Whether you’re starting a new business or want to grow your business further, these 5 simple steps will help to get you on the right path from setting up your site to expanding it.
1. Get a Website
Getting an online presence should be one of the first tasks that you think of when setting up your small business. The first and probably most obvious step is to get a website, either a single page site or full blown website displaying everything that your new business sells. If you choose to make your own website, you will need to organise the website hosting, domain name and you’ll need to learn how to code and design websites. Pixel Cottage are able to manage the whole show and relieve you of a lot of work at this important time.
2. Get Visitors
If you’re not going to leave this to professionals, you will need to consider a domain name, hosting, and the design of the site and of course how you will market the site and get people to visit. This is called Search Engine Optimisation and if you’re putting together a website for your own business, these are words you will hear a LOT over the course of running a business website. Search Engine Optimisation is a very complicated topic to cover but to offer just three words of advice “content is king”.
3. Start Blogging
Having a blog can be a great way to reaching out to people in a similar way to your website but in a more real time way. Having your own blog will also encourage repeat visitors to your website as well as drawing in traffic from search results. The most popular platforms are WordPress and Blogger as neither of these require any technical expertise and are all free to use.
4. Web Directories
There are many website directories out there but submitting to them all simply isn’t an option. Most directories will offer a free submission service as well as paid-for options. Most modern web directories have facilities allowing your customers to leave reviews and rate your business. You’ll be given a chance to list all of your services, talk about your company, show off pictures and most offer the chance to get a link to your own website.
5. Utilise Social Networking
Many businesses will benefit from having a social media presence through Facebook, Twitter, YouTube or LinkedIn. Remember that even if you yourself do not use social networks, there’s a very high chance that your customers do. Consider social networking as an important part of your online marketing campaign but don’t expect to get any business directly it. Facebook has very easy to use administration control, allowing you to upload pictures, videos and as much information as your visitors could ask for.