We design websites for a lot of small businesses that rely on in-store sales for their income, not their website. Their site is only to let people know about what they sell and where they are; basically, an online brochure. And that’s fine for a lot of small business owners.
The web is a powerful tool though - think of it as a real-time phone book that offers photos and maps at its very simplest definition. In fact, that’s exactly what many people use it as when looking for local businesses. To help drive foot traffic, we’ve found a few things you can do yourself for FREE. These things will help people find your site and then get them in the door.
1. <strong><a href=”http://www.google.com/local/add/businessCenter?gl=US&hl=en-US”>Get listed on Google Maps.</a> </strong> This is a no-brainer. It’s free, and whenever someone is looking at a map of your area, your small business will be listed next to it. You’ll first have to sign up for a free Google account, then you can add your business, photos, reviews, etc.
2.<strong><a href=”http://local.yahoo.com/”> Get listed on Yahoo Local. </a></strong> Same as Google’s maps, but on Yahoo. Also free.
3.<strong> Email Campaigns</strong> Start a monthly email campaign that offers short articles or links to interesting information, sites, etc. that are relevant to your industry. There are a ton of do-it-yourself email builders out there. We love <a href=”http://bigseadesign.createsend.com/”>MailBuild</a> and can help set you up to use that system too. It’s super cheap and a very effective way to remind your customers you’re out there.
4. <strong> In-Store Coupons </strong> While you’re at it, offer some special discounts to web visitors and to your email list. Make it worth it for them to print it out and bring it in. After a few months of experimenting, you’ll find out what offers are popular and can build on those.
5. <strong> Publish Your URL </strong> This is a no-brainer but so many small businesses forget: publish your website address on everything! Put it on your outdoor signage so people driving by can look you up for later. On your business cards of course. On your shopping bags, your ads, and your coffee mugs. Everywhere and anywhere. Then make sure your website is worthy of your visitors’ time!
