The rules of Internet Marketing
I’m reminded of the Homer Simpson quote, “the internet, that old thing is still around”. That gets me every time. Just like the olden days of “surfing the information superhighway” or “hopping on the world wide web”.
Now, marketing on-line is essential for a business. In fact, I’m not sure who actually uses a yellow page book anymore. I certainly don’t.
Given all that has changed, there are still some rules you should follow lest you be thrown to the wolves and labeled a spammer.
1. Know your audience and your demographic. To say that your product is for everyone is to cast too wide of a net. Basically, you are saying that your product is for 6 billion plus people. Narrow it down. Who has the cash to buy it? Is it a luxury item? What types of businesses can use it?
2. Involve your customers in the process. Invite comments from your audience and ask what might be missing from your website.
3. #2 leads me to #3. Test what works and what doesn’t but start small so as to minimize a potentially huge mistake.
4. There will be some risks involved.
5. Be consistent in your message. Don’t go from a diabetes medical device product aimed at diabetics to selling sugar by the pound aimed at the same audience. A bit extreme but you get the idea.
6. Have a budget. In these lean times, it is really important to strategically look at where your dollars are spent.
7. Diversify your efforts. If one avenue isn’t working, perhaps it is the venue, perhaps not. The only way to find out is to allocate money elsewhere. Don’t diversify too much making each avenue ineffective.
8. Write a good headline. If your headline doesn’t grab attention, nothing else matters. If you aren’t good at writing headlines, then hire me!