You will need to include:
* Site title.
* A longer descriptive title for name only listings.
* Key words --
by order of importance.
* Site descriptions in various lengths:
A paragraph,
50 words or less,
A few sentences,
25 words or less,
A one
sentence description. |
* Site URLs.
* Email
address.
* Logos and banner URLs -- make note of image size by pixel and K.
Get Listed:
There are two choices. Do it yourself,
or hire a submission service. Most established webmasters agree this job is better
done yourself. Making sure submission guidelines are followed, greatly enhances
your chances of being listed.
However, if you are new to the web, a submission
service may be worth the "initial" boost it gives your site. Ask for recommendations,
or referrals from satisfied customers.
Otherwise, start your online
publicity efforts by registering with these places:
Search Engines:
For most surfers, this is the first place they look for anything on the net. Search
engines funnel the traffic flow of the web. Most established sites are listed.
If you want to be found, get listed. Some engines index your whole site from one
URL. For others you need to submit each URL. Search engines are part of Internet
life, check guidelines before submitting. They are all different. If you want
to be found, you want to be listed.
Directories: Not to be confused
with search engines, directories index and catalogue. Getting listed in the right
places can make a difference. Start with major directories like Yahoo and Lycos.
Then look for directories that catalogue sites in your field. For example, if
you run a hotel, you might begin with regional travel guides.
Network
with Links: Good linked resources are a popular feature of many web sites.
They are frequently bookmarked. Linked resources provide an excellent opportunity
to network by trading links. The argument persists over whether or not to list
competitive sites. For information providers such as libraries, linking competitive
sources, may actually enhance your site because of the extended resources. In
retail sales or service, most feel listing complimentary content a better tactic.
If you bake and sell cakes, consider linking a gift shop or cyber cards, not another
bakery.
Awards: Awards build recognition, reputation and traffic,
so do "Cool" and "Hot" site listings. Apply only after all your "Under Construction"
signs have been removed.
Build and Use your Mailing List: Build
your mailing list from guestbook entries, comments and inquiries. Invite visitors
to join the list. Newsletters are a good way to stay in touch. In every issue,
give readers the option to be removed from your list. Remember, occasional mail
can be fun, too much is annoying.
Signatures: Most email packages
allow up to six lines of copy for a signature line. Include URLs, a short description,
phone number and address, if relevant. Whatever your online activities, this is
an excellent source of advertising. Let your contacts know what you do.
Advertise: Even small web sites, can advertise online. There are several
excellent banner exchange programs. Your ad banner is shown on member sites, in
exchange for displaying their banners on your site. Link Exchange is the most
popular, and has a large membership. If there are only a few member sites, the
exchange may be more work than it is worth. The good ones have rating categories
as to site content. Find out who you will be trading with. Is the group compatible
with your online image? Shop carefully. Advertising is a valuable online commodity,
you should expect a fair return whether you swap or buy.
Be Part
of the Community: Even though virtual, the Internet is very much a community.
Visit your neighbors. Sign their guestbooks. Be involved. There are online forums,
email groups, usenets, and chat rooms. Participate knowledgeably in your field.
It is bad netiquette, to simply post a sales message. Instead, contribute to discussions,
and include a signature line which directs readers to your message site. There
are also numerous opportunities to hone your skills and have fun with web competitions.
Traffic wars can bring visitors and excitement for entertainment pages.
Get involved. Be aware of what is happening in your field on the net. Look at
who is sponsoring the activities. If your site is on Football Recruiting, it is
probably not worth your time to participate with a Basket Weavers Group. However,
if you sell baskets, this may be an excellent opportunity.
Integrate
your Real World and Online Resources: Include your URL and email address on
business cards, stationary, brochures and any other print resources you use. Remember
to include online news in your press releases and organization announcements.
Refer your online visitors to your real world services, and your real world customers
to your online resources.
It takes time, effort and persistence to build
online traffic. Establishing a reputation on the web takes as much effort as it
does in the physical world. Those who work and put forth the effort will be the
ones who make their places in this new frontier.
Regina Garson
is a writer, editor and web developer/consultant. She writes for and about the
Internet, online and in print. Editor and publisher of Magic Stream, she has won
numerous awards for her web publications. Enjoying advertising, sweepstakes and
online promotions; she also maintains Gina's Sweeps and Contest Page. She can
be reached by email at: garson@hiwaay.net
