LinkedIn Questions and Answers

I don't answer many LinkedIn Questions, but this one prompted my response:

Promoting a website to a specific demographic

My Wife runs a Mother, Father and Baby Website and is different from the usual Free Hosted sites, plastered in adverts. Her site is free and for Mums and Dads only, no dating customers etc. Its free from Advertising etc at present. It receives approximately 3m page views per month.

Can anyone advise me on the best way to promote her site to new mums etc over the world apart from using the normal Google search...

Richard Foleher, Siemens Senior Account Manager within the Rocom Group

My Answer (deemed #1, Winning, Expert)

So little time and so much content, especially on the web! For free placements and fast attention, I always suggest creating and posting a video (keep it short, entertaining and relevant). You can upload the video to YouTube, embed it on your website and make it part of your viral and press release marketing. Be sure to tell people that if they like what they see, you want them as "Ambassadors" or "Evangelists" and to "pass it on".

Also, if you have some marketing budget to work with, you can rent email lists from most of the major magazines in your target market. Find them on your favorite newstand (or google them, if you prefer), contact them. Some may even work with you on a trade basis. Use a simple email program like ConstantContact and promote your site directly to your target audience.

Another thought: if you want to remain FREE and free from advertising, there are plenty of consumer goods manufacturers out there looking for product placement to elevate their brand. Find relevant products, contact the mfg'er and see if they'd like to work with you. (Example: Think of the car nameplates and soda can labels you see in TV shows now!)

Hope this helps...I write about this stuff on my blog, too.