Online Marketing, The Inescapable Path

By Author: Percy Lawrence
Total Articles: 10
Comment this article

Quite often, we have a tendency to look to websites stores as a last resort to get business traffic through our brick-and-mortar shops. That is traditional thinking.

In this day and age, ideas and concepts we used to take for granted as 'common sense' have been turned upside down. I speak here, in particular, concerning business marketing and publicity. Since the advent of the web-based e-commerce, has taken a lead as the secret to developing a larger marketing , pr and advertising base and expanding your business options, opportunities and reach.

A lot of people ask, however what about print and TV?
The answer is simple, really, business today, is about all of them together, but at the head: online marketing , pr and advertising and Search engine strategy.

Since the birth of Google, yahoo and other high powered search engines, more and more people have been turning to the world wide web for information regarding services, products and destinations to consume. No longer do people pick up a telephone directory or mailed catalogue (the print versions!), but now folks sit at a notebook and type search ...
... phrases of interest, and presto! That simplicity has created a beneficial environment for not only the consumer, but for the merchants looking for the consumer's attention...and cash.

So, where does that leave your business? At the doorstep of online marketing, better webdesign and website design and SEO experts... ingredients that can, and will, turn your backyard, cottage business into a major, or at least bigger business able not only to reach clients in your close vicinity, but a much extended, international audience of likely buyers...all this, through online advertising and marketing exposure...and at very little cost.

THE PRICE OF THE Web MARKETING
As with any other business endeavor , you must firstly evaluate the expected benefits, versus the anticipated returns. Professionals call the process "Cost-Benefit Analysis".. When it comes to on-line advertising, the world wide web is truly the great equalizer..the field leveller. All and sundry can make a go of any idea and if done right, if the search engine optimization is right, if the email marketing is expertly targeted, if the website design is simple and cleanand if you have a good product, you can compete with the likes of Apple, Sony and Nokia for audiences!

It's all in the execution. What is the cost to you at the end of the day? Not much considering the value add and the increase in business. For every dollar or rand you spend in online marketing, you stand to gain much more in brand awareness and online traffic. Not only that, your website becomes a 24-hour salesman, working on your behalf for little or no pay! Now that's benefit for cost!
When all is said and done, your business will stand or fall on the bigger world stage, based on how you use online marketing and how well you do your SEOand of course, how you handle your customers when they do show up!
3Way Marketing is a South African Email Marketing company based in Johanessburg, South Africa