Internet marketing (or online marketing) refers to advertising and marketing efforts that use the Web and email to drive traffic to your website and that will ultimately result in a new client or sale.
Internet marketing is a little different from traditional marketing, however, it uses the same concepts and you can use them together for best results. One example is Kalahari’s new Christmas ad. This online company is cleverly targeting the right people at the right time of the day (when they are tired) to offer a better solution to traditional Christmas shopping. They couple this with online marketing in various forms, including banners carrying the same message.
If you are a Small Business, a marketing guru may not be in the budget but here are a few tips to get your started in the world of Internet Marketing:
- Website Content – What does your website say? Is the content unique and useful? Will people learn anything when they visit your site? When was the last time you added new content? Does your website have content worth reading? Does your content match your business goals? Remember, people and Search Engines like content so make sure you set aside time each week to add to and evaluate your content and perhaps work on your content plan. Make sure the content on your site is fresh and relevant. Google will periodically crawl websites looking for new and updated content. In general, it is better to have Google crawl your site as often as possible. Sites that get crawled more often have more frequent updates and more authority.
- No Tricks or Black Hat SEO – Don´t try to outsmart Search Engines, in the end you will lose! Some firms promise success through the use of tricks, back doors, and special tactics designed to sneak your website into a top position rapidly. This may work temporarily but in the end you will lose all positive ranking as your website is assessed again. Good Marketing (and Search Engine Optimisation) takes time as does building a brand. Stick with organic processes and follow tips the Search Engines themselves give.
- Track and Analyse – In order to see the results of your online marketing you need facts and figures. You can’t improve upon what you can’t measure. Add Google Analytics or at least a hit counter that offers more information than the number of views. If you are using email, specifically a bulk email client, you should have all the information you need in your report. Track, analyse, evaluate, plan, act and repeat.
Tell us what works for you in the comments below!
