Tips to make your website successful:

Note: Many of the following are links to third party sites. The pages will load in a separate window.

How can I promote my website for free?  Here are some simple ideas that can get your web site get noticed - and best of all, doesn’t cost you money!
#1 Submit your site to Search Engines
The top 5 search engines listed here comprise the bulk – roughly 90% - of all internet searches. All offer free site submissions.  Perform a search first to find out if your site is listed.  (Type your URL (ie. www.npwebdesigns.ca) within the search bar of each search engine to see if it is listed).  If it is not, then submit your site for free using the links below:

1. Google
   Free Submit: http://www.google.com/addurl/
2. Yahoo! Search
   Free Submit: http://submit.search.yahoo.com/free/request/  For Yahoo! Canada – Go Here:  http://ca.docs.yahoo.com/info/suggest.html
3. MSN Live Search
   Free Submit: http://search.msn.com/docs/submit.aspx
4. AOL Search - Powered by Google – ( This takes you to Google Adwords)
   Submit: https://adwords.google.com/select/
5. Ask - Powered by Teoma
   FAQs: http://static.wc.ask.com/en/docs/about/webmasters.shtml#18
6. AltaVista - Powered by Yahoo!
   Free Submit: http://submit.search.yahoo.com/free/request/
7. Fast (AlltheWeb.com) - Powered by Yahoo!
   Submit: http://submit.search.yahoo.com/free/request/
8. Gigablast - Real time spidering, really!
   Free Submit: http://www.gigablast.com/addurl
9. Netscape Search - Powered by Google
   Free Submit: http://www.google.com/addurl/
10. Snap.com - Portions powered by: Gigablast, Smarter.com, SimplyHired.com, X1 Technologies, Inc. and Enhanced by Ask.com
    Submit: http://www.snap.com/

 
#2 Submit your website to Directories
Submit your site to directories.  They are usually free however use caution as some are commercial sites and will require payment for their services, and others may require reciprocal links, or even require you to add some content to your site in return for the listing.  Most are free and will allow you to add your URL, along with a description, and often are listed in categories. Often, because these sites rank high with search engines, listing your new site here can give you rapid results with little effort.
#3 Add Reciprocal Links to your site
Reciprocal links are simply the practice of having other websites placing a link to your site on theirs, and you placing a link to their web site on yours.  A number of search engines rank your site on popularity of your site being listed elsewhere. This gives both of your sites free advertising and the benefit of higher rankings!
#4 Include your URL on all your advertising
Your site URL should be placed on all of your communications.  Print advertising, business cards, letterhead, vehicle, or even TV or radio ads. The more people that see it, the more likely they are to visit your site and increase your site traffic. 
These simple steps will help you bring business to your site.  Taking the time to promote your site can be very rewarding!
Is your website working for you?  For simple solutions, e-mail norm@npwebdesigns.ca today.

Google Friendly Tips (Google Site)

Up-to-Date Internet World Stats here Up-to-Date Internet World Stats and an "Internet Coaching Library" with many tips and recommendations for your benefit.

Stats Canada Information Very interesting statistics on business and government use of information and communications technologies (Enterprises that have a Web site on the Internet) Links to other Stats Canada information.

Help people find your site tips (Microsoft Tips for building a successful website)

Keep your site current and up-to-date.

If information on your web site is out of date, it is time to make some simple changes. Change your content regularly by adding new and current information, change the pictures and/or content.

Are your links active or out of date?

Many times you will visit sites where the links are no longer valid or broken (not working.) They may be links to your pages, pictures, email, or to other sites. Check your site regularly to be sure they are all working properly. If they are not working, fix them quickly or have them removed.

See what your competitors are doing and is working for them.

Check out your competitor sites. Search using the most popular browsers and see what keywords generate high rankings and make adjustments. Maybe you already have a higher ranking site, keep checking and stay a step ahead of your competition. Remember this takes time. Have patience but be prepared to make the changes.

Keep your site simple.

A site that says less often says more. Keep the information relevant to the site. Don't crowd your message. Keep the navigation simple and easy for your customers to find the information they are looking for.

Ask yourself questions while working on or visiting your site. How will your site appeal to your clients? Is the information current? Can your clients find the information easily?

Visit other sites and see what you like or dislike about them. Remember, a website is always evolving. Keep it fresh and keep your clients coming back!