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A Few Successful Marketing Techniques

Search Engines
Search engines are the starting point for all web based queries. Most people begin by using keywords or phrases to find information, products and services on the Internet. Getting your site listed is a crucial element in web site promotion as search engines can represent up to 60% of your web site traffic.
The "Big 6" Search Engines are Lycos, WebCrawler, Infoseek, Excite, AltaVista and Yahoo, which is a directory. It is important to make sure your web site is listed properly with these engines as well as the thousands of other smaller engines, directories and what's new sites. The more places visitors have access to your web site, the more exposure you get and the more likely a visitor will click on a link to your site.
Search engines take anywhere from 6-8 weeks to index your site once you have submitted your URL, or web site address. Submission to most engines is free but requires time and commitment on your part to submit your information. If your time is limited, there are resources and companies out there that can submit your web site information for you, for a fee. Make sure you find a reputable company to help you plan your online marketing campaign.

Newsgroups
Newsgroups are public forums where Internet users exchange information about a particular subject of interest to them. There are over 10,000 groups for just about every area of interest you can think of and some you might never have thought of. An example of a newsgroup maybe, alt.comicbook.collectors, this list generally would have discussions of and relating to comic books. You can gain access to these groups by subscribing. Check with your Internet Service Provider to see what newsgroups they have available for you. You can read posts made by members of the group and post your message to the group.
The original intention of newsgroups was to bring together people of similar interests to exchange thoughts, ideas and interests from around the world. Newsgroups can be moderated or unmoderated, which means if unmoderated, anyone can post a message to the group. Because of these unmoderated groups, many individuals more concerned about self-promotion, have spammed the groups. What that means is that they have sent unsolicited , unwanted or blatant advertising to the group that was unrelated to the topic of discussion. To self regulate the abuse of newsgroups and e-mail spamming for that matter, users of the Internet have developed a set of rules for proper conduct on the 'net termed "Netiquette".
Newsgroups are a powerful communication tool which are capable of reaching many people of different interests. If you want to harness the potential of newsgroups I suggest you start by reading the "Netiquette Guide", available free for download on the 'net. Then before diving into the newsgroups you "listen in" on a few discussions to get the feel and flavor of the group before making a post. When you are comfortable with the group or topic, make your post and make sure it is related to the topic of discussion. Include a signature file (three lines of text at the end of your message that provides information about who you are, your company and your contact information, i.e. your email). This is a more tactful form of advertising. It's also free and can help to bring more credibility to you and traffic to your web site.

Building a One-2-One Relationship with Your Visitors
Getting visitors to your web site is the easy part, now how do you make them stay or for that matter come back? You've probably hear the expression, Content is King, well the same holds true on the Internet. Proving fresh and interesting content on your site is a key ingredient to success. Most visitors prefer a site that is active, which provides helpful information and gives them a reason to come back.
Only a small percentage of users on the Internet are actually buying something, most are searching for information, free information. Why not give it to them? Provide a monthly tips column that has relevance to the products and services you offer. Offer them resources where they can find more information. Ask them to subscribe to your mailing and inform them occasionally of updates and changes to your web site. Don't be afraid to ask your visitors for their input. The web is an interactive medium, which means that you can get feedback from your visitors though the use of email and forms. Let your visitors help to structure the content of your web site by asking them what they would find useful or would like to see on your site.

One of the benefits of a web site is that it allows you to make changes quickly and efficiently. A good web site like any good business adapts to the changing environment. You can provide resources, products and services that your customers can actually benefit from by listening to your customers. Keep them coming back for more by giving them what they asked for.

Suzi Geller is owner of Paragraphics Advertising, featuring web site design, hosting, consulting and marketing. Her knowledge and experience comes first hand from countless hours spent promoting her own coupon web site at http://www.suzicoupon.com and helping her clients to realize a return on their investments with successful marketing solutions.