Your Website Strategy

6. Attracting Visitors

6.1 Optimise your site for search engines.

6.2 Use social media to reach potential customers for free

• Twitter enables you to post brief messages which are read instantly by 'followers'.
• Facebook enables you to create your own page, which can be 'Liked' by 'fans', who will automatically see any messages that you publish.

6.3 Consider using pay-per-click advertising on search engines to attract visitors.

6.4 Use email to let a targeted list of potential customers know about your site.

• You must obtain your recipients' prior consent before sending them any marketing emails.
• You can rent an email list from a broker. Check that list members opt to be included.
• Keep your email short and simple. Test it carefully and make sure major email services do not flag it up as spam.

6.5 Issue a press release when the site launches.

• PR websites will pick this up and link to your site and other relevant sites and industry magazines may mention your site.

6.6 Negotiate to exchange links with relevant but non-competing organisations.

• If your trade or industry body has a website, ask for a link to your site.
• Contact anyone you know who might be able to spread the word. Plug your site in all company literature including letterheads and business cards, as ell as flyers and advertisements.