21 Ways To Promote Your Website - Part Two

Jan 31
18:59

2007

Neil Stafford

Neil Stafford

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The second in a three part series detailing 21 different ways you can promote your website both on and offline. Neil Stafford, editor of the Internet Marketing Review Newsletter, walks you through each one.

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In the last article we looked at seven different ways you can promote your website. I also challenged you to implement just two of the tactics discussed...have you?Here's the next seven in the series...

8) eBooks

eBooks in the form of PDF special reports are being used more and more in launch sequences thanks to Jeff Walkers Product Launch Formula,21 Ways To Promote Your Website - Part Two Articles however, don't think that you can only use them in a launch sequence.

A well put together ebook on your topic that links back to your website can become a powerful promoter of your site when used correctly.

Offer the ebook to your current subscribers and customers and encourage them to pass it on to their own lists, friends, families and work colleagues who they feel may benefit from reading it.

You can even use it as a sign up offer for new subscribers again encouraging them to pass it on.

A word of warning. A blatant sales pitch or ebook chock full of affiliate links will fail miserably…ensure your ebook is appealing to your target market and has the pass along factor embedded in the information it provides.

I have a 35 page ebook that still drives traffic to one of my niche market sites nearly 4 years after I first sent it out…and I haven't promoted in over 2 years!Once your promotional ebook is out there you never know where it will end up or send traffic from!9) Radio AdvertisingNow, you may be thinking that radio advertising is out of your league and if you're selling $30 eBooks you're probably right!However, if your products run into the hundreds or even thousands of pounds or dollars then radio advertising could be the route for you.

When running a radio advert keep in mind what your ‘most wanted response' is from the person listening to the ad.

What do you want them to do after hearing your advert?Don't try and sell your product in the ad, make an offer or give them an outstanding reason to visit your website for a free gift, report, etc.

Capture their contact details and then follow up using an autoresponder sequence or, even better, an offline campaign combining mail and telephone.

10) Affiliate ProgramsIn a nutshell this is where other people promote your website / product and earn a commission every time a sale is made from their referral.

This is an ideal low cost (in marketing spend terms) acquisition vehicle that you can put into place in your business.

The two main drawbacks to affiliate programs are:i) Recruiting affiliates who will actually do something. Think in terms of 97% and 3% with traditionally the 3% doing something.ii) Training and motivating your affiliates. To make your affiliate program pay off big you will have to invest time in training your affiliates, giving them tools to promote your site such as pre written emails, articles, images etc.

That said, we use affiliates extensively to promote our Junior Soccer site and have over 45% of our affiliates actually promoting the site.

The reason for this is that we are in a low competition niche AND I invest the time to train them.

11) Classified AdvertsWe run a number of classified adverts in niche market specialist publications each month that drive people to a specific landing page where we capture their name and email address as a minimum and full contact details where appropriate.

You'll be amazed at how cost effective these adverts can be and the traffic they bring is highly qualified.

Think about it, someone who has taken the time to read your advert in a magazine, then gone to their computer AND given their details is a hot prospect.

12) Speaking EngagementsPublic speaking doesn't appeal to everyone, in fact I know of many people who would rather cut off their right arm than get up in front of an audience to speak!That said, public speaking is a great way to promote your website using various methods.i) Have your URL on each slide you use. This will be displayed to the audience AND if the event is being filmed the people who buy the DVDs will see it to.ii) Mention your URL in your talk, where appropriate; don't over do it.iii) Include your URL on any handouts you may useiv) Use your URL on any brand clothing you may wear. We have shirts, T-shirts and jackets with our URLs sewn in!v) Offer a resource page on your site where people can go to download a copy of your presentation or bonuses you may offer.

13) Conference CallsTaking part as a guest on a conference call is an ideal way to put your name and website in front of different prospects.

During the call mention your website several times, again, don't over do it. You can use the same strategy as with speaking engagements by giving a special page on your website to download further information to the attendees.

If the host is sending out information to their list before the call ask them to include a copy of your bio and web address.

14) Email sig fileA sig file is usually just a couple of lines long and gives a short description of you and/or your business including your web address and is included at the end of your emails. Many sig files contain a strong benefit and a call to action to visit the website. Don't oversell in your sig file but do give a compelling reason for the reader to visit your site.

Watch out for the final instalment of the series - 21 Ways To Promote Your website.