Whether you run an online-based business or a standard physical structure business, the internet is a great tool for advertising. Some of the methods of getting your business name out there cost money while others are completely free if you are willing to put in the work. Many businesses are beginning to learn the importance of the internet in marketing their business to potential customers. The first step to successfully advertising your business online is to create a plan before you begin.
Social Media
This is a mostly free way to advertise your business. Of course, sites such as Facebook do offer ways to advertise your business for a small fee if you choose to go that route. Paying for advertising on social media networks may help your business grow, but there are also several free options to accomplish this. Creating a network of potential customers and interacting with them on more than a business and client level can get them telling their friends about your company. Offer special deals and interesting stories or articles that are found on your website or other relevant sources. This will keep them coming back to your page for information. Create an account for your business on each of the major social networking sites in order to reach the most people with your message.
Pay Per Click
This is a great way to advertise your business on your budget. You simply create an online advertisement and decide how much you are willing to pay each time someone clicks on the advertisement. This is much more cost effective than mass advertising on the television or radio as you only pay if someone physically clicks on your ad. Your advertisement will be placed on search engine pages as well as websites that discuss topics similar to your own which increases the potential of gaining new customers.
YouTube
The world of YouTube has grown over the years from a site full of funny videos and music videos to a place where a small business can thrive. More businesses are discovering the hidden potential of YouTube as a free way to advertise their budding enterprise. You simply create a video about your company or a topic that relates to your company and post it for the world to see. You can include text in the video with your company name and phone number as well as create tags for your video that allow it show up easily on a search. Videos are a great way to get your message out to thousands of people with no cost to your company.
Forums and Blogs
One of the easiest ways to get your company name out to the masses is to participate in one of the many blogs and forums available online. Many businesses focus on searchable ways to advertise their business, but simply participating in conversations can get the word out faster. Look for forums that relate to what your company does and join in the conversation by sharing your knowledge of a subject. When joining public forums create a signature that contains a link to your business to allow others to visit your website if they enjoy your responses or want more information.
Guest article written by: Simon Brisk is the head of manual outreach at [tp lang=”en” only=”y”]Click Intelligence[/tp][tp not_in=”en”]Click Intelligence[/tp] a search marketing agency based in London. Simon writes about search marketing tips for business’s, blogs and ecommerce sites along with his experience in the field of online marketing.