In today’s competitive world of business a website is essential to many businesses longevity. Yet, business websites of today are progressively evolving and needs much more attention than the once popular cooking device slogan, “Set it and Forget it”. Your website needs constant upkeep if you are to get the results you want and expect. You can almost compare your site to a girlfriend (or wife, take your pick) who never stops asking the question, “What have you done for me lately?”. So, now, if you want a continued happy state of bliss with your website then you better start giving it the attention it deserves.

The good news is that love or attention in this case doesn’t cost too much – just mostly time. Plus, as my wife so vividly points out on a bi-weekly basis that it’s the little things that mean so much. The same principle applies in maintaining your website – it’s the little things. So, below are some little things that you can do to and for your website to keep it fresh, competitive and will help generate more traffic and/or sale leads, which will surely keep you happy as well.

1. Add a Blog to your website. Are you an expert at your business? Do you love or are good at what you do? Then a Blog could very well become your next soul mate. A Blog gives you the opportunity to share your expertise and allows others to comment on your site. It’s a great way to make your website interactive, engaging, and informative. The more Blogs you write, the more traffic you can expect. Yes, this is the ultimate, you get out of it what you put in it.


2. Update your site’s content periodically. When I say periodically, I’m not talking about twice a year either. Try more like, at least, twice a month. Even if it’s just adding a couple of sentences with company updates – you give people a reason to keep coming back to your website.


3. Send out regular email newsletters. An email newsletter with links back to your website helps people remember your company. It helps promote marketing campaigns, product releases and upcoming events. It also keeps your website from getting too lonely.


4. Link social media websites to your website. Your website is a social animal waiting to get loose. Open up the gates and let it go play with its Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and other Internet buddies. When you link your website to social media sites and they link to you it’s just another way of letting the world know your website is alive and kicking. It’s also an inexpensive way of advertising your business.


5. Get your business on Google Place (Maps). Are you there Yet! If not, you should be on Google Places because the site helps people find your business. It’s no surprise that more and more people are looking for local businesses to work with. So, having your business mapped on Google is one plus up on the competition.

As you keep improving on your website you will also see the positive results of what your website is doing for you – now and lately. Yes, with consistence and effort you and your website will find a truly loving business partnership. And, who could ask for anything more!

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Written by Milton R. White, President of Open Face Marketing - 443-759-3203