When I was a high school student around 2009, everyone was so hyped up about Facebook. After all, 2009 was clearly a watershed for social networks and the firms that own them. Still, at the time, there was one thing that I couldn’t understand. On one peaceful day, I was sitting on the floor in my class during lunch break and then this online shop just tagged me in one of their product photos on Facebook. I was like, “Why did they tag me, though?” I didn’t know the purpose, so I let it slide one time. However, another shop tagged me again. I got mad and wondered; “Why would you use social media for selling stuff? Wasn’t social media supposed to be used as social interaction between you and your family and friends?” Ignoring the rude way they tagged me, to be honest, if I asked that kind of question today, I would be laughing at myself. I mean, why not? You can be socially active as an enterprise. Social media, my friend, is one of the remarkable parts of internet marketing strategies that every business owner should know. With the rise of technology nowadays, internet marketing has become the huge “it” in the world of business. In general, internet marketing includes any promotional tactics and strategies that a business has to execute online to reach their target market. In this competitive business world, you can’t help but have to keep up with internet marketing, or you will get left behind. Are you a business owner or someone who works in the marketing field looking to grow your company through internet marketing? Keep reading this article to learn more!
Internet marketing has a wide range of definitions, actually, and ways to execute them. Starting from website, SEO, social media, online advertisements and many more ways that can help business grow from zero to hero; internet marketing is believed to be the most prioritised marketing strategy in business. Even my friends from web developers Melbourne agree with that. So, as a small business entity, how should you make use of internet marketing then?
Set up a website
I know some business owners might feel like; “Why should we set up a website? We’re just starting out, who needs a website? Who’s going to see it?” Well, let me tell you this; that’s the lamest reasoning I have ever heard, so I’m going to ask back; “Who’s going to believe your business exists all this time? How do you make sure you are seen as reliable business?” A website helps business grow because your potential customers will get to know a business through the website. If the website is well-designed and well-developed according to guidelines, you will generate more leads and new customers.
Carry out search engine marketing
This one is one of the most important things to consider even before starting out a small business. Let me make it easier for you to understand. If you own a start-up business, there’s only few number of people who know your business because you are only present offline, which means only the people in your area know your business. With search engine optimisation, you will have the chance of making your business present online and having many more people aware of your business. Why does this matter? The more people get to know your business, the more the chances you will get to increase sales.
Content marketing
Content is king, so they say – and it’s true. If search engine helps you get recognised by your target audience online, content helps you ‘encourage’ them to finally buy your products. What kind of content that should be put into your marketing strategy. For example, you can make interesting video and image content to attract your target audience.
While it is possible to see results from your marketing efforts quickly, the reality is that marketing, especially the type that generates long-term results and referrals, takes time. You’re competing in an increasingly crowded and loud marketplace. Therefore, make sure you put big efforts to get better results.