If a tree falls in the woods but nobody hears it, does it make a sound?

The real question should be: if a website has great content and important information, but nobody finds it, does it make a difference?

Most businesses realize the importance of timely, accurate, and interesting content for their website, but many don’t actually take the time to see how their site performs, and, subsequently, if their content is seeing the light of day  …er… computer screens. There are easy ways to learn about two important “V’s” in web world: visitors and visibility.

Search Thyself

Want to know how you are viewed on the web? Then search thyself! Search your company, your competitors, even yourself. Where are you in the results? Are you on the first page or lost in the nether region? What about your reputation?  Has someone posted a negative review of your business? Or, worse yet, has that picture from the office party made it onto someone’s social network account? Those results can help you develop an effective web strategy and get in the game!

Batter Up!

Prepare your site before stepping up to the ‘virtual plate’. Just like a baseball player needs quick reflexes, good eyes, speed, and muscle, you’ll need tools to make sure your site is ready to perform.  Why? You both need hits to win! Good content and a site that is optimized are a must. This very deliberate process is called SEO, or search engine optimization.  Web analytics are the way to keep score (and find out about your visitors). It won’t hurt to have a good third base coach (say a certain web, media, and marketing company!) to guide you along the way. And, unlike an athlete, you can “juice” your performance by adding some well planned internet marketing too!

The first question of the New Year should be: ‘Has your site been optimized to get the most hits possible’?