The thrill of seeing your website's visitor count rise is a significant milestone for any budding online business. However, achieving this on a shoestring budget can be a challenge. The key lies in implementing a phased marketing strategy. While you may not have the funds for a large-scale marketing campaign, there are several cost-effective tactics to generate enough traffic to kickstart your online venture.
Begin by exploring all available free advertising options. While it's true that you often get what you pay for, these free avenues can provide a valuable starting point. However, don't rely solely on freebies to run your site.
Consider exchanging links with websites that operate in the same market but aren't direct competitors. Prepare banners of various sizes and background colors to suit your potential web partners. Websites that already feature banners or a links page are more likely to agree to an exchange. Focus on sites with moderate traffic and some advertising, as they're more likely to be open to collaboration.
Search engines are the primary way people will discover your site, so don't underestimate their importance. Be aware of the different methods used by various search engines, as what works for one may not work for another. Websites like AddMe can submit your site to multiple search engines for free. However, be patient, as it can take several weeks to get listed due to the high volume of submissions.
Identify relevant newsgroups and make your presence known. You can either post about your products or services or become a regular contributor and establish yourself as an expert.
Once you've generated enough traffic to support further marketing efforts, consider advertising on key websites. These are high-traffic sites that target the same consumers as you but aren't your competitors.
Be cautious with email advertising. Unsolicited or "spam" emails can annoy consumers and backfire. Instead, consider sponsoring a few issues of an email newsletter in your market. Customers are more likely to respond positively to an ad in a newsletter than to spam in their inbox.
Once your online marketing efforts are well underway, it's time to consider more traditional advertising media.
Advertising in magazines can be similar to web ads. Choose magazines that align with your potential customers' interests. Instead of cramming a lot of information into a magazine ad, use an attention-grabbing headline that encourages readers to visit your website for more information.
Radio advertising offers flexibility in terms of exposure. If you're unsure about its effectiveness, consider sponsoring a related local radio show. If successful, you might want to create commercials or sponsor a national show. The key is to choose the right show that aligns with your business.
A clever TV commercial can instantly elevate an internet company's prestige. Select the right time slot to maximize its effectiveness and carefully choose your target audience to project a professional company image.
These are just a few strategies to achieve online success. Adapt these ideas to suit your specific online business. Remember, there's no one-size-fits-all formula, but there are proven marketing methods. With the internet still being a relatively young medium, the possibilities are endless.
