How to build your online brand for next to nothing

I recently participated in a webinar presented by Paul Wallbank called 'How to build your online brand for next to nothing', part of the NSW Government Micro Business Week.

Despite the few technical hiccups and the appalling sound quality, I was able to glean a few tips and thought I'd share them with you here...

• Use as many social media networking sites as possible: Facebook, LinkedIn, Blogs (Paul recommended Blogger as it can also be sued as a website management tool)
• Develop an online profile - and regularly update it
• There are lots of free web hosting services out there, all varying in quality. Getting Aussie Business provides very basic website templates free of charge so could be an ideal place to start if you are a little short of cash
• Think about the key words you use to describe your product or service - these are picked up by search engines and determine how highly your site is ranked
• Register your business with Google places
• Submit your business details to True Local, Yellow Pages and other directory
• Develop a company LinkedIn profile page
• Keep your personal and professional pages separate if possible - or make sure you moderate what goes on the pages. Potential customers may not want to see you dancing on tables at your best friend's stag do
• Register for Google alerts and keep up to date with developments in your industry
• Add toggles to your website for Blog Digger, Ice Rocket, Four Square, Twitalyser and Technorati, for example

Of all of the points that Paul raised during the seminar, keeping your content updated and current is the most important. The more active a website is, the higher it is ranked.