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.

---

Pamphlets and the Money They?ll Put in Your Pocket

People are making a fortune on pamphlets. If you go... Read More

Up Your Income Next Week: 13 Ways to Have a Sale

Nothing gets people buying products or programs like a special... Read More

Loan Officer Marketing ? How Branding Shapes Your Prospects Perceptions

Social scientists have proven that people experience what they come... Read More

Get Personal: Letters vs. Direct Mail

One of the reasons direct mail works is the personal... Read More

Why Do They Buy?

A recent issue of Entrepreneur magazine included a marketing story... Read More

Meaning and Marketing - The Hurricane

I step outside my back door and look at some... Read More

Can Message Board Marketing Work For You?

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

Target Marketing: The Bell Curve

Finally, Something You Learned In Math Class Makes Sense In... Read More

Make More Sells With Colors

How Colors Effect Our Emotions?One of the most interesting things... Read More

Limited Time Only (Shh! Its A Secret)

Under normal circumstances, you'd shout it from the rooftops. After... Read More

Everybody Loves Raymond....You Should Too!

Popular TV Series Provides a Powerful Marketing LessonSmall Business owners... Read More

Consider Consumer Psychology

In your marketing efforts, be they on or offline, it's... Read More

New Years Planning Critical Success Factors

New Year's is a good time for strategic planning or... Read More

Marketing to Hispanics/Latinos

A powerful consumer market with annual spending power exceeding $350... Read More

21 Must-Have Web Site Elements

Your Web site should be the cornerstone of your client... Read More

What Is Better Than FREE?

Oh come on! FREE is free. Zero, zip, nada, zilch.... Read More

Creating Your Future with a Marketing Plan

Almost everyone who dreams of starting their own business is... Read More

Do You Get Attention With Your 30-Second Introduction?

I went to a networking event the other day where... Read More

Tackle a Newsletter and Come Out On Top

Unlike any other marketing vehicle, newsletters give you the opportunity... Read More

Dear Friend: Dont Start Your Non-For-Profit Fundraising Letters As A Stranger

Dear Friend:Don't do it.Don't start your fundraising letters with "Dear... Read More

The Easiest Small Business Direct Marketing Tip You?ll Ever Get

This really and truly is the easiest (and most profitable)... Read More

Marketing Quandaries

Being in a quandary prevents you from moving forward in... Read More

Are Corporate Awards and Corporate Gifts Beneficial for Your Business?

With the increased challenges that all companies are faced with,... Read More

Marketing, Lead Generation, and Research: A 3-in-1 Solution

I Hate Cold CallsLong before I started my business, I... Read More

How to Turn Your Marketing Into a Money-Making Machine - Setting The Stage For Successful Marketing

Powerful Marketing has become elusive to many companies seeking strong... Read More

Dont Advertise Your Business - Market It!

Too many business owners believe that marketing their business means... Read More

Features vs. Benefits vs. End Results

If you've been in the copywriting realm for very long... Read More

Why Surveying Matters

What is the single most important thing you can do... Read More

Website Promotion Strategies For Targeted Web Site Traffic

If you're looking to drive more targeted traffic to your... Read More

Generational Marketing

Having run a multi-state franchise company with multiple brands it... Read More

Clever Headlines Usually Flop! Are You Being Too Clever For Your Own Good?

Copywriters that try to be clever, humorous, abstract, or use... Read More

Networking: The Cost of a Connection

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

Improving Lead Generating and Conversation Rates: Think Like a Farmer

John's a freelance photographer in Ohio who called to tell... Read More