Tag: search engine optimization

Small Business SEO Techniques

Posted by Winflow – August 5, 2011

For small businesses, the internet has been a massively influential tool. It helps build a fan base, creates sales and provides a hub of activity. The chances are that the internet will continue to grow and maintain its impact for a long time, so the best thing to do is understand how it works. And one of the best methods of helping grow your company online is by using small business SEO (search engine optimization) techniques.

SEO Importance

Firstly, let’s understand what SEO really is. When you search on Google, the large majority of the time you will just click the top links and ignore the second and third pages. But have you ever considered why these links are at the top? It’s mainly because they have used SEO to help them connect with the Google bots that search the web. Though, it can also come down to the size of your company. For example, if you type in ‘the sun’, theoretically information on the sun should appear. But it’s actually the newspaper which tops the list.

Google uses what’s known as Googlebots to help it cover every website possible. It looks through billions of pages to find new and updated material that can be added to the search engines, and may only need a couple of days to find your articles. One of the main ways for the Googlebot to find your website is through links, and having websites link to you is a great start for maximizing your SEO. Read the rest of this article

Hiring a Content Writer for your Small Business

Posted by Winflow – June 22, 2011

If you are marketing through an online website for your small business, it may be a good idea to hire a content writer. Content writers can help expand the collection of articles on your website. If you don’t have articles on your website, hiring content writers to write articles can draw a lot of traffic to your website. Consider the following when looking for content writers to hire:

  • Your content writer should be familiar with search engine optimization (SEO) techniques. SEO formatting is the specific way articles are written to help boost your rankings with search engines.
  • Ask for a portfolio and list of references. Good content writers should have some sort of portfolio put together demonstrating their skills. They should also have references you can call to double-check their writing abilities.
  • There are different types of content writers including: copywriters, SEO companies/firms, online bloggers or link builders. Research what type of writer will best suit your company’s needs.
  • Find out how quickly they can write. A good writer should be able to write a compelling and factually-based article within a specific deadline.
  • As about their rates. Like a writer’s abilities, a writer’s rate varies from person-to-person. If you’re not looking to spend very much, consider hiring a journalism student. For typical rates, check out the Professional Writers Association of Canada pay rate guide.

For your small business needs, contact the Winflow Financial Group at 1.800.956.6897.

Blogging and your Small Business

Posted by Winflow – June 15, 2011

If you’re going to utilize social media for your small business, you may as well start blogging too. Blogging is a great form of marketing and it can help attract audiences and build your company’s credibility. If you’re thinking of starting a corporate blog, here are some tips:

  • Optimize your blog posts and advertise your blog. If no one can find your blog it won’t be much use to your company. Optimize your blog posts using search engine optimization tricks to propel your posts farther up Google. It is also a good idea to link to your business blog in your company website and through other forms of social media that you may be using.
  • Use keywords, tags and meta-tags. Through Google AdWord’s Keyword Tool you can find keywords people are searching and include these keywords in your tags and title posts.
  • Include author pictures and names. Don’t blog under the name “Admin.” Personalize your blog with pictures and details so customers know they’re dealing with real people.
  • Write on topics that have to do with your business but can also be broadened to tie in current events or include how-to tips.
  • Decide who your blog is for. Is it for your customers, investors or both? Knowing who you are writing to will make posting a lot easier.

For tips on marketing your small business, contact the Winflow Financial Group at 1.800.956.6897

Small Businesses: Building your Online Presence

Posted by Winflow – June 9, 2011

It is important for small business owners to utilize every aspect of sales and marketing they can. The Internet is great resource for small companies to make business connections, increase sales and expand markets. Some ways you can expand your online prescence include:

  • Start a blog. Blogging is a great way to propel your site up search engines and make it more discoverable to business connections. Follow search engine optimization (SEO) techniques like incorporating categories and tags, using keywords and formatting your articles so they are easy to read.
  • Make sure your company’s website is professional and easy to navigate. Sites that are difficult to find information on turn visitors away.
  • Maintain your online prescence. Updating your website or your blog shows business and consumers that you are active.
  • Use mailing lists. Mailing lists are a great tool for ensuring customers return. Your newsletters should include up-to-date information about your products and/or business.
  • Use social media. Sign your business up for Twitter and LinkedIn accounts. You could also consider making a Facebook fan page or Youtube account. This provides free word-of-mouth marketing for your business.

For more information about enhancing your online prescence visit this guide.

For marketing advice customized for your business, contact the Winflow Financial Group. Our consultants can be reached through:

  • Telephone – 1.800.956.6897
  • Email – info@winflowfinancial.com
  • The free consultation requested form located on the website.

E-Business

Posted by Winflow – June 7, 2011

With rapid advancements in technology, getting your business on the web is essential. You can use the Internet to gain the following advantages within your business:

  • Business to business (B2B) commerce. B2B activities include purchasing materials online, cooperating with other businesses and leveraging your online presence.
  • Internet marketing. You can do a lot of your marketing online these days by using strategies such as search engine optimization (SEO), publishing on third-party websites, running corporate blogs like this one or online advertising models.
  • Human resources management. By posting job opportunities within your company online you’re likely to get higher response volumes which could mean more qualified employees.
  • Online sales. Setting up a way to sell products from your site is ideal for any business big or small.
  • Intranet. Much like the Internet, the intranet is  a network that communicates information to users within the network. The difference is the intranet is used for communication within your company. Utilizing this technique can allow you to coordinate internal company operations and increase the speed that information is delivered within your business.

To learn more advantages that come with utilizing e-business, read this article. If you need assistance deciding how to best use the web to your advantage, contact the Winflow Financial Group. We can be reached at 1.800.956.6897.