How to Advertise Your Web Site for (Virtually) FREE

The good news: you maintain a web site for your store. The bad news: you’re one of over 10,000,000 web sites on the Internet. So how do you get customers to find your website, especially when you don’t have money for advertising? Here are some inexpensive ways to tell people about your web site:

1. Put your web site address (www.YOURSTORE.com) everywhere. On your business cards, receipts, checks, letterhead, agreement contracts — everything that already has your store name should also include your web site address.

2. Start a guest book in your store, asking customers for their name and email. Send an email blast to your customers every month or two telling them what’s new at your store (upcoming sales, special arrivals, etc.) Be sure to provide a link in your email to your website. This will help your customers get in the habit of visiting your website.

3. Place a large sign with your web site address in your store window. Place another sign in the side rear windows of your car. Make it look professional with static cling signs (available at most sign stores). Be sure to check with your local city ordinances regarding the size and placement of signs.

4. Engrave a license plate frame with your web site address and put it on your car, plus every family member’s car. Ask your employees to do the same. Stop advertising the local auto dealer and start advertising your store.

5. Add your web address to your answering machine. Even if you’re closed, you’re web site is always open, so tell callers they can visit your web site for driving directions, hours, etc.