What Should I do with my New Website?
Your website is live. Exciting! Now what? There are over a billion websites (I know!) on the internet so thinking that “build it and they will come” will work isn’t really a viable strategy, especially if your business is brand new. It’s crucial that you promote and market your website at every opportunity. Your website is like having your own salesperson that works 24/7 for your business. Let’s put that to good use! The more of the below you can do the better. Don’t forget that there can be hundreds (or thousands) of other businesses competing to get the same customers as you so taking the time to do these is really important. If you schedule just one a day or even one a week it will seem less daunting.
Social Media Profiles
If your business is new and you don’t have a social media profile then I’d recommend setting one up. This is slightly hypocritical of me because my own business isn’t on social media! This is because having no social media for your business is better than having one that you never update. So, if like me, you really don’t like social media and your profile is going to sit there with one update a year, then it’s better to skip this step! I rank on page one of Google for lots of keywords without having social media, so while there is no doubt that it can help your rankings, my own site proves that it’s not necessary.
If you do want to set up social media for your business don’t think that you have to open an account with all platforms. You might prefer Facebook if you like posting quite a lot of content, Twitter if you want to keep it short and sweet or Instagram if you’re an artist or post images. The key is to not overwhelm yourself and only open accounts that you are actively going to post to.
Once you’ve opened your account, most social media profiles have a place for you to include your website. Add it here so your followers can find your new website. Don’t forget to post an announcement about your new website letting your followers know it’s live.
Email Signature
Your email signature should include a link to your website as well as your other contact information. If you purchased your domain name through me, I will have set your email up. In your “how to” video I talk about setting up a signature that can be used on all emails. This is where you would add that link.
Directory Listings
Websites such as Yell, Yelp, FreeIndex and other directory sites usually have a place for your website address. Anywhere that you have an online business listing make sure that it includes your website address too. Some other directories are listed at https://www.merchantloanadvance.co.uk/top-free-uk-business-directories/ or Google “free directory listings UK.” Make sure that you are only adding your website to directories in countries where you do business.
Google My Business
Setting up a Google my Business (GMB) listing is absolutely imperative if you want to start ranking in Google. It’s free and can be done at https://www.google.com/intl/en_uk/business/. Take your time doing this. Make sure that you fill in all the details, use relevant keywords in the description and use this free listing to sell your business before people even land on your website.
If you’re not completely sure what a GMB listing is, it’s what you see on the right hand side of the page when you Google a company. This is what mine looks like.
As you can see it’s a great place for people to leave reviews and the more (genuine) reviews you get the more Google will like your listing and website and the higher your site will rank in what is called the map pack. The map pack is the Google search results that show on a map and are for local businesses.
Once you have your GMB listing set up make sure that you ask your customers to leave a review. Google make this easy by providing a link that you can share on social media, Whatsapp or by email. However your customer needs to have a Google or gmail log in in order to be able to leave a review (annoying!)
If you’re struggling setting up your GMB listing or aren’t quite sure how to optimise the keywords for best results then I offer a GMB service for £40.
Bing Places for Business
This is very similar to GMB but for Bing instead of Google. It’s defintely also worth doing and you can sign up for free at https://www.bingplaces.com/
Flyers & Business Cards
Don’t forget to add your website address to business cards, brochures, flyers, or any other marketing or printed ads. These often have limited space, but by including your website address you can send people to your website for more information.
Invoices & Stationery
Customers might not be aware of all you offer, by including your website address on things like invoices and envelopes you give them an opportunity to learn more about your business.
Vehicle Graphics
If you have graphics on your vehicle (think tradesman) make sure that you get your website address added to it. I have found both a plasterer and a company who puts in driveways because I happened to be behind them driving and looked at their websites (obviously not whilst I was driving!)
Promotional Items
If you have promotional items such as pens, cups, bags, etc. with your company name on them, make sure the next time you order you update the artwork to include your website address.
How to Correctly Add a Link
This might seem a bit obvious but you want to make sure that people can click your link! When adding your website to directories, in your email signature and anywhere else the link is clickable I’d recommend using the full website address such as https://websitesbydiane.com. This means that people will be taken directly to your secure website address. On signage, business cards and other items that aren’t clickable, then you can put a simplified version such as WebsitesByDiane.com or www.WebsitesByDiane.com. Don’t think that you always need to use the www. This isn’t the case although if you have an older clientelle who might not be aware of this, make sure the keep the www. there just to make it clear that it’s your website address.
And that’s it! Go and tell the world abut your new website ????
