Our latest Marketing Phoenix article highlights common mistakes business owners make with their websites, and tips for website success.

Mistake #1 to Avoid: “Build It and They Will Come” Mindset

Having a website is a great start to creating an online presence, but is probably not enough to be found by people searching online for the products and services you provide. If potential customers are searching for the name of your company or your own individual name, then there is a good chance your website will be found. But what about connecting with all of the people who don’t know about your business yet, or how great it is? Connecting with those people is a must!

Marketing Phoenix | Tip #1: Determine if Potential Customers Can Find You Online

Wondering if your customers are finding you? A good rule of thumb Marketing Phoenix recommends is to do a Google search for your product or service. For example, if you are a dentist in Phoenix, do a Google search for “Phoenix Dentist.” If your business isn’t showing up on the first page of Google, chances are you won’t be found; less than 10% of people click to page two of the search results.

Mistake #2 to Avoid: Mismatched Keywords

Business owners often brainstorm the keywords that potential customers might use, which is great… unless potential customers are not using those keywords. Too many times we see a mismatch between the keywords business owners select, and the keywords that people are actually using to search on a daily basis. Mismatched keywords are a fatal error to getting found! Don’t let this happen to you, learn how to do keyword research, or get help from Marketing Phoenix.

Marketing Phoenix | Tip #2: Do Your Research

First, review the existing keywords for your website. While on your homepage, right click and select “View Page Source.” At the top of the page look for “keywords.” Make a note of the keywords that are listed. Next, use the Google External Keyword Tool to begin researching keyword phrases and to see how many people are searching for the keywords you have listed. Look for “long tail” keyword phrases that have several words; the more descriptive (long) the keyword phrase the greater the likelihood you’ll be able to rank for the phrase (e.g. “golden retrievers” vs. “golden retriever training”). The keyword tool is a great starting point to learn how many people are searching particular keywords, however, there is a strategy to where and how the keywords are used within your website. Look for a future Marketing Phoenix article to explain the details.

Mistake #3 to Avoid: “Fix it and Forget It”

Building a website, whether you create it yourself or hire someone to build it for you, is a big accomplishment. Once the website is completed, people often feel the relief of being “done.” However, a “fix it and forget it” mindset can actually hurt your rankings in the search engines if you don’t update your website on a regular basis with fresh and relevant content.

Marketing Phoenix | Tip #3: Blogging

Add a blog to your website and post fresh and relevant content on a regular basis. It can help with your search engine rankings, plus regularly adding valuable content to your website benefits your fans, gives them a reason to visit your website and continues to build your relationship with them. And don’t worry if you don’t like writing or you’re too busy, you can always find someone to help you with it.

We hope you found these tips helpful! Please feel free to contact us with any questions. Because of the popularity of this topic and the depth of information, look for related Marketing Phoenix articles on this topic soon.

Want to make 2012 Your Best Business Year Ever? Contact Marketing Phoenix for a free strategy session by clicking here.