What's Next Online
What's Next Online Marketing
How To Build Credibility Online

Putting up a web site is an accomplishment, but it is not enough. You've got to give people a reason to care that you have a site. Online and off, people like to do business with people they know and trust. Online, a great way to build relationships and credibility is to get involved in the cyber community. But no one will listen to you if all you do is try to sell them your wares. In fact, they'll be gone faster than you can say "click!"

Before you begin, you absolutely 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 and a phone number. Don't exceed four or five lines. Precede your e-mail address with "mailto:" and precede your URL with "http://" to make both clickable.

You don't need to trumpet your services in your messages. Your signature file will explain what you do and how to reach you. Concentrate instead on providing information that will make people reading your message say to themselves, "This person knows what s/he's talking about."

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Here are some ways to get involved online:

  • Web sites: when you find a site you like, send the webmaster an e-mail and say so. This small gesture could lead to a later cooperative marketing venture.
  • Offer to show clients how to navigate the web. Do a presentation how to find information online for an association meeting or a client's staff. You'd be surprised how many businesses still don't know how to use the web's resources.
  • Online discussion groups: participate in business and non-business groups that interest you. Offer information freely. Use your signature file so people know what you do and how to reach you. There are only so many hours in a day, so select one or two groups and participate regularly so people get to know you.
  • Online services: offer to help administer part of a forum. Maybe you can help a webmaster line up experts for online conferences. You will increase your visibility and meet people who might be business prospects. Offer to write a How-To article for an online newsletter. Your expertise and signature file will lead people to your site.

 

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B.L. Ochman is a board member of The Association of Ethical Internet Professionals
E-mail: BLOchman@whatsnextonline.com     Webmaster: On Call Geeks
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