10 Ways to use the Power of the Internet

1.  Distribute Website or newsletter content via email - Set-up an email opt-in form on your website and start collecting email addresses of people that are already interested in your business and website.  Send them e-newsletters, special offers, tips, updates, etc... Make sure to provide them with a way to unsubscribe to your list.

2.  Blog - Blogs are an easy and fun way to communicate with your customers.  Blogs (or web journals) started out as a means for people to journal their personal experiences on-line. Now blogs can be a very effective way to update your customers on new services, special offerings, press releases, etc...

3.  Include a daily (weekly, monthly) interactive survey for visitors - The survey can ask questions about your website effectiveness, your services, or anything else you want to learn from your customers.  This is a great way to make your Website "stickier" and is a reason for repeat visits.

4.  Provide a discount coupon, available only online, and advertise it offline - This pulls new and repeat visitors to your Website.

5.  Include your website address in your email signature - Including your website address with each email you send increases your exposure and credibility.

6. Provide links to other related websites - Let your website visitors know that you care about them by providing them with other informative websites.  Examples: Supplier links, partner links, community links, etc...

7. Use multimedia - These days users are frustrated by websites that force them to watch elaborate multimedia intros or distracting page banners, however, multimedia can be used effectively.  Examples:  Audio testimonials, video demonstrations, virtual tours, podcasts, etc...

8.  Provide virtual samples - Showcase your business and save your customers research time by showing them examples of your work or services on-line.  Examples: Photo galleries, product swatches, home floor plans, before and after photos, etc...

9. Think "e" - Look at every aspect of your business from your products and services to your customer service. Put an "e" before everything and let your customers experience your business on-line!  Examples:  e-commerce, e-zine, e-mail, e-order, etc...

10. Optimize, submit and link - Just because you built it doesn't mean they will come.  Websites need to be optimized for search engines such as Google and Yahoo. This includes embedding search keywords and proper programming.  You must also make sure that your website has been submitted to the major search engines and other engines and directories. The more links your site has to it (inbound links), the higher your ranking on the search engines will be.