Switchfast Blog: The Future of IT
5 Ways to Branch Out Your Small Business, One Link at a Time
Tuesday, August 31, 2010 by Bryan Anderson
In the world of search engine optimization, the studies on link
building, content creation, and search engine competition are
plentiful. Any given "SEO expert" will have a distinct background
that supports his or her confidence in the field of search engine
marketing. More businesses are turning to the internet for customer
leads, which makes search engine rank a hot commodity and the
importance of links an interesting discussion.
Small businesses benefit from a strategic search engine
optimization plan. Even with an organic plan, SEO is an ongoing
process - one which benefits from an exceptional networking effort.
Think of building links like handing out your business card - the
more people that have your business card, the more likely they will
recall your name or business in regards to what you offered or
discussed. A link works similarly in that it provides any user
one-click access to your small business website.
Jennifer Van Iderstyne over at SearchEngineWatch.com wrote an
article about link
building "relevance". Here are 5 ways to help your SEO effort
with some "relevant" ways to branch out:
Retain a genuine online reputation (as an
individual). Of course, the first place to look to help
spread your website's links would be the internet. Besides the
direct SEO efforts, your online activity can affect how other
businesses (and individuals) view your company. Getting involved in
LinkedIn groups or Facebook business events can be great for
building an online "association of connections". Link exchanges can
pop up from any of these relationships, as the small business
community is a strong-knit group and supports their own kind. Make
sure to portray yourself online as you would in real life - this
translates into honesty and confidence.
Participate in and take advantage of
conferences. Small businesses now develop web presences,
but that doesn't mean they are solely online. Meeting up with
industry professionals and upcoming start-ups can really boost your
company's image while growing your professional network. Again,
exchanging business cards can lead to a link exchange somewhere
down the road.
Ask your clients/customers to show their
support. Your consumers are the reason you exist and grow
- if you are not showing your gratitude, they won't show their
support. Users are generally happy and willing to share with their
network or circle a hardworking, honest company that provides
quality work and excellent results. In some cases, referrals from
current clients may be all you need to retain a steady growth.
Meet your neighboring companies and other local
businesses. Get off the computer and look around you!
You'll be surprised to find a massive amount of small business
startups that may or may not help you get through your daily
routine. Geographic community support is another important and
overlooked philosophy as most businesses rely heavily on internet
interactions. Never forget the power of a handshake and a
conversation.
Network with (gasp!) competitors. You may be
business enemies but no one else in the world will have more in
common with you than the company going through a similar business
experience. Aside from talking statistics and secrets,
conversations with direct or indirect competitors can spark heated
debates and even innovation. While you may not get the link support
from competitors, you will have a better understanding of the
industry and a fresh view on how to approach your user base.
Until next time -
Matthew Hymel
Switchfast Technologies
Chicago IT Support &
Consulting
Rochester
IT Support & Consulting
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