actually save the world. In your
advertising, this can and sometimes should be the message that
you give. Show the world that your business is committed to
providing a safe haven for the environment.
3. Something new: Having a product that is new and better than
someone else’s product is going to make an impression that you
want to make on your customers. Although not all businesses will
have the same level of expectation on this front, many business
owners should advertise that they have something that trumps the
other person’s product.
4. Easy access: With people saving more money, working more jobs
to make ends meet and going out of their way to get the best of the
best, it is important to alter customers that you have a product that
is easy for them to use or easy for them to get to. Virtually all small
businesses need to be online in 2018, even if you are not serving
the entire Internet, but a local market. People turn to the web to
learn what is happening and to find what they are looking for.
5. Trustworthy: Yet another important advertising method for 2018
will be trustworthiness. Of course, with so many people feeling
taken advantage of by the horrors of the last few years, it is
important to distance yourself and your business from those
companies. Focus instead on being a company that is trusted,
secure and a great place to be.
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When you put all of this together, you will have the right advertising plan
for your business. Throughout the rest of this book, you will find more
than 100 tips and tricks to help you to advertise your business in 2018. Is
this year any different from last? Of course it is. Today, it is even harder
to get in front of others than ever and people expect a lot more than ever
before.
CREATE AN ADVERTISING PLAN
Can your business make it? With the right advertising plan, your business
can excel. Take the time to consider the following tips and methods to
improving your business advertising plan. Use as many of these methods
as is possible, but do put together a cohesive plan that outlines your goals
first.
What does your advertising plan include? How many of the following types
of advertising methods can you use? Consider the following steps.
1. Look at each of the advertising methods mentioned here.
Determine which of these is most beneficial for your business. If it
is a possibility, note that it is. If the plan seems to be a good one
right off the bat, mark it as that. If there is no chance of it being
usable for your business, you should cross it off.
2. Create a list of those elements that you want to use. Determine
how to pursue each one. Determine the cost of each one, based on
your business model. Then, factor in your budget. How many of
these methods can you pull off?
3. Look for cost cutting methods. Look outside of the box before
writing off any of these advertising methods.
4. Build your business-advertising plan step by step. Create your
campaign, slogan and go for it.
5. Come back and look at your plan after you launch it. How well did
each of the elements work? Is there something more that you could
have done or changes that you could have made? If so, factor those
in for the next time around.
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An effective advertising plan for 2018 tackles a wide range of mediums
and it delivers a clear message. It also provides consumers with a clear
solution to the ever-popular question, “What does this business do for
me?”
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3
WORD OF MOUTH IS STILL
KING
Word of mouth advertising is one of the oldest forms. Simply put, it is the
means of one person telling another person something about your
business. It has always been one of the most powerful tools to have as an
advertising medium. Ask yourself, are you more interested in listening to
what a commercial has to say or what your best friend has to say? Who is
more believable?
As a business, part of your advertising plan should focus on word of
mouth advertising. OF course, it is important to point out that today; word
of mouth advertising is not just one person telling another of a product, as
in one woman telling another woman about a product they love. Rather,
there are many online and off line methods for delivering a word of mouth
experience.
In this chapter, we focus on a few methods of advertising that can help
you to pull out those recommendations that you want to get from others.
How can you get recommendations and referrals from the customers you
already have or the ones that you will be getting?
#1: FOCUS ON CUSTOMER SERVICE
The first and most important element of advertising is not spoiling the
business that you have. Each customer that comes into your doors needs
to be a customer treated as if they are the most important customer for
the business. Although this may seem difficult to do, it is all about
delivering a quality service and smiling.
Customer service is important to business success. If you have a bad
experience at a restaurant, you tell your family and friends about it, and
stop them from going there. Not only does the business lose your
business but that of your family and friends, too. What you want to
create, on the other hand, is an atmosphere in which the words being
passed on are top quality recommendations to visit your establishment.
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If you are not sure what you can do to improve your customer service, go
right to the source: your customer. Find out from them what you can do
to improve your overall experience.
#2: LOCAL OFFERS
If your business is a locally based one, as opposed to one that is Internet
based, focus on local offers that can help bring in customers. For example,
a customer comes in to your hair salon. You know they had a great
experience and so you offer them a discount card and one for their friend.
If they pass on the card, you have an opportunity for them to tell the
potentially new customer about your salon. This is easy advertising!
#3: BE ACTIVE IN THE COMMUNITY
Another way to generate more word of mouth advertising is to let others
know about your business by allowing them to get to know you. Be an
active role player in the community. Churches, community organizations
as well as government offices are great ways for you to grow your local
popularity. Introduce yourself to your customers. Shake their hand. Be
present in your place of business.
#4: SPONSOR LOCAL ACTIVITIES
It does not have to cost you much to sponsor a group of local baseball
players or to buy the t-shirt uniforms for the school’s soccer team. It does
not cost you anything to host a fundraiser for a local person who is ill
where you donate your profits. However, these types of actions get your
name in front of the masses. They are all instances that you can show
that your business is the business in town to be involved.
