Whether you are just launching a new website or trying to get more traffic to an old one, you know that you need to be sharing your website with the world. But where do you start sharing?
In this article, I will share with you eight of my favorite places to share your website and tips about each one. Make sure to check out #5, it’s one of my favorites.
#1 – Social Media
Long as your social media profiles are set up as a business (which they should be) you can claim your website on each social media account. This will allow you to show your URL and get people to visit your website. It also allows you to see and connect traffic that comes from social media to your account. For example, on Pinterest, claiming your URL adds rich pin data and provides tracking of all the pins from your website inside your social account even if you are not the one sharing.
#2 – Emails
Chances are you have customers and vendors that you email. Make sure to set up a signature on your outgoing emails have your name and website on it. People use that email signature to get in touch. If you make it easy for them to find your info, they will silently thank you.
You should also have an email list (and if you don’t then you need to start one). Send an email to your whole list and let them know about your website. They have already permitted you to interrupt them from time to time. This is a great time to let them know about your site.
#3 – Directory Listings
If your business is eligible for a Google My Business listing, or other online directories, make sure you have them. Having a complete directory listing with your website can not only get you more foot traffic, but it can also get you more website visits. Customers are more likely to check out a website before visiting a location to see if they are going to the right place.
Note: Not all handmade or craft businesses are eligible for a listing. Most require either a physical store or other visitable location. Sorry, online-only does not count.
#4 – Free & Promotional Items
Does your craft business give out free samples? Either throw those samples in packaging that has your label, or make sure that EVERY sample gets a business card that has your website on it.
People love to grab a freebie, but once they use it you are all but forgotten. Giving them a way to get more product or make contact again is going to help you stay front of mind. You never know when they might be ready to purchase.
#5 – Vehicle Graphics
Getting your business information on your vehicle can be a very cost-effective means of advertising. If you go with simple letters, then the cost can be as low as a hundred dollars.
Being a crafter, it’s possible you have access to a circuit and could even cut your own. Keep in mind that the circuit vinyl won’t last as well as the professional stuff, but it is easy to do on your own. YouTube has a wealth of information on how to cut vinyl.
I have had the first-hand experience of this working in my own business. I have had people grab my info while driving around and later reach out.
A few things to note, however. If you are not such a great driver, you might want to skip it. It makes for an easy way to get feedback or bad reviews related to not your product but your driving habits. You also need to keep your vehicle in top-notch shape. I have got a call while driving because I had a brake light go out which is good but can lead to a bad impression.
#6 – Doors, Windows & Signs
If you have a physical location, it is unlikely you are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Those times that you are closed, your signage is still out there. Why not add your website to the sign so people can still browse and possibly shop while your physical store is closed?
Remember, your website is always open and ready to help you grow your business, even when you are sleeping.
#7 – Apparel
Having been to quite a few vendor markets, I can tell you if you are the customer sometimes it can be hard to identify the booth owner when the booth is crowded.
Take the time to have a local shirt or printing shop make you some branded apparel that can not only identify you at a market but helps to create a stronger brand no matter where you go. Your website and business name might stand out and pique someone’s interest. They might even go shop your online store.
Think about times you are standing in line at the bank, grocery store, or just out for a walk. There are lots of times others are just a board and might wonder what you do simply by the attention your shirt, etc. gave them. A URL lets them find out without talking which can be embarrassing to people.
#8 – Product Packaging
It should stand to reason that your website should be on everything you can. Your product packaging is no different.
Not only can the address help them get more information on the product they just bought when they run low it is the perfect way to get them back to the site to purchase more. You made the first sale, now your product can help you with more.
This can even include the boxes you ship your products in. You never know who might see it. Think Amazon here.
Bonus – #9 – A few other places
Some other places you might consider are on pieces of equipment you are using, such as your vendor tent. Or if you like to spend time in a coffee shop, the back of your laptop works too.
Don’t forget easy places like receipts, marketing info, and any other printed material your business might need.
Always more ideas
There are always more ideas. Just think about the brands that are around you every day. How can you mirror some of their uses in your own business?
Most of these ideas are low in cost and can create huge returns. It’s time to start using these 8+ ideas in your own business and get your website growing both in the physical and digital worlds.
Got a new idea I have left off? Let me know in the comments below.
