7 Keys to Online Marketing Success

Acknowledging the feedback I received after a previous article “How to drive traffic to your blog”, I am following it up with a few basic rules before you dive into the world of online marketing! For those of you that are already there, I’m sure there will be some tips to remind you how to save time and money.

1) Think ‘Strategy First’
It can be so tempting at times to just jump on the bandwagon of the next “big thing” without really understanding why. If you think you need a blog or a Facebook account or videos on YouTube, think again. When marketing online, always start with a goal in mind and then find the tool that fits. Never visa-versa.

2) Get Comfortable
There are many tools that can be used to accomplish the same goal. Don’t feel tied to any one method. If you are uncomfortable with the technology, learn how to utilize it or have someone implement it for you. But if you can’t stand the practice itself, look elsewhere.

3) Our prospects are still looking for the right information
Your prospects are being pulled in a million different directions online. Everything you have been hearing about information overload is also true. Yet your prospects continue to search online for answers. The difference is that they want the information their way. (We will cover this in-depth in another article soon!)

4) Content of value
Your online success is directly proportional to the quality of information you provide. You may get away with a lacking product or service once in a while, but consistent clients come to those who consistently provide a high quality service.

5) Embrace copywriting
The internet will always be a changing entity. You can’t setup a website and then sit back and relax. (Sorry to break that to you!). You have to constantly keep up with it, edit accordingly and learn copywriting techniques.

6) Become an expert
Only 14% of people trust advertising. Online advertising may work for some products, but it rarely works for service oriented professions. When was the last time you chose a doctor or a lawyer because of an ad you saw? Establishing yourself as an expert is the KEY to attracting more clients online.

7) Community. Community. Community.
For brick and mortar businesses (aka offline shops) it’s location, location, location. Location doesn’t matter to an online business. Community does. Your job is to build a fan base online - a community of people who LOVE what you have to offer. Appeal to the select few; appeal to your ideal clients.

Oh and here's a bonus key factor I just thought of!

8) Forums
Check out the forums related to your business and regularly check them for ideas, inspiration and information. An electrician local to where I live received rave reviews from a happy customer on a website called Word of Mouth. Do you think he even knew about it, let alone thought to leverage that customer’s opinion? There’s plenty he could have done to use that great review, but he doesn’t even know what’s been said.

I would be the first to hold my hand up and say that the internet can be overwhelming. The first step is to do your research, ask the experts and pace yourself. When in doubt, go to a qualified source.


© 2009 90 Degree Coaching Ltd.

Kirstie Gillon-Wood is Director of 90 Degree Coaching Ltd., a company devoted to supporting women wanting to create independence, and achieve personal and professional success. You can learn more about Kirstie’s products and services at http://www.90degreecoaching.co.nz.

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