#5: ASK FOR THE RECOMMENDATION
Unbelievably, one of the best ways for you to get the customers to
respond to you is to ask for a recommendation. For example, you have
saved someone $250 off his or her car repair bill. That is nothing to be
shy about. As the customer is happily paying their now discounted bill,
you can easily say to them that you are looking for new clients. Would
they please recommend your service to their friends and family?
When you ask for business, even if it is simply by asking for a group of
customers to come back again, you allow those customers to feel welcome
within your business. More so, they are happy to tell others about their
experience, especially when asked to do so.
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More ideas:
Here are a few more, short and easy ideas for building up your business
through word of mouth advertising.
#6: ASK CUSTOMERS TO COMPLAIN
Did you know that most customers who have a bad experience never
report that experience to the business? However, they do tell family and
friends about it, or even worse, they get online and start talking about it.
Ask customers to tell you of the problems they have with your business.
#7: KEEP THE PROMISES YOU MAKE
As a business owner, if you promise to do something for a customer, you
had better do it. The negative word of mouth advertising this will cause is
enough to cause any business to struggle significantly. However, when
you do keep your promises, customers will respond to that as well.
#8: DO MORE THAN THE MINIMUM
Next, work on going over the expectations of your clients. You do not
want to do the bare minimum or to get the basic level of acceptance.
Rather, you want to focus on beating their expectations so that your
business can flourish when they come back repeatedly so you can take
advantage of what you have to offer.
#9: SATISFY THE UNHAPPY CUSTOMER
The customer is never wrong, even when you know they are wrong. It
happens within every business. A misunderstanding leads to a
confrontation. You do not want to stand down or to lose business. How do
you handle the angry, unhappy customer? Do what you can to satisfy
them. In fact, many studies show that when an unhappy customer is
satisfied, they become a lifetime customer of the business, simply
because the business listened to them and fixed the problem.
#10: AS FOR REPEAT BUSINESS LATER, TOO
At first, you may ask for a customer’s repeat business when they are
leaving your establishment or even through your invoice online. However,
in a week or so, give them a call. Send them an email. Send them some
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mail. Ask them to come on back to experience what you have to offer
again.
#11: LOOK THEM IN THE EYE
When you are working with customers hand in hand, shake their hand,
look them in the eye and let them know how important they are to you.
This establishes a bond of trust and it helps to develop customer loyalty.
Reach out, ask for their business and thank them for visiting you. This will
make a difference.
As you will notice, virtually all of these word of mouth advertising
methods are free or inexpensive. They make sense. They should be part
of your advertising plan without fail. If they are not, add them in to the
mix to ensure that your business has the foundation it needs to excel in
2018.
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4
FREE WAYS TO ADVERTISE
YOUR BUSINESS
We just spent a chapter working on word of mouth advertising. It is what
people need to know and need to use as the foundation of their business
success. However, every business needs to do more than that to get into
the eyes of the customer. However, most businesses, especially the start-
ups will find it hard to pay for these advertising methods.
If you could afford to hire a professional advertising company, you would
still see some of these free methods for promoting your business.
However, many people do not put in enough time to learn them.
The following are a few free ways to advertise your business. Some are
offline while others are online methods. Use as many as makes sense for
your business.
# 12: GOOGLE LOCAL
Google Local is a local listing service on the web for local businesses. You
do not have to do much but contact Google Local and provide your
company name, address, phone number and website address. You will
need to verify this information through a postcard but it is easy and gets
you listed on Google easily.
#13: GOOGLE COUPONS
Have you considered coupons? Why not mesh coupons with Google. If it
sounds like something that is interesting to you, the good news is that it
is easy to do. You are able to bring in new customers and bring the old
customers back to you. All of this occurs through Google’s free coupon
tool that you use to get your business on local searches that are relevant
to your website.
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#14: CHECK OUT YELLOW PAGES ONLINE
While it does cost a fee to get your website listed in the big Yellow Page
book, it is free to do so on the web. Remember, people come to the web
to learn about stuff long before they actually buy from a business.
Therefore, being in the online Yellow Pages makes sense.
#15: GET ON YAHOO LOCAL
Just like Google Local, Yahoo Local offers the same type of benefit. Of
course, it benefits those who are using the Yahoo search engine instead of
those who use Google. Yahoo is the second largest web search engine and
highly important to any online search. It is free to get listed on Yahoo
Local, too.
#16: GET REVIEWS ON YAHOO LOCAL
One of the things that Yahoo local does that Google Local does not is to
allow customers to review your service. It takes only a few minutes to set
up this process, but encouraging your customers to visit the website and
to write a review is an important step in advertising local businesses. It is
free to do and takes moments, but it could mean the difference in a
customer choosing your business over another company’s business.
