SEARCH ENGINE SUBMISSION

While quite a few engines require you to pay to be included in database or to bid for rankings, there are still search engines that allow you to submit for free.

You can use one of automated programs readily available to submit your URL to x thousand search engines, but most of your traffic will likely come from "big boys" - and it's a snap to submit to them manually.

Many of search engine crawlers will find YOU if you establish quality links to your site, but it won't hurt to submit URL yourself, just to be safe.

A few places to submit your URL for free:

Google (http://www.google.com/addurl.html) Potential for LOTS of traffic with a good ranking. Alta Vista (http://addurl.altavista.com/) AllTheWeb.com (http://www.alltheweb.com/help/webmaster/submit_site)

You should also submit to Open Directory Project, which is a directory, not a search engine, but many search sites and directories utilize ODP data. You can access their home page here: (http://www.dmoz.org).

For more information on search engines, try these sites:

Search Engine Watch (http://www.searchenginewatch.com) WebmasterWorld (http://www.webmasterworld.com) SearchEngines.com (http://www.searchengines.com)

PUBLISH YOUR OWN NEWSLETTER

Starting your own free newsletter is a great way to stay in touch with visitors and (hopefully) convert them to customers at some point.

There are several services that allow you to very easily set up your own email newsletter for free. Be aware that "free" is usually code for "in exchange for displaying our ads or our clients' ads"; depending on service, though, some of these ads are barely noticeable.

Two sites that enable you to publish your own newsletter are:

Bravenet Newsletter/MailingList (http://www.bravenet.com/webtools/elist/index.php) Topica Exchange (http://www.topica.com/create/index2.html)

Once you set up your account, it's on to next step...what to include in your newsletter.

It's best if your content relates to items or services you sell. If you sell wedding/bridal items, you might publish tips for planning a wedding. Run your own ads in newsletter and you're assured of reaching your target market - and you'll save yourself a lot of money in advertising fees.

Bear in mind that running a newsletter full of ads probably won't be conducive to garnering long-term subscribers. You'll need quality content to entice folks to subscribe and then persuade them to stick around.

You can write this content yourself, but if you don't relish idea, there are many writers eager to allow you to publish their work for free, provided you append their "resource box" to article.

A resource box is a four to eight line blurb that tells a little about author, and often includes a link to his/her site. This is usually required (in lieu of payment) for permission to use article.

A few places you can locate free content are:

Do you have a USP (Unique Selling Proposition) for your small business? Does your current USP lack clarity and focus? Do you think you do not have time or talent to create a USP? Here is a 30 minute exercise to create a USP or refresh your existing USP. Do you need a unique selling proposition for your small business? Absolutely! You will not succeed as a small business without having a USP. You may accidentally get some business, but without a USP you will be just another “me too business.” A unique selling advantage is soul of your business. It is what is unique about your products or services. It is what distinguishes you from your competitors. It is one line answer you give when a potential client asks “Why should I buy from you?” Dominos Pizza distinguished themselves from their competitors by promising “Fresh, hot pizza in 30 minutes or pizza is free!” They made a promise (USP) and they kept it. They built a very successful business around their USP. Here is a 30 minute exercise that can help your develop a USP or refocus your existing USP. Let’s get started. Get some paper and write your answers to following 10 questions. Key staff persons should also complete exercise and them combine your efforts into one company’s USP. (The following elements are areas where differences can be found in most businesses: Selection, price, client assistance, convenience, location, access, product quality, speed, installation, services beyond basics, warranties or guarantees. These maybe helpful to you as you answer following questions.)

1. What problem do you solve? Describe in one sentence, problem you are solving with your product or service.

2. What voids, gaps in service or typical complaints do clients have about businesses in your industry or service area? List ten.

3. What would be a client’s perfect product or service in your industry?

4. List five benefits your client receives from your business solutions.