Okay! In part three of this topic I said, "don't chase after all those cool widgets". Now I'm going to tell you that widgets, gadgets and social media tools can be good for your site.

No, no. I'm not contradicting what I said above. Work with me, here.

When the internet was really starting to draw users in to surf websites it was perfectly fine to create a static, brochure-type website. Companies basically took their printed brochures, made them into web pages, and made the occasional updates when services or prices changed.

Pay Attention to Me!

On today's internet, we're inundated with information from multiple sources that are clamoring for our attention. To compete for your audience's attention, your site needs to be active: an avenue for you to interact with your audience on a regular basis. Staying static (ie, never changing your site's content) can kill your website.

So, once you have your website completed and online, you need to find ways to keep your information fresh.

This is where you get to go back and review all those cool new things you found lying around the web and find ways to use them to your marketing advantage.

Social Media Widgets

Using social media tools to not only speak to your audience, but also speak with them - and allow them to communicate with you - will help keep your site and information fresh and in front of them. Social media venues like Facebook and Twitter are great ways to start a fan base and spread your message virally.

There are widgets available (yes, they are called widgets) that will allow you to have your most up-to-date status and tweets appear directly on your website. This will help keep your site content fresh and updated, and can also allow your visitors to post their comments and responses there, as well, allowing you to keep in touch with them and stay on their radars.

Rinse, Review & Repeat

It's good practice to review your website on a regular basis to figure out if your tools are still drawing the attention, and audience, you want. If your current tools aren't working, go back to that list and find new ways to share your message.

There are many options out there, but don't let the sheer magnitude of options weigh you down. Take your time; do your research; and keep your list of options to return to regularly.

As I noted in part one of this series, it's not the gadgets and gizmos that will make your site great.

Keep your message - and your tools - simple and consistent and you will keep your visitors coming back for more.