How do you promote a website

How Do You Promote a Website?

Expectations

A common misconception among business owners is the belief that, “Now that I have a website, it’s only a matter of time before I’ll dominate Google and leads will start flooding in.” Well, not quite.

In reality, if your website is brand new, you’re likely to see zero visitors – unless you’ve already handed out some business cards with your website on them. Having a website and driving traffic to it are two completely different strategies, and neither comes easily!

Reality

The truth is, you’ll need to invest in various forms of marketing – and possibly some budget – before you even start seeing visitors to your site. And it doesn’t stop there; driving traffic is just the beginning. There’s much more involved when it comes to converting those visitors into customers, which we’ll cover in another topic.

So, how do you promote a website? Here are some simplified and effective methods.

1. How Do You Promote a Website with Search Engine Optimisation (SEO)?

SEO is one of the oldest and arguably the most effective long-term strategies, especially if you want to avoid spending a lot of money over time. If you’re familiar with SEO, you’ve probably heard the phrase, “SEO is dead,” but that’s far from the truth.

Let’s break it down. Imagine you want your website to rank in the top 10 search results for “Web Designers in the UK.” That phrase is called a keyword, and over 100,000 people search for it every month.

With so many people searching for the same keyword, what are the chances your website will rank in the top 10 on Google? Almost zero, right? However, you might have a better chance of ranking for a more specific keyword. For example, consider “Website Designers for WordPress in Leicester.” This keyword is much more niche, attracting only about 30 to 100 searches per month. But because it’s so specific, your chances of ranking for it are significantly higher!

In a nutshell, this is SEO in its simplest terms. Use tools like SERanking to uncover valuable keyword insights.

Tip: Make sure your website is optimised for speed and performance, as these factors are crucial for SEO success. Use tools like Google PageSpeed Insights to evaluate your site’s performance.

2. How Do You Promote a Website through Content Marketing?

Ever heard the phrase “content is king”? It’s true! Today, it’s one of the most effective forms of marketing. If you produce valuable and original content, it will get noticed, and people are more likely to visit your site.

While AI can assist in content creation, it doesn’t generate unique material; it merely rewords existing information from the internet. As a result, it’s not original. With the rise of AI, search engines have begun to favour websites that offer high-quality content rather than recycled material. Here’s how you can enhance your content marketing strategy:

  • Create quick, insightful blog posts on topics you are knowledgeable about.
  • Make engaging videos that delve deeper into your subjects, leveraging platforms like YouTube.
  • Develop a free guide or e-book that you can give away in exchange for email addresses. Use platforms like Canva for professional design templates.

The bottom line is to provide content that is both helpful and valuable. This is key to understanding how do you promote a website effectively.

Additional Suggestions:

  • Infographics: Create visually appealing infographics that summarise complex information. Tools like Piktochart can help you design stunning graphics.
  • Webinars and Live Streams: Host webinars on relevant topics to showcase your expertise and attract potential clients. Platforms like Zoom or Facebook Live are great options.

3. How Do You Promote a Website via Social Media Marketing?

Social media is one of the most underestimated tools available. Many people post low-quality content just once or twice a month and then declare it a waste of time. If you are one of them, read on.

Social media is more competitive now than ever. Unlike in 2012, you cannot simply paste some hashtags and expect followers or likes. The game has changed. All social media platforms now use complex algorithms that evaluate not just your posts but also your posting frequency and engagement.

Just like content marketing, your social media posts must be engaging and valuable. Consistency is key. Aim for regular, high-quality posts that resonate with your audience to truly understand how do you promote a website through social media.

Effective Platforms:

  • Instagram: Great for visual content and stories. Use Canva for creating eye-catching posts.
  • LinkedIn: Excellent for B2B marketing and professional networking. Share insights, articles, and industry news to build your authority.
  • TikTok: Engage with younger audiences through creative, short videos showcasing your services or expertise.

Additional Tips:

  • Utilise Social Media Ads: Invest in targeted ads to reach a larger audience. Platforms like Facebook Ads offer powerful targeting options.
  • Join Relevant Groups and Communities: Engage with groups related to your niche on platforms like Facebook and LinkedIn to build connections and share your content.

4. How Do You Promote a Website with Email Marketing?

Email marketing is a simple way to send out regular updates to people interested in your content. Think of it as a blog delivered directly to inboxes in the form of short content or alerts.

Why is email marketing better than blogging? In today’s busy world, it’s easy to forget things that once interested us. That’s why email marketing is so effective; it delivers content directly to your inbox in a simple and convenient format.

Additionally, by sending valuable content via email, you’re warming up cold leads, turning them into prospects for the future, which could lead to sales of your services or products.

Tips for Effective Email Marketing:

  • Use tools like Mailchimp or Constant Contact to manage your email campaigns effectively.
  • Create segmented email lists to tailor your content to specific audiences.
  • A/B Test your email subject lines and content to see what resonates best with your audience.

5. How Do You Promote a Website through Pay Per Click (PPC)?

PPC means paying for ads, where each click costs you money. This is typically done on platforms like Google Ads, Facebook, and TikTok.

How effective is PPC? It really depends on what you are trying to promote. When selling goods, paying for ads can yield decent results, as the costs are lower for consumers. However, for high-quality services starting at £1,000 or more, results can be hit or miss. Trust and familiarity play a significant role in these transactions.

Remember, people don’t buy easily—especially when it comes to higher-priced items. Your offer must be compelling. Consider giving away something valuable for free, like a well-designed e-book or access to exclusive content.

Combine quality content with social media ads to build a robust strategy. In exchange for valuable content, ask for their email addresses to sign them up for newsletters, paving the way to convert them into paying customers.

Additional Suggestions:

  • Retargeting Campaigns: Use retargeting to reach users who have visited your site but didn’t convert. This can be done through platforms like AdRoll.
  • Utilise Google Shopping Ads: If you have products to sell, use Google Shopping Ads to increase visibility.

6. How Do You Promote a Website by Leveraging Online Communities and Forums?

Another effective method to promote your website is to participate in online communities and forums related to your niche. Websites like Quora and Reddit allow you to share your expertise while subtly promoting your site.

Tips for Engagement:

  • Provide helpful answers and solutions to questions, linking back to your website when relevant.
  • Join niche-specific forums where your target audience gathers and contribute meaningfully.

7. How Do You Promote a Website through Influencer Marketing?

Influencer marketing can be a powerful strategy to promote your website. Partnering with influencers who align with your brand can help you tap into their audience.

How to Approach Influencers:

  • Identify influencers in your niche with a strong following and engagement.
  • Offer them your products or services in exchange for a review or shoutout on their platforms.

Conclusion

In conclusion, understanding how do you promote a website is crucial for your online success. Depending on your industry, creating valuable content is likely the best approach right now. While it may take time, the effort is absolutely worth it.

By combining social media with content creation, email marketing, and leveraging PPC, you’ll build a strong brand identity and loyal followers, making it much easier to sell your products or services.

Additional Resources