Promoting Your Business with Free Positive Web Content

Promoting your business online does not have to be expensive. When people search for your business online, in addition to your website, you want all sorts of positive web content and great reviews to pop up. There are many free ways you can promote your business through generating positive web content:

1. Online reviews - Ask your top clients to write reviews for your business on the top websites like Google+, Yelp, Yahoo, Foursquare, and any others specific to your business type (see some of my other blog posts for a more comprehensive list). Generating 4-5 new reviews every month will increase your search engine optimization and keep the online word-of-mouth advertising going. 
2. Blogging - Choose an area of your business about which you are passionate or surrounding a topic about which your clients frequently have questions and start writing. The search engines LOVE new web content. Writing a blog article 2-3 times per month will increase your web presence, address questions of your clients, and establish you as an expert in your field. Write on a blog website related to your business field or start a blog on any of the free websites - be sure to link your blog to your business website and give the link to your website each time you blog.
3. Informational videos - Think about DIY videos you could produce about your field that would help your consumers. Again thinking back to questions you are frequently asked can be helpful here in choosing a topic. Create a YouTube channel under your business' name and upload your videos. When people search your business' name, your YouTube channel will be in the search results.
4. Social media - Create and be active on one or more of the social media websites. Facebook and Google+ are great places to post pictures of your business and events or participation in community service projects. Consider Twitter for short news notes or Pinterest for pictorial advertising. 
5. Industry specific forums - Many online conversations are taking place in a wide variety of industries. Look for and participate in one that is related to your business. You can network with others through these forums, stay current on trends, and post information that can link back to you and your business.

Many other online advertising options are available. You don't need to do all of them, but you should find a couple that you can do regularly to continue to promote your business with positive web content. 

Ann Pearson is the CEO of Impressions Review Managing, LLC - a company committed to empowering businesses to manage their online reputations. For more information about the services IRM offers, visit www.impressionsrm.com or email Ann at impressionsrm@gmail.com.