You built a new website: Great! Now what? The next step is to build awareness and generate traffic to it. There are many ways to do this— most of which are free. You also don’t have to limit yourself to just one option. By implementing these website marketing strategies now, your business will reap the rewards later.

1. Submit Your URL to Google

Best for: Every new website

Upon launching your site, submit your URL to Google. This initial step will help Google recognize your site on-line more quickly than if you were to wait for Google to find your site on its own, which can take months. When you submit your site, Google indexes your website, which enables it to consider your site as a potential result in relevant search queries. It’s also free and easy to do, so there’s no reason not to give your site the chance to be found in search faster.

2. Create a Google My Business Account

Best for: Businesses with a physical address

When a user searches Google for a local business, whether that’s a restaurant, salon, or paving company, Google will display local search listings before all other search results. For your business to land within these search results, you need to create your own free Google My Business (GMB) account. There, you can also provide details about your business, such as location, hours, photos, and reviews, serving as a free local marketing tool for your business.

3. Display Your Website on Printed Materials

Best for: Businesses that use printed

marketing materials (e.g., business

cards or menus)

Marketing materials, whether business cards, signage, postcards, or anything else you put your business name and logo on, should also include your web address.

This will help build awareness and generate traffic to your site. There are also ways you can get creative about this. For example, a bar could include its URL on coasters and invite patrons to vote for the next brew of the month, and then release that beverage at a promotional discount.

4. Keep Your Site Up-to-date

Best for: All businesses

Keeping your website content updated does two major things to keep your site marketable. First, it eliminates outdated information and keeps your site information accurate. Second, sites that are updated frequently are often considered to have better search results. Search engines assume that up-to-date sites are more relevant and accurate, which in return, helps your site rank higher in search results. This includes updating your web pages, but also blog posts have the same effect. It doesn’t mean you need to update your site daily. What you need to do is to make sure you refresh old blog content that has become outdated.

Furthermore, ensure all web pages continue to include accurate information, from your contact information and hours to your services, locations and pricing.

5. Ensure Your Site Is Mobile optimized

Best for: Businesses that haven’t

designed their site for mobile

Over half of all Google searches are performed on mobile devices. As a result, Google factors in whether or not a site is mobile-friendly to determine search rankings. In order to not only rank in search, but to serve those users on mobile, it’s important

that your website looks good and works well on a phone. This does not mean simply choosing a fully responsive website theme or template, but customizing your site so it provides a good user experience from any device type. If you are looking for help in optimizing your website, our team can help!