By L. Drew Gerber

There’s a veritable ocean of products and services on the Internet right now to help business owners succeed.

As an owner of a full-service PR firm and creator of a successful PR training program, I’ve had the opportunity to test these products and services. Here’s a list of some of the most cost-effective tools found on the Internet that can boost your business, and your bottom line.

1) Social Networking

Free social networking sites, such as LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter, offer companies endless possibilities to publicize their products and services. Social networking connects you with potential customers, existing customers and partners to build your business. It allows you to get a feel for what is happening in your market and to provide excellent customer service.

2) Query Services

Free services such as http://www.PitchRate.com can help you get valuable media coverage. Sign up and you will receive free daily opportunities via email to speak with the media about topics and trends in the news.

3) Media Lists

Research journalists and their work, and then prepare a list of journalists’ emails and contact information. Use Google and free sites like http://www.usnpl.com to find the publications or media outlets that best fit your expertise.

4) Databases

Sites like http://www.searchpresskits.com provide a database of online press kits for journalists to search through when looking for an expert source. With over 55,000 journalists a month scouring the database, an online press kit is a simple must-have for your business.

5) Article Portals

Free article portals allow you to post expert articles on the Web to promote your business. They offer a great opportunity for you to implement your SEO marketing plan by writing articles with specific keywords that will drive more traffic to your Web site.

6) Video Portals

Post videos to free portals like YouTube and Metacafe to increase your Web site traffic. Many of these portals will allow you to link to your site as well as offer a cool platform to market your business.

7) Press Release Portals

Free press release distribution sites like http://www.1888pressrelease.com allow you to post press releases on the Web related to your business and its happenings. They offer another great opportunity to implement your SEO marketing plan and gain attention for you business.

8) Social Bookmarking

Much like social networking sites, social bookmarking offers a network for consumers to share Web sites they like and find relevant. It’s important to make sure your Web site is listed so consumers find it and ‘bookmark’ it for others.

9) Niche Networking

Niche Networking is social networking for a specific group. All types of groups are represented, making this a great opportunity to gain the attention of your target audience.

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L. Drew Gerber is CEO of www.PublicityResults.com and creator of www.PitchRate.com, a free media tool that connects journalists and the highest rated experts. Gerber’s business practices and staffing innovations have been revered by PR Week, Good Morning America and the Christian Science Monitor. His companies handle international PR campaigns and his staff develops online press kits for authors, speakers and companies with Online PressKit 24/7, a technology he developed (www.PressKit247.com). Contact L. Drew Gerber at: AskDrew@PublicityResults.com or call him at 828-749-3182.

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Friday, March 5th, 2010, 7:04 am   |   Internet, Marketing Techniques  |  RSS feed |  Respond  |  Trackback