#17: SEND OUT PRESS RELEASES
You can send a press release to a news organization. This is a better
option than sitting around and waiting for them to come to you. Be sure
that what you have to say is newsworthy, and it should not be a blatant
advertisement of your business. For example, it could be a press release
announcing your collection of food for a local charity. It could be your
special fundraiser for a sit child. You can use online press releases in the
same manner, but be sure they are newsworthy before you try to have
them sent out.
#18: TRADE WITH OTHER BUSINESS
OWNERS
Is there a business that will compliment your own? When you find one
that is you should trade services with them. Alternatively, trade advertising with them. For example, perhaps your business is a spa. You
know that those that come to your spa are concerned about their fitness.
You collaborate with a local fitness club and trade advertisement flyers at
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your establishment for their business while they do the same for your
own.
Now that this chapter has gotten you started with a few free ways to
advertise your business, we will move on to methods that are more
specific. However, many of the other activities within the rest of this book
are low cost or even free. They are well worth your time investment!
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5
BUILD A WEBSITE
One of the most important ways for a business to advertise in 2018 will be
through the Internet. Beyond a doubt, this medium is important. As
mentioned previously, people turn to the web on a regular basis. They
look for directions online (your website you should include local
directions.) They use the Internet to help them to find the best deals that
are available. You need to be included in their search or they will not find
you.
So, how can you use a website to advertise your business? Consider the
following tips and resources listed below.
#19: BUILD A WEBSITE
Most small businesses that are not selling on the web directly still need a
website since customers routinely use the web to research businesses
before they actually start using them. Those businesses that do have the
ability to sell on the web will need a specially designed website to
accommodate this need, generally an e-commerce site.
In either case, a website should be included. This way, you can inform
your customers of who you are and you can educate them on what you
can offer to them. Then, you can use your website to promote your
business further.
#20: GET YOUR WEBSITE LISTED IN SEARCH
ENGINES
The next step in the process is to get your business listed in the search
engines. There are several ways to do this, but the most fundamental is
simply submitting your website to these search engines manually. Google
and Yahoo are the largest, but others are just as important. There are
software tools that will automatically submit your website or you can wait
around for the search engine spiders to find your website on their own.
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#21: USE SEARCH ENGINE OPTIMIZATION
Search engine optimization, or SEO is a type of advertising tool. When
you head to a search engine and type in words into the field to find
something, you expect the page that pops up to be full with the options
you have. Businesses work hard to be listed on that first page of the
search engine results. The higher that you rank on those pages, the more
likely it is that a customer or client is going to click on your website link
and visit.
Search engine optimization includes placing keywords (the words that
people enter into a search engine to find your business) into the content
on your website. You will need to learn what words people are using to
find businesses like yours.
#22: KEYWORD RICH TITLES
When it comes to your website, each title, whether for an article or for the
page itself, should have a keyword within it. If you are in the business of
pet toys, be sure that you include words like pet toys into these titles.
The page title will also appear hyperlinked in the search engines when
people search for those words and find your website. You will need to
learn some basic formatting to learn how to make this happen.
#23: WRITE AN EFFECTIVE META TAG
The META Tag is the description placed below your title in the search
engine results page. It is critical to provide the best tag possible,
describing what the individual will find when they visit your website. Use
keywords here, too.
#24: LOCAL.COM
Another of the ways to promote your website is to focus on websites that
attract local visitors. Any business locally based wants to get in the hands
of their potential customers when they are online. By listing your website
at Local.com, for example, individuals will be able to find your local
business website faster, and without having to trudge through numerous
other sites to find it.
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#25: CRAIGSLIST
Check out Craigslist.com. It is not necessarily the best option for all
businesses, but it can be a great choice for many of them. This free
classification site does attract local visitors as well as national ones. By
placing an ad in the appropriate sections of Craigslist for the towns that
you service you can and will see a rise in the customers you get. You need
only to include your website address to make this work well for you.
#25: GET A BLOG
Using a blog on your website is a combination of benefits for online
advertising. First, a blog will help with search engine optimization because
it allows you to add more information and pages to your site. This fresh
content is something that the search engines are looking for. In addition,
a blog allows your customers to sign up for it and they can then receive
regular communications from you through your blog. This is called an RSS
feed and it is something that all website owners should have in place as it
costs very little or sometimes nothing.
#26: SET UP A NEWSLETTER
Yet another tool that will help you to build your website traffic and help
you to get customers coming back repeatedly is a simple newsletter.
When a client purchases something from your website or even just stops
by, they can sign up for your newsletter. Several times a year, or even
more frequently, you can send them a well designed newsletter to their
email box that contains information on the company, tips and tricks they
want to have and even provides them with incentives like sales to bring
them back to the company’s website. You are simply reminding them that
your website is there.
