The main problem with your website is that it is an earthworm.

It only extends in one direction.

You have to be more like an octopus.

Reach in multiple directions.

I think this is the biggest mistake online entrepreneurs make today.

They have a WEBSITE… when what they really need is a web PRESENCE.

Consider these three trends:

Competence. The web is no longer owned by the elite, techies, or big business. Any ten year old with a modest understanding of how the Internet works can set up a website in less than half an hour! This means that the barriers to entry are almost non-existent.

WATCH THIS: If you’re not building your web presence, chances are your competitors ARE.

options Customers have more options than ever before. This means that they are going to look for the best. And in their minds, “best” probably means “first hit on Google.” So without a powerful web presence, you will end up on page 11 of a search that never ended because the customer chose the first company on the list and called them for a day.

WATCH THIS: If you’re not first, you’re last! (Thanks Ricky Bobby)

Communication. Instant messaging, email, search engines, blog directories, social bookmarking software, RSS feeds, widgets, blog comments…these are just some of the ways customers will find you. You see, the nature of the web allows people to get information according to THEIR needs and THEIR learning style. So if there’s only ONE way to contact you, Mr. Worm, you’ve just turned away a LOT of potential customers!

WATCH THIS: If they can’t locate you, they’ll just move on to the next guy.

Taking these three trends into account, there is no doubt: you need a web presence.

If you want to make your business more accessible electronically, remember these three tips from Tentacle:

TENTACLE TIP #1: Post

The most effective tool to expand your web presence is through writing. Whether it’s through blogs, articles, or message boards, your unique voice needs to be available, delivering value on a regular basis. More importantly, everything you write needs a built-in feedback mechanism that filters readers back to your baseline.

REMEMBER: writing is the basis of all wealth. So while you don’t have to like it, you still have to!

TENTACLE TIP #2: Experiment

The list of social networking sites, blogging platforms, and other online communities is growing exponentially. Some are great, some suck. So, be open to trying out new ways to expand your web presence on a regular basis.

REMEMBER: Keep a close eye on the leaders in your industry. Emulate (don’t imitate) their octopus behavior and stick with what works for you.

TENTACLE TIP #3: Network

Once you have spread your tentacles to various sources, you need to interconnect them. To do this, set up your own neighborhood online. Create a landing page that cross-promotes each of your websites. You could even create a toolbar, icon set, or “network menu” at the top of each of your sites. This keeps the client aware of their multiple sites, plus demonstrates the diversification of value.

REMEMBER: You can’t expect customers to connect the dots. Grab them by their shirt collars, pull them close and show them what you’ve got!

Look, it’s 2007, Holmes.

Having a website is no longer enough.

Considering these trends in web competition, choice, and communication, the bottom line is this:

You need to be everywhere.

LET ME ASK THIS…

Are you an octopus or an earthworm?

LET ME SUGGEST THIS…

For the list called “46 Marketing Mistakes Your Business Is (Probably) Making,” email me and I’ll send you the list for free.