Market and Grow a Website

When it comes to the release of a website most people have immediate, grandiose expectations of their website's popularity. Terms such as World Wide Web (WWW), global community and instant connectivity have mislead people into believing their website's release will position them into a flood of traffic, revenue and new opportunities. Unfortunately such stories of overnight success are in the past. Nowadays competition is too great, thus the release of a website is only the first step, albeit an important step towards a successful venture.

About Traffic

In order for a website to thrive it needs traffic. To attract traffic two issues must be addressed. First people need to find the website, than they must be given a reason to return. Both issues present a challenge but can be solved with smart planning and a commitment.

Marketing A Website

Marketing a website effectively doesn't have to include an expensive ad campaign, ad words or reciprocal linking. Substantial exposure can be gained by performing basic, yet essential marketing techniques.

• include URL / domain name on business cards, letter head, envelopes, email footers, etc.
• any produced advertising piece ought to include your domain name. Visit a department store and notice a domain name is posted at every corner
• send an email to family, friends, customers and colleagues announcing the launch of your website. These people already have reason to visit and will quickly spread the news
• social networking always works best for attracting new customers. Pass out business cards to acquaintances so they can easily find your website later
• ensure your website can be indexed by search engines and have web pages properly tagged with keywords. Organic search engine advertising can provide a bevy of free advertising

Marketing a website is simple. People only need to know the website's domain name and purpose to feel enticed to visit; from there visitors can judge for themselves.

Growing a Website

To keep attracting visitors to your website you must provide a reason for coming back. Yahoo, MSN and AOL provide news feeds and updates on their home page to give people a reason to return. Revenue may not be derived directly from the news service but each returning visitor gives these companies another chance to pitch their premium services.

Formulate A Plan for Growth

In order to increase traffic, popularity or profit from your website you will need to formulate a plan of growth aimed at getting your visitors to return. This plan will involve a commitment to updating the website and providing new content. It is best to formulate ideas for growth during the websites conception along with setting aside a budget for future maintenance and updates.

Proactive Success

Successful websites are built upon a plan for marketing and growth. The amount of competition is too great to sit and wait for traffic. Benefit from a proactive approach, otherwise your website will depend upon striking lightning in a bottle.