Online marketing—every business needs it! Why? Because the Internet is THE number one source for business referrals. A strong web presence is critical to the success of your business. It is the go-to place to find just about any product or service you can imagine.
New to the world of cyber marketing? Here are four things you can do for your Internet marketing now.
1. Understand the different types of online marketing.
Content Marketing: This inclusive term describes the most published Internet marketing content—also known as blogs—that is used to attract customers. Typically, this type of online marketing is linked to other types of web marketing. If your website features blog posts, it will be more relevant to most search engines, which, in turn, will make it easier for potential customers to find. Content marketing also can serve as a “soft sell” for your product or service, bring attention to the need for that product or service and then drive business to your company.
Search Engine Marketing: Pay Per Click (PPC) and Search Engine Optimization (SEO) are the most widely used forms of search engine marketing. With PPC, a sponsored ad is put into the results of a web search. Whenever someone clicks on the ad, the business placing the ad pays the search engine provider an agreed upon amount. On the positive side, PPL guarantees your business a constant presence in search results but it comes at a cost. SEO, on the other hand, concentrates on moving your business up in the rankings and it’s free.
Social Media Marketing: Geared more to a younger audience, this type of online marketing has grown in popularity. While it’s inexpensive, it requires a bit of acumen to implement. You might want to reach out to an experienced Phoenix Internet Marketing Company for this one.
2. Identify your target market.
If you are going to put the time and money into online marketing be sure you are going after the right target market. When you have a good idea of who your customer is you can generate better attention-getting advertising and promotional material to lure them in.
So how do you find that audience?
Start by identifying the problem your product or service solves. Next list the characteristics of an average customer in an effort to pinpoint your target market. It’s also important to know who makes up your primary audience. They are the ones who need your product or service the most. For example, if your business specializes in home security systems, your primary customer may live in a residential area with a high crime rate.
3. Take steps to increase web traffic to your site.
The Internet has become a dog eat dog world when it comes to driving customers to your website. The competition is fierce and it’s every business for itself.
What’s a business to do? In cyber space content is king. Use it to entice potential customers to visit your site. Make it easy for visitors to share their experience on Facebook, Twitter, Reddit and other social media sites.
Including an irresistible offer and a call to action on each page also can drive web traffic. Make sure your visitors know exactly what it is you want them to do. It could be signing up for an e-newsletter or a free 15-minute consultation. Offering something that relates to your business and appeals to your target market is another way to increase web traffic. It can be a free ebook, white paper or anything that’s been specifically written for your target customer.
4. Boost your website ranking.
Search engines continue to drive the majority of visitors to websites. That’s why it’s important to have a website that is search engine friendly. Also, every page should be optimized and designed for mobile search. Keywords and keyword phrases also play a critical role in boosting your website ranking. Keywords are what someone types into a search engine, such as Google, Yahoo Search, Ask or Bing, when they’re “searching” for something. Generate a list of keywords or phrases people might use to find your website. Take advantage of tools, like Google Keyword Tool, to get an idea of the most searched phrases. Integrate several of them throughout your website in titles, content, even rename your images to contain the keywords or phrase.
Another way to boost your website ranking is by adding captions to your pictures and images that incorporate your keywords. Add an ALT tag to describe the image. Don’t forget to include the same keyword phrase in the text near the image.
Search engines want to be sure users have access to the most up-to-date information. So be sure your website content is updated regularly. Doing so tells search engines that your site is ever-changing and current.
Like it or not, Internet marketing is here to stay. In the future, it will become an even greater force when it comes to how businesses do business.
Whether you’re new to online marketing or a seasoned professional, implementing these strategies can help you break down barriers and use this modern communication tool to your advantage.
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