Charly Leetham ...........................................................Online Marketing Tips for Offline Businesses.........
You must have heard someone say, “Now is the time to be online”.
As a business owner do you ever wonder what does that really means?
Yes, taking your business online can be very rewarding. With the right strategy and understanding of what you are
trying to achieve, it can be highly profitable. Using the Internet to market your business online gives your business a
competitive edge, a wider access to your target audience and generally reduces marketing and advertising budgets.
Statistics and research confirm that many customers will look first on the Internet for information about what they
want.
Many customers will do this to find a shop or restaurant nearby (even if they know the item they want), so it’s
important that local businesses increase their online marketing to reach and ‘capture’ new shoppers and lookers.
A website is a logical place to begin your online marketing. Your domain name (the words that make up your web
address) should tell customers what your business does rather than trying to create a brand name. This will aid being
found in the Internet Search Engine Results.
Whilst the look and feel of a website should be appropriate to the overall image you want to create for your business,
it should always look professional. Additionally, your website should be easy to navigate and all of the links should
work.
It’s important when marketing online, that you are clear in describing your company, the products and services you
offer and that you provide contact information. Don't try to be all things to all people - know your target audience and
what they want and give it to them. When you do this, you will make it really easy for your customer to make a
buying decision or contact you if they have more questions.
Once you get people to your website, you can start building your brand recognition. Building name recognition
(branding) online can be done by using Social networking (Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn etc.,), paid search engine
advertising (pay per click), and banner advertising on other websites.
Also submitting your information to online trade organization directories and even by registering with web map
services as a local business that will be displayed on maps searched in your area are some more options.
Some of the best information about marketing your business online has not changed in many years and follows the
same basic principles as marketing your business offline. Marketing your business online requires you to have a clear
plan, research your market, product and competition and of course, excellent customer service.
So is ‘now the time to be online’? As 7 billion people worldwide each day grows more to ‘click and view’ and move
away from driving to brick and mortar shops or to malls, now could be a great time for your business to grow online.
Charly Leetham is an International award winning Online Business
Implementation Expert who helps small businesses harness the Internet as a
channel to market in the most cost effective way. Based near the Capital of
Australia in Canberra, Charly provides services to solopreneurs and small
businesses who want to promote their businesses, products and services online.
Follow her on twitter @charlyjl or visit http://www.AskCharlyLeetham.com