Get FREE Web Tips From Your Competition

I knew this one would get your attention. How can you, the savvy business entrepreneur, get FREE ANYTHING from your competition? The answer is simple: Google!

Yes, there are many things that Google can solve. As listed above, they are providing their users with endless utilities to help you in your web search. So how can they help you with your site? Watch this:

Go to Google (http://www.google.com) and type in the following, exactly as shown, using your business URL in place of the example

link:www.yourwebsite.com

The results show you a listing of all sites that link to your site. While chances are your competition will not be listed, you can get an overview of the 'type' of websites that link to you. If there are a bunch of similar sites, that can help you with your marketing and target advertising in the future.

Now here's where the fun begins. Now that you know who links to you, check out the competition. Put in those guys down the street who provide the same service you do.

link:www.theirwebsite.com

Who's linking to them? Are there some big names listed that you WISH were linking to you? You may find out that getting your name on that list is easier than you thought. Sometimes a simple email to the webmaster will get you added to the list. The more quality businesses that link to you, the higher your search engine results climb.

Are there businesses that link to your competition that you didn't know exist? Maybe you can get a cheaper rate on parts, or better service from a vendor on that list. The possibilities are there, investigate!

Want another idea? Go to your competition's website. Are they offering a service ONLINE that you only wish you could? Are they offering a custom login or other special feature that you don't have? Maybe you should consider offering those items to your customers.

Give your customers something that keeps them coming back. Whether it's an online newsletter, a simple coupon, or other feature, get it online.



Have fun learning from your competition, and good luck on increasing that bottom line!

About the Author

Will Hanke is a self-proclaimed geek who owns and operates Lighthouse Technologies (www.techlh.com), a web development and hosting company based in Arnold, Missouri. For questions or comments, email him at will@techlh.com. And buy yourself a good virus program so he doesn't have to fight your emails with anti-virus spray.

---

Motivating Shoppers with Online Coupons (Part 2 of 2)

Last time we discussed how online coupons and promotion codes... Read More

Networking: The Cost of a Connection

"Networking is a waste of time," said JoAnne, owner of... Read More

Use Events to Market on the Internet

Having difficulty knowing what to offer people online? Worried that... Read More

Reach Thousands of Your Prospects, Absolutely Free

I'm big on getting maximum marketing exposure at the lowest... Read More

Receiving a Brochure Printing Quote

Brochures are a great way to get your message across.... Read More

Business Card Design - How to Stand out and Get Noticed

One of the most powerful, yet over looked weapons in... Read More

Fertilizer For Your Grassroots Marketing

Looking for a great way to drive traffic to your... Read More

What Does It REALLY Take to Be Making 6-Figures as a Service Professional?

Over the past 30 years, I've read so much on... Read More

Do You Make These 5 Common Marketing Mistakes?

The famous P.T Barnum once said, "Without promotion, something terrible... Read More

Planning Your Postcard Marketing Campaign

Before you create your postcard, do a little planning. Ask... Read More

To Be Successful Sell to Wants not Needs

My mother used to tell me, tongue in cheek, that... Read More

Sales Resistance on the Rise

Have you noticed it? More and more marketing campaigns are... Read More

What is a Marketing Plan Anyway?

Building a business that grows steadily in size and profits... Read More

Business Promotional Items ? How to Stimulate Word of Mouth Advertising

If the promotional items you give out end up in... Read More

Know Thy Competition

BREAK FROM HO-HUM MARKETING ? IT'S TOO BORING! Once you... Read More

How To Be A First Class Marketer?

Did you now how to follow up a new customer... Read More

Polishing Your Translation Style - Marketing Your Services

You have read part 1 & 2 of this article... Read More

How to Make Profits With a Commission Mailing Business

There are many mailorder publications that will list... Read More

It Takes Two - How to Cultivate Profitable Alliances

"Cross promoting with other businesses can give you a significant... Read More

Business Marketing Strategies

For many small business managers, finding the time and commitment... Read More

Can Message Board Marketing Work For You?

One of the things that makes the Internet fun is... Read More

Create Free Internet Buzz with Your Workforce

There are many different ways to increase your traffic on... Read More

Three Alternative Methods On Getting Quality Testimonials with Bonus

Here are three alternatives to increase your testimonial numbers or... Read More

Name the Top Cable Network

When Cable began as Community Antenna Television in 1948, all... Read More

To Swag or Not to Swag: Tip to Brand Your Tchotchkes on a Shoestring

It's interesting to see how resourceful people become when starting... Read More