Things You Need To Know About Web Site Promotion

Everyone knows that promoting your Web site is critical. But if you don't know what you're doing, you may do yourself more harm than good. Unfortunately, there's a lot of bad advice and even scams in the Web site promotion field. If you go about promoting your site the wrong way, you can actually hurt traffic instead of helping to build it. Once you've built your masterpiece, you have to spread the word. Submitting your Web site to search engines, directories and related sites is critical to success. Consider the more effective practice of link exchange from other related sites. And of course do not overlook the usage of online advertising and traditional publicity vehicles, such as press releases. Don't just submit to all and general search engines. There aren't that many search engines worth submitting to. Submit your site to the major search engines and directories, perhaps using one of the auto-submitters for some, and doing others individually. Seek out specialized directories that are appropriate for your site. Don't waste time with obscure search engines and kids' links pages. Many of the big search engines today have norms and you have to follow the instructions to the letter, and really try to convince them that your site is a useful resource. Don't rush through your submission. Submit only after your site is open for business. Test your site thoroughly, and make sure every section is complete before you begin submitting. Most surfers will never return to a URL where they found a dead link or an "under construction" sign. Don't mess around with loading your page with invisible keywords, creating special "doorway" pages with magic dust on them, and secret programs. Most of the search engines and directories today would bar your site if they suspect you of spamming. Do use META tags, keywords in titles and body text, and that sort of thing, but don't overdo it, and always follow the submission rules. Of course, it isn't enough to get lots of hits. Your site must be designed to encourage people to stay, come back, and buy. The site should be built around your business model. Not only the graphic design, but the logic and navigation of a site are critical to turning visitors into customers.

Invest in a good traffic measurement tools. However, don’t resort to Spam. This is the cardinal rule of Netiquette. Mass, unsolicited e-mail is not acceptable, anywhere, for any reason. It can also get you barred from large ISPs, crippling your traffic. Don't forget to integrate your URL into your business communication plan – business card, letterhead, packaging, advertisements in various mediums. When you think you have finished, don't stop! In today ever changing world promotion is an ongoing process. Once you've made your submissions, check back a month later on there progress. Resubmit as necessary, look for new websites for link exchange. But remember don't overdo it.