You’ve decided to more actively promote your business on the internet but the feedback you get from knowledgeable people is the same thing … you need to redesign your website. Or, you know your site isn’t mobile-friendly but need time to get converted to a mobile-responsive site.

IF THIS IS YOU, HAVING THE BUDGET OR THE RIGHT HELP TO REDO YOUR WEBSITE MAY TAKE SOME TIME.

Until then, you have an interesting challenge: how to promote your business despite having an out-of-date website. Can it really be possible to use the Internet effectively for marketing without a good website? YES, definitely. Here are a few ideas on how to do just that.

1. Announce a website redesign.  First, you need to let customers and prospects know you are working to improve your website. The only thing worse than a bad website is one that seems like it will be bad forever!

So put a note on your homepage in some way that your redesign is “coming soon.” If you think about it, this is exactly what retail destinations do when they hang those signs saying “please pardon our progress.”

Progress takes time, but your customers need to know it is coming.

2. Create other homepages on social media and directories.  Your website doesn’t need to be the only place you share information.  In fact, it shouldn’t!

Need a page telling people your location? Create a Google Plus page, which will include a map, and use that link. Want to tell people about your business and share some images?  Create a Facebook page for your business. Do the same on LinkedIn and other social media sites.

There are are lots of online directories where you can post information.  You can find them by searching for “Directory Websites.”

3. Fix your homepage first. Your site’s homepage creates that all-important first impression. While a full redesign may be some time away, getting some help to recreate your homepage can be a good investment to give people a positive experience of your site and drive them to other sites as mentioned in #3.

4. Use more direct communications.  When you can’t rely on your website to reach your customers and prospects, you may want to consider a more direct model. Offline advertising or Email marketing certainly fit into this category – but starting a Twitter account and sharing updates can also be a way of offering a more consistent stream of content without relying on your website to do it.

5. Leverage your other materials.  More than a few small businesses struggle to create a quality website, yet they have a wealth of good printed materials such as brochures and other collateral.  If you have these, work with someone (or buy a relatively inexpensive scanner yourself) to digitize some of the best.  Then upload to your site or post online in other locations, such on your Facebook company page.

READY TO START?

In today’s market, your website plays a critical role in building credibility for your business and converting web visitors to future clients.  Your company’s website should reflect your brand’s personality and engage visitors on the highest level.  The Marketing Deli’s web team will deliver a website you’re proud of and most importantly, produces results!  We can also help with direct communication (#4 above) until you’re ready to redo your site.

CONTACT US TODAY

Shelley Anderson
shelley@marketingdeli.com
o (619) 296-5900
m (619) 742-7357