Most small business owners know they should be involved in online marketing, but many are unaware of the free easy steps they can take to get started or grow their Internet presence. It is also unfair because many small businesses are stuck buying expensive print ads in newspapers and the yellow pages.
So in this short article, we will learn 3 free ways to market your small business on the internet. Without further ado, let’s do it!
Free Marketing Method 1: Create a Facebook Fan Page
Facebook Fan Pages are no longer just a novelty. If you look, most of the “big brands” aren’t even advertising their own websites these days, they are advertising their Facebook page. You’ve probably seen ads from companies like Ford and at the end it says “visit us on Facebook” or something like that.
Why is Facebook so important for small business marketing? To answer that question, let me tell you a story. Imagine you go to a party and when you arrive first. While you wait for everyone else to appear, look around the room. Sure, there are beautiful pictures everywhere and you can read all about your host and even learn a little about why the party is happening.
After hours and hours of waiting alone, you finally figure it out. No one else will come to this party. So why am I talking about parties? Because that “party” is your website (if you have one). Websites are good at providing information quickly, but there is no room for interaction. And even if there is, it is not in real time.
Facebook practically allows you to communicate in real time with your customers and allows them to interact with each other. Your best customers will help spread the word about your business and help “newbies” with questions. Going back to our party example, it’s like being at a party with all the cool kids, and they all want to talk to you!
So if you don’t have a Facebook fan page yet … now is the time.
Free Marketing Method 2: Blogging For Your Business
In addition to a Facebook fan page, you should write a blog. A blog is simply a type of website that allows you to post articles or posts in order. They are not too difficult to set up and you can get free blogs from sites like Blogger.com or WordPress.com. Although, I think it is better to install your own custom blog software.
Blogs are really important because they allow you to create new content which, in turn, makes your site rank better. This is especially important for local businesses because keywords are much easier to rank for when you have a local phrase. For example, if you wanted to qualify for Tarpon Springs Internet Marketer it wouldn’t be that difficult because:
1) There is not much competition
2) I have a blog and I can write a blog post on that topic.
Google loves things like this because the page my blog creates is fully optimized for the phrase Tarpon Springs Internet Marketer. And blogging also helps solve the “no-guest party scene” scenario because you can actually include Facebook comments on your blog. This is a bit complex, but most web designers can do it for you if you ask.
Free Marketing Method 3: Find Free Small Business Leads Using Twitter
This is a great little tactic for small businesses, especially if you don’t mind searching for clients. Many local business owners just wait for someone to walk in the door … so if you go out and look, you’ll be 10 times better than other business owners.
Here’s how this strategy works. Many people are on twitter. It is a microblogging site that allows people to post short updates on what they are doing. You can sign up for Twitter at Twitter.com. It is always best to use your name to make it seem more real. And don’t worry, registration is free.
Anyway, when you sign up now you can communicate with other people on Twitter. So who are you going to talk to there? Easy. You are going here:
http://search.twitter.com/advanced
Look for words or phrases that people who need your product or service can say. The great thing about Twitter is that people love to complain about mundane things. For example, someone might write, “Damn! My brakes are coming off. This sucks!”
So, imagine if you are an auto mechanic, you could get in touch with that person and offer them a free checkup or whatever. And the best part is, before you do your search, you can type in a zip code area to search. That way, if you are in Dunedin, Florida, you will see updates from people in a different state.
Small Business Internet Marketing – Get Started Now
You have just been given 3 great ways to promote your small business online. But the real key is to start now. Don’t wait another second. Your competitors are already in line taking their customers or are preparing to be. One of the true keys to the Internet is that whoever gets up early gets the worm.
So, take what you just read and put it to work now.
