Steps to Building a Good Online Presence

You have a good Web site, well designed and laid out efficiently. You have good content that is clear and interesting. Now it is time to build an online presence. Promote your site by participating in newsgroups, writing articles, adding your URLs to as many good search engines as you can and take advantage of all the free advertising you can get. Here are some additional suggestions:

1. Network by joining professional associations, by getting to know your competition, and by volunteering your time.

2. Learn the language of the groups that you participate in. Study newsgroups and forums before you start making comments. Find a mentor if possible.

3. Learn culture of the Internet and the language used in developing your Web site. Join social groups such as, Facebook, Twitter, and blogs. Always keep up-to-date and active on the Internet.

 4. Promote yourself with a biography or profile page. Be sure to mention groups you belong to and volunteer work that you do.

5. Become personal with your customers use the word “you” and avoid “I”, “we”, and “us” in your writing. Let the customer know that they matter.

6. Become the answer man/woman. Become recognized as a specialist in your field.

7. Concentrate on getting the attention of your customers.

8. Get help. Do not think that you have to do it all yourself. If you are weak in an area hire a professional.

9. Be passionate about your business and demonstrate this to your customers. To be successful with an Internet business you must learn to market yourself and your business. Creating a good online presence takes work. Since this is the way that you have chosen to make your living make it part of your everyday life.

by Joe Dockter (OldManJoe)