Getting found Online

From SCORE.org 6/13 Peter/CXO Wiz4biz

How can I get found on the Internet?” This is probably one of the most-asked questions among Startups & Small Business Owners – and for good reason. The ever-increasing presence of the Internet as a marketing channel has made Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and marketing a priority for businesses regardless of what they do, or where their potential customers are located.

The Author – Digital marketing expert Elisabeth Osmeloski, is the ideal guide to answer this question. Building on her extensive experience in Advertising Agency & Brand Marketing, she is a key leader for two of the leading trade publications in digital marketing, and is President of SLCSEM.org, a professional association for online marketers.

The Evolution is creating a Revolution. Internet-related technology and marketing seem to evolve on an almost montly basis. Because entrepreneurs must stay focused on their business, what are some easy, time-efficient ways to stay in touch with what’s happening? It’s far too easy to get distracted and pulled in multiple directions, but I do recommend trying to carve out thirty minutes to an hour a day to keep up with both your local market, internet & technology that may directly affect your business. One easy way to do this and remain flexible is to use a Reader App on your tablet or smartphone such as Flipboard, Google Currents, or Pulse to quickly scan trusted content from a variety of news sources or customize with your preferred favorites. If you’re short on time, you can always mark something to read later.

Q1. What are three essentials for every business Website today?
· Provide accurate information about your business, products, or services that will answer most of your customers’ most frequent questions.
· Make your Website “findable” in search, and easy to use on both PCs & Mobile Devices.
· Use Website Analytics to track website visitors, sales, and calls that come in via your site.

Q2. Is Social Media a must for every business Website?Depending on the nature of your business, there’s probably at least one social media platform that makes sense for you to engage with regularly. For example, it’s easier to justify time & resources to Facebook, if you look at it as a customer service or retention tool. But it all depends where your customers are. For other types of companies, from to Apps to Hardware to SW to Brick & Mortar, if you are looking to get attention from local media or tech journalists then Twitter could be the best place for you.

[ Internet Search Habits, Demographics, Improving Visibility, Google +, Keeping it Fresh, SEO & SEM, and more in Premium Content ]