#27: REGULAR EMAIL CAMPAIGNS
Some businesses will benefit from more than just one newsletter sent out
every few months. If you need your clients to come back time and time
again, consider a regular email campaign. This system is set up to be
automatic. Once your client’s sign up to receive it (by simply adding their
name to your website sign up form) they will receive regular
communications from you regarding the business, sales or even providing
them with information that they need. Always included is a link back to
the website.
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#28: ALERT EVERYONE THROUGH A PRESS
RELEASE
Yet another of the ways that you can promote your website is by simply
letting others know that it is up and ready to go. A press release is
something we have mentioned before, but after you have set up your
website, it is a good idea to send out a large press release blast to let
others know what your website or business is offering that is unique. Be
sure to include information on the business’s benefit to the customer.
#29: RUN A CONTEST
Have you seen the numerous contests that website owners are running?
Do you think it would be fun to offer one but you are worried about the
costs? Offering a small gift certificate or even free service from your
business is often enough incentive to get people to sign up. However,
what you get in return is well worth it. For example, a popular option is to
have people to sign up to receive communications through an RSS Feed or
through email. Once they do, they enter into a contest to receive a gift
card. You are getting all of those email addresses, which in turn will help
you to advertise your business to those new prospects.
#30: GET IT PRINTED
One of the mistakes that many people make when it comes to advertising
their business is to keep the online and the offline worlds of advertising
separate. This is a problem and it can hold back your sales. Start by
including your website in your printed literature and on your business
card. This will alert people that they can find out more about your
business services by simply turning to the website. Be sure your website
is on any of your printed invoices, receipts and other documentation you
may hand over to your clients. You want them to come back.
Later in this book, we mention several other methods for promoting your
business website, including more helpful tools for search engine
optimization.
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6
SOCIAL MARKETING AS
ADVERTISEMENT
Social marketing is one of the keys to online success. You have your
business website up, but now that it is, you need to get people to it. You
can do this through social marketing.
Many people do not realize just how important it is to be social in today’s
marketing world. In fact, in 2018, it is likely that you will see more
websites develop that are designed to provide business owners with
numerous additional ways to market their business socially, rather than
through paid advertisements.
Social networking is the process of interacting with others one on one, or
at least informally. It is the opposite of paying for commercial
advertisement where you will sell your product through a catchy television
ad. Rather, you are promoting your business by promoting yourself, by
simply interacting with customers one on one.
While it is hard to imagine doing this on your own, many websites help to
make it easier for businesses to interact on the web. The tools mentioned
in this chapter are websites you can join (mostly without cost) and begin
building your business.
Most of these websites have the same goal. You will sign up for them,
build a following by finding others to interact with and then socially build a
relationship with them. You are providing both a personal experience and
advertising your business through them. Since most have this same style,
the details of using these sites are only included.
Most of these will be all important places to be for 2018.
#31: LINKEDIN
LinkedIn.com allows you to find others on the website that you know and
then allows you to connect with others in a business atmosphere. It has
less of a basis on social aspects than other sites, but it allows you to
become recommended by others, which can help you to increase
customers.
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#32: FACEBOOK
Facebook.com is not just a website for teens. It is an excellent medium
for finding others interested in what you have to offer. There are more
than 600 million searches and more than 30 billion page views each
month on Facebook. Your business can be part of that in 2018.
#33: MYSPACE
A more socially based website, MySpace will continue to be important,
especially to online businesses, in 2018. Here, you build the same base of
individuals and generate interest in your business through the community.
Link back to your website to get people to visit.
#34: VISIBLEPATH
Another website that you might not have heard of just yet, but that you
should be part of is VisiblePath.com. It will help some businesses to
determine who their real network is, by looking at emails and calendars
specifically. It is likely to explode in 2018.
#35: SOFLOW
SoFlow.com is yet another business and professional based website for
social networking. Here, you will find numerous opportunities to find
business partners to work with. It is a bit harder to use, especially at first,
but has proven to help some businesses to get off the ground on the web.
#36: ORKUT
This Google run social networking website has worked for some, while not
well for others. The goal here is to build a relationship within the
communities on the site. You will want to try to find out if it is likely to
work for your business. However, it may be less beneficial to offline
businesses.
#37: TWITTER
Twitter.com is a microblogging website because you send out very short
messages to your followers. Building followers is easy enough to do.
However, it does take time to make Twitter work for you. In short, you
will chat with other users about their messages and send out your own.
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You can often include links back to your blog posts or website as a way to
get clients to your site. For example, if you are selling real estate in New
York City, you can search for those who are looking for such opportunities
and then friend them. All others who are your friends can see your
messages about a great deal.
#38: DIGG.COM
Digg.com has dropped a bit in popularity within the last part of 2009, but
it is still an outstanding tool for those who are looking to build their
business from the ground up. It works simply. You sign up for the site and
then submit newsworthy blog posts from your website or blog to the site.
Other members Digg them or mark them as a good read. This helps to get
even further people interested in them while driving more and more traffic
to your website.
