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Top
Tips for
Online
Marketing
Your
Business on a
Small
Budget
Like many small businesses
the
odds are you're constantly battling between the need to generate
web traffic and the costs normally associated with online
marketing. Your goal should be to generate web traffic based on
your target market and limit your financial exposure by choosing
a marketing channel which could be capped (or free when
possible). Online marketing has two fronts, the first a means to
generate web traffic and the second front a means to convert web
traffic into sales. Here are 4 suggestions to generate quality
traffic on a low budget and 4 suggestions to convert that web
traffic into sales.
Suggestions to generate web traffic:
1. Use AdWords Wisely - Google's AdWords is fantastic for
generating high quality web traffic on a small budget. For small
businesses, the trick is to pick only the most relevant keywords
and set a low (at least initially) daily budget. If you are new
to AdWords, Google is offering a
comprehensive online tutorial.
2. Register On Niche Directories - Every industry has a
few niche directories which are coming up high in natural search
due to their choice of resources. Consider registering with
those directories and don't be afraid to email and ask for a
free 30 day trial to evaluate the site. Beside checking that the
directory is industry specific, also ensure it caters for your
local market in terms of country.
3. Participate In Social Conversation - Social media
traffic in simple terms is the process of generating web traffic
from social networking sites such as Facebook, Linkedin, Twitter
and co. To get your name out there and start building traffic,
consider contributing your time and knowledge. Participate in
the conversation across Q&A sites such as
Yahoo Answers and
Linkedin Answers and, create a facebook fan page and
populate it with important information and make connections with
other industry related businesses through
Twitter.
4. Use Existing Customers - Turn your customers into
brand ambassadors and ask them to spread the word. Start by
installing a social bookmark button such as
Addtoany.com across
your pages to make it easy to share a page. Ask customers to
submit reviews, feedback and testimonials. Finally, consider
starting a reward scheme which amongst its properties will also
reward friend recommendations.
Suggestions to convert traffic into sales:
5. Always Look at Your Pricing - You might have a nice
looking site, the best selection of products and great
reputation, but if you're too dear visitors will purchase
elsewhere. From time to time, look at your competitors, at their
prices, at their offers and ensure you're still competitive.
6. Reduce Delivery Costs - One of the biggest reasons for
basket abandon during the checkout process are unclear or high
delivery costs. One way to react is to reduce delivery costs to
a minimum or the second, offer free delivery by adding your cost
price for delivery to the product's price.
7. Offer Multiple Payment Channels - Although you might
be offering a chance to purchase your product or service online,
don't forget some customers might still prefer to order over the
phone, by post or by direct debit. Cater for those groups by
offering additional payment channels.
8. Lead With Customer Support - Many potential customers
will start the buying process by asking questions, looking for
bits of information and asking for your advice. By providing
high quality customer service many will turn into customers so
lead with customer service if you can. Answer emails as soon as
you can, train your staff to provide useful answers and open
your doors (in terms of phone line support) as long as you can.
I hope you found my suggestions useful.
Guest article by Michelle Strassburg Co-Founder at
www.WoodandBeyond.com, sellers of
wood floors and
wood work tops. Michelle has over 10 years experience
managing online marketing and is an active blogger.
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