Send People to Your Website - Wrap Up

These first three marketing methods (SEO, PPC, and OSN) are the ones I would do, in order, right away. Wait on the last three until you’ve got the first three in place, tested them, and have them somewhat optimized.

Affiliate programs can also be a very effective method of sending people to your website. The basic idea is that someone else sells your product or service in exchange for a percentage of the profit. Another variation is to pay people for qualified leads. Insurance companies often do this and will pay you for sending prospects to them that have already filled out a questionnaire. You can set up your own affiliate program at www.chrisobyrne.com/affiliate.

Podcasting has become much more mainstream and is a great way to build a community. Create a weekly or bi-weekly podcast that has a specific focus and create a companion website to accompany it. I have listened to certain podcasts, become hooked on the show, and then gone on to buy products from the people that create the show. Listening to somebody on a regular basis creates a huge bond of trust with that person, even if you never talk to them in person. All you need to get started is an inexpensive microphone and a program to edit your recording. If you use Windows, you can download the free program Audacity (audacity.sourceforge.net) which does an excellent job. If you use a Macintosh, you can simply use the program GarageBand that comes with every Mac. To get your podcast on the web, set up a blog with WordPress. The latest version now comes with the PodPress plugin which automates the whole process, including sending your podcast to the iTunes directory. If you have a web designer or someone that handles your hosting for you, get them to set you up. If you need more advice or questions, send an email to podcasting@onlineartsmarketing.com.

Writing articles is just one more way to get your name and information out there. I have placed this method last because article-writing is not as effective as it used to be. It is, however, a way to get practice producing an information product and they still provide another avenue for your potential clients to learn about you and view you as an expert. Ezinearticles.com is one place where you can submit articles and you can do a search to find several more.

There are several offline methods of sending people to your website and these include the more traditional forms of advertising such as magazine and newspaper advertising, yellow pages ads, radio and television advertising, billboards, and direct mail. These methods can be very effective and should be considered. Since the main body of your message is on your website, it could be as simple as paying for a classified ad that mimics your PPC ad and sends people to your website. You may also want to consider doing teleseminars, webinars, and having pre-recorded messages that people can call and listen to.
Read the book!

Chris O’Byrne
http://www.OnlineArtsMarketing.com/blog