Back-to-Basics: The Top Four Focal Points of Websites
 by: Diana Barnum

Keeping up with Internet marketing techniques and strategies, like the latest pay per click (PPC) methodologies, can be tough. Many people get so wrapped up in learning them and adjusting their business plans and operations to squeeze them in, that they forget to use basic marketing skills.

As a basic refresher, here are four popular focal points that attract website visitors. Remember to incorporate them into your websites to get visitors to return often.

News

People want the latest news. So offer some; write news features, add news articles authored by others, and add XML / RSS feeds or other news links. Search popular engines for sources to add that match your theme and theme. Invite your readers to share their news with everyone, too. Many out there would love the opportunity.

Original Content

Website visitors also enjoy finding unique content. So add articles, video clips, digital photos, audio clips…plenty of your own materials to spice up their visits. And invite your readers to submit their content for your review, giving them a byline so they can get a little publicity in the process while linking up your sites. Regularly visit other sites for more ideas on how to improve yours.

Contests / Awards

Host contests and annual awards. Many people love challenges and competition, (and an award for their own business) and they’ll check back for results and new prizes and awards to win. Tie all of them in with your theme, though. For example, if you have a pet site, maybe offer a coupon for $20 worth of pet toys to the winner and not a book about space travel. And offer services a full-color award banner for their sites that say something like, “Top Affiliate Sales of the Year.”

No-Cost Stuff

People surf the web to fins lots of freebies. So give them some on a regular basis. You could offer no-cost software downloads and trials, a sample service package, complimentary products, reports and e-books. Match what you’re giving away with your theme. And go slow and steady; i.e. no need to give everything away at once. Spread your gifts around, offering only a couple of items per month.

So yes, keep learning the latest! But don’t forget the basics.

About The Author

Diana Barnum, president of http://MovingAheadCommunications.com, at: (614) 529-9459 (EST). Grab her freebies, tips and help at: http://presssuccess.com/bookstore and http://www.OhioHelpGroup.com