As promised, here are 5 common-sense things each small business website owner should do after their site goes live.

This list isn't comprehensive, but it is extremely practical. I have blogged about social media's importance to the small business for a long time. I haven't previously touted Google Places, but it is definitely a good thing.

1. Go Local

Submit your business to Google Places, Yahoo Local and Bing Local to stake a claim for your business in your area. This will get great results when people are searching for your business on the Internet.

2. Do a local Adwords Google campaign

A Google Adwords campaign creates a link to your site in the right hand column next to search results on Google. Google distinguishes between these links, which are purchased on a pay-per-click basis (which means you pay a few cents every time someone clicks the link), and organic results by labeling them "sponsored links." Although ideally you'll want your site to be listed near the top of the organic results as well, these links increase your visibility even more and help you wrangle up all the local search traffic in your market.

3. Start a Facebook page

If you haven't already, start your own Facebook page. It is a great way to connect with current and future customers. Stay active with it, and don't give up. It can be a very cost effective and beneficial form of advertising for your small business. Then advertise it on your business cards, website and printed materials.

4. Start a Twitter account

For the same reasons as starting a Facebook page, this is also an excellent medium for staying in touch with customers. If you don't understand it, get your son or daughter to be your official social media guru. Just make sure they don't embarrass you with silly teen tweets. :)

For more information about Twitter, see Twitter 101 for the Small Business Owner and Small Business Marketing On The Cheap.

5. Submit a press release

This is probably one of the best things you can do for your site. It creates high-visibility through relevant links to your site. Search engines love press releases, so make sure you get a package that includes some type of SEO. You'll be amazed at the longevitiy a single press release can have over the course of several years.

For more information about press releases, see Social Media, PR and the Small Business and Small Business Marketing On The Cheap.