Online Marketing: Tips on Developing a Strong Internet Presence
Consumer reports show that online shoppers prefer personal connections over the newest technologies in Internet applications, and with some of the most basic features of online connections between company and consumer, Internet marketing (web marketing, e-marketing, i-marketing, ect) has taken this “personal connection” to a larger scale. Internet marketing has become interactive marketing. The following online marketing tips on developing a strong Internet presence have been provided by Chantelle Axford, owner of the successful online pet supply company, Peninsula Pet Supplies.
Search Engine Optimization (SEO): Since most online shoppers in the typical target market of a small online business will be searching for their desired product through search engines, companies want to be sure to include the typical keywords that the user would look up on their website and use keywords for backlinking through other online tools such as blogs, online articles and online press releases that would include those keywords. By listing the keywords strategically throughout the company’s primary website and providing outlets of information with keywords included, the company is allowing more opportunities to be a ‘top 10′ result on Google, Bing, Yahoo, ect.
(Be weary of the overuse of keywords. Search engines will detect abuse if keywords are used too abundantly, and will refrain from displaying the website.)
Ad words: Search engines like Google and other networking websites provide an ad word program utilizing SEO. In this manner, the host website (i.e. Google) will provide “sponsored company links” or banner advertising to users based on particular keywords and the user’s location. Companies can set a budget, choose the keywords they want to use be charged per click on the company’s website until the daily budget has been met.
Pay Per Click (PPC): Also known as pay-per-impression (PPI) or pay-per-action (PPA), a company can feature their own onine ad through other websites their target market may be drawn to. This networking and back-linking technique allows the user to see other companies they may be interested in. The price for the ad is determined by an amount for each click.
In recent years, social networking sites like Twitter, Facebook, and Myspace have been increasingly popular for online PPC advertisements since these are all high traffic, multiple target market friendly locations. PPC is also another very easy and effective way of tracking marketing statistics, so companies can determine the best places to advertise online.
Email/Text/Social Network Marketing:
Email: One of the most effective marketing techniques today are routine emails sent out systematically with news about the company, so users will remain attracted to that company.
Text: Sending a blast text message is a marketing tool growing in popularity, particularly through the advancement of cell phones/smart phones. Users can sign up through the parent company.
Social Networking Sites: Companies can create their own profile page on social networking websites like Facebook and Twitter. As you may have noticed, many company websites will announce that shoppers can “Find them on Twitter and Facebook” to let them know how they can stay connected.
The Internet provides some of the most affordable and effective methods of digital advertising compared to offline resources. Companies have ample ways of reaching out and really connecting with their target market in a way almost more personal than meeting face to face.