The amount of money you earn is directly related to how much you promote your USVoice business. Although we’ll use best practices to draw traffic to the site, you should proactively market your expertise to ensure you maintain a steady revenue stream. With regular marketing, sound advice and good service delivery, you’ll develop a loyal user base and valuable word-of-mouth promotion.

The following list outlines the “Top 10” of marketing tactics and ideas for you to start generating calls:

1. Web Site Creation.

If you can, develop your own web site that links to USVoice. You don’t need to have anything fancy or complicated; just a page or two that identifies who you are, what you do, how users will benefit from your advice, and how they reach you through USVoice. You can use a number of easy and affordable services offered by Internet Service Providers.

2. Search Engine Submissions.

After you develop your page, register it with the various search engines. Several free services exist for you to do this on your own. Do a search on “free search engine submission” in your browser for an idea of what’s available. Check with your ISP too since they most likely offer these services.

3. Company Identity Materials.

Use business cards and letterhead to list your site. Numerous online printers are available for you to produce high-quality, low-cost materials. You can select from a ready-made design or customize your own cards and letterhead. Just make sure you include your Web site (if you have one) and/or the USVoice web site. List your USVoice contact numbers as well.

4. Public Relations.

PR is the cheapest, and often most effective, form of promotion in which you can engage. If you’re a decent writer, get some samples online of press release formats and content. Then, develop a release announcing your new business. Submit the release to media your target audience would use. Using online resources, you can write and distribute your press release via e-mail quickly, easily and at no cost. However, make sure you tailor the content of your release to the requirements of each particular media. For example, you want editors to find the information useful for their audience.

Also, read each media outlet’s submittal requirements. You have a much better chance of getting your release picked-up if you respect editorial staffs’ time.

You can also use your expertise to write articles. If you haven’t published an article in a media outlet that targets your audience, you may be surprised to find how receptive editors may be. Remember the suggestions above…know the target publication inside-out before you approach an editor. You don’t want to waste your time or theirs if your article is not a good fit or your content is of no interest to their audience.

5. E-Mail Marketing.

Tailor a message of interest to your target audience and distribute it via e-mail. You can use one of the many online e-mail distribution services to help you produce and deliver. This tactic works best when you customize your own mailing list rather than purchase a ready-made list. Several online e-mail distribution services will not allow you to use a purchased list. And all e-mail services have very strict guidelines against spam. If you comply with the service’s requirements, have an opt-in, targeted list, and a compelling message, you will find e-mail marketing very worthwhile.

6. List Building.

To start building your prospect list, offer a mailing list sign-up on your web site. You can provide newsletters, tips, new products announcements, etc. to your list on a regular basis. With good planning, offers and follow-through, you’ll see your list grow quickly and easily.

You can also create a blog on your site to provide useful information to prospects. The goal is to collect prospect contact information whenever possible. You need to make it easy and beneficial for someone to join your list. And, make sure you do provide a valuable benefit to those who sign-up, or you’ll be getting a bunch of opt-outs!

7. Promotions.

Depending on your industry and target market, you may consider offering promotions as a means of generating interest. You can offer discounted and free services, a gift, special offers, or a contest

8. Advertising.

Check out running ads on complementary web sites. Put your name on every list you can find. Link to as many other sites as you can. And, whenever possible, run ads on other sites. These ads can consist of Pay Per Click (PPC) ads on Yahoo or Google. Google adwords can be helpful and inexpensive since you pay only if potential customers click on your link. You should list your service on eBay, Craigslist and other selling venues. Look into affiliate opportunities too.

9. Social Media.

If you haven’t already, join as many online social networking groups as possible…Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, etc. Develop a presentation video and put it on YouTube. Don’t forget to link to these sites. Put your URL as your signature on all correspondence.

10. Network.

Use traditional venues for networking. Consider joining professional organizations, industry forums, local clubs, etc. Tell as many people as possible about your USVoice service.

You’ll find a wealth of help online that’s affordable and effective when marketing your service. Do regular searches on “how to promote online business” to get the latest ideas. The more you market yourself, the greater your success!