Starting and running a business in this day and age is certainly more of a challenge than it was ten years ago. More consumers are consciously researching the company they wish to use, the doctor they wish to see, or the product they wish to buy. A solid marketing plan is crucial to a business’ survival and now more than ever needs to include a variety of strategies.
In an age where technology reigns, Internet marketing is beneficial to any company wanting exposure. Businesses need to be aware that Internet is fast becoming the main way to search for and research services. Websites, advertisements, and consumer review sites all offer ways to get noticed. The Internet offers a variety of ways to get your business noticed.
The best place to start is to make sure that your ad in the phone book is also viewable on their online version. Most consumers think it is easier to simply search Google for financial services and get 50 results for financial advisors within 20 miles of their home, rather than pick up the phone book and try to guess which section it would be under.
Websites are perhaps the best bang for your buck and are very beneficial in an Internet marketing campaign. Setting up a domain name is inexpensive with sites offering prefabricated web page designs, such as GoDaddy.com. Websites not only get your name out there, but you can tell potential consumers everything they need to know about your business. You can set up a contact information page with your phone number and address, plus an email that comes straight to your business for questions and comments. Websites can also be a way to offer consumers information on products and the latest news in technology and resources in your area of expertise.
Advertisements can be viewed on search engines, such as Google and Bing. Microsoft offers a service called AdCenter, which allows ads to be seen on the search results page and are based on key words you select. Yahoo and Google offer similar services that work much the same way. Your businesses ad or webpage will be seen on the results page near the top, where people tend to look first. Google also offers AdSense. This is a service that puts your ad on Google blog page if it pertains to that topic. For instance, a blogger writes about yoga mats and you sell yoga mats and clothing. Your ad would be viewable on that blogger’s page next to that blog post.
Consumer review sites are popping up all over the web these days. Some are professional companies, such as Consumer Reports magazine, and some are independent sites that allow people to rate the product based on their experience. Amazon.com has a section where consumers can read reports, comments, and complaints from other users who purchased the same product, and they can leave their own opinions as well.
Internet marketing is beneficial to any business, big or small. Whether you’re a car company or a local flower shop, you can benefit from advertising online.