Here is a great story about how to build your online presence. 

BY HOPE RURIK

THE DAILY IBERIAN

Google for Web and mobile devices is another way consumers are searching for and finding goods and services, according to search engine optimization specialist Lyn Askin.

The Iberia Industrial Development Foundation has been collaborating for more than a decade with the Small Business Development Center to offer seminars and services from resources outside of New Iberia.

Approximately 35 business owners attended the luncheon asking questions about Facebook and what the most important aspects of a successful Web site are.

Askin, who owns the company SEO Expert, said 83 percent of households are using the Internet to find local products and services. He emphasized that people are looking for local services, not just buying from remote online stores like Amazon.

However, the self-proclaimed computer nerd said building a Web site without any other marketing to grow traffic is like buying space on a billboard in the middle of the desert.

He said most people find services through search engines, like Google, and by making a Web site more appealing to the tools those search engines use to scan Web sites helps businesses to rank higher in those searched.

Relevant keywords in a site’s title tag as well as throughout the Web site are one of the most important aspects for business sites followed by off-page activity like links to the site from outside blog sites or social media sites like Facebook and Twitter.

Another way make a site appear more credible to search engines is to utilize online business directories posted by newspapers or independent databases like CitySearch. Databases are an effective way to create external links to a site, Askin said.

Askin said creating content on a page that is valuable and informative will not only make a business owner a resource and authority within their market, but will also serve provide content that people, consumers, want to share.

“The best business is referral business, right?” said Askin.

Askin told business owners about several tools to help drive traffic to Web sites and track that traffic.

He encouraged businesses to be proactive and educate themselves on the trends and capabilities the Internet provides.

“Technology empowers small business,” he said. “You can appear to be as big as you want, and can level the playing field by

being a student of Internet marketing.”