All entrepreneurs of both online and offline businesses know the importance of advertising. But if you plan on advertising online you should know the various options that are available before you spend your marketing dollars.
If you own a small business and are thinking of advertising online then you should know that you have various options and it is limitless. So you may have built your own website (though it is not necessary), got your products ready, and sorted out your pricing plan then it is time to let people know about your business.
An effective marketing plan will do wonders for your business because in your plan you will think of means and ways of making sure your prospects find your business. Advertising online involves various activities from registering with search engines to conducting email marketing.
Since we all know the importance of advertising online we have to think of ways and means to get the most out of our marketing dollars. So, here are some advertising options that are available, and if done the right way these strategies can be a big help to your business.
Advertising Online Strategy #1: The use of online publications
You will soon find out that there are a lot of successful online entrepreneurs who do not have their own website, because in truth it is not a requirement to succeed. There are many businesses that use a mail-order only structure and they do not have a store where shoppers can go to. The bottom line is that you can attract consumers online without going through the hassle of building and maintaining a site.
If you plan on advertising online without your own website what you can do is advertise your business in an online publication, such as a newspaper or magazine. If you are going to use online publications then make sure that you look for online publications that your prospects read then advertise through them.
The beauty of using publications when advertising online is that you get to reach many of your prospects and also you will probably pay half as much to advertise as compared to using search engines.
Advertising Online Strategy #2: The use of directories and search engines
Say for example you own a restaurant and you want to let people know about your restaurant so you will contact an advertiser and have them make you a billboard. Now this billboard is going to be placed in a location where motorists passing by can see it is like telling them that your business is ahead and ready to take care of their needs. In the same way, if you plan on advertising online the best way to do so is at high-traffic areas where you will have the largest audience possible.
One of the most widely used directory when advertising online is Yahoo! (http://www.yahoo.com/). Yahoo! offers a lot of advertising businesses ranging from mom-and-pop shops to corporate giants. Smaller businesses may want to opt for a free listing in the Yahoo! Yellow Pages database.
Advertising Online Strategy #3: The use of banners
If you are constantly glued to your computer and I am pretty sure that you know and you have seen hundreds of banner ads. If you plan on advertising online then you should know that banner ads are generally are rectangular- or button-shaped graphics and it usually includes words like “click here” for more information about a company or product.
According to a research that was done regarding the effectiveness of banner ads the research states that a single exposure to a banner ad can boost brand awareness, brand perception, sales potential, and consumer loyalty. Incredibly, most of this increase comes without a click-through to the advertiser’s website.
Advertising Online Strategy #4: The use of websites
Before you go ahead and contact a web designer or web developer, you must ask yourself two questions, first, “Does your business really need to have a website?” and the second questions is, “Where would I get the people to develop my website and maintain it as well?”
As what I have mentioned earlier if you plan on advertising online having a website is really not a requirement. If people are interested in your products or service then they will most definitely be satisfied reaching you over the phone. However, if you choose to have a website, you must have the ability to answer inquiries and orders that will come to you online.
Let me just mention the biggest advantage of having a website, it gives your customers the opportunity to visit your business anytime they want.
Advertising Online Strategy #5: The use of email marketing
Advertising online is not complete without the use of email. Email marketing has been around for sometime now. Email marketing has to be used with care as no one appreciates receiving “spam” – junk email that makes no sense whatsoever to the receiver. Email marketing has had tremendous results because it is so cost-effective and delivers an instant message.
Advertising Online Strategy #6: The use of reciprocal links
Just as business networking is important in the real world; it is just as import ant and useful when it comes to online businesses. Establishing links between your website and other business websites that are significant to your customers is a good way of increasing online exposure.
Advertising Online Strategy #7: The use of clubs
Another method you can use in advertising online is creating a join-for-free clubs. It is a creative way to attract new customers. People want to belong to something, why not your online club. Your join-for-free clubs should be highly relevant to your online business.
You as the moderator can provide free e-mail newsletter for club members only. Have a member’s only message board, e-mail discussion group or even chat room. Post your advertisements on all the club information.
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