For over the past decade, the internet has been an increasingly popular choice in marketing to existing and potential customers. The internet offers a huge range of potential marketing opportunities and activities for businesses both new and current. New websites, social media profiles and blogs are constantly emerging throughout the online landscape.
Online marketing is an umbrella term that covers websites, social media, online directory listings, visibility in search engine results and many more. However, there are many businesses out there that find online marketing difficult to manage. Online marketing can be time consuming and ineffective when not approached properly.
When it comes to marketing in the ever-changing internet landscape, having an organised strategy makes a big difference. The best way to market your business online is to have a clear set of ideas on what you need to do, when you need to do it and how you will achieve them.
Utilise Social Media tools
Social media tools include Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and various blogging websites. Research and decide which of these social media tools would be most relevant to your target audience. For example, creating a LinkedIn account for an audience of teenagers would be counter-productive. LinkedIn is a network for professionals, whereas creating an account on Facebook would be perfect for a younger and more casual audience.
Blogging is a great way to update your website information; it keeps your business looking fresh and increase exposure in search engine results. Blogs let you feature pictures, videos and direct engagement with your target audience. It also allows customers to comment on your posts, updates and even ask questions. Blogging doesn’t have to be a time-consuming activity either. Set up a plan on how often you will blog, (it could be even 1-2 times a week), what would be your topics and when you would write them.
Sign up to an Online Directory
Just like the Yellow Pages, online directories follow the same concept. Online directories provide a list of businesses sorted by business type, and their company information. This information also includes contact details, such as a phone number, e-mail and physical address and even a link to their business website.
However, unlike print directories, online directories are mostly oriented to a specific industry such as FranchiseBusiness.com.au is focused on the Franchising industry. This means online directories are more useful to potential customers who are searching for a specific product or service. Consider setting up a business profile with an online directory as part of your online marketing activities. Make sure you link your listing to your website and release press releases on the online directories to help generate more sale leads and boost your SEO.
Update with press releases
There are two ways you can use press releases. If you have something newsworthy in your content, you can release it to journalists who might eventually publish it on the news. However, if you have news about your business that is not relevant to the wider community, you can choose to post it online.
Press releases help keep your business at the top of the market and the customer’s mind. Posting press releases online are great in improving search engine rankings because they are informative and create more exposure for your business.
Consider posting your press releases on your blog, your social media profile (like Twitter and Facebook) or even include it in an e-newsletter. Also take advantage of an online business directory’s free press release publishing service to give your news and business more exposure.
Measure your efforts
Online marketing systems are difficult to measure. The best indicators to a successful online campaign would be an increase in sales leads, engagement and positive feedback in social media communities and your websites ranking in search engine results.
Take charge!
The best way to maximise your online marketing system’s performance is to delegate one person or a team to be in charge. They can make sure your social media profiles are always active and your online business directory is up to date.
Even if you are a small business and don’t have a lot of time on your hands, you should still do the best you can to keep your online profiles active. You can use your time to just focus on one social media site or get listed in a directory.
Online marketing systems are more targeted and generally cheaper than other channels of marketing. Once you have established a strategy plan that takes into account your business timeline, progress and actions, you will soon see your efforts pay off!