| So you've finally gone and done it - you've made an | | | | 3. Change your after-hours or on-hold phone message. |
| important investment in the vision you hold for your | | | | Let callers know your new business website is up and |
| growing small business by having a professional | | | | running and extend the invitation to visit it for more |
| website developed to help market its products or | | | | information and resources. Spell out the website name |
| services. The site is attractive, informative and the | | | | if needed. |
| programmer and content developer have made sure | | | | 4. Issue a press release about the launch of the new |
| that its underlying code and pages contain the | | | | site. Be sure to mention the types of information and |
| all-important keywords, descriptions and other | | | | resources the website provides to visitors, along with |
| elements needed for effective search engine | | | | any plans for keeping the site content dynamic and |
| optimization. | | | | expanding it as your business grows. |
| Don't stop there! There are a number of other free or | | | | 5. Hang a banner with the new website domain name |
| inexpensive ways to spread the word about your | | | | in your reception area, waiting room - or on the front |
| exciting new marketing tool and the resources and | | | | of your building! Put up posters announcing the new |
| information it offers. Some of these ideas are so basic | | | | site in all visitor-accessible areas. |
| or simple that many small businesses overlook them, | | | | 6. Include the new website domain on every piece of |
| and spend even more money on less effective forms | | | | advertising or marketing collateral. Be sure that the site |
| of promotion or contract with firms making murky | | | | is included when your phone book listings, business |
| promises about top placement in search engine results. | | | | cards and stationery are updated, and that it is |
| Below are seven promotional suggestions that most | | | | prominent in every newspaper or magazine ad you |
| small businesses can easily implement. Several of | | | | place. |
| them can yield immediate results in terms of increased | | | | 7. Talk up your website, and encourage your |
| numbers of visitors to your new business website: | | | | employees to do the same. Mention the website to |
| 1. Stop at the local office supply and order an | | | | new callers or when networking, and use it to provide |
| inexpensive, self-inking stamp with your website | | | | directions, maps or access to common information that |
| domain name, in bright red. Use the stamp on every | | | | staff may formerly have needed to provide over the |
| envelope or piece of paper that leaves your office, | | | | phone. |
| from invoices to bill payments to holiday greeting cards. | | | | These ideas are just a start, and once you see how |
| 2. Send an email announcement to all your current | | | | well they work you will probably be inspired to come |
| customers, vendors, business contacts, friends and | | | | up with some more of your own. Brainstorm with your |
| family. Provide a link to the new website and invite | | | | employees and be creative - it will reap great |
| recipients to spread the word by forwarding the email | | | | marketing benefits that should also be reflected in your |
| on to other people who could benefit from the value | | | | company's bottom line. |
| and benefits your products or services offer. | | | | |