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1. Put your Web address on ALL your regular advertisements for your business.
This includes business cards, print ads, receipts, television commercials - EVERYTHING. Your regular customers will often be just as interested as those just finding out about your business. Many people enjoy looking at products online, even if they buy directly from you. Make it easy for them.
2. Include your Web address on your signature line.
From emails to discussion boards, this is a simple way to get your name out there. Don't make it into too much of an advertisement, unless discussion boards allow it. A good rule of thumb is to keep it short, 6 lines at the most.
3. Write articles on a topic related to your business.
You don't have to be a great writer, and it doesn't have to be long. Just tell people what you know and keep a personal touch. You want to be seen as an expert, so when customers want something, they think of you as a good resource. Don't make your article be just a long ad for your products or no one will read it. Submit customized versions to online newsletters - find possible ones at sites such as http://www.ideamarketers.com/ , http://www.marketing-seek.com/ , and http://www.zinos.com/ .
4. Create your own opt-in newsletter.
With sites such as http://www.topica.com/ and http://groups.yahoo.com/ , it is easy to create and send out your own newsletter. Market your newsletter along with your website. It will keep people coming to your site. If you can't write enough articles, check the previous topic for sources of articles. You can also have sections such as "Ask the Editor," what's new at your company, guest columns, quotations, special offers or just about anything else relevant to your area of expertise. As with articles, don't make your newsletter too much of a commercial for your business.
5. Place a decal or bumper sticker on your car.
Advertise your site when you're out running errands. This is effortless once you have the sign up. You can order them at http://www.webdecals.com/ or http://www.stickerz.com/ .
6. Send out press releases.
This takes a bit of time and effort, but media coverage will greatly increase the popularity of your site. Try http://www.press-release-writing.com/ if you want to do it on your own, or hire a writer. Remember, you are announcing an event, not advertising your business. Sales will be a side benefit.
7. Word of mouth.
Ask your customers to refer you. Give them extra business cards to give to their friends. This makes it extra important to keep your customers happy, since it can work against you.
8. Flyers.
Ask around at local businesses if you can leave flyers or brochures at their stores. Some will have a place for you to leave them. Check your local libraries and post offices for community bulletin boards as well.
9. Get listed on search engines.
There are companies that will let you do this for free and there are companies that will charge you for this. Whichever you choose, make sure that you are hand submitted to the major search engines such as Google. It will greatly increase your odds of getting a good listing. If you want to do it yourself, try http://selfpromotion.com/ .
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