How the Internet can make your small business a “big business”

Warning: Companies on the Web may appear Larger than they Are

One thing I love about the Web is how easily the “little guys” can compete with the “big guys.” With a good business presence online, you can commute down the hall in your house slippers to your home office, and no one is the wiser. Here are some ways your business can “look bigger” online:
 
1. A professional-looking website: It doesn’t have to be flashy or expensive and can still look as good as your nearest competitor’s. With all of the design talent out there, you can easily obtain a nicely designed or redesigned website for less than you might think.
 
2. Well-written website copy: Don’t overlook the value of a well-crafted marketing message on your website. Many large companies have in-house experts that handle marketing copywriting. If you don’t have the time or the written word isn’t your thing, have someone else put an objective, customer-focused spin on your site to give your content a professional feel.
 
3. A search-engine optimized website: Many companies have achieved great success through search engine optimization (SEO), the art and science of building your website to rank highly on Google and other directory keyword searches. An optimized site has an equal shot of being ranked #1 on Google for a particular search term as its nearest competitor, so it’s a level playing field.
 
4. A company well-represented online: whether you write and publish informational articles that link back to your website, send out press releases to national and online wire services, or receive positive media coverage through public relations efforts, use the Web to showcase your popularity online with an online news room. It will not only help your SEO efforts, but it will also position you as an expert to journalist and prospects who visit your website. You’ll look like a larger company with a major PR budget with a few of these simple tricks.
 
There are many other ways you can utilize the Web to compete. If you try any of these tactics, don’t be surprised if people start thinking you’re a much bigger company.