Many companies spend considerable time and money preparing for
design and production of their Web sites, but neglect to think ahead to how they will market it when it is live. Here are three ways to get people visiting your site and keep them coming back.1. Tell people you have a site This might seem blindingly obvious, but it's remarkable number of people that don't promote their Web site addresses. Every piece of your business literature that is put before customers and prospects should contain your site's address, from stationery (letterheads, business cards, compliments slips, faxes and invoices) to marketing collateral (brochures, price lists and packaging).
If you use email, set up a signature that will appear at end of every message you send. This should contain your name, position, your company's name, phone number(s) and, of course, your Web address. Email me at signature@nigelgordijk.co.uk and you'll receive a signature example template in an automatic reply.
2. Encourage repeat visits Research has shown that many customers decide if they wish to do business with a company after they have visited its Web site seven times. Here are simple ways to encourage repeat visits:
Keep it up-to-date. Nothing discourages visitors more than a site that is clearly not maintained regularly. Make sure that company information is current, including contact details, personnel listings and prices.
Make it easy to use. If your site is poorly designed and relevant content is difficult to find, then no-one will be bothered to waste time looking for it. Web users are notoriously impatient, so make sure pages are clearly laid out and links (including navigation) is simply worded. If you have a particularly large site, consider having your own search engine on it to make information easier to find.
