I am often asked, after building a client’s website, “What do I do now”? I have a three word answer: MARKET MARKET MARKET!

Actually it is just one word, but one that a business owner should pay triple attention to. Tell EVERYONE about your website at every opportunity that presents itself. This article will focus on some ideas to get you started.

Business Cards and Other Paper Goods

Order new business cards and display your web address on all printed material. Here are a few ideas for you

• Business Cards
• Stationary
• Envelopes
• Greeting Cards
• Business Checks
• Mailing Labels
• Invoices
• Order Forms
• Literature and Brochures
• Printed Newsletters
• FAX Cover Sheets

If you already have a supply of stationary, envelopes, brochures or other promotional material, consider getting some self stick labels and update them. A roll of labels or a rubber stamp is an inexpensive way to update your printed goods.

Add Your Web Address to Outdoor Signs

Another obvious place to advertise your website is on all business signs. A web address lets everyone know your business information is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Add vinyl lettering to storefront windows and the main entrance door. Depending on location, thousands of people see your sign everyday  to and from work. Many will first investigate a company’s website before making a decision to visit the physical store.

Signage on your Vehicle

Don’t forget your vehicles! Custom vinyl rear window banners are a great and unobtrusive way to advertise everytime you take to the road. How many miles do you drive per year and how many vehicles do you see? Thousands upon thousands of people see your vehicle every year. Deliver your simple message: www.YourBusiness.com .

Enhance All Advertising Campaigns with Your URL

Be sure to include your web address on all marketing campaigns. Promote your website using traditional media in a simple two-step process. Capture your reader’s attention and refer them to your website where they can get more information and place an order.

• Yellow Page Ads
• Newspaper Ads
• Magazine Ads
• Direct Mail

Yellow page ads continue to be less and less effective with decline rates averaging about 5% per year and yet the cost of yellow page advertising continues to rise. Cut your ad size in half and prominently feature your web address. Use a catchy phrase like “Open 24 Hours a Day at YourBusinessName.com.

This two-step approach allows you to deliver fresh up to the minute content from your website rather than to exclusively rely on a stale, expensive yellow page ad that could be up to a year old or more.

Customer List Marketing

Mail your customer list with a news update announcing your website. Use a postcard to draw attention to your new website.

Television works too! Almost all tv ads refer to a website for more info. Do what works! If tv advertising is part of your marketing plan, get your URL out there!

Employees and Website Marketing

Make sure everyone in your organization knows your web address and what information can be found there. Your web address should be on all uniforms as a constant reminder all they come in contact that your business can be found online. Does your business have t-shirts, baseball hats or other garments? This is a perfect opportunity to promote your website.

I hope that you take advantage of the myriad of ways to your to promote your business offline. Take these ideas and run with them, they will pay you big dividends both short and long term with increased business activity.

If you have a tip or a hint, please let us know so we can pass it on. I’d love to hear how you are promoting your online business, on the streets.

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