Web Marketing

By Pat Smith

Web marketing is a necessity for any company of any size that wants to expand their market share. It is comprised of multiple elements that need to be integrated and carefully managed through the development of a strategic online marketing plan.

Web marketing offers countless opportunities for companies to capitalize on this wide open market. Companies need to determine which advertising strategies are most appropriate for their goals and can realistically be achieved.

People often underestimate the amount of time required to fully engage in web marketing. It is impossible for any one person to handle every aspect. Instead, this venue requires a sizeable team capable of coordinating and monitoring multiple events.

A lot of people find it easier to hire an online marketing agency. At minimum, companies ought to hire a marketing consultant to explain how each strategy works; the pros and cons of each; and develop a plan to integrate multiple concepts.

There is an art and science to web marketing. It's advantageous to enroll the staff in a marketing training course focused on the basics, as well as individual advertising strategies that will be utilized within the plan.

Techniques that ought to be mastered include search engine optimization (SEO), blogging, online video marketing, podcasting, mobile marketing, and social media marketing.

Search engine optimization is a primary factor in every type of online strategy. It's necessary to inform search engines about the content offered and is essential for having content indexed properly.

There are plenty of SEO marketing courses available. It's best to decide if employees will be trained using self-paced tutorials; attend classes at a university or work setting; or have one-on-one training with an Internet marketing trainer. This will help narrow down the search when seeking marketing training courses.

Blogging has become a phenomenon that can help escalate the growth of any business. Blogs provide a personal setting that lets companies talk about their business in a less formal way. This marketing tool can be instrumental in developing long term relationships with customers, as well as transform 'lookers' into buyers.

Online video marketing has taken the world by storm. Most people are familiar with YouTube and have watched viral videos of pets, children, elderly couples, and spectacular sporting events. Videos have been known to transform a little known company into an overnight success.

Viral video marketing requires the ability to tap into the emotional aspects of viewers. Whether its comic relief or a sobering message, videos can spread around the globe at the speed of light.

To fully capitalize on the power of video marketing requires working with skilled professionals that can capture viewers' attention and compel them to share the video with everyone they know.

Podcasting is another powerful marketing tool that lets companies place their message in front of millions of listeners. Podcasts are used to provide information to consumers. This could be in the form of infomercials, interviews, radio shows, customer testimonials, news, or humor.

Mobile marketing is expected to be the next major advertising venue. Presently, more than 5 billion people subscribe to mobile phone service. This number is expected to grow by 20-percent annually. Companies that procrastinate about entering this venue could be missing the boat to great success.

Social media marketing has leveled the playing field for everyone regardless of marketing budgets. Facebook and Twitter are free to use, as are other social networking groups such as StumbleUpon and Digg.

Social media marketing is a powerful strategy that can yield positive results. However, it is a time consuming task that requires commitment and dedication. It also demands businesses to become translucent in their management and customer service practices.

While the Internet opens the door to countless opportunities, it can cause problems that businesses need to be prepared to address immediately. It's vital to establish an online reputation management system to monitor what others are saying.

These are just the basics of web marketing. Other elements include local listings and maps, lead generation, and link building online. Putting everything together can be a monumental task, especially for those with little to no experience.

Online Marketing DNA is your one-stop shop for web marketing. We work with serious business owners that are ready to stand apart from the crowd. Our customized marketing packages are designed to help companies exceed their goals and expand their online presence. If you're serious about taking your company to the next level we encourage you to call us today.

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Published on September 19, 2011

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