Online Marketing Checklist

In some ways, a company’s website functions as an extension of the outlet also functioning as an additional location. Whatever the purpose and objective, the website only becomes an effective tool depending upon the effort dedicated towards it. The content needs to be constantly updated, any inquiries need to be responded quickly and most importantly, for the website to be successful, it needs to be marketed to the customers and potential customers

To help you make your website a success, the list below outlines some of the best marketing practices. Review the list and check all that apply to your operations. Work toward implementing each idea that’s relevant to your situation.

• The Company’s URL (website address) appears on the front door and/or front window.
• The Company’s URL appears on the cash register receipt.
• The Company’s URL appears on bags.
• The Company’s URL appears on bookmarks.
• The Company’s URL appears on your printed and/or electronic newsletter.
• The Company’s URL appears on gift cards and/or gift card backers.
• The Company’s URL appears on store letterhead, business cards, and in your email signature.
• The Company’s voice mail/answering machine promotes the website, telling customers you are open 24-hours a day at  www.yourwebaddress.com
• Staff meetings to review the website are periodically held.
• Each member of the staff is familiar with the website content; you have asked for their feedback.
• Customer email addresses are collected in-store and online, and you expressly ask for your customers’ permission to communicate with them.
• An email newsletter, including links to your website, is periodically distributed to your customers.
• The store and the website are cross-promoted, with in-store displays of online promotions.
• Website sales and buyer reports are routinely reviewed and analyzed.
• Website traffic reports are routinely reviewed and analyzed.      

 Nnamdi Armstrong
Sloane Business Management Consultants
CEO
info_sloanebizconsultants@yahoo.com
+23407026341797

Tips for marketing your home-based business

A good marketing plan is vital to the success of your business. When you're running your business from home, it's often overlooked or you just don't know how to go about doing it. Marketing your home-based business is not as hard or as scary as it sounds.
Marketing is often the last thing on most entrepreneurs' minds when they are strategising for the success of their business. It is, however, one of the most important components of a good business plan, and could mean the difference between an okay and a great bottom line.
When you're working from home, your may think you just don't have the budget, the resources or the know-how to do a marketing drive. But the following tips will prove that it's not only easier than you think, but it doesn't have to break the bank either.

• Word of mouth can be your biggest deal-spinner. Make sure that every client walks away happy. There's nothing better than a satisfied client who refers their colleagues, friends or family to you.
• Keep a database of all your clients, so you can e-mail them seasonal greetings, special offers and anything else that will keep you top-of-mind, without becoming a nuisance.
• Network online: Online networking groups aren't just a social thing. Look at groups like facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn and establish a profile where appropriate. Search for websites relevant to you area of business or customer base. Many of these have free business directories where you can list your business
• Be visible in the community: Are there charities or organisations in your community you can provide services for free? You'd be amazed how many contacts you can make this way and you'll have the added warm and fuzzy feelings of doing some good
• Special offers: Depending on your type of business, think about having season specials, group discounts or something extra for new customers. Something like this might just put you one step ahead of your competitors.
• Advertise: It may sound like you're headed into expensive territory, go small, like classified ads in your local newspaper, community notice-board, pamphlets in post-boxes and so on.

A little planning and creativity can make for a successful marketing drive that brings customers to your door. And remember, this shouldn't just be a once-off event when you open the business or when times are tough. Marketing should be part of your quarterly/annual business planning. 

 Nnamdi Armstrong
Sloane Business Management Consultants
CEO
info_sloanebizconsultants@yahoo.com