Still unsure exactly how a website is going to bring you business? Let us help you out.
Think of your website as the ultimate commercial. Scratch that, it is even BETTER than a commercial! Commercials only come on once or twice a day and people can't watch them when they want to. You can only show a limited amount of information and it costs you money every time they run.
An awesome website can attract more viewers, give them more information and do it all at a much cheaper price. Here are a few ways you can use a website to help your business.
1. Put your web address EVERYWHERE!
That's right EV-ERY-WHERE! Print it big and clear on your business cards, your brochures, flyers, billboards, postcards, letterhead...want me to go on? Ok. Your shopping bags, business receipts, business sign and just about everywhere else you can think of. People may not always come into your business to see what you offer, but many people will go to your website to see what you offer.
2. Stop collecting change and start collecting Emails.
You know those crazy people who will run out into the street if they see a nickel? Yeah, be crazy just like them except do it with Email addresses. Email marketing is probably the most cost effective, and just downright effective, ways to keep your clients coming back and keep them spending money. Having a sale? Send an email to your list of current and post customers. Have an awesome new product you want to tell them about? 30 seconds and one click of a button later and they all will know.
The bigger your list, the more effective your campaign. Have a signup sheet by the register and make sure to ask each and every person who comes through the door if they would like to be included.
3. Use Social Media
Social Media is going to be right up there with collecting emails. It is free and allows you to connect with people instantly. Twitter, Facebook, Myspace, LinkedIn, YouTube and the list goes on. These are all great ways to both stay in contact with current clients as well as get in touch with new clients. Be sure to check out our Social Media Guide for more information on Social Media.
4. Cross promotion.
This is another free and highly effective way to promote your business and website. Find a business owner who has a similar target market as you. Offer to send an email to your clients letting them know about his services if he does the same for you. For example, say your business is a bar and grill. You could team up with a mens clothing store and each one of you could let your clients now about the others services. Include their website in the email and your conversions will go way up. This is free and both of you are bound to gain new customers.
5. Ask clients to leave you a review on Yelp.
Ever used Yelp? It is a place where past customers can go to leave a review of you and your service for others to read. Once you start getting a dozen or so positive reviews you will start attracting a lot of visitors to your website, and also to your business. People put a lot of faith in testimonials and this is exactly what Yelp is for. An easy way to get reviews is to just put a small sign up by your cash register asking people to leave you a review. If you can get 1 review per day you will end up being the highest rated provider in your niche in no time at all.
These are just a small handful of the ways you can drive traffic to your website and to your business. Be sure to read our other articles and learn more about how to use your website to make more money.