There are a number of vital issues which all new internet marketers should know about and understand. I have identified these by utilising nine critical words which outline some of these issues.
Marketplace
The latest statistics show that there are over three-and-a-half billion internet users worldwide. It is not difficult to understand, in the light of this statistic, why so many are being drawn to online business. Entrepreneurs and business people can see just how their businesses can benefit from a strong online presence. However, it isn’t just these people who are grasping the opportunity which the internet offers, more and more individuals are running very successful online businesses from their kitchen tables.
Business
Internet marketing has become one of the very best business opportunities around. With very little in the way of capital outlay and a huge marketplace it beats any traditional business model hands down. Internet business is flexible and free of many of the pressures of most established business practice. Both start-up costs and running costs are a fraction of the cost of traditional business methods. It is possible to make money online with a simple and proven formula used by many to earn multiple streams of residual income. .
Plan
One of the many axioms we encounter in any business is: “Plan your work and work your plan”. Whether you are a high-flying entrepreneur or a sole trader working from home, this axiom holds true. Like all forms of work, you must have a plan for your internet business. Having devised your plan, stick with it and don’t be distracted by other plans and other offers you encounter online.
List
It has been said that in online marketing there are three things that really matter; three words which are at the heart of the business. Those three words are LIST – LIST –LIST. Bringing traffic to your website is crucial as this will give you the opportunity to recruit subscribers to your list. Having a marketing strategy to attract people to your site is so important it just can’t be overemphasised. Design your website with quality material to draw potential customers in and then provide them with plenty of interesting things to keep them there and encourage them to return. Research has shown that visitors are far more likely to buy on their second or third visits to a website than on the first visit.
Technology
Technology is the very essence of an online business. Indeed, it is the creation of the internet and the technology surrounding it which has made the business a possibility; – no technology – no business! Even if you outsource much of your business it is important to have, at least, a nodding acquaintance with the technology, especially how to apply it. Technology moves on at an extraordinary rate these days so keep your eye on new developments as innovative ideas may well be a benefit to your business.
Research
This is another word we encounter over and over in the field of internet marketing. In order to find a viable niche, create or find a quality product, find and approach your marketplace, this will take lots of research Put plenty of time into this aspect or your business or it will be difficult to develop it successfully. The global opportunity is so enormous you need to come up with a USP (Unique Selling Point) so you can stand out in the crowd. Only research can give you the necessary information to achieve this.
Spam
Never Spam cold customers. This will do far more harm than good. We all find it irritating to turn on the computer in the morning to find our inbox full of unsolicited email. Spamming will exasperate people, will produce few sales opportunities and, if you are persistent with this approach, it could even have your name removed by your server. It won’t work and it could well wreck your business. DON’T DO IT!
Discipline
If you are working your business from home, be disciplined in the way you work. Stay focussed on your plan, plot each day’s work in advance and see it through. Working at home has many advantages but it can be distracting too; treat your business as a business and not a hobby. However, do not get carried away and spend so much time in front of your PC that you neglect the family and forget to take the dog for a walk.
Persevere
Like any conventional businesses, there will be times when you will encounter difficulties of one kind or another. Don’t let these problems get you down. I heard a psychologist many years use the phrase: “Problems are just opportunities in working clothes.” Work through these problems, be analytical and methodical and solve them; don’t just give up in disgust. Persevere as this is a real business not just some get-rich-quick scam. To build an online business takes time and effort. Success will not come overnight so persevere and work onwards to your goal.
Here’s to your success!