Online social networking is using the internet to make connections with potential clients. Social networks are websites such as LinkedIn, Facebook, MySpace, and even YouTube. It is one of the latest ways that internet-savvy business owners are connecting with potential customers. Becoming an active member of these websites is a good way to gain search engine relevance, maintain a strong online presence, and meet people who would not know of your business otherwise. It is also a great way to meet other business owners who can give you ideas or team up with your business.

If you are trying to drive more traffic to your website, think of these social networks as a free advertisement. On all or most of them, you can add the link to your website or blog absolutely free! You can also join groups or forums on many of these social networks based on your line of work. For example, if you are a wedding vendor, you can sign up for wedding groups where you can connect with thousands of brides. These social networking sites find ways for you to communicate with others, and you can use them to your advantage. For example, “LinkedIn Answers” is a place where business owners can ask other business owners questions. If you sell telephone systems and someone asks a question about phones, it gives you an opportunity to promote your business to a potential client free of charge.

Goebel Media Group can create your accounts on these social networks or you can do it yourself. There are hundreds of social networks out there… you just have to find the ones that are right for your business and your niche. We can also train you on how to use the sites and maintain your profiles. Or if you prefer, we can manage your online presence for you while you are busy doing what you do best— running your business! Learn about our social networking services today!

I wouldn’t base any SEO or internet marketing campaign only around website directories, but there are some essential directories that I think every business website should be listed in.   These are all free directories that are pretty simple to get listed in.  I have included my favorites below:

-DMOZ - Great directory, but it takes a long time to get listed.
-Jayde - Very quick and easy submission process
-Kudzu - Instant approval
-Merchant Circle -Instant approval and very quick indexing in Google.
-Yelp - Based around user reviews
-Turnpike -Simple design but a good free directory
-Little Web Directory - Easy and fast submission process

What is email marketing?
Email marketing is an inexpensive way to connect with your current customers by sending news and special offers via email to customers who opt in.   It is a great way to keep your company on the minds of people who have purchased your products and services in the past and bring them back for a repeat sale.  It is also possible to gain new customers through email marketing because if your recipients know someone who would be intersted in your email, they will forward it to their family and friends.Why use email marketing?
-It is less expensive then comparable forms of marketing.
-It is typically easier to get a repeat customer than a new customer.
-Email marketing can have a viral effect.
-Your customers want to know what is happening with your company.

 What should your emails contain?
This really depends on the nature of your business, but typically e-newsletters contain company news, special events at your location, educational information, information about new products or services and/or special offers.

How to get started:
-Start collecting the email addresses of interested customers today.
-Create ways to collect email addresses (postcards, forms on your website, guestbook in store).
-Give us a call at (770) 786-1455 for more information