#39:YOUTUBE.COM
How can YouTube.com, the popular video site really help you to promote
your website or your business? It is a form of social marketing. You will
post a video on the site that is directly or indirectly related to your
business. For example, as a plumber, you may want to show a video
about how to quiet that leaky faucet. Then, clients can get right back to
your website where they can purchase the tools they need to accomplish
the job. The key with YouTube.com is that it has such a high ranking in
the search engines and is easily going to help boost your search engine
ranking by linking to and from your website.
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7
FOCUS ON SEO
We mentioned earlier the importance of search engine optimization or
SEO. However, SEO is more than just throwing in words that you think are
important into your website’s content. It should be something you do for
every aspect of your website, from the blog posts that you right to the
messages you send out through Twitter.
However, the foundation of your search engine optimization should be at
your website. Setting up your website with great SEO will help it to rank
well in the search engines, which is critical to any business in 2018, as
more people turn to the web to learn about products and services before
they buy them.
This chapter includes more tips and tricks to help you to set up
outstanding SEO on your website. Each of these elements is critical to
your website’s success.
#40: HEADERS
As a part of advertising your website, you need to include keywords in
various areas of your website, including the headers (usually labeled as
H1, H2 and H3). These are the page headlines and sub headings within
the text. Google pays attention to these. Be sure to include keywords
within them.
#41: KEYWORD PLACEMENT
When you start to write any blog post or other type of content for your
website, it is important to include keywords in the right placement.
Specifically, position that keyword in the first paragraph of the page. It is
best to place it within the first sentence of that paragraph, specifically.
#42: KEYWORD DENSITY
Another tool for search engine optimization success is keyword density, or
how frequently you include keywords in the test of your page. You want to
strive to get enough in without too much. Google does not look favorably
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on websites not ranked well. Try for a density that is under 2 percent for
the best results.
#43: HYPERLINKS
Within each of the pages you include, include hyperlinks to other pages of
your website. When you create these hyperlinks, be sure to use keywords
to help you to do so. This way, you are putting more emphasis on those
keywords and phrases.
#44: WEBPAGES
Webpages are an important element to search engine optimization. The
best websites, even for a small business, only need to have a few pages
to be effective, though. However, one thing you can do to boost your
search engine optimization is to dedicate one page to each of the top
keywords related to your website. By dedicating these target keywords
properly, you will have the tools necessary to build ranking in Google and
other search engines.
#45: FOCUS ON THOSE KEYWORDS
Hold on, what keywords, you may be asking. The key is to have keywords
that are relevant to your website, but it is unlikely that you know every
word that people are typing into the search engines to find a business like
your own. However, you can research it and do so without paying for it.
You can use Google’s keyword tools or use one of the other free services
for this. The bottom line is that you should research keywords and not
assume you know what phrases are in use.
#46: GET LINKS IN
Next, focus on building your website up in the search engine rankings by
showing those websites that you are in fact an important resource. One of
the ways that these search engines see this is by looking at the websites
that point into your website. These websites have links on them that link
to your website. Work on getting these in using a few of the methods
mentioned here.
#47: LINK YOUR SOCIAL NETWORK SITES
First off, place a link to your website from each of the social networking
sites that you belong to. For example, if you joined LinkedIn, be sure your
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website is listed on that website. This is an easy way to get links pointing
back into your website.
#48: LINK HOW TO ARTICLES
Are you writing how to articles for websites like eHow.com? Join free and
then submit helpful, factual articles to them. These short articles allow
you to place a link on them that will bring customers back to your
website. Ehow.com and other sites like them generally allow you to do
this and these websites have a large number of visitors each month.
#49: HUBPAGES (FORMER SQUIDOO.COM)
Check out former Squidoo.com. This is yet another powerful tool for the
average business in 2018. To build website traffic, create a one page
Squidoo lens, which is simply a long article. Then, link that lens to your
business site. In return, you get to benefit from the link on this popular
website pointing into your website.
#50: HUBPAGES COUNT TOO
Next, focus on doing the exact same thing with Hubpages.com, another
large site with plenty of traffic that you will benefit from.
#51: NETWORK FOR LINKS
Beyond a doubt, these websites will help you to get traffic pointing into
your website. However, they are not going to help you to build quality
back links that the search engines really prize. To do this, you need to
network with other businesses to get your website listed on them. Contact
the administrator of sites that fit closely with yours and ask for the back
link.
Here are a few more websites where you can create back links in a
simpler fashion as those mentioned earlier:
#52: EZINEARTICLES.COM
Write an article that is informational and link back to your website.
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#53: OTHER ARTICLE DIRECTORIES
Find other types of article directories similar to EzineArticles.com to write
articles that link back to your website.
#54: FORUMS YOU VISIT
Use forum posts that you write on forums that you visit to link back to
your website.
#55: ANY PLACE ELSE
If there are any other websites that you frequent, you may want to find
out if there is an opportunity to include a link back to your site on their
page. Ask if you are not sure.
