Gina – L.I.M.E.

When choosing a domain name, your domain name should be as short as possible. Avoid hyphens and numbers. If you are trying to create a brand only use .com names avoid .biz .info etc. etc. If your business name is not available use keywords but make it unique. When someone hears about your domain name for the first time, they should be able to instantly and accurately guess at the type of content that might be found there. Avoid names that are mispelled because chances are people will be typing the correct spelling to find you and they won’t find you. Take your time and write down a few before you buy. The process of elimination is best when choosing a domain name.

So you are a business owner and you have a website or maybe you are thinking of getting a website for your company. Do you actually know what your website is for and what functions it should have in order to have an impact on your business? A website serves many functions for a business as well as being a stand alone model for the business itself.

Representation -
A website can be a great representation of your business. You have the ability with a website to create a
brandable professional appearance as well as display just what your company is about with a style that is unique to you. Remember image is everything, so when making a website keep in mind that every site has the potential to be seen by millions of people.  Take the time to create an image of your business that you want people to see.

Customer Service -
Although a website is not a face to face situation with a potential client or customer, it can serve as a wonderful tool for customer service relations. A website can help you go into deep detail with information about your company that is available 24hrs a day. You can also have an extensive FAQ and online chat available for clients who have questions. A website can offer a plethora of information which assists in the “buy in” and overall customer satisfaction.

Sales -
Having a website can be a stand alone storefront or business. With enough exposure, information and a good product, a website alone can sell your products or service. With the technology available today, a website can take your client from introduction to checkout. With that being said it can also assist you in managing your business from customer relations, to point of sale, and finally to logistics. A website is a powerful selling tool because you have the ability to capture and to inform a potential customer with pertinent information that can lead to a sale.

Exposure -
The internet is an invaluable tool for creating a buzz and gaining exposure for your business. With search engines, classifieds, blogging, social networking and local review sites, you have a virtual arsenal of marketing  tools at your disposal. It’s truly best route to go to get the best return on your investment, in comparison to print, television and radio media. In this Google it era, people turn to the internet to research and find the products or services they are interested in. With an aggressive marketing strategy that is consistent, the exposure you can gain from the internet is tremendous.

A website is a powerful business tool that can assist a business owner with almost every aspect of business. Having a website can enable you to make a more powerful presence both online and off. If you don’t have a website I highly recommend you research and look into obtaining one. According to a survey conducted in September 2008 by Barlow Research of 680 small businesses, drawn from the Dun & Bradstreet list, 49% of small businesses currently have a website. In larger numbers some of these businesses may be your competition.

If you have a website, take some time to look into what you are doing with your site. Your website is more than just a place marker or business card. Take full advantage of this powerful business tool with endless possibilities and watch your business soar.

Gina Lujan
www.WebifyLab.com
www.GinaLime.com

Take a marketing inventory. Make a list of your marketing efforts and then take a look at what is actually working for you. So many businesses waste time and money on the what they think they need to do rather than what is actually working for them.

Get your business listed on Yelp.com. It’s community based review site for local businesses. Create a profile and write a great sounding intro. Add pictures, details and even video if you have it. Then contact your current and past clients to inform them you are now listed on Yelp. Maybe they can review your business to get you going. It’s a great way to gain exposure, get more business and build a solid reputation.

Marketing 101 – Provide a solution to someones problem.
When you create your ad campaign look into your service menu and see what it is that you can offer someone as a solution.

Here is an example:
“Not enough time for cooking? Are your kids tummy’s growling when you get home?”
“Well, Maria’s meals on wheels is on her way with a delicious home cooked meal for you and your family”

Most small businesses are serving their customers in some way.
You need to remind them they need you and offer them your help.

Get your business listed in the Google Local Business Center and be included on Google Maps. It’s a must for small businesses and another avenue to be listed near the top on Google. Your listing can include all important information about your business, i.e. business hours and services. You can even upload photos and videos. Take advantage of this awesome business tool and get your business out there.

Here is the link to Google.
http://www.google.com/local/add/analyticsSplashPage?gl=us&hl=en-US

Here is something similar for Yahoo.
http://listings.local.yahoo.com/csubmit/index.php

And for Bing..
https://ssl.bing.com/listings/ListingCenter.aspx

Classified Ad Campaigns-
A good classified ad campaign is consistent and informative. When creating a classified ad for a marketing campaign remember these things.

• Make your ad stand out with great graphics, color, and layout. Image is everything.
• Be quick, informative and to the point. You have less than 30 seconds to capture someones attention.
• Make a few ads and rotate them on a regular basis.

Remember you have to stick to it. People will see your ad regularly and it may take them six months to call but they will call you because they remember your great ads. Consistency pays.