Millions of people around the world are cruising the Internet right now. They point. They click. They surf. They read. They watch. They listen. But these people move fast. If you want their attention, you have to get it.

You do want their attention, right? That is why you followed your heart and built that website in the first place. Maybe you heard that inner voice whispering, “If you build it, they will come.”

You believed it. You are building it. And, they will come, if you build it right. Here, we will share with you ten keys to successful website promotion. These have been tried and proven. They will work, if you work them.

So, let’s roll up our sleeves and get started…

1. Deliver Good Content

You probably figured good content is essential to getting visitors to return, but did you know that it can impact whether they ever show in the first place? With the evolution of today’s sophisticated search engines, effective content has become imperative to higher page rankings. The days of scoring well by craftily using keywords alone are long gone. The keywords you utilize to promote your site ought to be found contextually within the content of your page.

2. Site Layout: Make it Search Engine Friendly

Remember these five key components to good Web design:

1) It is consistent in layout and design;

2) It downloads quickly;

3) It is easy to find (internally and externally);

4) It is easy to read;

5) It is easy to navigate.

3. Submit Your Pages To Search Engines

Almost everyone remembers to submit the home page to the major search engines. You can gain the advantage for your site by submitting all of your primary pages and even your sub-pages. Be sure to utilize keywords for each page you submit and make sure they are repeated in the context of that page. Also, within the the natural flow of your content, use the words and phrases your potential visitors would type into a search engine in order to find you.

4. Build Links

With the rise of the blogosphere and social networking, linking has become increasingly important and effective in driving traffic. The idea is to get others to link to some piece of content or information on your site. A new phrase, linkbait, has surfaced to denote a piece of content that is specifically designed to gather as many links from as many places as possible. This may be anything from a relevant news item to a picture. But to receive, you must give. Find other sites compatible with your own and link to them.

5. Pay-Per-Clicks (PPC)

Pay-per-clicks work and are wonderfully affordable. This advertising model is used on search engines, advertising networks, and content websites/blogs. You only pay when a user actually clicks on an ad to visit your site. You have the ability to set your own keywords and budget.

6. Include a Blog

Include a blog on your site. Write about what you care about…and what your visitors care about. Share your knowledge, expertise, and passion…and reap the benefits. Devoted readers will add your blog to their RSS feeds. They may link to your content, or share it with friends via email.

7. Submit Articles to Online and Offline Publications

This is another viable way of sharing your expertise and unique viewpoint while getting your name – and your website – into the consciousness of your target audience.

8. Use Press Releases

Let local media outlets (print, radio, television) know what you are doing. Your business venture is only news to them if you make it so. Also use online magazines and other entities interested in your niche to get the word out.

9. Include Your Web Address on Promotional/Print Materials and Advertisements

Printing new business cards? Putting together a promotional brochure? Don’t forget to include your online address!

10. Promote Your Site on Forums and Blogs

Find people who are talking about the things your Website addresses and join the conversation. Leave comments. Make valid points. Build your social network, and don’t be shy! Put your website address in your signature.

If you build it – and build it well – they will come, but you have to help them find it. Use these timely suggestions to do just that. For information on how GILL Media can help your website, CONTACT US HERE!