Publishing Your Website Offline

It’s amazing how often you’ll be given a business card and find that the company’s website address isn’t included. An online presence is an integral part of a brand; in fact, for a growing segment of the population, the website is the primary source of information about a company so it is critical that it’s highlighted on all company communications.

The moment a website goes live, its URL should be on all business cards, stationery, faxes, and invoices. Marketing materials should incorporate the website address with the company’s contact information. Printed materials like brochures, newsletters, flyers, even coupons and annual reports should have it prominently displayed.

When launching (or re-launching) a company website, one way to publicize it is by making the address visible on every piece of company merchandise that is either sold or given away. Customers love promotional giveaways and they are an inexpensive way to firmly link the website with the company brand. Items that are used in an office setting, and therefore presumably near a computer, can be especially effective; think mouse pads, coffee mugs, and tension balls.

Finally, don’t forget that publicizing a website can often mean publishing it. The website should be on all press releases and company publications. One of the most overlooked and no-cost ways to get the site’s address out to the public is to make sure it is included in the company’s official ‘signature’ at the bottom of every outgoing email. By including it as a live hyperlink in the template, not only will the website be promoted with every e-mail – it will also be immediately available to every person who sees it.