Promoting your Business for Free

Having a website is no longer considered a luxury; it is a necessity and especially if you own a business. With costs amounting in a downed economy, “inexpensive” is good, but “free” is even better. Having a free business website is not only a great way to cut huge costs, but is the best way to promote yourself. People aren’t turning to the phone book or the papers anymore; your audience is online and they are searching for your services every day. But be cautioned; just because a website is free doesn’t mean it will cost you. In fact, it could even hurt your business. Many companies that offer free websites make their money by plastering their client’s sites with advertisements. This is a sure way to detour your potential clients. Also, they will use generic cookie-cutter templates and out-dated technology to cut costs.
When utilizing a free website it is imperative that they offer their clients the following:

• Professional, unique design
• Current, state-of-the-art technology
• No advertisements
• 24 hour customer support
• Affordable, upgradable websites
• Advanced features and tools
• Marketing support

When finding a company that offers these must-haves, give them a shot and test the water. Remember that they need to earn your business, just as you work hard to earn business from your clients. Determine if they are meeting your expectations and representing your brand as you specified. If everything looks in order, then keep active with your website, and start reaching out to a broader sphere of influence.
Some “Dos and Don’ts” in Running your Business Website
Networking and link building is all part of the work involved in running a successful business website, but don’t make this overly complicated. In an article published through The Huffington Post, the author warns business owners not to overwhelm their website with links that will send their potential customers into “surf shock”. Keeping your website clean and free from annoyances will offer better results in keeping people in your website. After all, if you went into a shop and it had signs posted everywhere and clutter in the aisles, would you want to stay?
Using other online resources to promote your website is not only a smart move, but in today’s competitive online market it is essential to your growth. Many website companies offer marketing support with social media platforms such as Facebook. If your company provides this option, USE IT. Recently, Facebook has gained tremendous popularity as an online tool for business marketing. Its mission was, and still is, to make the world a more open place by providing a platform in which people can share thoughts and ideas. Approximately 175 million Americans log into Facebook every day. It has grown to become a huge cultural obsession, and businesses are tapping into this. Be sure to contact your website company’s marketing department, and ask them how you can utilize Facebook to broaden your sphere of influence in the business world.
Your Brand, Your Reputation
Having a business website not only serves the purpose to offer a platform where clients can make transactions with you, but a good website will allow you to control your brand and reputation. Your free website must showcase you as an expert and leader in your industry. You will also want to use it to build credibility, and to ensure you have your client’s trust. Also, running a blog on your website is a great way to give your website good organic ranking in the search engines, attract new customers, engage current clients, and promote yourself as an expert in your field.
Remember, your free business website is not “an online business card” for people to refer to; it is your identity as a professional. Be selective in which company you partner with to build your website. You are, after all, putting your identity, brand, and reputation in their hands.