3 Easy Ways to Expand Your Online Footprint
Saturday, January 2nd 2010 @ 4:34 PM
By Heather Nelson
Wondering what you can do to attract more interest online? There are actually three very easy ways to increase your impact on the Internet. Let’s look at how blogging, great websites and social media are the path to expanding your online footprint.
Website Content
This is the time to ask yourself, “How am I expanding my online footprint now?” You may be missing potential customers because your website simply doesn’t hold their interest. We’re not talking about adding flashing lights and obnoxious show tunes to your home page!
Think about what best serves the interests of your target audience. Consider adding useful articles, podcasts or video segments to your website. Link to your social media presence and your blog, as well, to give them even more reason to get to know your company.
Social Media Sites
Without a doubt, social media sites such as Twitter, Facebook and YouTube have changed the way we do business online. Here’s a quick breakdown of how they can effectively expand your online impact.
• YouTube: You may think YouTube is the realm of bored college students, but it’s an amazingly effective marketing tool, too. Consider this—if someone performs an Internet search for say, spiral staircases, and the first result is your company’s instructional video on YouTube for how to install one, don’t you think they’re likely to investigate?
Rather than simply depending on website content to draw new customers, you can upload videos to YouTube to visually encourage someone to learn more about your company. These video segments shouldn’t be blatant advertisements. Today’s Internet audience is looking for useful content such as how-to videos, interesting presentations or helpful tips. And don’t forget to link to your YouTube videos from your website!
• Microblogging: Another hot Internet trend that can draw new customers to your website is “microblogging.” Here’s how it works: you create a “human face” for your company, someone who will communicate several times a day to share helpful information, links or updates on issues related to your industry. Using a microblogging application such as Twitter, this person creates a following online. These “tweets” or quick bursts of communication, can be linked to via your website or blog. That’s all there is to it, other than committing to microblogging every day.
• Facebook: Facebook is one example of the type of social media sites that lean more toward social interaction and away from business. You can, however, gain online interest by creating a Facebook page for your business that links to your website and blog and invites viewers to follow you on Twitter.
Blogging
Many online businesses shy away from blogs because they don’t have writers on-staff. The truth is weblogs (blog) are all about sharing useful content with your audience in a casual atmosphere.
Whether your company makes airplanes for a living or you provide cosmetic services, you have something to share with your target market. Talk to them about innovations in your industry. Share helpful hints for making life easier. Ask them what matters most to them, and respond to their answers. The key to having a great blog is consistent content. Plan your blog topics around events, issues or upcoming product launches, and don’t forget to link to your website, and vice-versa.
Tying it All Together
Keep in mind that different audiences approach the Web in different ways. The key is to have a presence in all arenas, so they’re sure to find you. Get your feet wet in each of these areas, and be sure to link them all together. Your online footprint should soon see some profitable expansion.
About the Author
Heather Nelson is founder and manager of Champion Assistants, an online company dedicated to web design, eCommerce and marketing services for small businesses. Please contact her today to find out how you can expand your footprint online and capture more sales. info@championassistants.com.
