You now need to market site - just as you need to market your business when it first starts - advertising, fliers, yellow pages, referrals, networking, cold calls, direct marketing, mail shots, radio slots, events, conventions, product launches, press coverage etc. A website is exactly same. Don't forget new statement for new age of new technology:

Build it and they will say - 'I can't find it!'

Reason For Failure No. 3 - You Choose The Wrong Website Marketing Company

It's difficult isn't it? There are so many to choose from how do you know where to start? Well word of mouth recommendation is always a good indication. Failing that you can look at key areas that are likely to indicate quality of their service. For example, ask these questions;

Do they offer guarantees of any kind on their results?

Do they proudly display testimonials from satisfied customers on their website?

What is their profile on web like, can you find them easily?

Do they have detailed case studies explaining how they have helped other businesses?

Do they have a long-standing track record in industry and wide client-base?

There is no real way to avoid making wrong decision but if you keep learning more and more about website marketing you will be arming yourself with enough information to at least reduce risk of choosing wrong company.

This means that visitor who comes to your website from a directory is far more likely to convert into a customer as they will already have a greater understanding of products and services you provide. Whereas those coming from search engines may simply have matched your website to three of four words in a phrase.

Directories are often categorised on a regional basis or by industry sector which means that visitors finding your website via a directory are more likely to be relevant potential customers and therefore will be easier to convert into clients.

So - don't rule out attracting traffic using directories as part of your online marketing campaign. It is an essential element in over all online marketing mix.

Michael Cheney, www.magnet4web.com