Today, it is not enough just to have a website. Your website needs to be user friendly, informative, and allow your customers to communicate with you effectively. There is more to marketing with a website than simply “putting it up.” If you can increase your online traffic, then you can likely increase your sales. The following is a list of quick tips to help your website be more effective for your business.
1. Be sure that your Website is Optimized for Search Engines
Search Engine Optimization (SEO) has become a business of its own in the past few years. SEO providers will analyze and alter the content of your website so that it is more likely to be picked up by a search engine, like Google, Bing, or Yahoo!. They will adjust your content so that it contains certain keywords to match specific searches.
2. Publish an E-Newsletter or a Blog
Electronic newsletters and blogs are a great way to get quality traffic to your website. If you publish valuable content on a consistent basis, then your customers will want to come back to your site for updates and information about specific topics. Be sure that you are giving quality information to your customers, instead of just advertising. When blogs are written correctly, search engines will often pick them up as well. That way, your customer not only thinks that your company is an expert on issue, they can also buy products about their search right there on your site.
3. Make your Website User-friendly
Take some time to really think about what your customer wants from your website. Do they just want information, or do they want to be able to buy products or order services from your site? If buying products is a must for your website, then be sure that you have a merchant account so you can accept all types of payment methods. Even SEO providers need a merchant account, especially because their business is entirely online. Find out more about merchant accounts at eMerchantBroker.com. You may also need to consider adding help features like a live chat or a frequently asked questions page to your website.
4. Use Social Media
Social media is huge right now, and your company is missing out if they are not using this advertising method correctly. Create your page and post updates about sales, new products, events, promotions, or your blog and newsletter content. Your social media page will not only contain information about the business, it will also direct customers to your website.
5. Promote your Website in Every Interaction
Even if your customers are visiting your store, be sure that they know you have a website and how to get there. Put your website (and social media pages) on all of your letterhead and advertising materials. Businesses sometimes get so caught up in online advertising that they forget to tell people in person. Don’t let that happen to you!