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SITE TAG – YOUR IT!

There are several ways you can “site-tag” your small business website to help potential customers find you more easily when they use the major search engines on the Internet. Here are a few traffic-building pointers to consider, and resources to be aware of.
Meta-tags and titles count!

Install proper ‘keyword’ and ‘description’ meta-tags (a HTML programming and naming technique that helps define Web content) on your page for the search engines that recognize them. Use lowercase keywords as most people search that way. Be descriptive in the title tags on your page. Avoid the use of repetitious words in your meta-tags, but do use detailed phrases and word choices near the top of your onscreen content.
Link-up and prosper!

Search engines often use link popularity when they rank results. Consider a page on your site where you can list links to related websites. Then explore the Web, find other sites like yours and trade links with them. Encourage this exchange on your site, and easily allow a download of your logo for further cross-promotional support. To discover potential exchange partners, explore Web directories (through portals like Yahoo, regional media, business associations, or state agencies) for companies in your market category and ask them if they would like to trade links with you.
Be patient yet proactive!

Sometimes it takes months to get listed on search engines, and the submission process needs to be repeated. In the meantime, join a WebRing (www.webring.org) and find a WebRing directory that fits your site. Always be sure to update and fine tune your Meta-tags and titles often.

Most importantly, promote your online presence offline, everywhere and anywhere. Keep in mind that search engine and directory hits will, on average, only account for about 5% or less of your total Web traffic.

Web references: www.searchenginewatch.com, www.getsubmitted.com
Book references: “Maximize Web Site Traffic, 101 Ways to Promote Your Web Site”

To learn more about getting your business online, visit our Advanced Services section, email our Sales Department at services@gwi.net, or call us at 866-494-2020.

Published: gwi.netletter, Fall 2001.