MARKETING BASICS Once you’ve established your website, most of your daily efforts will be spent marketing it and these options are endless. Since each website is different, drawing a different audience, what works for your site may be an entirely different experience for another site owner. Much of effective marketing happens through trial and error.
First, complete your research online. In most cases, there is someone else already marketing your product or service. Spend some time reviewing the site receiving top ranking on the search engines. There’s a good chance that these sites have earned their top recognition through time and exposure. However analyzing their approach, keyword usage and advertising text helps guide you to not re-inventing the wheel.
We will preview a few of the more effective marketing methods.
SEARH ENGINE SUBMISSION
Most of your website traffic will be generated from search engines and directory listings. You can maximize your website traffic by submitting your website to:
* Major search engines (Google, Yahoo!, and MSN)
* Directories
* Industry specific directories
The three search engines listed above offer free listings. Search engines assign the relative importance of the different pages within your site, and this determines how visible those pages are. You can also opt to participate in paid inclusion programs offered by Yahoo! and MSN, which confirms your site will be indexed, but not where it will rank.
Directory Submissions Provide Valuable Incoming Links For Your Site
Directories are great places for you to begin receiving website exposure. You gain important Internet visibility by listing your website in directories and industry specific directories. Incoming directory links provide a boost in your website rank. You can also exchange links through directories. Search engines look favorably on website links, so if your site is on multiple sites, this is to your benefit. You will find some of the directories are free, others you have to pay for. Either way, both provide important incoming links and improve your website visibility.
Here are a few directories to get started with:
WEBSITE SUBMISSION PROCESS
Each directory and search engine has different rules and criteria for submission. The most important factor in the submission process is writing an effective keyword rich description that abides to specific directory guidelines.
Beginning the website submission process, requires research and creative writing:
* Keyword research
* Selecting the best category for your business
* Writing effective titles for your listings
* Creating web site descriptions using your most important keywords
There’s a fantastic idea tool that Google has created, called the Keyword Tool. Simply enter a word or combination of words related to your website and additional words will be provide based n what others have entered.
https://adwords.google.com/select/KeywordToolExternal
Remember that search engine and directory listing are vital to the success of your Internet marketing campaign. It is worth investing your time into researching the different information pertinent to each to understand how to maximize your submissions.
PAY PER CLICK ADVERTISING
Often referred to as PPC, pay per click is where advertisers only pay when a user actually clicks on an ad to visit the advertiser’s website.
Pay per click advertising represents a great way for companies to increase website traffic. Unlike search engine optimization, paid search advertising results in immediate visibility for your website and is an effective means to market your goods and services. Pay per click is used for:
* Product launches
* Repeat sales
* Building brand awareness
* Testing and jump-starting new websites
There are definite advantages to using this method of marketing:
* Reaching targeted traffic
* Quick results
* Advertiser controls cost and spending
* Ability to track result
Pay per click advertising also has its challenges. On popular search terms, companies with large marketing budgets often dominate the market and drive the costs of bids.
The keys to successful PPC marketing is:
* Selecting the appropriate keywords
* Creating effective ads
* Providing a favorable user experience once visitors get to your site
EMAIL ADVERTISING
Permission based email marketing is a cost effective way to stay connected with your customers and prospects. It allows you to:
* Communicate with site visitors
* Build trust and credibility
* Develop brand awareness
* Promote products, services, and special offers
* Drive sales
* Improve customer loyalty
Email marketing is a dynamic, marketing channel that drives multi-channel sales. A successful marketing campaigns demands marketers deliver consistent, relevant information specified by the consumer. Consumers are becoming more sophisticated and marketers must step up through creativity with their offers to meet customer demands.
Enhance Your Marketing Message and Increase Sales
Email Marketing is one of the most profitable promotion channels in use today. Email marketing campaigns and email newsletters drive immediate online sales. The success of your campaign is determined by several factors including:
* Email Design
* Subject header
* Offer or Incentives
* Effective Copy
* Email service bureau
Suggested Email Marketing Program
Trying to set up your own Internet friendly email system can be challenging and a project all of its own. Constant Contact is a service we have found that is economical, easy to manage and offers a free 60-day trial. They offer many tools, templates and marketing suggestions to get you started.
The benefits of a strong email marketing campaign and newsletter will allow you to reap continuous rewards and increase membership on an ongoing basis.
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