I was interviewed recently for an article on website marketing for Stable Management magazine! The article describes seven great ways to make your website a more effective marketing tool. Here are my top three:

1. Be Active: Don’t rely solely on the search engines to bring you traffic. Actively market your website!
2. Focus Content: Be specific about the services you offer and describe what sets you apart from your competition.
3. Make it Easy: Make sure it’s simple for anyone visiting your website to find your contact information! Also, provide an web-to-email contact form they can fill out and submit directly from your site.

You can check out the entire article, “Put Your Best Electronic Foot Forward” at StableManagement.com.

Have you added your business to Google Local Business Center yet? It’s free, it’s easy, and and your business listing will be tied to Google Search and Maps, making it easier for local clients to find you.

When someone searches for businesses in your area, your listing will appear along with your location noted on a Google map.

Here’s a sample listing of a search for “tack store portland or”.

Any business with a physical location can be added to Google Local Business Center, but validation of your address is required. The signup process is simple and should only take a few minutes. You can include relevant information about your business such as your business hours, the forms of payment you accept, and a link to your website (you do have a website, don’t you?) ☺

To learn more check out the Help Center or go to Google Local Business Center to sign up.