¨Ooh . . . Ah. Wow. Well, would you look at that?¨ Your website is done. You hired a graphic artist to do colors, logo and branding. You hired a sales guy with a writing background to make sure your site sells your product and services; in fact, your site speaks to all four different personality styles. You hired a webmaster that gave you the latest in technology and at a minute’s notice you can change any item you want, add new information, all without knowing any H.T.M.L. code. Come on, can it get any better than that?
Yes it can, only if you want it to. Successful marketers know that once a website is done, that is REALLY when the job begins. Bringing your website to completion is only the first step. Many other steps need to be taken so that your website becomes a “hub” for your clients which in turn will save you countless hours and oodles of money, while the site is working for you 24/7/365. It’s like I always ask of my coaching clients, “Are you system dependent or are you self dependent?
So, here is a list of 15 key critical functions and tasks that if worked with and completed, will give you some marketing muscle behind your website and hopefully will help you gain back valuable time while increasing profits.
1. Get Everyone On Board
During many of my training and speaking engagements around the country, I often run into business owners, employees or staff member who have preconceived notions about the Internet or websites. They allow their self imposed boxes to get in the way of effective website marketing strategies for themselves or their company. Get your team together and explain to them the why’s of having a website and have a specific plan (like following the steps in this article) for them to follow.
2. Gather Data
One of my favorite quotes is “Find the Way to Do It Versus Finding The Way Not To Do It!” So, find a way to ask each and every client for not only their e-mail but for their complete contact data information including their date of birth and hobbies and passion. You use the data to stay in touch with your clients and how to “touch” them AFTER the sale is made. Most personality styles gain trust with their salespeople when they are continually “touched” through different means of communication.
3. Let ‘Em Know
Heck, if you don’t let your clients know about your website, who is? Here are some suggestions on easy ways to propagate your website address to your clients:
4. Write “Expert” Articles
Write articles on your products or services. They can be as simple as a one page bullet sheet that if one of your clients reviewed the information, they would find the information useful. Post the article on your website and share direct links with your clients that will take them back to that article. As an example, read more about Expert Articles HERE.
5. Write and Publish an Every So Often Electronic News Letter
Build a huge database and hit them INFREQUENTLY with a newsletter that has significant information that will help them and add value, after the sale.
6. Send Snail Mail Postcards to Clients
Reminding them about your website creates an additional touch which improves conversions and recall. Or, launch a direct-mail campaign, sending 3 to 6 postcards – spaced a week or so apart to prospects. This can draw new visitors to your site.
7. Spend One Hour Each Day Prospecting
New customers or visitors. Spread the word about your product/service/Website and improves awareness.
8. Create A “Welcome” Audio Message on Your Website
Using MP3 technology. (With start and stop under visitor control). An additional way to verbally communicate your message.
9. Create a Hard Copy Press Release
Announcing your new site and mail it to your entire list. Ask anyone that responds to the mailing a “free” link back to their website from your website.
10. Get On A Radio Talk Show
As an expect on your product and services. Don’t know how? Call the local station and ASK to be included sometime as a guest speaker. When you do the show, MAKE SURE to provide your website as the main point of contact information for your listening audience.
11. Use A Monthly Website Poll
Include a weekly interactive survey for visitors, a great way to make your site user friendly and is a reason for repeat visits.
12. Conduct a Workshop or Seminar
Builds credibility and attracts prospects. Promote your website at the event. Use your site for online electronic registration. Use this accomplished SPEAKER for your event.
13. Study Your Competition
This will helps you understand what is happening in your industry and better address important issues and needs.
14. Put a “Refer-a-Friend¨ Link
On every page that reminds people to tell others about your site and encourages viral marketing.
15. Become Active in Online Forums
This will help establish you as an authority on your subject, improves credibility, and increases touches with potential prospects.
There is no magic to successful website promotion. You can achieve success by having the right mix of different marketing strategies that will help attract customers to you and your business.
Remember this . . .
Mass Action = Mass Results
Some Action = Some Results
No Action = No Results
Where do you fit?
Higher PROFITS and higher levels of Sales EFFICIENCIES - typical results that are experienced by Chuck Bauer's clients. Chuck has over two decades of sales experience and on a daily basis you will find him consulting with many sales organizations and salespeople nationwide. He is a highly sought after speaker and a member of the National Speakers Association. His information is widely published in many print and internet based publications. He is an instrument rated-private pilot, committed body builder, and mountain biker. Chuck is typically in the following cities: Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, Austin, San Antonio, Arlington, El Paso and does sales consulting in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Sales Coach Chuck Bauer is on the LOOKOUT for HIGHLY SUCCESSFUL Sales People — Sales Managers, Sales Executives, Event Planners, Business Owners — who want HIGHER PROFITS and EVEN GREATER SALES EFFICIENCY. If you know ANY of these people or companies in the Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, Austin, San Antonio, Arlington, or El Paso areas who would be interested in any of Coach Chuck's programs or services, CLICK HERE to find out about Chuck's REFERRAL INCENTIVE BONUS.
"Thanks for the Marketing Yourself Shamelessly course you did in Georgetown, Texas last week. My agents and I appreciate the full 3 hours of “meat and potatoes”-style learning. We are putting your ideas into action; the advanced Outlook techniques in particular are paying off."
Billy Kurtz
Owner - Century 21 HSK & Associates
June 28th, 2009 at 3:05 pm
What ever happened to microsoft expression? I tried it when it first came out but i thought it was to clunky.