If you own a small business, you should start promoting it on the Internet. You could attract more local customers and expand your business to the entire country by shipping your products. This article has the information you need to help you get started.

Start by creating a site or a blog. Your pages should contain detailed information about your business, descriptions of the services or products you offer and your contact information, as well as directions to your business. Use a simple design for your site and select a few keywords to make your site easier to find through search engines. Consider hiring a web designer to create a site for you if you do not feel confident about your skills.

Use pictures and videos to demonstrate your products. Filming your videos in public places and asking passer-byes to participate could be a great way to let people know about your site. Update your site with new content regularly and write articles on topics related to your products. You should also add more reviews of your products and advertise discounts, sales and contests. Get people to come back to your site by creating ways for them to stay in touch with you. Social networks and email lists are the most effective ways of attracting the attention of your target audience.

Select a good shipping solution if you are going to expand your business by allowing people to order your products online. USPS is probably the most popular solution, but there are other options you should consider, especially if you need to save money. Offer different shipping options to your customers if you can. Invest in quality shipping supplies and prepare each package carefully. Add a receipt, promotional material and free samples. If customers complain about damaged product or lost packages, do not hesitate to increase your shipping fees so you can afford a better service and supplies.

List your business on Google Places. Add a good description of your services or products, a picture of your store and make sure your contact information is accurate. Let your customers know they can write reviews of your business on Google places. Each search engine has a similar feature; you should take the time to create a listing for your business on different search engines. Create profile on FourSquare for your customers to share their location with their friends when they visit your store. Facebook also has a similar feature; offer an immediate discount to the customers who ‘check-in’ to your store thanks to the Facebook app on their phone.

Create pages on social networks and set your location. Connect with other local businesses and organizations. Post updates related to local events and the other local entrepreneurs to share your content. You can encourage people to connect with you on social networks by offering discounts. You should also create an email list; place a subscription form on your site or blog and send emails regularly about your new products and discounts.

Advertising your small business on the Internet can take some time, but it is worth it. You could boost your sales by shipping products and reminding your customers about your business.