HOW TO PROMOTE YOUR WEBSITE
Everyone would like their website to appear in the first page of listings when someone does a related search using Google or another Internet search engine. I don't want to mislead you, that is not likely to happen every time for your website unless you spend a lot of money on search engine promotion. That does not mean that having a website is not worth the money. You will get business from people finding your website as the result of an Internet search, but there are many other free/low cost ways you can promote your website which are covered below. The biggest advantage to having a website is to increase the chance that a prospective renter will pick you over your competitors that do not have a website.
Search engines like Google are free for anyone to use but their intent is to make money. Many website owners pay them to put their website ahead of other websites that do not pay. That does not mean that your website will never be listed in the first few pages of search results. Google and other search engines do include no-pay websites in the first few pages of search results. Their exact formula/algorithm for doing this is a company secret but there are a number of aspects that are known and I design websites so they take advantage of the known factors. This is called Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and you can trust that I will include SEO in the design of your website.
Following some are free/low cost things you can do to promote your website and get additional customers. They are listed in alphabetical order.
Articles
If you have a knack for writing there are many ways you can publish articles that include a plug for your website. Following are some possibilities.
Ezine: An Ezine is an Electronic Magazine and there are many of them. Write an article on most any subject and submit it to an Ezine. Make mention of your website and include a link to your website. The Ezines have different rules about how your link can be included. One I use is ezinearticles.com but there are many others.
Blog: Create a blog and post articles periodically. Include an ad or link for your website. Click here for information about blogs.
Periodicals: Submit articles to newspapers, magazines, newsletters, and such and mention your website.
Bulk Email
Bulk email services used to be a common way to promote websites. DO NOT use bulk email as you may be labeled a SPAMMER and your website may be disabled.
Display Your URL
Include your website URL on your business cards, letter head, company vehicles, etc. You can also display it on your personal car/truck.
Forums
Find forums/bulletin boards that relate to your product/service and use them plug your website.
Free Internet Ads
Try craigslist.org to advertise your rental. Include a link to your website but do not include personal information (name, phone number, or address).
Personal Email Signature
One way to legally use email is to prepare a signature line with a link to your website. This is most effective when sending joke/information/newsletter emails that others may forward. Email me if you do not know how to do this.
Print Media
Old fashion printed media ads are still a good way to advertise. Include an ad with your website URL in appropriate periodicals from time to time. Don't overlook things like school concert programs that allow you to buy space for an ad
Word of Mouth
Talk about your website and mention the website name. Word of mouth is still one of the most effective advertising methods.
webmaster & designer: doawebsite.com
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How to Promote Your Website