My Blog

1. Get a website - if you don't have the budget ($2500 - $5000) for a custom designed website, get a starter website that includes everything you need to get your business online in a few days. It will not offer as many options, but will be far cheaper. See External links below. Great options available for renting a website, see http://www.renthttp.com/. This will allow you to add eCommerce, Blog, Photogallery, forum etc. at no additional cost.
   Proofread your website: There's no point in marketing it like crazy if it has silly errors in it. Make sure it's ready for the professional world.


2. Register a great domain name: Find a domain name that has the type of business in the name. Ie, a dog walker might register www.sanfranciscodogwalking.com.
   Search Engine Optimize your site: Make sure your site has the necessary meta tags (description, title, and keywords), alt tags, title tags, and copywriting.
   Add your site to local searches: Most of the search engines have local search functions, and you should definitely appear there. Visit www.local.yahoo.com, www.local.google.com, and www.superpages.com to list your site.


3. Register your site with search engines: Submit your site to the major search engines (Google, Yahoo, MSN) and directories (DMOZ).


4. Build links: Ask other related sites to link to your site. You'll have better luck if your site offers solid resources, tools, or tips for readers. Also submit to related directories.
   Write articles: Write articles about topics relating to your site, and publish them on your site. Also submit them to as many article directories as you can find. Just do a search for "Article Submit".
   

Tips

• Make it easy for people to contact you from your site by adding a Contact Us form, not just listing your email address.