With so many great online marketing options for businesses it can be overwhelming. And there are some cunning ways of using them to get noticed and gain trust by current and potential clients.
Online marketing includes websites, search engine marketing, content marketing, online directories, social media, to name a few. But which ones are right for you and your business?
Here are what I believe are three of the most useful online marketing fundamentals.
Credibility - Your Business Website
Although there are plenty of online platforms, social media and advertising opportunities, the most control over your marketing comes from having your own website and contact list.
A website can be much more than an online brochure. It is a chance to share your expertise, passion and experience. You can promote your products and services, include testimonials and case studies – all of which increase your credibility as a business owner and the business itself. Write your own articles, promote your own achievements, and grow your own list.
Communication - Email Marketing
Emails are easier to ignore than printed flyers or letters. However, they are much less expensive to produce. Having your own contact list puts you in complete control of who you communicate with, when, how, and also the frequency.
Social media platforms can limit the amount of contacts you can actually reach with your posts. Ultimately, they want to make money from you, which is why they ask you to pay for the privilege of reaching more people. With your own contact list, you know that every person on that list can be contacted.
So, it’s time to make your contact list work for you. There are many ways to do this. You can split your list into segments and target them individually. For instance, for clients that have purchased Product A, introduce them to Product B. Or let them know about upgrades or new features on the product you know they have already purchased.
Split your list and try different headings, images and offers to see which ones get better results. You can also have existing clients, potential clients, suppliers, associates and any other useful group in their own segment to keep your communication relevant, timely and topical.
Confidence – Online Articles
Online articles are a fantastic opportunity to help your existing or potential clients. The key is to be useful, accurate, and up-to-date. You have the opportunity to be seen as a leader in your field by producing quality, informative articles and publishing them on your own or other people’s websites. This can also give you the confidence and ability to engage with your clients more often. If you send the article via email, encourage your clients to forward it on to a friend or colleague, which then grows your contact list.
Online Marketing - The Missing Link
A key to better results is to link your online marketing together:
Your email newsletter should have links back to your website to increase traffic.
Your website should have a newsletter sign-up form to increase your contacts.
Any external articles you write should have your name and website address.
Use the same branding on your emails, social media and advertising as your website.
Checklist:
Do you have a website?
Do you have contact list?
Do you send out regular newsletters?
Do you write informative articles?
Do you have time to do all of the above?
The good news is that we can help with every one of these. Just get in touch.
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