Does your business have an Online Marketing Presence?
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"Remarkable online content and great sales copy are pretty much the same — plain spoken words designed to focus on the needs of the reader, listener, or viewer." |
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Do you have a Website? Blog? Email & Social Media Campaign?
How is your business discovered? How are you keeping in touch?
Online Marketing has become a must for every business in any type of speciality. The majority of people begin their research about any interest with an internet search. The search can begin with a suggestion from friends on social media sites like Facebook, Twitter or Linked In or searching for answers to questions and a well written article is found on your blog that matches the client's needs. We have evolved beyond searching for companies in the local phone books. Now, companies can reach out to people from all areas of the world. All within a few clicks of a mouse. Online presence is a MUST for all businesses no matter the size or type business. Websites have become THE closing tool for most businesses and a way to communicate how you are different from your competition. Your website is also you main branding tool. If you think about it....where does all of the social media, blogs and directory listings direct you to go? Your Website. Jeff Hayden from CBS News wrote an article in September 
2011 called "Ignore the Social Media Hype" in this article he writes:
"Social media generates interest; websites close. Potential customers only become customers after visiting your website (or physical location.) Social media marketing is really no different than a flyer or ad. Your website has the information, tools, resources, and incentives to convert potential customers into clients. What is more valuable in the sales world: lead generators or closers? A social media marketing campaign will only be as effective as the website that supports it."
I couldn't agree more.
Your online marketing should work like this:
- The website is the information that educates your potential clients, closes the deal and calls your potential leads to take action.
- Blogs are a perfect avenue to showcase your knowledge, services and talent.
- Email Marketing is a great resource to keep your name in front of people.
- Social Media introduces you to new leads and keeps your name in front of clients.
If you are like me, you may have some favorite businesses. Generally, you agree to sign up for their email newsletter so you can get something of value. Maybe it was a coupon, maybe it was a free eBook or something else of value. Then you end up staying on their email list and periodically you get emails from this retailer and before long you are going back to their website to see the latest sale, news or article. Email Marketing is a tool that you should use to keep in touch with your previous clients but also have people commit to learning more about your business.
Social Media is a way to spark interest, introduce yourself and let others spread the word about your services and company. But you think about it....the goal of all of these online marketing techniques are to send new clients to you and most will review your website before they contact you directly. Some will want to learn more about your business and so they will sign up for a newsletter or a special give-away. Only after you give them something that they truly have a need for, will they commit to your company.
A well designed and written Online Marketing plan including a website, email marketing, and social media will gain new leads and customers. Your business needs to follow up with each one of these Online Marketing techniques but just remember your website will close the deal.
- Blogs, Email Marketing or Drip Campaigns, Social Media like Facebook and Twitter need to be branded and hold the same engaging and rich content as your website but it's so important that you find a good balance that satisfies the need of your clients and sparks interest in potential customer. I don't believe in one formula for every business but knowing who your clients are and the type of clients you want to attract will definitely help create a successful marketing campaign.
NEXT - Let's look at what a successful Online Marketing Campaign Looks like
