Online Marketing A Necessity Not Just An Option

Explore Five Popular Online Marketing Method

It's no secret online marketing is becoming a more viable marketing method than that of traditional marketing, such as television, radio and print.
There are some businesses and industries that are familiar with internet and online marketing, but many businesses are finding themselves treading in new territory.
Online marketing encompasses the following:

• Website Marketing
• Search Engine Marketing
• Social Media Marketing
• Affiliate and Strategic Partnership Marketing
• Content Marketing

Why has online marketing become the choice of many business? There are two main reasons. Online marketing is cost effective and provides real time tracking results. This allows businesses to make changes "on the fly." Businesses fall in love with the fact that they can change their marketing message, graphics, or your collection method immediately. Online marketing gives us the capability to track and change when necessary. This saves money and stretches our marketing budgets a little further.
If you are behind the eight ball when it comes to marketing using the internet, you want to make a determination on where to start. I never suggest that companies jump into all areas of internet marketing at one time. Do it incrementally so that you can measure what's working and what's not.
There are five methods to building an online marketing strategy that can work for you and help in strengthening your brand and increasing your bottom line revenue.

Method 1: You Need a Website
In my professional opinion every business needs a website. You want potential customers to find you when they search for you online. Having an online presence creates a level of credibility and trust, but only if it's done professionally and builds on the brand that you have built in the traditional marketing realm. You must have a place to send consumers to find out more about you and ultimately purchase your products or services to succeed in online marketing

Method 2: Your Customers Use Search Engines
Our society has coined the word "Googling", because we've all become accustomed to using Google to research and find the information that we need. Consumers go online to gain more information about the products and services that they interested in using. Will they find you? If you are not doing search engine marketing and optimization the unfortunate answers is probably not. Take a few minutes to do an online search on your brand, your product, your service and your name. Did you find your company listed anywhere? If you answered no, then you must understand that potential customers are not finding you either. This ultimately means you are missing out on sales opportunities and revenue. Can you afford that?

Method 3: Social is the Buzz
It's true social media marketing such as Facebook, Twitter and YouTube are the buzz today, but I do not think it's a fit for all companies. Let me explain why. Social media marketing is a fantastic way to interact and communicate with potential buyers. However, social media takes time and effort. If you are not willing to put in the time and by time I mean spending time on social media daily, then don't do it. Social media is not about just broadcasting, it is about engaging. You must invest at least 15 minutes in the morning and in the evening in order to see even a minimal amount of success using this online marketing method. Don't jump into social media without understanding how it works and the required investment of time and resources that is necessary. 
Method 4: Affiliate and Strategic Partnerships
Many companies have found success in affiliate marketing. This means that you pay a commission to affiliates and partners for selling your products and services. Affiliate marketing is a no-risk method of marketing and it has been around for many years. If you don't have the time to manage an affiliate marketing program you can hire outsource affiliate management companies that can help you in building a successful affiliate marketing program. I've always loves the affiliate marketing model because it's a win-win situation for both your business and your affiliate partners.

Method 5: Words are Worth Money - Content is Key
Content marketing is using relevant and valuable information to attract potential customers to you. This information will not only attract but, if done correctly, will engage your target audience and drive profitable action to your business. It also helps with search engine marketing and optimization. A successful content marketing strategy will deliver consistent valuable information to your target market, when this strategy works you turn the consumers you have targeted into buyers.
There are many components to marketing your business online, but you must decide which methods will work for your business and which ones you can invest the time in. It's important to create an online marketing strategy just like it's important to have a traditional marketing strategy. I can tell you with confidence that online marketing is not going to go away, so embrace the technology and determine what till work for you. Once you've done that implement, use analytics and make changes when necessary. You will soon find that online marketing brings you a much greater return on your marketing investment, because of its adaptability and changeability.

By Laura Lake

About.com Marketing