Why Do You Have a Website?

I spoke at ConvergeSouth, a blogging users' conference, today. Attendees spanned all levels of geekeze. Many were there to learn more about utilizing video on Websites, You Tube and blogs. Others wanted to learn how to promote their small businesses. Attendees in the tourism industry and wanted to know how to promote their attractions or travel services.

I attended an online marketing and PR session. The question was asked, "Why do you have a Website?" If you're in business of any kind, to me the answer is simple: make money. However, I was surprised by the number of people who didn't look at it that way. They wanted to increase traffic to their site. Again, the leader of the class posed the question. "Why do you want to drive traffic to your site?" One answer was that they wanted to compare pay-per-click advertising. Oh duh, that's money, isn't it? Another answer was that the firm wanted to give away free software. "Why do you want to give away free software?" The answer was to entice people to pay for other types available at that particular site.

Marketing Tip: Set your Internet presence up to position yourself to make money for your festival, company or yourself. This guidance fits everyone - even T. Boone Pickens.