Five simple online marketing tips
Not only does the internet give you a global platform, it offers an array of free tools to manage your brand image. Paul Stamp, community manager at Yell, offers some advice.
When it comes to finding a new supplier, most people now look online. The internet has become an essential business development tool, but can also help you manage the reputation of your business. And much of this work can be done for free.
While the initial costs of online marketing are minimal, to have any meaningful effect, your efforts online will take time, which is often in short supply for busy professionals. The following five tips are designed to get you started and suggest some techniques that will raise and protect your profile, without using up too much time.
Google alerts
Google Alerts is one of the simplest systems to pick up. A few minutes work to enter your desired keywords will trigger instant email updates on any new mentions that are added to the search engine’s archive.
Special interest forums
Sites like AccountingWEB.co.uk that cater for your area of expertise, and general forums such UK Business Forums can be great resources for finding new business prospects. If you can think of an activity, interest or anything that has an impact on people’s lives, there’s probably a forum where people are talking about it. Your Google Alerts, or a few well targeted search engine queries can give you clues to other useful sites.
Amplify your word of mouth
How many times have you walked into a business premises and, while browsing, glanced at testimonials from happy customers? Maybe you already do that yourself. Many businesses say word of mouth is their best source of leads so it makes perfect sense to take this word of mouth and make it visible to everyone. In fact, 86% of UK shoppers say they rely on ratings and product reviews when making purchase decisions online.
Facebook, Twitter and YouTube - the big three
Facebook, Twitter and YouTube are the big three social media sites, and what springs into most people’s minds when you mention the concept.
Facebook, Twitter and YouTube are the big three social media sites, and what springs into most people’s minds when you mention the concept.
All three are fantastic free marketing resources for any business, but they aren’t the answer to everything when it comes to social media.
The missing link?
If you are looking to reach other business people, LinkedIn could work well. Many professionals use the site to build their professional networks and you can do the same. Create a user profile for yourself and join the networks of people you know through business.
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Marketing online - First impressions!
Wise words here. Your online profile is available 24/7/365 so it pays to get it right. Despite the maturity of the internet it's still a very fast-paced environment and keeping up to date with the latest big thing, and what's waning, is essential in order to keep yourself "on top". Bigger companies can afford to employ dedicated online marketing staff tasked with keeping your name in the limelight. Small businesses, SME's, one man bands etc, can outsource this for a modest investment. And don't forget, social networking and SEO is not just about getting your name out there, it's also about looking for opportunities. It's becoming more and more common to simply post an enquiry on line, to the world, asking for recommendations. You should be looking for those requests so that you can respond before the competition.
Kent Website Design & SEO from http://www.esum-web-solutions.co.uk