Avoid the 15 Biggest Marketing Mistakes in 2010, Part 2

As a marketer are you prepared for the challenges of 2010?

This is the second in a series of marketing mistakes to avoid in 2010. Find post on mistakes number 1 and 2 on December 7.

3. Designing your Web site for you instead of your customer.

Is your Web site a glowing billboard about your company and its products? Or is it a welcoming place where visitors can be educated, quickly find what they want and convey the impression that they come first? Your Web site is a 24/7 engagement and sales tool. Engagement means giving them something of value. More than 80% of people looking for information, a product or service begin with a Web search. Does your site have an appealing appearance, easy navigation and helpful content designed for the visitor? Do you add fresh content of value at least once a week?

4. Ignoring social media outlets.

Social interactions on the Web are the new model for networking. Nothing beats face to face networking, but social media allows millions of people to communicate, build trust,buy products and create new relationships. The secret is in linking your social media outlets and the messages you create there to more in-depth information on your Web site. This builds greater awareness of your business and increases inbound links to your site, a critical factor in building your reputation for Google searches. Just Google your company name or your key product or service and see what you find.

Jim Thebeau

CEO, Henry Russell Bruce