“Free” is a word that perks up ears and piques interest. In marketing, sometimes “free” is too good to be true, but in some instances, free is good.
How can you market your Web site on a limited budget? It can be done. Here are 30 things you can do to get started today.
1. Write a press release on a new product or offering and send it to some free press release distribution sites. Follow their guidelines for submission so you don’t waste your time editing and re-doing work.
2. Send the press release to your local media outlets, or any niche media outlets that may be interested in what you do.
3. Update your Google Maps Listing, make sure the information is accurate, and then have them verify your ownership via mail or SMS message.
4. Find a social media site that pertains to your niche, sign up, make a profile and participate. Don’t start off trying to sell your product – you’ll be tarred and feathered. Be a helpful part of the community first, mix in brand messages later.
5. Join a forum and contribute to your online community. Use indirect messages for sales such as a forum signature or your forum user name.
6. Talk to the locals or others in your business – this is a great opportunity to request and share some link love.
7. Comment on blogs that are relevant to your Web site’s topic and be sure to leave your URL. Even if a nofollow tag is attached, you could gain a bit of traffic.
8. Submit your site to DMOZ.
9. Check out your niche on Wikipedia, WikiTravel, and other wiki sites, and see if you can get a link. Don’t be “salesy” or try to game the system; the editors will just delete the information. Instead, provide appropriate information and follow the rules for linking on the site.
10. Write a “how-to” article that addresses your niche for Work.com. This is kind of fun and a good resource for getting mentions and links. Looking at your product or service in a step-by-step manner is often enlightening in several ways. It can help you better explain your products and services on your own Web site.
11. Write unique HTML page titles for all of your pages.
12. Share your photos at Flickr – get a profile, write descriptions, and link to your Web site. Don’t share photos you don’t own or have permission to use.
13. Start a blog. There’s nothing wrong with getting the basics of blogging down by using a free service from Blogger or WordPress.
14. Set up and verify a Webmaster Central Account at Google.
15. Make sure your Yahoo Local city listing is up to date.
16. Update and optimize your description and URL at Yellowpages.com. They’ll try to get you to spend money on an upgraded listing or some other search marketing options. Don’t bother with that, but make sure the information is accurate and fresh.
17. Submit a product (or 20) to GoogleBase.
18. Make a slideshow of your products into a video and upload to Youtube or MetaCafe, making sure to optimize your title and descriptions. Once it’s uploaded, write a new page and embed the video on your own Web site.
19. Try a new free keyword tool for researching Web site optimization, then see #20.
20. Add a page to your site focused on a top keyword phrase you found in #19.
21. Build a Facebook Business Page and start a community focused on your niche.
22. Install Web analytics on your site, if you don’t already have them. Google Analytics is pretty good and it’s free. Something is better than nothing.
23. Start Twittering – it’s a great way to network with like-minded individuals.
24. Set up a MyBlogLog account for your new blog (see #13).
25. Set up a feed reader and add good marketing blogs, then skim headlines and read applicable items when you have time. Gaining and maintaining knowledge is a great way to invest in the future of your Web site.
26. Try a new way to write an ad for a struggling PPC (define) ad group or campaign.
27. Set up a CrazyEgg heat mapping test for your most important pages, then analyze where the user’s eye finds and clicks on information on your Web site. Consider moving things around accordingly.
28. Set up a map for your storefront or area at CommunityWalk.com and then embed it on your “how to get here” or “about us” page.
29. Find out who’s linking to your competitors and e-mail them asking for a similar opportunity. Be careful not to act like you’re “entitled.” Look for opportunities for a mutually beneficial partnership, and suggest some things you can do for their business in exchange for their help with yours.
30. Read the small business SEM column at Search Engine Watch – yes, I know, it’s a shameless plug.