#56: DO NOT FORGET EMAIL
Each of your email messages should have a link in it that brings people
back to your website. If not, include this in the automatic signature you
are allowed to use on the site.
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8
WORK THE BLOG
A blog is a website. However, unlike other types of websites, this one has
a design to provide you with the ability to add more pages to it. Rather
than focusing on pages that stay the same, the pages have frequent
updates to include new information. Search engines love blogs because of
the fresh content. Website visitors love them for the same reason.
A blog should be one of the focuses of your business for 2018, since it is a
tool that allows you to connect with many of those who will visit your
website. It is a form of social marketing. It is a way for you to interact
with prospective clients. It is a way to build traffic to your website. You
need a blog.
There are many ways to use your blog to advertise, and many of them
have already been listed (such as socially networking the site.)
However, here are a few more important tools to use.
#57: POST REGULARLY
One of the keys to making a blog work for you is to post regularly. Try to
post three to five times per week, to generate traffic.
#58: INTERACT WITH OTHER BLOGS
Also, focus on other blogs that are not your direct competition but may be
related. When you leave a comment on another company’s blog post,
include a link back to your own blog post (this helps with back links, too!)
#59: WRITE A GUEST POST
To get even more business; write a guest post for one of these blogs that
you visit. You will need to contact the administrator. In many cases, you
can have them guest post on your blog, too. This interchange helps to
create more traffic for both blog sites.
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#60: BE UNIQUE
In order for your blog to do well, which in turn works as advertising for
your business, you really do need to show your readers that you have
something interesting and worth watching so that they will come back to
it, time and time again.
#61: PLACE A BOOKMARK TOOL
In order for your blog to do well, you need to create a readership. To do
this, you need to get people to come back. Be sure to install a bookmark
tool on the blog so that you readers can easily get back to your site.
#62: BECOME A RESOURCE
A blog is a very inexpensive way for you to add content to your website.
However, it is also important for you to focus on building a level of respect
on the web. You can do this with your blog. For example, if your business
is based on childcare services, be sure to include unique tips and tricks for
parents to help them teach their child, rear their child or even crafts they
can do. This builds up a database for users and ensures your website is
helpful to those who use it.
#63: CREATE AN EFFECTIVE LANDING PAGE
Your blog will driver traffic to your website, but if it does not have an
effective landing page, people will turn the other way. Focus on ensuring
that your landing page, or the page people get to visit when visiting your
site, offers something intriguing to them. It should provide them with the
tools and resources they need. What is in it for them?
#64: INTERACT WITH OTHERS
One of the key benefits of using a blog to help advertise your business is
that you can get up close and personal with your clients. However, many
people do not do this. They do not spend the time necessary to interact.
They post a blog post and head off. Rather, interact with your customers
to build an interest. This will make a considerable difference whether
those who visit your website become your paying customers.
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#65: PAID SEARCH
Consider paying for searches. In other words, consider paying to have
your website listed in search results pages. This is also a way for you to
get people to your website. The fact is, it is inexpensive to get your
website listed with Google Adwords for specific keywords. It is a way of
getting people to your blog to get interested in what you have to offer so
that you can turn around and sell to them.
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9
HOW TO STAND OUT
When it comes to advertising your business in 2018, you need to do
things that will help your business to stand out. This is not always the
easy option for a business. No matter if your business is a local service or
an online based business, you need to stand out from the competition if
you are going to generate sales and be successful.
In this chapter, we give you a wide range of ways to stand out. Use those
that work best for your business.
#66: GET ON TELEVISION
No matter what your business is, get on television to promote it.
However, you do not have to do this through a direct ad. Find a news
story that you are an expert on. For example, if there was an explosion of
natural gas in your local area, contact your local news program and tell
them you would love to come on and talk about, the risks of natural gas
and how to prevent it from happening.
#67: GET ON RADIO
Do the same thing as you did for television on the radio. Find a way to
connect with others in this way.
#68: OFFER LOCAL DISCOUNTS
To stand out from the rest, offer a local discount. Have it advertised on
commercials on television or radio. Many local markets are now doing a
50 percent gift card promotion for local businesses. Those who visit the
website get a gift card for $25 with a value of $50 in services. Chances
are good they will spend far more than this.
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#69: WRITE FOR THE PAPER
One of the best ways to gain stature in a local market is to write a column
or an article in a local paper. For example, if you are an attorney for
bankruptcy, write an editorial piece on the struggles of locals who are
considering bankruptcy. This piece then serves as a way to distinguish you
as the best professional to work with.
#70: AVOID THE GRAPHICS, BUT GO BIG
When it comes to getting the attention of those on the web, some
websites place long graphic features at the front of their website that
visitors have to sit through to get to the website. Avoid this. Rather,
proudly show your benefit to your client’s right on the front page of your
website.
