Publicizing Information
Once your web site is up, and you're ready to start welcoming your first visitors, you'll want to start publicizing your web site.
It is currently taking most search engines between 6 and 8 weeks to add new web sites to their databases, so don't expect a flood of traffic minutes after you've submitted your URL. Before you start adding your URL to search engines, you'll want to:
- Doublecheck your URL. One of the most common reasons web sites aren't added to search engines is that the URL is incorrect.
- Write a short description, 25 words or less, of your web site. Save it as a text file, and you'll be able to cut and paste your description into the forms at the various search engines.
- I've compiled a list of places to publicize your web site, and I'm always adding more.
Obviously, the more places you add your URL to, the more traffic you'll be likely to get. Don't forget that the content available at your web site is the single most important reason visitors will return to your web site once they've visited.
Once you've publicized your URL to other web sites, don't forget that there are other ways to attract visitors to your web site.
Consider exchanging links with other related web sites. If you run a restaurant, consider exchanging links with other local merchants, motels, travel agents, etc.
If you run a business, add your URL to all of your printed materials, including business cards, promotional items, advertisements, brochures, and letterhead.
If you have special interests or a business, consdider sending a press release about your web site to local news organizations, trade magazines and newsletters, any organizations you belong to, including community organizations, alumni groups, etc. Of course, the more interesting and attractive the content on your web site, the more likely that your web site will be featured in a publication. Contests, give aways, tutorials, hints and tips, a weekly column, are all great ways to attract traffic to your web site.
