Internet Marketing Tips Your Business Can Implement Today

July 28, 2017

Four steps to creating a strategy. Research, Plan, Test, then Analyze.

By Maureen McCabe

The internet has not only changed the way people communicate and share information, it has enabled businesses to promote their brand beyond traditional marketing techniques. To reach your target audience today, internet marketing should be a key component in your marketing plan. If you are new to marketing your business online, it doesn’t have to be overwhelming if you know where to start. With the following internet marketing tips, you will gain a solid foundation and get concrete ideas on how to reach your prospective customers.

What is digital marketing or internet marketing?

The phrase covers a wide range of areas from your website, videos, blogging and guest blogging, social media, online directory listings, webinars, ebooks (such as free reports, white papers), email marketing, search engine optimization, SEO (being found on Google) to paid advertisements and more.

When faced with an unfamiliar topic, it’s sometimes hard to know where to start. When it comes to internet marketing, there is no official textbook or definitive source that covers everything. Start by reading blogs from credible industry sources. The following is a short list of blogs that are helpful, depending on which internet marketing tips; avenues you would like to explore:

• The Moz Blog (Great tips on SEO, social media, and more. Over three million have read Moz’s The Beginner’s Guide to SEO)
• PPC Hero (Find excellent how-to posts and guides to using Google AdWords)
• Social Media Examiner (Keep up to date with the latest in social media and browse excellent resources to help develop your social strategy)
• Content Marketing Institute (Tips to develop and promote great content that build  awareness and trust for your brand)

Create Your Strategy & Plan

Now that you are more familiar with internet marketing, before you develop your strategy and plan consider the following:

• What is your budget?
• Who is your target market?
• What are your marketing channel options? (Scroll down to read these/more tips.)
• What are your goals and criteria to measure success? For example, is it one or multiple metrics such as sales, profits, website traffic/hits, request for quotes, free consultations, phone inquiries, etc.
• Who will develop and execute your plan? Is it you, an employee, or will you rely on professional?

Research Your Marketing Channel Options

If you have an idea of what you want to do and how you want to do it, the next step is to research the marketing channels you want to use for your campaign. Each has their own advantages and disadvantages. Before you decide on which channels to use, ask yourself these two questions. Does this channel align with your target audience? How will it help you achieve your business goals?

Many business owners start by using only one or perhaps two channels to reach their prospective customers, based on time, budget, fear of trying too much at once and failing, or, perish the thought, wasting money! Start slow; try something that is relatively easy:

1. Target users who have visited your website. Learn how to create a remarketing campaign.
2. List your business in industry-related or local business directories. Learn how to submit your listing to free online business directories; this is one of a four-part series about directory listings.

Analyze, then Roll Out

When you have decided which channels to explore, test first. For example, if you choose to run ads on Google, Bing, YouTube, or Facebook, pilot only one or two campaigns. Use a small budget, such as $100 per channel, to determine its effectiveness. Use this valuable information to make changes; expect to retest and learn more. Thorough testing enables you to understand what works well and what needs to be changed.

Now you’re ready to rock and roll – so roll out your online campaign! Analyze each campaign weekly to determine how it’s working to ensure against your metrics for success. Expect to tweak your campaigns regularly to respond to the changes in the market. Keep current on internet marketing trends, as the online world is ever-changing.

Are you seeking expert advice on how to best plan and execute an internet marketing strategy for your business? Contact McCabe Marketing today for a marketing assessment! Learn how to increase your online presence.

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