Want More Free Advertising?

By Stacy Karacostas and The Write Ideas

What would you say if I told you that there was a free and easy way to get your Website address—and even your business name—in front of hundreds of people?

If you are like most folks you would either say, “Great sign me up!”, or “Okay, what is the catch?”

Not to worry. There is no catch. And I am not going to suggest you stand on the side of the road wearing a bunny suit and holding a sign (though that can work well in the right situations).

Instead I want to tell you about one small change that can make a really big impact on your business success. I have to admit this is one of those details that seem like a no-brainer. Yet I am always amazed by how people do not take advantage of it.

So let me ask you one simple question…

What is your email address?

If your email address ends in yahoo.com, bellsouth.net, hotmail.com, gmail or any other name other than your own domain name (ie: your Web address), you are making a costly mistake. Even if you have your business name followed by one of these other names, it still does not have the same impact.

Why?

First, because these days just having a Website gives your business a lot of credibility. If your email does not end with your Web address then your business does not look as successful or real.

When it does you instantly seem more professional.

Even more importantly, when your email address has your business or Website name in it, then every time you send an email people see it. And every time you hand out your business card, people now see it two or even three times in that one space.

When someone sees your business name over and over, it becomes more familiar. And studies have shown that when consumers have to choose between two similar products, all other things being equal they are far more likely to choose the more familiar name.

Besides which, half the battle in making sales is just making sure people recognize your business name and are thinking of you. Because unless they are thinking of you, they will probably never decide to buy from you or pass your name on to someone else.

Plus some folks will see your Web address in your email, and get online to check it out. And that could result in a sale right there.

Free advertising like this just can not be beat.

The best part about making this change is that it is incredibly easy, and usually does not cost you a thing. All you need is a domain name.

Most Web hosting companies—including the ones that sell domain names—offer a certain number of email addresses (usually anywhere from 3 to 10) at no extra cost. It is just part of your hosting package. All you have to do is give them a call and ask them to set it up.

Even if you can not afford to have a Website built right now, you can go ahead and buy a domain name (just $9.95 at GoDaddy.com). Then just put up a business card page with your contact info and have your email address set up.

And if you do not want to give up your current email address, don’t worry. You do not have to. Simply have your hosting company forward all the mail to your current mailbox.

You may have to do a little setup to make sure your outgoing mail has your new, more professional address attached. But that is all there is to it.

Once you have your new email address, put it on everything! Add it to your letterhead. Make sure it is on your business card. And give it out to everyone.

Before you know it, you’ll meet people for the first time and hear them say the magic words, “Oh, I’ve heard of your business…”

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