If you are looking for a way to encourage people to visit (and revisit) your website, try an age-old marketing tool: a contest.
Think of a simple give-away item that relates to your business – small items could be: a book by an industry author, a how-to publication that you wrote, a white paper, t-shirts, other promotional items; larger items could be: a plane ticket, a vacation package, cash, etc.
Now create an enticing and simple online form on your website, and make sure it is easy to find. Post links and “ads” about the contest on your homepage and other popular pages. Make sure the rules and dates of the contest are nicely spelled out and do not scare your participants away. Include a newsletter subscribe option in the form. Make the confirmation page (thank you page) of your form valuable also – direct the user to particular information that you want them to see.
Take advantage of any marketing channels you have to announce the contest and create buzz about your business – submit the story to your Chamber newsletter, post it on networking websites, mention it in your e-mail newsletter.
Once your contest is over, remember to follow through with the promise of selecting a winner and delivering the prize. Take the opportunity to follow up again with your customers and mailing list contacts by announcing the winner in an e-newsletter and other marketing media.
What this does for your business:
- Creates brand (and website) awareness
- Offers opportunity to gather new contacts for your mailing list
- Invents an excuse to contact and follow up with people
- Generates news about your company
- Increases traffic to other areas of your website
