10 great ways to market yourself online

I have mentioned it before. While a website is an important component of any promotional venture, it is not enough anymore. An entrepreneur must build their reputation so that clients will trust them. In this economy, people are more and more reluctant to spend money — and often for very good reasons.

In this article, I would like to share 10 tips that will help you improve your marketing.

1. Become an expert in your field

We are all good at something. Whether it is social media, Facebook marketing or knitting, there is room for all of us on the Internet. Writing frequent articles or blog posts related to your area of expertise is the best way to build a solid reputation online. If you can provide content that answers people’s most pressing questions, they will flock to your products and services.

Most social media experts advise to submit articles to directories like Suite101 or EzineArticles. For a complete list, click here.

2. Learn the differences between Facebook and Twitter

While Facebook and Twitter both belong to the social networking category, they serve different purposes. Do your research.

And if you have nothing interesting to say, keep your fingers off your keyboard. People do not really care what you eat on Mondays, unless your niche is in the food industry.

3. Keep an eye on competitors

It is very important that you know what your competitors are up to. Use your finds to fuel your marketing ideas.

4. Take advantage of influencers

Build a network of influential people — customers and experts in your niche. Always remember the following: The quality — and not the quantity — of your circle of “followers” is what will make the difference in your sales.

Encourage influencers to promote your business within their own networks in exchange for some extra service. Bartering is a great tool!

5. Send newsletters

Add a form on your Website allowing visitors to subscribe to your newsletter. It is an easy way to obtain clients directly. Also, subscribers can forward your emails to their friends.

I love Mail Chimp but I have heard wonderful things about AWeber.

6. Organize events and contests

If people see you as an expert, they will be eager to learn your “secrets.” Thousands of webinars are hosted online everyday; a lot of them are free. The biggest benefit of organizing them? You get to connect directly with attendees. You become a real presence…   

By the way, people love to win things. Contests usually attract crowds if they are organized and promoted well. Social media gurus often combine webinars and contests. Just a hint. ;-)

7. Have a professional-looking website

Most people will make the decision to buy your products/services after visiting your website. So, make sure that you have a lot of constructive feedback from visitors. What message do they get from your website? Is it the same as the one you initially wanted to convey?

An attractive website takes time and effort. So, do your research and study how other businesses in your field work…

8. Provide excellent customer service

I taught French to adults for years. People laughed when I told them that I considered teaching top-of-the-line customer service. Why? Because I had to come before and stay after classes if students had questions or concerns. I had to prepare my classes with my students in mind all the time. And what I did in the classroom had a unique goal: Make the learning experience enjoyable. As a result, students kept coming back, despite the fact that I was usually the youngest in the group.

It is the same for any form of business. If you are polite, keep your promises and go the extra mile for your customers, they will purchase your products/services repeatedly.

9. Reward clients

Think about it. We are all customers. We love to be rewarded; it makes us feel special. So, after a purchase, treat your customer like you would like to be treated if you were in their shoes. Send them an e-mail to thank them warmly, offering to answer any of their questions and concerns. Attach a promotional offer — a 10 percent coupon to be used with their next purchase, for example. And check up on them within a few days.

10. Question yourself constantly

Ask feedback from people who are not connected with what you do. Do role play: Get them to put themselves in your customers’ shoes and try to find new ways to market and promote your business.

Am I missing something? Feel free to share your tips in the comment section.