Guest Author - Meg Meyer

Let's say you've got an offline business. "Brick and Mortar" is how the internet marketing folks describe it. Maybe you cater. Maybe you fix cars. Maybe you sew costumes. Maybe you make and sell widgets. Whatever you do, chances are you can increase your business income by taking it to the web!

To take your business from being an offline business that you only advertise in the local phone book to bringing your biz to the digital age is relatively simple. In just a few steps, you'll be good to go!

Step 1.

First, you need a domain name. You get this, usually, when you order website hosting. Even if you get a little webspace with your internet provider, you'll want a domain name. www.InternetServiceProvider.com/customers/myname just isn't professional.

When choosing a domain name, try to include words that describe your product or service. This makes it easier for people to find your site in the search engines.


Step 2.

You need website hosting and email. The good news is, you can accomplish steps 1 & 2 in one swoop. Here's the company I use for my websites and many of my clients. It's a good starting point for getting on the internet and it's under $7 per month. You can totally afford that! That's less than most people's order from a drive-thru.


Step 3.

Now, you need a website. Many hosting companies, like the one I suggest, have free website templates available. Feel free to start there, while getting your site organized online.

When you're ready to move up to something more custom and professional, there are small business services providers like my company, MegMeyer.com, that specialize in helping small businesses, like yours.


Step 4.

Once your website is ready for customers to view, it's time to let the search engines know all about your site. If you've got the time, you can go to each of the search engines and submit your site.

If you are busy however, it might be worth it to cough up a few bucks and hire a service to submit your site for you. We tell up to 200 relavant search engines to check out your website, and only charge $35. For busy business owners or mom-preneurs, it saves many hours of tedium.


Step 5.

Constantly Improve.

Improve your website.

Improve your products.

Improve your customer service.

Improve your marketing.

Don't put up your website and then let it sit. You'll wonder why it isn't doing much for you. You have to add it to your routine and keep it up. You need to keep it current and active. Just like every other aspect of your business.


Getting your business online is so simple to start and produces such positive results, all you need to do is just get started now! And then, let me know how you do!