How To Gain Online Credibility For Your Web Site

Simply a having a web site on the Internet is just the beginning.  You now need to give people a reason to visit your online business site.   It's a known fact that people prefer to do business with people they know and trust, whether Online or Off.  Becoming involved in the cyber-community, is one excellent way to build relationships and credibility Online.  But remember one thing... "nobody will pay a lot of attention to you or your business, if all you do is try to sell, sell, sell."  There's simply no quicker way to lose them!    You have to build their trust.  How can you do this?

Well first, you should must set up a signature file to use at the end of all your online communications.   Sign your name, followed by a brief description of your company's services, e-mail address, URL, a phone and fax number.    Precede your e-mail address with your URL (Domain Name) with http:// to make both clickable.   For example:

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BENCHMARK COMMUNICATIONS
"Marketing & Advertising Consultants
For Small and Medium Sized Businesses"
Web Site: http://www.BMCommunications.com 
E-mail: infor@BMCommunications.com  
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But, don't over do it.  Keep your signature file to a brief four or five lines.   The expertise displayed in your message or article will tell them what you might be able to do for them.

You don't need to broadcast your services in your messages or articles.  The signature file you've included will explain what you do and how you can be contacted.   Simply confine yourself to providing information and advice that will make people reading your article say, "This person knows what they are writing about."

So let's look at a few ways you could get involved online:

• If you discover a site you like, send the webmaster an e-mail and tell him/her about it. This simple gesture could develop into a later cooperative marketing venture.

• Participate in online business and non-business groups that interest you.  Freely offer information to them.   Again, use your signature file so people will know what you do and how they can contact you.  This can become very time consuming, so select one or two groups and participate in them regularly.  This way, people will get to know you.

• Offer to show clients how to navigate the web.  Perhaps you could do a presentation how to find information online for an association meeting or a client's staff.  You'd be amazed how many businesses don't know how to effectively utilize the Internet's resources.

• Offer your services online.  Perhaps you can offer to assist in administering a portion of an online forum.  Maybe you can help a webmaster line up experts for online conferences.  This way, you'll be increasing your visibility.   And...you'll surely meet people who could be good business prospects.

• Offer to write a "How To" or "Specialized Information" article(s) for an online E-zine or Newsletter.  The expertise you display in your message or article, combined with your signature file will usually lead a good number of people to your web site.  There are a good number of E-zines (online magazines) and Newsletters out there.   Try to find one that ties-in with your area of expertise.

Remember that remarkable thing that occurs if you don't market and promote your products or services properly....."nothing!"