I knew this one would get your attention. How can you, the savvy business entrepreneur, get FREE ANYTHING from your competition? The answer is simple: Google!
Yes, there are many things that Google can solve. As listed above, they are providing their users with endless utilities to help you in your web search. So how can they help you with your site? Watch this:
Go to Google (http://www.google.com) and type in the following, exactly as shown, using your business URL in place of the example
link:www.yourwebsite.com
The results show you a listing of all sites that link to your site. While chances are your competition will not be listed, you can get an overview of the 'type' of websites that link to you. If there are a bunch of similar sites, that can help you with your marketing and target advertising in the future.
Now here's where the fun begins. Now that you know who links to you, check out the competition. Put in those guys down the street who provide the same service you do.
link:www.theirwebsite.com
Who's linking to them? Are there some big names listed that you WISH were linking to you? You may find out that getting your name on that list is easier than you thought. Sometimes a simple email to the webmaster will get you added to the list. The more quality businesses that link to you, the higher your search engine results climb.
Are there businesses that link to your competition that you didn't know exist? Maybe you can get a cheaper rate on parts, or better service from a vendor on that list. The possibilities are there, investigate!
Want another idea? Go to your competition's website. Are they offering a service ONLINE that you only wish you could? Are they offering a custom login or other special feature that you don't have? Maybe you should consider offering those items to your customers.
Give your customers something that keeps them coming back. Whether it's an online newsletter, a simple coupon, or other feature, get it online.
Have fun learning from your competition, and good luck on increasing that bottom line!
About the Author
Will Hanke is a self-proclaimed geek who owns and operates Lighthouse Technologies (www.techlh.com), a web development and hosting company based in Arnold, Missouri. For questions or comments, email him at will@techlh.com. And buy yourself a good virus program so he doesn't have to fight your emails with anti-virus spray.
Favorite Desserts For A Diabetic Husband It's easier than you think to create delicious desserts for your diabetic husband. When I had to get right down to it the ideas came flying at me out of my kitc...
The Importance Of Cell Phones In Modern Society Cell phones have become a necessity for many people throughout the world. The ability to keep in touch with family, business associates, and access to email ar...
Euro Tax Haven Threat Media reporting of an EU tax directive, effective from July 1, suggests the European tax havens of Monaco and Andorra could be under threat. Tribune Properties ...
How to Sell Your House by Lease Options Many people buy a house then have to move within a few years, due to divorce, relocation or financial difficulties. Without any equity though, it can be nearly ...
Resistance to Change One of the paradoxes that we live with is that we are life, life is change the words mean the same. As conscious human beings, why do we fight change when it is...
A Brief History of Fender Guitars A brief overview of the history of the Fender Guitar Company. The article defines certain mile-stones in the company's history from its birth to the present day...
Constipation: A Serious Health Concern Over two thirds of the population is constipated. However, the majority of people do not equate their inability to have a bowel movement as contributing to the...
Balancing Your Hormones Naturally -- What To Do First Balancing Your Hormones Naturally - What To Do First By: Dr. Loretta Lanphier, ND, CN, HHP, CH One of the questions that I frequently get asked is "What steps d...
The Good, The Bad and The Ugly Change can be bad and ugly, but, lessons
learned, can make life beautiful. Loss and
grief are stepping stones to good.Optimists tend
to see the good, the beau...
Anger: To Control or To Learn Many of us will do anything to avoid another's anger, yet may be quick to anger ourselves. Many of us dread another's anger yet continue to use our own anger as...
Internet Marketing, Fact Or Fiction? I'm sure you've seen it before, your inbox overflowing with promises of making millions in the span of a few weeks. If your like me you have these "opportuniti...
Trusting Yourself and Others How come, as women, we always second-guess ourselves? Are we not confident to choose a mate that has the characteristics of what we yearn for or start and opera...
Reflections in the Glass Ceiling Why do we still have so few women filling the top jobs in corporate America? New research indicates that the results may surprise you...
Are you suffering from Depression? Article gives brief overview of Depression, symptoms and some possible physical causes of this potentially disabling illness.
Using Your Intuition A sudden lead or intuition comes to you in a quick moment. Do you follow your intuition or do you allow doubt and reason to step in?
Christening and Baptism Favor Ideas Christening or baptism ceremonies are an important event in a child's life. Show your guests your appreciation by getting the right baptism favors.
The Point of Acupuncture Goes Beyond Needles "Say acupuncture. People think needles. Acupuncture is not so much about the needles as it about balancing the body's energy system or qi..." A general introd...
Print this page