You’re getting close to launching your web application (“web app”) and now you are starting to think about how to get customers to sign up. Click the image above for a few ideas about how to do just that.

Take a Lesson from the Colts
By Tracy Smith

The number of new corporate web sites launched each year is rising astronomically. To stand out in this sea of .com's, your team can take a few tips from this Colts Superbowl year.

Plan Ahead. Don't begin thinking about how you will get the word out about your new web site two weeks before it is due to launch. Just as in football, a well-played plan is one you have spent time developing. Your company should begin strategizing how you will market the web site as soon as you have solidified the development plan. Once you know who you will be targeting to and what the site will provide to this audience, you are armed with information you can build a marketing campaign around, and have it ready and working well before the launch date.

You have your corporate ID package, a website and are doing search engine advertising using ReachLocal.com. You have an excellent PR program in place that includes an nTarget.com-based email newsletter, guest speaking and media relations. And, you are working feverishly to retain the customers you have. You are, right?

Then, it is time to ramp up the marketing noise with advertising. From Professor Hoover's Advertising 101 file, here are a few things you need to ask before you launch that ad campaign.