What does networking have to do with a website, SEO, or marketing? Well, if you think outside the box a little you may begin to understand. You are in business because you offer something different, better or unique. Other businesses are not your competition. Joining forces with other businesses is a way to sell more of your products or services. By cross-selling, servicing or networking with others, you may find new ideas or a better way to market your product. Build or join a good networking group or community either online or in your community.
Networking groups can do the following:
- Increase your website traffic significantly
- Add highly targeted leads customer list
- Give a boost to your online sales
How Does This Work?
We all have customers. So, why not join (or start) a network of business leaders that helps build each other up. You can keep your business thriving and growing by sharing ideas, experiences of what worked and maybe what didn’t work. Gain access to others’ knowledge and experience in marketing and you may find good, sound recommendations for your business as well. The benefits of networking can be immensely helpful.
How to Find the Best Business Network Partner
Now that you know why you want to partner with high-quality business leaders like yourself, you need to figure out who you’re going to reach out to. To do this on the web, you need to ensure the following three things:
- Does the business website get traffic?
- Are they on social media?
- Does the business engage their audience?
Gather A List Of Websites or Businesses In Your Area of Expertise
Develop a list of potential businesses that you might share the same or complimentary services or products. Start by doing searches in Google for phrases that are in your niche or specialty. If you know you refer business to another business quite often, contact them and see if they are willing to reciprocate. You can even share links to each others website to promote referrals.
Say you’re an automotive repair shop. You do business with other types of repair shops, body shops, parts stores, etc. You probably already refer people to their businesses as well. Ask if they would mind doing the same whenever possible. You will know where your referrals come from when you ask, “How did you hear about us?” to your clients. Make sure to let that business or person know you appreciate the referral. An easy way to say “thank you” is to send one back to them. Trading business is a great way to network and build two businesses with one referral partner!
You just need to look around and see who has similar or complimentary offerings to yours. Establish a good relationship, then help them promote their work, and they help you promote yours.
As long as you share mutual commitment to send business on Facebook, Twitter, your website and in person, The key here is: The bigger the pool, the more sales you have.
Promoting and marketing are hard work, but not so hard if you have some help from your networking partners.