Thursday, July 2, 2009

Internet Marketing Myths



MYTH #1: The Internet changed everything about marketing.

Not everything. The Internet does give us a marketing channel that interacts with the world 24/7 – a powerful tool for bringing consumers together with the products and services they want.
But the old channels for bringing seller and buyer together – the phone call, the business letter, the face-to-face pitch, the tv commercial – are still working just fine as part of a well-planned, ­integrated marketing program that probably includes the web.

Myth #2: Internet marketing starts with a great website.

Internet marketing starts where all effective marketing starts – with a well- defined prospect. If you don’t have a clear picture of who you are selling to and what you’re selling, the prettiest website in the world won’t get you business.
Before you even think about a website, know who your target prospect is, how to describe your specialty to that prospect, and what specific benefits your business provides.
Yes, your site should radiate competence, but a brilliant design and dazzling graphics won’t pay off anywhere near as well as a clear explanation of why a customer should choose you as an ­answer to a want or need.

Myth #3: More traffic means
more profits.

More traffic to your website only guarantees increased bandwidth use by your web host, and nothing else. Before spending money on banner ads, web directories, or pay-per-click listings to drive more visitors to your site, be sure that they’ll want to do business with you once they get there.
Ask some colleagues and custom-ers to critique your site. Do they understand what you’re offering? Can they see that you’re presenting real benefits to your target audience? Revise your site based on their feedback.
Then invite some prospects to visit your revised site and touch base afterward. Do those prospects seem more inclined to do business with you after visiting your site? If so, you’re on the right track.

Myth #4: Do whatever it takes
to build your email list.

A substantial opt-in emailing list is a
valuable marketing asset, but the quality of names on your list is much more important than the quantity. Acquiring names through giveaways of other people’s material, trading lists with joint venture partners, or purchasing lists from vendors rarely provides you qualified buyers truly interested in your products or services.
So, how do you build your list? Invite those who visit your site to leave their email for future contact. Ask people you meet or call for their email. Offer them something of value in return. A well-written ezine, a helpful report, or an informative audio are all effective premiums, as long as they directly relate to what service you sell and increase your credibility.

Myth #5: Just follow the winning
Internet formula and you’ll get rich.

There is no new “winning Internet formula.” The process of winning customers is what it always has been – build relationships and get people to know, like, and trust you.
If your website, ezine, and other Internet-based activities contribute to building long-term, trusting relationships with prospective clients and referral sources, you’ll get business on the web.

Credit: About.com



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Haynes Marketing Network is a full-service marketing and advertising agency
in Macon, Ga. 478-742-5266 http://www.haynesmarketing.com/

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