The best Internet
marketing strategy increases traffic to the Website,
includes search
engine optimization, has defined targets and is part
of an overall marketing strategy. Any business that sells goods or services
must have a marketing strategy. A well-defined strategy is based on the profile
of potential customers, the product offering and the competition. The increased
use of the Internet to share information and provide access to online shopping has created the need for an Internet marketing strategy. While
the Internet has expanded the potential customer base, it also requires the development of different business
practices.
The first step for any business
thinking about an Internet marketing strategy is to create an online presence.
This includes creating a Website that lists your products and company history
and provides access to customer service. In addition to an
information-based Website, companies that offer products should create an
online shopping catalog. This tool allows potential clients to view products in
detail and purchase them directly.
Once the tools are in place for clients
to purchase items over the Internet, the next step is to develop an Internet
marketing strategy. Make a list of the top goals or metrics for the business
within a specific time period. Keep these goals realistic, and focus on sales
through the Internet. Identify an ideal consumer profile for Internet sales.
Using these metrics as a guide, Website analytical
tools can identify sites that would be visited by your target client group.
Create online advertisements and blog posts. Many businesses hire professional
bloggers to generate activity and interest on social
networking websites. This type of strategy is based on
the concept of viral marketing, where people become interested in a product based on word-of-mouth
information.
A search engine is a Website that allows users to enter
key words or phrases. The search engine then provides a list of results from
the Internet that closely match the requested information. Naturally, the
higher the ranking for your Website, the greater number of visitors to your
site.
Search engine optimization is a set of
techniques in Website creation that are designed to increase the ranking
results. Options include the repetition of key words or phrases, managing the
structure of the Website and the creation of meta tags. It is important to note
that most people will look at only the first three or four results from a Web
search. The time and effort required to create a Website
that is optimized for search engines is the most efficient way to increase Website traffic.
Clearly defined traffic and sales
targets are required to effectively measure the success or failure of any
Internet marketing strategy. Without these targets, it is impossible to measure
the performance of the strategy and the impact of any adjustments. Ideally,
these metrics are part of the overall marketing strategy of the organization,
creating a cohesive business plan.