Everyone wants to be found. It used to be that an organization would just post an ad in the telephone directory. Or in the newspaper if they had extra dollars. All to be found.Then some communities added another telephone directory. People would ask us which one is the most effective. It got confusing. But those were the good ‘ole days.

Now the internet enters the picture.

What’s the best way to be found online? How do people “find” you or your website? For the most part, people will find you by searching (using google, bing, yahoo, etc.), they’ll be referred by another site who likes you (facebook, a friend’s website, etc) or by typing in your direct address. Each of these areas have to be addressed. Search my blog for SEO for more about search engines. But for the other two? Here’s 3 steps for getting people to “find” your website:

1. Promotion. Quite simply, this is classic marketing. Every opportunity you get to reference your website, do it! On stationery, in ads, in brochures, in guides, during announcements, in blogs… everywhere! If people don’t hear about your website, they’ll never go. Also, try to give them a benefit for going. For example, “The announcements today are all listed on a convenient calendar by age group on our website. Be sure to visit www.YOURURL.com/calendar.”
2. E-Blasts. Hopefully you’re using email communications. I would suggest a high-end graphic look for your information (Constant Contact is a good one). Make sure you’re keeping the eblasts short! So, how do you tell them EVERYTHING you want? Simple tease them in the email and direct them to your website for the rest of the story. Voila! If you’re writing your eblasts well, you’ll get increased traffic to your website.
3. Social Media. There are 500 million people on Facebook. And a bunch on twitter too! Use that power. Set up a personal and fan page to direct your friends and followers to your website. Write your status updates in such a way that you can direct people to your website. Give them a benefit for going! For example, “This week’s meeting will have an interesting theme. And we need your input! Go to www.YOURURL.com/opinion and tell us what you think about debt.”

It’s all about being a good sales person. Give them benefits and they’ll want the features or details.

IMPORTANT: Make sure your website has great content, looks great and communicates your brand before you do this. Everything has to communicate in unison for all this to work. Need help? Contact us for a cost-effective package.