How to Market Yourself Online

Everyone knows how imperative it is to use the Internet to promote their businesses. For those who work solo, you are your own brand. That's why online marketing is necessary--to get business and get recognized as a company. Here are some tips on how you can use the Internet to market yourself.

Difficulty:

Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Computer with Internet access

1. Get a website. Don't just get online and use online marketing tactics--have a hub that promotes you and your business. Include things like a resume, portfolio of your work, list of services, a biography and testimonials from clients.

2. 

   Communicate online. And by that, I don't just mean by sending emails. Having an e-newsletter gets your name in front of others and it can do wonders for your business. It can get you sales and if you write articles in your area of specialization, you can also brand yourself as an expert in the field.

3. Optimize your site. If you don't know what meta tags and meta data are, find out. These aspects of your website aren't seen on the site, but can get noticed by search engines. Also, optimize the content on your website so that it includes keywords that people use when trying to find your service online.

4. 

   Don't rely on the Web. While it may be useful, there are still plenty of old-school methods (and old-school people!) that never touch the Web. For instance, passing out business cards at a networking event can do wonders. Mailing out a written brochure can help to get business. While online marketing is great, it's not your only avenue.

Tips & Warnings

• Get business cards.

• Create a branded design that goes from print collateral to the Web.

Resources

• Constant Contact
• APlus Web Hosting, Etc.