How to Market A Small Business Online

Marketing is crucial for businesses large and small. The startup or small business however, rarely has a large budget for placing ads or other marketing techniques, and can benefit greatly from strategically marketing their products or services online.

Here are a few tips for budget-friendly and effective marketing online.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Internet

1. Websites and Blogs: Having a website or blog is a great way to start spreading the word across the internet. There are several web hosting services that offer free or inexpensive options that make them very attractive for small businesses.

2. Business Directories: Once you have established a website or blog, now is the time to add a business listing to online directories. Use Google or the search engine of your choice to find business directories that offer free basic listings.

3. Social Networking Sites: Twitter, Facebook, Myspace and LinkedIn are just a few of the available social networking sites you can use free, to market your small business services or products. Once you've created an account, you'll need to spend sometime initially finding friends and followers. Create a target market by finding those that are most likely to use your services or products.

4. Linking your online accounts: On your website or blog you should also include a widget or link to your profile on Twitter, Facebook or other social networking sites. The same goes for your Twitter or Facebook profile - be sure to provide the URL to your website, or update you profile when you've published a relevant blog post or added a new feature to your website. Update any business directory listings with all of your online contact info, including your social networking profile links and blogs.

Tips & Warnings

• Be consistent when adding your listings online. You should use the same physical address and phone number for any accounts you set up, as well as URLs for your website or blog.
• Hire a professional to help with web or blog content if it's not your area of expertise.
• Have a separate website or blog for each small business you are involved with. Don't make the mistake of combining personal and business on a blog!

[mamapr]

on 11/10/2009 ...all great tips!

[sanderdoe]

on 7/20/2009 This is a great article and I've saved it to my favorites! Learning how to market a small business online can change the course of your business! 5*

[lee-lee]

on 7/14/2009 Thanks -- great info!

[AllFYB]

on 7/5/2009 Great Tips for marketing a small or even large business online.

[karileighk]

on 7/5/2009 I have thought about this but I am not sure. Your ideas do help reassure me though if I do decide to do it :)