Effective Ways to Expand Your Online Presence

One major challenge that online businesses face is exposure. With millions of people surfing the web every day, you want to make sure that you can optimize your exposure and draw the traffic into your website. After all, you cannot make money if nobody is visiting your website.

If you plan to establish an online presence, the first step is to design a website. Websites should be easy to navigate as well as easy on the eyes. Avoid using too many add-ons such as Flash, which will only make downloading time longer and will drive customers from your site instead of to it. After you develop your website, you need to promote it and there are several ways to do that.

Use social networking sites. There is no better way to get your name out there and known than to interact with others in your industry and potential customers. You can do this by establishing a Facebook fan page where you showcase your photos and/or advice. Invite your friends and family to become fans of your business page and in turn, they will help spread the word to their friends and family. Make sure you post on a regular basis to keep your fans interested and you at the forefront of their minds.

Other social networking sites available include Twitter and specialized forums. Make it a habit to interact with others as well, and not always focus on your business. You want users to know what is new with your business, but you also want them to get an insight into you as a person. If you become personal or at least friendly with others, you are more likely to be recommended if someone has a use for your services or products.

Keep all online presences clean and professional. It is okay to joke with others and form bonds; however, you are representing your business in these networks and you are a reflection of your business. If you come across as rude or insulting, you will not likely be recommended by peers. Keep your correspondence and status updates clean and professional. Do not share too much of your personal life, either.

If you are an expert in your industry or even if you simply have a lot of knowledge and experience, put this to use for your company. Write articles geared toward customers or potential start-ups. Publish an e-book if you have enough information to share. This will also keep your company in good standing as you are being generous with your knowledge and sharing with others.

It is very easy to establish an online presence if you know where to look. Social networking is huge at the moment, especially with the internet being a vast resource. Establishing an online presence means that you will be seen and so will your company. If you play your cards right, you can become one of the top presences in your particular industry.