7 Tips to Promote your Business Online (other than SEO and PPC)

If you have been in business for any length of time, then you know about business marketing and the different types of marketing and advertising strategies that are available to you as a business owner.

Internet marketing strategies however, are on a whole different level. This type of business marketing requires a different set of skills and a total rethink of the marketing mix you may currently have in place.

Online marketing is not only about search engine optimisation (SEO), which is fundamental to your online success, nor is it only about Pay Per Click (PPC). There are other simple and innovative ways to market your business online.

So if you are searching for ways to increase your ROI and your bottom line, here are 7 tips to promote your business online – that you may not have considered:

1. Content

There is no point in having a website with all the bells and whistles if no one visits. So make sure your content is informative and engages your audience. This is a basic business marketing strategy you cannot afford to ignore.

2. Email marketing

This is a great way to promote your business to existing and potential customers. But to do this you must build a mailing list that people subscribe to – because you need their email addresses. And for this to happen, you need a subscriber plugin on your website.

3. Web video commercials/Online video marketing

Not many businesses can afford TV commercials, but with the internet you have other options. Consider video commercials built specifically for the web, load them to YouTube - and then link this to your website. YouTube is run by Google and likes different types of content on different platforms – all of which helps your rankings.

4. Social media

Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and LinkedIn are all opportunities to promote your business and add to your marketing mix. You can link video commercials, advertise competitions, discounts and specials, network on LinkedIn and host your business images on Pinterest or Flickr. Social networking is all about creating engaging content that people want to share with their friends and family.

5. Blogging

This is an easy way to engage your customers, build both your reputation and credibility and to become seen as an expert in your business. Address customer questions in your blog, give advice or tips on how your products or services can help people, promote a new product or ask for feedback on a product. Blogging is all about engagement, trust and interacting with your customers. And if you don’t have the time or the enthusiasm to blog – hire a professional to do it for you.

6. E-Newsletters

Monthly or quarterly newsletters can be sent to customers on your mailing list. These are a great way to build on the blog topics, present a case study, explain a technical aspect of your products or services, and introduce new products, competitions, discounts or employee of the month.

7. Google +, Bing Local and Yahoo Local

These are free advertising strategies that can be an effective tool in your marketing mix. Make your business presence known on all the local outlets and listings. This gains your business both added visibility and authority online.

If you want more information on SEO, PPC or any other internet marketing strategies call Phil Heffernan on 0415 171 998 or email Phil at: phil@heffernanwebdesigns.com.au