1)    Register a domain Name for your business (www.yourbusiness.com)

The most important thing you can do, if you are serious about your online venture, is to register your own domain name.  For articles regarding the importance of domain names click here.  Register your domain name now.

2)     Use your Domain email address (info@yourbusiness.com)

Check with your web host to see if you are able to use your domain for email. Set up your email program for this new account and use it for all of your correspondence. Here are just a couple of  advantages to using your domain email address:

• You are branding your own domain rather than your ISP

• If you change ISPs, you usually end up having to change your email address. If you use your domain email, you never have to worry about your address changing even if you move your site to a different hosting service.

Read my article Domain Email vs. ISP Email for more information.

3)    Include a signature in EVERY email you send out

Create a few different signature files to use with your email. One signature could contain just your name, business name and url. Another signature file could contain a short promotional feature for a new product or service. Be sure to create a signature inviting recipients to subscribe to your newsletter if you publish one. ALWAYS include your url in your signature. If you are unfamiliar with what a signature file is or how to create one read my article Creating and Using a Signature File for additional information.

4)    Include your URL on ALL advertising and offline literature

I can't tell you how many times I see print ads for companies that I KNOW have a web site, but their URL is NOT in their ad. How are people supposed to know that you have a web site if it is not included in all offline materials. Include your web site address at every opportunity-anywhere and everywhere, including your letterhead, business cards and any offline literature that leaves your office.

5)    Get listed on your local government sites

Many government web sites allow businesses to place a link on their site. Here are just a few:

Start here http://www.50states.com/ 
http://officialcitysites.org/country.php3
http://www.statelocalgov.net/index.cfm  
http://www.state.id.us/ (replace id with your state)

6)    Get listed on trade organizations sites you belong to.

Do you belong to trade organizations? Check their sites to see if they offer links to their member's sites. Are you an online professional? Let your visitors know...become an iCop  member (International Council of Online Professionals). 

7)    Link to related sites and Form alliances with related web sites

Search engines are starting to pay attention to how many related sites are linked to yours. Find those sites and request an exchange or other joint venture. For information read my article How To Find Sites To Link To

While you are looking for sites to link to, you will run across sites that would make great joint venture partners. Follow your ideas with these sites. You never know what kind of relationship may develop.

8)    Submit your site to the search engines and related directories

Be sure you have submitted your site to the search engines and directories. The Internet Marketing Resource Center makes it easy to submit your site to the search engines. Each link to the search engines opens in a new window. Submit your site, close the window and click on the next one. The whole process can take less than an hour.

9)    Start a mailing list

I can't express the importance of starting a mailing list. It is much easier to market to someone who has asked to receive your information or to market to existing customers. Add a link on your site for visitors to voluntarily give you their email address. This gives you the opportunity to let them know about special products, news events or whatever is suitable for your business.

10)    Track your efforts - utilize log analysis software

I can't stress the importance of knowing how much traffic your site is getting and where the traffic is coming from. Check with your hosting provider. Read my article Web Site Logs vs. a Hit Counter for more information about the importance of log tracking to your business. 

Pam Jones specializes in offering quality information and services that will keep you on the right track with your online marketing to help you increase your profits. Visit the Internet Marketing Resource Center at http://www.i-m-r-c.com, for tips, tools, resources and helpful articles. Or find out about web hosting, website design or redesign, domain name research & registration, online marketing & promotion and website maintenance services at affordable prices for small to medium sized businesses at Clearwater Web Solutions at http://www.clearwaterwebsolutions.com.

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