In Need of Effective Website Marketing Tips

[insurnub]

Hi, I work for a small business that sells mostly senior products like med supps / part D plans, but we also do life and annuities.

We have a decent client base of over 3000, which was mostly obtained over the years without a website. However, over a year ago the owner suggested that I make a website because I know how to do that type of thing.

Problem is, I don't really know how to market it (more so locally or as you could say "in our area"). We market mostly in central, southeast IL and western IN.

I have done the basic things, like making sure we have good keywords on the main page, adding robots.txt, and having plenty of meta tags (yes I know those are a bit outdated but put them anyway.)

We have yet to take any steps outside of this to market our site and the owner is beginning to wonder if it is worth it (even though one sale makes up for the whole years cost)

Anyway, I have been wondering what the best way to market the thing is and I just don't know enough about it to make any steps forward in that department. What would you guys recommend? Is marketing direct through Google a good way to go or is there something better. I am in need of some suggestions here. Anyone had any success with this or have any other tips that could help?

 

[troybenning]

You can make a blog type of website if you are particularly good in writing and knowledgeable in the industry. Nothing beats great content.

After you have built your site, linkbuild and SEO your site.

 

[ksigmtsu]

The thing that seems most effective to me is to write blog articles with links inside them on sites with higher page rank than my own page. A webpage is really a multi-faceted tool, if you get it working its worth its weight in gold just getting it up there takes a lot of time and commitment.

 

[Newby]

I do direct mail that also refers people to my website.
The website just basically reinforces who we are.
We make a lot of sales to people who checked out our website but they found us through referals or direct mail.

 

[gdoty]

For someone not too versed (a website dummy) in websites, setting them up or otherwise, where would I start if I'm going from captive to indep. & want a simple website enlightning prospecs as to what I offer? Want to be able to put something on the mail-outs for people to go to.

Gd

 

[Tampa Bay Rep]

The following books are great for beginners to show you the ropes on how to market your web site and optimize your site so people can find you.

1. Web Marketing All In One For Dummmies
2. Search Engine Optimization For Dummies by Peter Kent
3. Search Engine Optimization All In One For Dummies by Bruce Clay

 

[insurnub]

Thanks everyone! I guess that gives me a place to start. Any other specific tips are greatly welcomed!

 

[mpalma]

I do article marketing for clients who are focused on a particular market and it seems to be working for them. You can post articles to places like EzineArticles and GoArticles and include keyword links.

Each article directory has specific guidelines for links, but it's a great way to build backlinks and drive traffic to a website while providing value to clients/potential clients.

 

[STIBROKER]

do old people even use the internet.......

 

[somarco]

Do old people even use the internet.......

Define old . .