It’s time to get serious about online marketing

Peter Crocker

In Flying Solo’s recent survey, you told us online marketing strategies such as websites and social networking were among the top ways to find new clients. Yet only 53% of us soloists have a website we’re happy with.

Delving deeper it turns out that of the soloists who had a website, only 40% had done search engine optimisation (SEO) and less than 18% felt confident that SEO was working for them.

These statistics prove there is still a massive opportunity for solo business owners to get serious about online marketing to grow their business. The process is simple; first, create an effective website. Second, get people to visit it. But it’s definitely easier said than done.

Over at www.flyingsolo.com.au we can help start the digital ball rolling.

Are you one of the 31% of soloists without a website?
Visit our business websites section and get advice on Mistakes to avoid when creating your website.

Do you have a website that you’re not happy with?
Try Melissa Norfolk’s article called Tips for a better website.

Are you happy with your website but want more traffic?
Visit our search engine optimisation (SEO) and online marketing section for tips and advice.

Are you thinking of taking the step into blogging?
Head to our small business blogs section and check out Can a blog help your solo business?

Don’t fear. Despite rapid developments online in recent years, the internet is still a reasonably level playing field where smart, nimble and fast-learning soloists can outwit bigger competition.

There’s no doubt online marketing works. But, only if you work at it.

What’s your secret wwweapon?

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Until next time.

Love your work,

Peter Crocker is a director of Flying Solo responsible for the areas of marketing and advertising. He is a business copywriter specialising in websites, videos and marketing communications.

14 comments | Add your own 1 2 3 | Next» View all»

Thank-you - many of the tips I have found here have resulted in a great website ranking for my business - at minimal cost to myself - thank-you! Heather Smith from BRISBANE | Read my articles
I am encouraged to hear the internet is still a level playing field. It can be a bit daunting, but you are right if you work it right it pays enormous dividends.
Catherine White - All Occasion, Civil Celebrant, Professional Emcee, Writer Catherine White from Sydney
The BIGGEST mistake I see on people's website is that they don't have an opt-in strategy. If people are coming to your website, why wouldn't you be capturing their details by offering something relevant to your business so you end up with a bunch of qualified leads? It beggars belief ... the other thing I'm surprised at is how few people create products to sell from their website ... your website should not only be paying for itself ... it ought to be making you money while you sleep. I see so many people concentrating on what their site LOOKS like instead of what it offers ... crazy! Leela Cosgrove - Information Product Creation Specialist from Sydney, Australia
Level playing field indeed! I reckon that I was fast and nimble enough to turn my website techniques into a business. My #1 bit of advice? Have a good website. SEO has its tricks and twists, but it ALL comes down to having a good site. Good code, good design, good content. Your business online will do nothing but flourish. Judd Exley from Perth, Western Australia
(What's even crazier is when you hit ENTER without meaning to ... stupid flying fingers ...). Of course, if you do it right ... the products and opt-in strategy will take care of a large part of the SEO and traffic generation. I know a lot of people think that making money online is random ... an act of God ... but, just as in any business, there are actually strategies that make you money online ... once you know them, the whole thing becomes SO easy. Especially when you realise that noone else in your industry has bothered to get the information you have .... Leela. www.leelacosgrove.com Leela Cosgrove - Information Product Creation Specialist from Sydney, Australia
I agree with Judd - everything good. We made our own website www.zulugraphics.com.au and have found it to be successful; people love the bright colours and information provided. My advice would be to constantly update - make your website work for you as a living part of the business. - Jess, www.zulugraphics.com.au Jess from Zulu Graphics, Best Screen Printer in Newcastle

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