If you have a business, then you know that these days, not having a website is a marketing blunder. More people use the Internet than any other media to find products, services, and companies in their area, and abroad, and if you’re not online, you’re not in the game!

If you haven’t already consulted an inbound marketing agency about developing an online marketing plan, then you’re probably wondering how you can make online marketing work for you.

Here are ten simple tips that can help you to improve your online presence right now:

1. Keep it simple

When it comes to navigation, layout and design, there are a few unwritten rules you don’t want to break. Make your content easy to find, or your visitors might get frustrated, and look elsewhere.

2. Use information marketing

Marketing and advertising guru Seth Godin says that information marketing is the only marketing left, so use information to boost your credibility, keep customers on your site, and create a reputation as an expert.

3. Quality content

Make sure that your content is always high quality. Avoid common mistakes like keyword stuffing, and try to put yourself in your visitor’s shoes – what would you want to read if you visited a site like yours?

4. Blogging

Use a blog to add less formal, yet still valuable content and news about your industry, your products and services, and any other relevant information.

5. Compelling offers

Add downloadable content – create a resource center. Whether it’s a white paper, an eBook, or a tool, adding interesting content to your site can bring in visitors.

6. Encourage collaboration

Consider an interactive platform, like a forum or chat area. Sites that are all text, and all static, are unlikely to bring you repeat visitors!

7. Form and function

Think about form AND function when you design. You want your site to look good but also perform well. Make sure that you check for broken links, pages that don’t load properly, and other problems whenever you update your site.

8. Keep content fresh

Make it a rule to upload new content regularly. Not only will it improve your search engine rankings, but also bring visitors back, to view your new content.

9. Social media integration

Link your social network profiles to your site. Social networks can be a big boost to your marketing, and they can help you to build an online marketing network.

10. Competitive analysis

Look at your competitors’ sites. Look at other great sites out there. What do you love? What do you hate? Borrow the best ideas, and make them your own, and avoid the mistakes!

Marketing Takeaway

An inbound marketing agency can help you to improve your website, but you don’t always need an inbound marketing agency to make a great start. All business owners can have great sites if they focus on giving visitors what they want – information, and an element of interactivity.

Every inbound marketing agency out there will tell you that there’s a big difference between a brochure and a great website. Remember that, and make sure that you use the tools and resources that the online medium offers to build a truly great site. You’ll be glad you did!