#71: DO GO FOR MEDIUM
Have you visited a website in which there was a figure of a person who
starts speaking to the website visitor? This person is an ideal tool to use
to help your business to show customers how to navigate your website or
how to interact with you.
#72: FOCUS ON LIVE CHAT
Another way to really impress your guests is by using software that allows
for them to interact with a customer service representative right away,
right on the website! A good way to do this is to use an internal instant
messaging service. For example, you are a heating repair technician. The
client comes to your website to find out if they should have someone
come out. They can chat with a representative of your business to find out
if it is a good idea or if they just need to press the reset button first.
#73: OFFER A FREE SERVICE
One way to stand out from the crowd is to give something away to the
customer. For example, while the other guy is charging clients for
something, you can offer it for free. Perhaps estimations are free. Perhaps
you are offering a free eBook with a purchase or a free eBook for signing
up for a newsletter. Find a way to offer something free that the other
person is not. Value and discounts are important in 2018.
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#74: EXPAND YOUR SERVICE AREA
If you can expand your online business into international markets, do so.
It is now easier for businesses to communication across seas and you
should invest the time it takes to build a business in this way if it makes
sense for your particular business. In 2018, the world gets even smaller
as it becomes easier for you to communicate with those around the world
who want to do business with you.
The bottom line is that you do need to find a way to stand out from the
rest. If you can do that, your business will be a success.
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10
TIPS FOR ADVERTISING
YOUR BUSINESS LOCALLY FOR
LESS
Local advertising of both online and offline businesses is quite important.
However, this can be one of those areas where you end up spending a
good deal of money. To save money, consider the following advertising
methods that are ideal for 2018.
#75: THE BASIC BUSINESS CARD
How can a basic business card help you to advertise your business? Your
business card can and should be easily given out to those who you
interact with. It can be placed in numerous places, too. The goal you have
here is to use this card as a way of keeping your business in the minds of
your customers.
#76: FLYERS STILL WORK
It is understood that you do not want to litter the parking lot with flyers
for your business, but it is a good idea to use flyers to advertise
promotions. Try to drop them off with other businesses to pass out. Flyers
create a tool that goes home with the customer, so that they can
remember your service later.
#77: USE YOUR CAR
For local advertising, purchase a magnetic sign that can be placed on the
sides or the back of your vehicle that helps to advertise your business.
This is an easy way for you to show others about your business and it
does not damage the vehicle at all. You can even remove it when you do
not need to use it.
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#78: CHECK OUT YOUR CHURCH
Most churches are always looking for ways to pay for things. For example,
the church may need help with roof repairs. If this is your business,
provide the service free. Then, ask for a place in the bulletin or other
papers that the church publish as a thank you.
#79: GET LISTED IN YOUR CHAMBER OF
COMMERCE
The local chamber of commerce is one of the best resources for a new
business. This allows for the business to be listed as a business within the
city. Most local communities offer resources and tools to help that new
business to do well. In addition, they will help recommend your service to
those who are looking for help.
#80: GET INVOLVED IN SCHOOLS
Just like churches, schools often need help with sponsorships or activities.
By helping out, you can get your business name published in a local paper
or through other resources. This small type of advertising shows that you
care. By showing, that you are more than a business that is looking for a
profit is an important value element of advertising in 2018.
#81: PAPER COUPONS WORK
Placing advertisements in local papers such as discount coupons really
does help to bring in new customers to try out your service. It is a good
idea for you to offer only what you can afford and factor in the likeliness
that these coupons will be redeemed on the large scale. As mentioned,
people are looking for the deal in 2018.
#82: CHECK OUT TRADE FAIRS
Many times, local areas will have trade fairs or other events sponsored by
the local community as a way to help promote business within the
community. Find out if your community is offering this and if so, get
involved. Generally, an inexpensive booth allows you to hand out flyers to
those who may be interested in your business.
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#83: USE THE CLASSIFIEDS
Classified ads are still a good way to promote your business since people
do read the paper. However, it is also a good idea to advertise within
those classified ads that position your ad not only in the print version of
the paper but also in the online version. Many people are turning to online
reading of their news.
#84 USE PROMOTIONAL TOOLS
Giving away items that you have your company’s name and website
address on them is a great way to grow your business. Be sure that you
give out items that are useful, such as giving pencils to schools or giving
away a coffee mug that people will use.
Finding ways to advertise locally is important. Focus at least some of your
efforts on the web, too, though even if you are a local business.
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11
NETWORKING TIPS THAT
WORK
When it comes to advertising your business on the web or even locally,
remember that, you do not have to do it all alone. In fact, some of the
most beneficial types of advertising are those types done alongside the
help of another business.
Try to network with other companies in numerous ways to build up your
business traffic on your website and to get more people in the door. These
tips will help you to break down the barriers and really build your business
in 2018.
#85: LOCAL BUSINESS NETWORKING
Find local businesses that are not your direct competition but have a
relationship to your business and network with them. Combine advertising
dollars to do a campaign together, for example. This is an easy way for
both of your to benefit.
