Want to grow your offline business, start a business, or market your services? Online marketing is the way to go. It helps you reach a broader audience, sell, connect, and much more. While internet marketing may seem complicated, once you understand the fundamentals you can build on that knowledge as your needs grow and change. Let’s take a look at the basics of online marketing.
Your Website
The foundation for your business online is a website. You must have an online presence these days to succeed on the internet. It only makes sense. Now your “website” can take several different forms. It can be a blog, a brochure site, or even a storefront.
The type of website you build depends largely on your business model. There are a lot of options so if it becomes too overwhelming we suggest you get the advice from an online marketing coach or a company that does website design. You can also use the web to do research on your own but this method might take you longer.
SEO – Search Engine Optimization
Great, you have a website. Now what? Now you need people to visit your website and you accomplish that with what’s called “SEO.” It’s a strategy that embraces keywords and keyword phrases to attract the attention of the search engines, which in turn helps your prospects find you. This is what all online businesses strive for. You want to be found on at least the first two pages on any web search. After that it’s difficult to get the attention of people doing the search for your specific keywords.
For example, if someone wants to buy a new big screen television they might type “Big Screen Television Reviews” into their search engine of choice, Google for example. If you’ve optimized your site for that keyword phrase, they may find your site and stop by for a visit. If your site is built for conversion then you have a good chance at getting that person to stay and possibly purchase from you and not your competition.
Email Marketing
What does a visitor do once they’ve stopped by your website? How do you ensure you are able to connect with them, motivate them to visit again, or trigger a purchase? You get their email address. Then you have the ability to connect with them on a consistent basis and build a relationship, sell products or services, and provide value. There are different ways to gather email addresses. You might offer a free report or book that is delivered digitally. You might ask them to become a free member or to subscribe to your newsletter. We recommend using AWeber as an option.
Social Marketing
Social marketing involves connecting with your prospects on social sites like a blog, Facebook, Twitter, and even Pinterest. The key is to provide value in the form of thoughtful commentary, information, and sometimes by entertaining. You build a relationship of trust and authority which in turn motivates visits to your website and/or purchases.
All of these elements are tactics that can work effectively together. For example, you can promote your newsletter on your Facebook page. The key to making them all work well together is to create an online marketing strategy. Online marketing is a powerful way to build any type of business. Learn the fundamentals and thrive!
If you are looking for assistance with online marketing, social media or website development contact us today. We offer both coaching and consulting and our experience will save you time and money.
Comments (0)
Wendi Kelly-Life's Little Inspirations
very informative tips. We also use Aweber and refer it to our clients as well, although there are several out there that are also good. I really just depends on the needs of the client and the budget they are working in.
Wendi Kelly-Life's Little Inspirations
very informative tips. We also use Aweber and refer it to our clients as well, although there are several out there that are also good. I really just depends on the needs of the client and the budget they are working in.
Angela Todd
You know, somehow I’ve never seen SEO described so simply and straightforwardly! Thank yoU! I get the cause-and-effect of it! I’m off to twiddle with my web site now. x a
Wanda Baader
Angela I’m glad you found it helpful.
Angela Todd
You know, somehow I’ve never seen SEO described so simply and straightforwardly! Thank yoU! I get the cause-and-effect of it! I’m off to twiddle with my web site now. x a
Wanda Baader
Angela I’m glad you found it helpful.
Elaine Wellman
Wanda your posts are always so refreshingly clear and easy to understand. Amen to that! This is a great 101 overview and simple to follow. Thanks!
Elaine Wellman
Wanda your posts are always so refreshingly clear and easy to understand. Amen to that! This is a great 101 overview and simple to follow. Thanks!
Jennifer Truesdale
Great tips Wanda! The world of online marketing can be very overwhelming, especially when first getting started. I love how you’ve explained things here!
Jennifer Truesdale
Great tips Wanda! The world of online marketing can be very overwhelming, especially when first getting started. I love how you’ve explained things here!