Bennett Web & Desgin Company :: Milbridge, Maine Web and Print Design

Promoting Your Web Site

Build it and they will come. Well, sometimes. If you're lucky.

When it comes to promoting your business and Web site, BWDC will create for you a site that is search engine friendly. Additionally:

Your site will be submitted to key search engines and directories so your site can be found during an Internet search.
We can advise you or create and manage for you pay-per-click advertising campaigns with Yahoo Search Marketing and Google. These are the little ads that appear as featured links to the right of "natural" search engine results for your keywords. Your ranking is determined by how much you've bid for a particular search word compared to other businesses. This can be a cost-effective way to get targeted traffic, since you only pay when someone actually clicks on the link.
BWDC can develop for you targeted e-mail newsletters that take advantage of "viral marketing." It helps you collect e-mail addresses from those who visit your site but aren't yet ready to make a purchase.

Given all of this, the traditional media strategies are still important. Bennett Web and Design Company can develop your business cards, rack cards or brochures.

Depending on your target audience there are other area resources and organizations that may help you market your business and Web site.

Women Downeast - an online directory that promotes and celebrates women entrepreneurs and their businesses in Washington and Hancock counties.

DownEast & Acadia Regional Tourism - provides visitors to the Downeast region with valuable information about area events, lodging, shopping, attractions, dining, and services.

Milbridge Area Merchants Association - An organization that fosters camaraderie among business owners while collectively promoting their businesses and supporting the Maine communities of Steuben, Milbridge, Cherryfield, Harrington, Columbia and Columbia Falls.

If you produce a product, register with Maine Made, the Maine Products Marketing Program. This is open to all qualified Maine producers.

Maine Tourism Association - as a member you can display your brochures in Maine Tourism Information Centers and include your business in their online directory.

Women Work and Community - helps to improve the economic lives of Maine women and their families by providing support, guidance, business and life-skill tools.

Sunrise County Economic Council - a local economic non-profit organization serving Washington County.

Eastern Maine Development Corporation - is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping businesses and communities in Eastern Maine develop and grow.

Area Chambers of Commerce

Ellsworth Area Chamber of Commerce
Machias Bay Area Chamber of Commerce
Mount Desert Chamber of Commerce
Blue Hill Peninsula Chamber of Commerce
Penobscot Bay Regional Chamber of Commerce
Schoodic Area Chamber of Commerce
Eastport Chamber of Commerce
St. Croix Valley Chamber of Commerce

Tips and Tricks for Promoting Your
Web Site

A no-brainer that is easy to overlook until you appreciate the value of your Web site - add your web site address to your business cards, letterhead and literature.

Add your Web site address to every piece of advertising that has your business name - including your yellow pages advertisement.

Include an auto "signature" in your emails that lists your Web site address.

If you belong to trade industries or associations that feature member sites, ask for a link.

If you offer a regional product or service considering joining a merchants group or chamber (see list at left).

Find complementary Web sites and request a reciprocal link to your site. They're more likely to consider your request if you're already linking to them and if you ask politely. BWDC will update your links as part of your hosting and maintenance plan.

Submit a business listing with Downeast & Acadia Regional Tourism directory.

Add or edit your Google business listing so it appears on Google maps. It's free!

Add or edit your Yahoo's Local Listings so your business will appear on Yahoo maps. It's free!

Experiment with pay-per-click advertising through Google AdWords or Yahoo Search Marketing.

Add a free listing to Merchant Circle.

Promote your Web site in online forums that you participate in. Actively participate in the online conversations and include your Web site address in your signature.

Increase your visibility when you write articles in your area of expertise by distributing them to editors as free content for their email newsletters or their web sites.

Begin a business blog on your website. If you offer excellent content and regular industry commentary, people are likely to link to it, and revisit often.