#86: WRITE A DIRECTORY
Pull together a directory of local businesses that are working together. For
example, if your business has a focus on window repair, networking with
heating and air conditioning businesses, plumbing businesses and retail
suppliers to form a directory for home improvement. Circulate it locally.
#87: BUILD YOUR BLOG WITH OTHER
BUSINESSES
Including more than one business on a blog or website is not always a
good idea but it can work well in some instances. For example, you can
often refer a business to your clients or they can refer you. Try to network
to build this type of relationships.
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#88: TWITTER ABOUT OTHERS
Not only should you use social marketing for yourself but you can also use
it to help promote other businesses who in turn will do the same for you.
For example, you can help to promote the blog posts by one company
through Retweeting their message on Twitter while they do the same for
you.
#89: CHECK OUT YAHOO GROUPS
Yahoo Groups is a great place to find others both online and offline. To
use them, though, you do not want to solicit business. Rather, interact
about other companies and services locally within the group. Use your
signature line to help promote your business. Interact with other
businesses that can help promote you, too.
#90: GO WITH THE MOMMY BLOG
There are many ways that you can promote your business but some of the
very best are those where you have personal recommendations by
another person. There are many mommy blogs out there, geared towards
mothers and written by mothers. Offer a sample of your product and
request that the blogger write a review of the product on their blog. You
can do the same for them, too.
#91: NETWORK WITHIN GROUPS
Like the mommy blogs, many online groups are a great place for you to
interact with others. Some of them even have a design towards helping
businesses to grow. You help others within the group with your knowledge
and expertise while they help you. A search on Google for groups with the
topic of your business is enough to find this group.
#92: PULL TOGETHER FOR A CONTEST
Now, we have mentioned contests before but what about something
bigger and more impressive. Go ahead and get involved in a large contest
within your local area, such as giving away a large cash prize or
something else. The advertising of this type of promotion is enough to
drive business your way. Going bigger in 2018 is critical!
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#93: CHECK OUT INTERNET RADIO
While not technically a form of networking, Internet radio is a growing
fad. It is likely to be a better option for 2018 than ever before as people
centralize more and more of their life on the web.
#94: FLYERS EVERYWHERE
One of the ways that you can actually place flyers throughout your area
and not get in trouble for doing so is to network. For example, your local
library needs donations. You make a donation and ask to leave flyers on
their bulletin boards about your service. Do this throughout the local area.
As you can see, networking is really a powerful medium. How can you use
it to better your business?
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A CONCLUSION WITH MORE
Are you still looking for a few more ways that you can promote your
business? Of course you are. Now that you have a good idea of what some
of the best options for 2018 are, there are a few more to take into
consideration.
#95: DO HIRE A PRO
One of the best advertising tools for you is the professional. Rather than
working your business on your own, hire a professional to help you. More
specifically, for developing your website, for building your blogs and for
writing articles to submit to directories, look for experts who can do the
work for you, better than you can.
#96: DO NOT FORGET THE SALES PAGES
While many people in 2018 will be focusing on ways to build their
business socially, that does not mean you should stop selling to your
clients. You do need to. Focus on sales pages professionally written for the
web. Flyers and other documentation for local businesses should deliver a
sales message, too.
#97: GET ELECTRONIC IF YOU CAN
Any way that you can get your message out electronically is a good
option. With the use of iPods, radios, email and smartphones, you want to
be on those websites that people are using the most. Look for advertising
opportunities that help you to get on people’s devices, including the
podcast.
#98: RESEARCH WHAT’S NEW
Although this book contains great tips for 2018, by the time we are half
way through it, new websites and online tools for advertising will be
emerging. If you do not want to be left behind, focus some of your time
on researching new trends.
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#99: GIVE A SEMINAR
You may not think you have anything to tell people, but if you are selling
a product, there is likely a market that you can educate about it. Put on a
free seminar to teach others. You can do this online through a live chat or
even through video. Alternatively, do it locally. You will gain specific
recognition as a professional when you do this.
#100: TALK ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS
Whether online or offline, you do need to tell others about your business.
Be active at promoting it by simply telling people about it. For example, if
you are meeting the parents of your child’s friend, introduce yourself to
them. When the question of “what do you do” comes up, inform them.
Many times, this is an easy way for you to build your business
relationships up.
#101: DO NOT HIDE IT: ASK FOR THEIR
BUSINESS
Finally, the last tip that you will find for advertising your business in 2018
is to ask for the business of others. There is no reason to hide behind all
the graphics and websites that you create. Rather, be sure to show others
that you are in business and that you want to work with them.
It may be a handshake or it may be a phone call. It could be an email
message or just a blog site. Include language that comes right out and
says, “I would like your business.” That way, you are doing the one thing
that people are truly expecting this year. You are being honest and
upfront about your intentions.
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