There are many different ways to promote your website.
The focus in earlier columns has often been on search engine oriented promotion, like search engine optimization or pay-per-click programs like Google AdWords. But there are many other opportunities out there – some free, others paid.
Here are 10 ways to get your website noticed:
1. Press releases – submitting press releases can get you and your website exposure in Newspapers, trade magazines and on News-oriented websites like Google and Yahoo News, along with other websites related to your business.
2. Classifieds – whether online or offline classifieds, there are plenty of options to reach target audiences by promoting your website in it. Online classified sites often allow for free advertising. Print ads will probably cost some money, but if the publication is a targeted one you can make a good return on investment.
3. Mailing lists – organizations like the local Chamber of Commerce have mailing lists that you often can use (probably at a fee) to send advertisements to their membership. You can of course promote your website in these ads.
4. Blog commenting – leave comments on other websites, and link your name to your website. Make sure to provide value in your comment, though.
5. Twitter – have something interesting on your website? Tweet about it.
6. Facebook – you can set up a page for your business, and promote sections of your website on it. As always, provide value with your postings or you will be “unfriended.”
7. Video – you can record a slide show-type video or a screen recording tutorial and upload it to video sharing sites like YouTube. Make sure to provide your website address.
8. Banner advertising – as long as you are advertising on a relevant website you should see conversions. That is, people will click the banner and visit your website. Having a cute or controversial banner will help attract eyeballs.
9. Article writing – an article can help establish you as an authority in your field. You can submit it to magazines, Newspapers, trade organizations or online article directories. Using it for a guest post on a related blog can also work.
10. Podcasts – You can use free software like audacity (http://audacity.sourceforge.net/) to record yourself talking about anything. It helps if you talk about something related to your website, but really, anything goes.
This list is of course by no means extensive, but it may give you a few idea.
