Definition of Internet Marketing and How to Use It to Build Your Home Business By Randy Duermyer Updated August 12, 20...
Definition of Internet Marketing and How to Use It to
Build Your Home Business
Updated
August 12, 2016
Definition
of Internet Marketing:
The most
basic explanation of Internet marketing is any sort of advertising, promotion,
or marketing tactic used online. This includes promotional websites, email
marketing, and social media.
The goal of
Internet marketing includes:
- Communicate a company's message
about itself, its products, or its services.
- Conduct research as to the
nature (demographics, preferences, and needs) of existing and potential
customers.
- Sell goods, services, or
advertising space over the Internet.
Sometimes
someone may tell you they have an Internet marketing business, but unless they
offer services to help people market online, that's not exactly true. Internet
marketing is simply another avenue for promoting your business the same as
off-line tactics.
Why Market Online
For a time,
the Internet was seen as a novelty and while some innovative businesses used it
to promote their products and services, most existing businesses ignored it.
Today however, ignoring the Internet in growing your business would be a fatal
mistake. Consumers use the Internet to find information and resources, and if
you're not there, they won't find you. Even if you have a local business listed
in the Yellow Pages, odds are your customers will still go to the Internet
before their phone book.
Marketing
online has many other benefits including:
- Affordability: Many online
marketing strategies are free (i.e. social media marketing) or very low
cost.
- Reach: This is especially true
if you business doesn't have to be limited to your local area. The Internet
reaches around the world.
- Always working: The Internet
never sleeps. Night owls can learn about your business and even buy from
you even while you're sleeping.
- Focus in on your target market.
It's easy to find your target market online so you can save time
and money on marketing strategies to speak directly to your most likely
buyers.
Internet Marketing Strategies
When it
comes to marketing online, you have many choices. Here are
just a few options:
- Website/Blog: Every business
should have a website or blog. It can be an online storefront, or at the
very least a hub that potential clients and customers can find to learn
about and contact you.
- Search engine marketing (SEM): While you
don't want to rely solely on search engines to deliver potential clients
and customers to your website, you don't want to ignore it either. SEO is an easy way to help search engines
list you so your market can find you. Or you can pay to have your site
highlighted on search engines.
- Email: Every business should
have an email list. It's the best way to stay in
touch and build a relationship with your prospects and customers.
- Social media: Consumers use
social media to learn about your products and services, find great deals,
get help and more. Social media marketing is an excellent way
to find your market and build a relationship with it.
- Guest writing: Writing articles
or guest blog posts is a free way to get in front of someone else's market
and show off your expertise.
- Affiliate programs: Offering compensation to
others who promote your products and services on your behalf is not only
affordable (you only pay when you have results), but also a great way to
exponentially spread the word. Instead of you just you promoting, you'll
have a team of sales people.
- Paid advertising: There are
many options for getting your ads online including text or banner ads on
other websites, advertising through other websites' email lists, and
pay-per-click promotions (i.e. Google Adwords or Facebook Ads).
Anytime you
can get your message in front of your market is good. One goal many people hope
for when marketing online is to create a viral marketing campaign.Great blog content, videos and social media that have visual
interests are some of the best options for encouraging sharing.
Also Known
As: online
marketing, web marketing, website promotion, online business, Internet business
Updated June
2016 Leslie Truex
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