Romancing the web

So you have developed your website, uploaded the content and you have worked all of the bugs out of your scripts. Why aren't I getting hits?

If this sounds all too familar then it is time to rethink your approach. Your web site is advertising medium that is available around the clock.

Search engines

Almost all search engines are proprietary programs whose secrets are closely held under wraps. People have tried to figure out how these search engines work to influence the search results of people searches.

I have not found any grand secret on how to by-pass the normal processes and get your web page listed as no 1. From all the research i have done I have noticed a basic trends to getting your website listed as number 1.

• The more visitors you get the better

• The more website that link/refer to yours the better

• Your website uses concise language and gets to the point quickly

Why number 1 isn't good enough

If your website reach number 1 on a search engining ranking, great. But what does this really mean?

Does it mean improved sales? maybe. Does it mean more spam and weired email request, yes.

If you are in business, the primary goal of your website should be provide pre and post sales support. It can provide contact information and details about the products and services you provide.

If you are promoting an idea, or point of view then main focus of your website should be to get this information out to the right people.

What I am getting at is that many successful website can be ranked low on search engines while maintaining a steady stream of income off their website. The key to Acenetglobal's success is that we target our website to people who are interested in web hosting. We tried designing the website so that it appealed to every person. We soon realised that we weren't promoting the products, service and support we had on offer but rather we were promoting "a website that appealed to everyone" (which resulted in fewer sales).

By narrowing our focus and target those individuals who are taking web hosting packages we have been able to utlisie our website to it's fully advantage.

Putting it into practice

So far we have done a lot of talking. What need is a plan of action. Here are few tips that can help you out with the promotion of your website.

1. Try standard advertising first.

   • Ensure that all of your business stationery and promotion materials include your website and email addrees.

   • Promote your services through print media, radio and television advertising

   • Maintain and modify your exisiting branding to suit your online presence.

   • Identify your target audience and find ways to reach these people

2. Ensure that your website is accurate and up to date.

3. Look for ways to encourage people to stay on your website.

   Once you start to get hits on your website you may notice that your website will start to take attract more outside attention

   Working the buzz

   Making the most of your website requires other people. The more people talking about your website, leaving links to your web page or other ways of encouraging people to visit your site.