How to Advertise Your Web Page
So now you've got a page up and running, but how to get people to actually come to it? That's the big question.
Of course, you've optimized your Google searches, you've researched keywords that Google is already looking for and you've made them part of your posts. All that is critical for big traffic. But there's a lot more you can do on your own, too.
I run a baking site (www.bakingnaturally.org). I bake a lot, but at home it's just me and my partner, so we certainly can't eat it all! So every Sunday we're in town, I pack up my goods and take them over to church with me. There in the community room, I set up a little table, I unpack my goods, put some business cards down, post the recipe, and I ask people to respond to a survey on my web site, telling me how they liked the goodies. I use Rich Snippets - a little review Plug-In to gather info from taste-testers.
I also give treats to the neighbors and ask them to do the same thing. They know that I test a lot of recipes and they are more than willing to help out - especially when it means another batch of whole-wheat chocolate brownies or Pumpkin Pie cheesecake.
At the local natural foods market, I carry a business card or two and a push pin and I tack up my business card on the free info bulletin board there.
Then social media. I've been on Facebook for years and have over 600 friends. I always post my latest article on my page, and ask people to leave a comment if they have a minute. Whenever I do this I see a big spike in traffic, so I know it works well. I am building a base on Google+ as well. I started a Pinterest board, which has a lot of crossover from Facebook. It's easy and garners lots of traffic!
One MISTAKE I made was in signing up too early for Bing Ads. I spent about $200 for a month's worth of search boosting. It definitely increased traffic, which was fun to watch, but only two sales, so at this stage it was not worth it. Right now, I just don't yet have enough variety on my site to capture random people. It's more valuable to present a specific item and have people look for THAT ITEM. It keeps my bounce rate way down.
Anyone else have ideas about ways to advertise your web site that are inexpensive/free, but effective?
Recent Comments
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I do a farmer's market once a month and this Sunday will be the first time to show my new website on my business cards. In the past I have made craft kits that go with a specific tutorial I have written on the www. My name paperfacets is stamped on everything I make.
Post on Google+ using a keyword. That post may show up on the first page for the keyword. Last I have had click-thrus from my personal Google blogger site for keywords, as well.
If it's not too nosy, how much do they charge for your Farmer's Market? Here in the city, they're so expensive. I've thought about that.
I think Cathy's idea is great. Do you have any little local papers you could advertise in. Where I live the Amish do well advertising in the little local papers! :) Or at grocery stores where there are bulletin boards you could post flyers!
Could you take some of your goodies to local businesses and give away samples with the goal of (1) asking for that review at your site, and (2) being invited to provide snacks for company meetings. It's amazing how much companies serve the stuff you bake! You could tell them that if you give you a review, you will give them a discount or something like that. Hope this helps and God Bless! ~Cathy
Good idea! I used to work for a school district, and I often made things while I was working (pre-website). I could drop off stuff there anytime and ask them to review. Thanks!
Good info. Thanks for sharing and I am sure you are a favorite amongst your church and neighbors!! To your amazing success and God Bless!!
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Good morning! Found your post, and clicked your website but the link is broken? I thought that I would let you know.