Web 1.0 – Websites prior to the end of the “dot-com bubble burst,” so the web prior to 2001. We’re talking about static websites that operate more as shop fronts telling visitors about stuff but not really encouraging interactivity.
Web 2.0 – The second-generation of the internet and internet-based services. These tools are based around interactivity, information-sharing, collaboration and social media.
Many small businesses are still operating in the world of Web 1.0: they simply see their website as a resource for people to go to, or a brochure. If you are one of those businesses then you should think about moving on to Web 2.0. The rest of the world is already there. Why aren’t you?
Marketing in Web 2.0 is a whole different ball-game. It’s not just about giving people information but it’s about getting people involved and participating. Communication is no longer a one way street. You can’t just stick something in print and hope that people will see it. Marketing Web 2.0 style is a conversation.
Some Web 2.0 Hallmarks:
Blogging
A blog is not just a diary; it’s a way of interacting with people and getting them on your side. A regularly up-dated, well written blog can drastically increase your business. It is a way of reaching out to people and increasing customer loyalty. A good blog can establish that you are someone is authoritative in your field. You can demonstrate that you are an expert. This should drive business and interest in you…..globally.
A blog can easily be integrated into your website. If you are using a free website builder, you should definitely be able to combine your blog and your site.
Social Media
Web 2.0 is all about social media: Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, MySpace, Bebo, StumbleUpon, Digg, Del.icio.us and on and on. There are also smaller communities and forums forever springing up all over the place. You need to find out what social media will work for your business and start using it. Remember, there are 500 million people on Facebook – that’s a lot of people. Where else except on the internet would you have the opportunity for reaching so many people, for free.
Community Participation
This is important. You can’t just expect people to come to you; you need to participate in the world. Use media like MySpace and Facebook to make your own pages, comment on other people’s blogs, make your own website, monitor forums that are relevant to your business and post on them. This may seem like a lot of work but an hour spent a day, or even every other day, participating with other people can seriously increase your visibility and your business. After all, put yourself in your customer’s shoes – would you rather give business to someone you don’t know or to a friend?
Information, Content & Tool Sharing
Sharing is as important as participation. You don’t only want to share information about your own business but share other information as well. Obviously you don’t need to go around promoting your competition but you can share information about things that complement your own business. This builds up customer trust – people know that you’re not just out for yourself but you want to help them out as much as you can. You can install various scripts and plug-ins to your browser that will enable you to easily share information via social media.
You should also make it as easy as possible for other people to share your information. Have buttons on your pages (and your blog posts if you have a blog) that enable people to share things via social media. If a person with 300 friends on Facebook shares it that’s another 300 people who are seeing your message, without you having to do any work.
All of this might appear daunting but get over any reservations and you’ll find a powerful marketing tool that is free, intuitive and rewarding. As with many things in life - you get out what you put in. Learn about Web 2.0, embrace it and see your business grow.
