In order to be successful these days, many small business owners are recognizing the importance of not only establishing a web presence, but actively using the Internet as a marketing tool and business platform. This can be a bit challenging, however, for those business owners who are not so tech-savvy and cannot afford to hire a professional IT consultant.
Fortunately, there are several web tools (many of which are free or low-cost) to help the Internet-marketing novice along the way:
Website and Webstore Builders
These website builder programs allow inexperienced users to easily create their own websites and online stores. By manipulating the simple user interface, the novice can almost instantly produce a professional-looking, versatile website with no programming or HTML knowledge.
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Sitecube– Website builder and ecommerce solution offering over 9 thousand templates and several stunning features.
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Bluevoda– free, fully- featured, and efficient website builder and hosting with instructional videos
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Homestead- Provides a collection of easy-to-use website design tools and web hosting services to help get your online business up and running.
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Sitesell.com– Provides an extensive collection of tools and services including website building software and instructional Internet marketing videos.
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Netidnow– Comprehensive website builder and ecommerce shopping cart solution
Website Optimization and Analytics
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Google Analytics– Google’s powerful, yet easy-to-use set of tools is the hands down winner of website optimization and analytics solutions, and the best part of it is that it’s free. Innovative and customized reporting used in conjunction with Google’s sister product, the Google Website Optimizer, provides a powerful one-two punch that easily competes with other enterprise-level packages. This analytics package is a must-have for any small business owner operating on the web.
Internet Marketing
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Google Adwords -This easy- to-use, affordable, and powerful Internet marketing program is well suited to the needs of small businesses. In particular, Adwords provides several helpful tools, such as keyword choice assistance and keyword replacement as well as comprehensive reporting features. Be sure to also check out the AdWords Learning Center for information on using AdWords for your business.
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Aside from Adwords, you should also check out, BidVertiser. This site allows advertisers to choose which website they want their ads displayed on.