For many business owners, launching a website feels like the final step. But in reality, it's just the beginning. A website without promotion is like opening a shop in the middle of the Sahara desert. It might look great, but no one is going to find it unless you actively send people there.
In this article, we’ll walk you through 10 practical and proven ways to promote your website, attract visitors, and get the most out of your online presence.
1. Google is Not the Only Way to Get Website Visitors
Yes, Google is important. But it is not the only route to getting traffic. Search results are crowded, competitive, and not always fair. Relying solely on Google can limit your potential.
It's important to remember that Google is VERY competitive and there can be hundreds or thousands of businesses all competiting to get to Page 1 in the results for a particular search.
So whilst we will be covering Google tips in this document, and you can find many more Google tips on our blog, do not think that Google is your only way to get visitors to your website; we have lots of clients who do very little on Google but have very successful websites and successful businesses.
SCAM ALERT - If you get emails from companies you've never heard promising to get you to the top of Google then yes, in 99% of cases they are a scam, they will take your money, and no they won't get you any results!
Email marketing remains one of the most effective ways to keep people coming back to your website. Start by collecting email addresses:
Add a sign up form to your site
Include a “tick to subscribe” box on enquiry and checkout forms
Add the email addresses of your existing customers
Collect email addresses at fairs and in your shop
Once you have a list, send out regular email mailshots. A weekly or monthly mailshot featuring your latest stock is a great way to drive repeat visits. Our websites integrate with platforms like MailChimp and CakeMail, making this quick and easy to do.
We also have a feature on our website platform that allows you to simply insert your latest stock (complete with picture, name of each piece and link to view the item on your website) meaning you can send out a weekly or monthly mailshot in less than 5 minutes.
Relevant articles on email marketing for further reading
This is one of the first things you should do to help people find you on Google — and it’s completely free.
A Google Business listing allows you to appear in local search results and on Google Maps. It also lets customers leave reviews, which builds trust with new visitors.
Search engines rely on the words you use on your website so it is important to make sure that you use descriptive titles and descriptions when listing stock on your website. For example, if you list an item as just “Table”, you’re missing out. Thousands of people might be searching for “table” — but they could mean any kind of table.
So, describe your items clearly and specifically and make sure you feature keywords that people are likely going to be searching for. For example, something like:
“19th century French antique walnut table”
That single change can make a huge difference for SEO. The same applies to your item descriptions — the more relevant keywords, the better your chances of being found.
We have blog articles that go deeper into this, including how AI can help with writing if you’re short on time. See links below:-
Related articles to writing item titles & descriptions
Google looks at how many other websites link to yours as a way of judging your popularity.
Get other dealers, friends, and businesses to link to your site. If you’re exhibiting at a fair, ask for a link on their site. If you’re featured in online press, request a link to your website as part of the article.
But steer clear of spammy services that offer to sell you links. They usually do more harm than good.
Instagram is a brilliant platform for showcasing your stock — but did you know you can also use it to sell?
With Instagram Shopping, you can upload your stock catalogue and tag products directly in your posts. That means followers can tap to view details and view the product on your website and BUY it!
Even better, if you use one of our websites, the stock sync to Instagram can be automated. It’s a powerful way to turn browsers into buyers.
7. Use Pinterest to get direct visitors, and more visitors from Google too
Pinterest is a unique mix of Google and Instagram. It is a photo sharing platform that also works like a search engine.
Adding your stock to Pinterest helps you get seen both on Pinterest itself and in Google results, as Pinterest pages often rank highly in Google searches. It’s a great way to drive your first few sales and grow your visibility.
a) In the image-style listings at the top of relevant Google searches
b) In product based searches in the normal listings of Google
This is especially useful for e-commerce websites. Setting it up requires some technical knowledge, but the visibility it brings can be significant. If your products are a good fit, it is well worth considering.
Our websites have the option to have an automated integration with Google Shopping.
9. Run Google Ads and PMAX Campaigns
If you are ready to invest a little budget, Google Ads can bring excellent results. With a Performance Max (PMAX) campaign, your actual products can appear across the entire Google network — including Google Search, Maps, YouTube and more.
What's also really important to understand with Google is that they tend to show paid ads (both normal Adwords and PMAX campaigns) above organic (free) listings, as shown below:-
We offer a Google management service for clients who want help setting up and running these campaigns. Please get in touch for details.
10. Join Marketplaces That Link Back to Your Website
Some marketplaces, including our own (Antiques Boutique and Militaria Zone), allow each item you list to link back to your website.
This builds familiarity with your brand and drives more people to explore your site directly. Over time, it helps you develop repeat customers and grow your audience.
Final Thought
Building a website is a great step to grow your business online, but it is only part of the picture. Promotion is what turns your website into a real business tool; one that brings in visitors, enquiries, and sales.
Even implementing just a few of these tips can make a real difference. If you are not sure where to begin, start small, track what works, and build from there. And if you need a hand, we are always happy to help.
As well as a hand held service, all our customers receive a copy of our marketing tips book which gives you lots of tips and advice on this on how to succeed online.
We are a team of 6 hard working creative, technical, and client focused individuals. We're big enough to deliver, yet small enough to care and get to know each client individually.
Need help selling online?
From providing you with a beautiful website, to training and support; we can help you sell online easily.
"When I started to look around at companies to change over from my old web site Antiques Web Design by ph9 came highly recommended. They are happy to meet and chat about who they are, what they do, and more importantly what you require. They got us up and running in a very short space of time and helped out in many ways giving advice, helping with technical questions and talking to us in a way the average person would understand it . They are always ready to take your call in a friendly, bright & cheerful manner regardless of what the issues are. They go the extra steps to make sure you’re happy. We can’t recommend them enough."
Britton at War
Steve Britton
Web design with a personal touch
Website design for militaria dealers made easy with a focus on growing your business online