Are you overlooking
some easy ways to generate traffic to your web site OFF-LINE? And
by doing so, are you leaving "money on the table" that
you could be putting in your pocket with very little effort?
No, I'm not
talking about expensive television spots or magazine ads. Leave
those to the companies planning IPOs.
What I'm suggesting
are some simple ways to call attention to your web site from all
those folks who DON'T spend all their free time in cyberspace.
Here's how
to get their attention:
1. Include
your URL, e-mail address, and tag line ("We Understand Chocolate",
"Our Pigs Fly", "We'd Rather Be Fishing", etc.)
on ALL your promotional material, including business cards, stationery,
fax cover sheets, and sales brochures.
Even your car
should carry your message. Get a classy chrome or gold ID-IT plate
for your car by visiting
this site. It works on the highway and in the parking lot. Very
cost effective, and actually enhances your vehicle's appearance.
You may even find yourself looking for traffic jams to get into.
2. Include
you URL in your local Yellow Pages ad for your existing storefront,
if you have one. Use your Web site to give all the details you can't
give in the phone book, like a list of products, services, testimonials,
credentials/background, and prices.
Tip:
If your location is hard to get to, or if you're constantly giving
directions over the phone, put a map with easy directions on your
Web site Repeat the phone number, address, and hours of operation
on the map page, and invite your customer to print the page for
easy reference in the car. She can call from her car phone if she
still gets lost.
3. If
you've recently added a Web site to an existing business, mail a
postcard to your customer list to announce your new site. Why a
postcard? Because everyone reads them.
Tip:
Give your customers a reason to log on. Don't just say "Look
at our new Web site! Aren't we swell?" Instead, say something
like "Shop With Us Anytime! Clothing Optional" or "Come
visit our web site for your free 10% off coupon!" Try a couple
of different headlines on your family and friends to see which one
pulls the best before mailing to your list.
4. You
already know the power of ezines. They allow you to educate, inform,
and otherwise keep in touch with your customers. If you don't have
one, add one, and make it easy for people to subscribe-even when
they're not online.
How? If you
have a storefront, provide some blank "join our emailing list"
cards at the checkout counter to let them sign up. Once you've input
the data into your list, send a confirmation e-mail reminding them
when and where they signed up for the ezine. Retain the sign up
card for your records.
Even simpler,
print your Web site and ezine information on the receipt or on a
card or flyer you include in the bag. (If you'd like more information
about starting an ezine, visit Ezine University at www.ezineuniversity.com).
5. Include
your URL in any print advertising you do, including classified ads.
Not only will a Web site address give you added credibility, it
allows you to further pre-sell very inexpensively, as in the Yellow
Pages example above.
6. If
you regularly speak at conferences, meetings, or seminars, make
sure your hand outs include details about your Web site, ezine,
and subscription instructions. Remind listeners to visit your Web
site and email you with any questions they may have once they get
back to their office.
7. Absolutely
include your web site information on any articles you have published
in newspapers, magazines, journals, etc.
Tip:
Not only is writing articles a great way to show your expertise,
it's an inexpensive way to promote your business. You should use
this tactic regularly.
Finally,
be aware of the off-line ways other Web sites use to capture YOUR
attention. If they get you to log on, consider adapting the technique
for your own use.
The large majority
of marketing messages people receive still come through off-linemedia.
These are easy, inexpensive ways to make people aware of your message
and get them to your web site.
-- SkyVault™
Web Design provides marketing consulting, web development,
and Internet business services to small and medium sized businesses.
They have been developing income-producing online properties since
1998. Contact the development team at: www.skyvault-web-design.com.Free
Report Reveals Secrets of Their Successful Marketing Strategy: www.daretodoubleyourincome.com.
