One of the things I hear most often when I talk to people about promoting their websites themselves, is that it ‘takes too much time’ and they ‘don’t know where to start’.
Well, while I can see where they’re coming from on the second point, the first one doesn’t ring true with me. It’s not about spending loads of time every day, it’s about doing SOMETHING every day and seeing the effort pile up and bring results. It’s about not giving in because you ‘don’t have the time’ and not putting things off because you’re ‘not sure how’.
Promoting your website can be done by you, it can be done a little every day and it doesn’t need to take up your time.
I’m challenging you right now to do 3 things every day to promote your website. That’s all – 3 little things that take up less than half an hour of your time.
Here are a few ideas to get you started – pick 3 and do them today!
- Post a blog – it doesn’t have to be 1000 words, just something you think people would be interested in. Make a comment about some news related to your industry, write about a new product or service, announce a new client, offer some tips and help (like this blog!) to help others – it shouldn’t take more than 15 minutes.
- Schedule some Tweets. Use Hootsuite or similar to schedule a few tweets throughout the day – links to your website, blog or services, but also relevant news, funny things you’ve found, thoughts you’ve had. It should take about 5 minutes and means you have a steady presence on Twitter throughout the day. Don’t forget to still check in and post in real time too though, don’t automate the lot!
- Add something to your Facebook Fan Page – a link to your site, a video you found on YouTube, a news item, a new discussion, or just ask a question in the status. Another 5 minute job, if that.
- Add a client testimonial – hopefully you’re always asking clients to say nice things about your work – instead of hoarding the testimonials to post all at once, add one every so often. After all, this also gives you something to talk about on your Facebook and Twitter profiles. Time: 5 minutes!
- Comment on a blog. Read a blog related to your industry and make a comment – you’ll get a link back to your site, and might even generate some discussion. The more you comment he more you will become known. Make your comments relevant and knowledgeable though, not just ‘Me too’ type posts. Time: 10 minutes for reading and commenting.
- Post on a business forum. Again, a great way to link back to your site, share knowledge, help people out, get help yourself, and get yourself known. Time: 10 minutes to read and post.
- Add yourself to a directory. Find a local business directory, or one related to your industry, and add your website. Some directories provide great backlinks, and some have good traffic. Time: 2 minutes.
There you have it, just a few things you can do off the top of my head – and that’s before we’ve started on SEO, landing pages, newsletters and articles!
What 3 things are YOU going to do to promote your website today? Do one right now by commenting below 
photo credit: Robbert van der Steeg
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Tags: blog, Blogging, facebook, forums, marketing, promotion, time consuming, time management, tweets, twitter, website
Great post Nikki. That’s the great thing about promoting your business today is it’s so quick and easy. And it effective too, not like the old days when you had no idea what had worked and what hadn’t.
Hi Nikki – so true that many of us get overwhelmed, but a few actions each day mount up. I’m deliberating whether or not sending people to my website is my ultimate goal though. My facebook fan page is quite new, but already I’m finding it a useful “website substitute” and Linked In is a great place for people to check out your career history and credentials. I wonder what the future of websites are – a big question I know!!!! Am interested to hear other people’s thoughts…
Jane
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Hey Nikki!
Wise, very wise. Once I get my blasted website back up and running I’ll be doing that with reckless abandon.
Have the gritters gritted yet?
[...] Follow this link: 3 things a day can help to promote your website [...]
Oh I am so tempted to say ‘me too’.
A useful list that should be on a little sticky on my desktop.
Another helpful post from you Nikki! Thank You. I think I ended up doing about 12 things today on my websites to promote them!
Your ‘Baby’ post was also incredibly inspiring! Congratulations on the news from one of your following strangers!
What I want to do is promote my website at http://VillaRoquette.com – and to tell people that it is fantastic value with our 50% off January same for any nooking anytime this year and to tell them what a great place in the South of France it is – but I don’t really know how to do this as my spelling is so bad, so your ideas are really really useful – oh – by the way, did I mention http://villaroquete.com and our special bonking discount ?
I was challenged a few months ago regarding social media and my website. I have not got a Facebook fan page but am active with useful business tips on Twitter and do a small blog every week. These are not too time consuming but do create interest and leads. Much as it goes against the grain I might even print off your blog as a “reminder to self”.
Thanks Nikki
Alastair
Without doubt let the online element of my business slip during last quarter of 2009 as up to neck in some consultancy work. but promise to try harder
“working from home” today so no excuses
Have twittered – perhaps a bit too much (will get my tweetmentor notes out)
Have blogged http://www.carcare-direct.co.uk/Advice/How-to-drive-in-snow-and-ice.html
and now commented on a blog post
Thanks for the much needed reminder leaving me to just wish you a Happy New Year and send congratulations for this years special delivery
Coool bananas
Martin
Brilliant as usual Nikki! Think I am going to keep this article for future reference (or a daily task list!).
Great idea, thanks for this tip!
Hi Nikki
Great post, it’s 1am………I’ve Tweeted, set up a Fan Page on Facebook and updated our website at http://www.sleephaven.co.uk will be doing more tomorrow regarding our January Offers.
Excellent work Nikki,
If you or your readers need an Australian office do shout;-)
Best wishes and thanks for the articles.
Alan
Thanks, Great Blog. Commenting is the one thing I work on. You say 10 min to read and comment, with so many good blogs there is so much to read and I keep reading, before I know I have spent most of my time reading and then I need to go. What do you read and how much, Is 10 min enough time?
Hi Nikki. Right, I read your post above. And here’s what I did -
wrote a blog post – http://www.sleepytot.com/blog/?p=71
tweeted it
facebooked it
did some follow fridays on twitter
posted here.
LOL! – it’s all been about me so far! So I will find some interesting stuff to tweet, blog about now. How about this? http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2010/jan/06/outdoor-advertising-career-women-billboards
Ouch!
Thanks for the great free advice you offer!
Now visiting http://www.nikkipilkington.com/blog/2010/01/07/3-things-a-day-can-help-to-promote-your-website/ via TwitterRemote
Hi,
Great reading, and good tips, will get on the case NOW!
cheers
When I originally commented I clicked the “Notify me when new comments are added” checkbox and now each time a comment is added I get four emails with the same comment. Is there any way you can remove me from that service?Thanks
great post! who ever is interested in more things one can do should read or listen to the book “crush it – how to cash in on your passion” by gary vaynerchuck. great insights of how to start being an online brand yourself and how to promote it. cheers, paul
Good post -all good advice. I would temper that advice with not letting oneself become sidetracked (as I do) and drifting off in to procrastination-land! – I like the timed tweet suggestion.