|
Total Views:
92
|
How To Make Yourself Famous On The Web
How do you generate the kind of buzz that gets you virtual celebrity status' Here are 21 tried-and-true techniques for turning your online self into an e-magnet for the people you want to attract most.1. Put your best screen forward. A browser's first impression of your homepage is crucial. Will the visitor stick around or click to the next site' Go with a professional designer or-if you're graphically inclined-use a DIY program such as DreamWeaver or FrontPage.
2. Develop your niche. The best promotion is crafted specifically for a carefully researched target audience. Find your unique selling point and the people who care-and then sell to them.
3. Call up the VIPs. Get on the phone with important contacts and let them know about your online presence. The personal touch makes a world of difference.
4. Network in person. Going virtual is no reason to skip the party-it's just as important as ever to attend meetings and participate in events that relate to your industry. Swap web war stories with other professionals and don't let those business cards burn a hole in your pocket.
5. Use direct mail. Sending postcards and brochures through traditional snail mail is a great way to announce your website and keep people updated on your activities.
6. Post on forums. Spend some time finding the most active forums on your area of expertise, then engage in insightful discussions online. You'll prove your expertise and establish the connection in people's minds between you and your area of specialty.
7. Write articles that can be reprinted in online e-zines. Syndicate your content and encourage people to spread your writing as far and wide as possible. The more people directed back to your homepage, the better.
8. Link to complimentary sites-and get them to link back to you. One of the best ways to generate traffic on your site (and thus getting your name and face out there) is by joining forces with similar-minded people and organizations. You're getting the benefit of their advertising and helping your readers by consolidating resources of interest.
9. Get listed. Put your site on as many free web directories as possible. A good place to start is http://www.web-directories.ws/.
10. Speak out. Give talks at known industry and community events. You'll establish a physical rapport with your prospective online audience and generate name recognition for yourself (don't forget to plug your site!).
11. Offer classes. Take it beyond the Net: present training classes for companies in need of your expertise. This gives you authority and consulting credentials, and earns you money on the side.
12. Put your website on everything. E-mail signatures, business cards, letterhead, notepads, brochures-all of your business communication materials should have your website displayed prominently, such as on wristbands, key chains, pens, or other items you can send to your clients and distribute easily.
13. Position yourself as an expert. Send an e-mail to journalists in your field that you're available as an authority for quotes for print publications and interviews for broadcast media. List yourself in directories of experts, such as the directories on this site: http://www.powerreporting.com/category/People_finders/Experts/.
14. Blog. Maintaining a blog is hard work-but it boosts your ratings and your respectability. People want new information and updates, not stagnant websites. Enrich your posts with keywords and write catchy headlines to optimize searchability.
15. Publish an e-zine. Maintain contact with your audience by appearing in their inbox a couple times a week. Just make sure you're offering real content and not just filling space.
16. Tell the media. Write press releases to let people know what you're up to, and send them to all media sources related to your industry, as well as newspapers in your area.
17. Focus on publicity. Free press is better than costly advertising-so encourage local newspapers and magazines to cover your online activities. Keep abreast of popular news stories and look for ways to make your expertise relevant. What commentary can you offer that no one else can'
18. Pass on the news. Send links to interesting and relevant news stories to your contacts-they'll appreciate the tips and maybe even come to you for future updates first.
19. Join an online networking service. Sites such as LinkedIn and xxxx present countless ways of rediscovering lost connections and forging new ones.
20. Start an e-newsletter. Establish yourself as an authority by publishing your opinions, advice, suggestions, and new information about your field of specialization.
21. Let them hear your voice. Start offering alternative media, such as podcasts or videocasts, on your site or popular places such as YouTube. You'll reach a whole new tech-savvy audience (and maybe even learn something yourself).
Making yourself a hit doesn't happen overnight-but if you are relentless with the techniques above, you'll be well on your way to getting all the attention you can handle.