Internet Marketing for Online Business

If you intend to grow your business or indeed any business, internet marketing should play a large part in your marketing strategy . The internet has transformed the way we market our business, whether it be on or offline. No matter what you do, the internet needs to be at the heart of your marketing methodology

There has been a rapid rise in the number of eCommerce enterprises selling goods online. Some operate solely in the online sphere. Many others are bricks and mortar businesses that are now also offering products and services via their websites.

Business Wisdom 

Warren Buffett

Warren Buffett

Warren Buffett is one of the greatest investors of our time a self-made man, known as much for his philanthropic efforts as for his immense wealth. The Chairman and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway became a billionaire in 1990 and has been on the Forbes Rich List of The Top Ten Wealthiest people in the world for the last two decades.

Despite his incredible business success, Buffett remains remarkably down to earth, and his thoughts on money, business, investing, and life in general offer valuable wisdom for anyone in business, from powerful CEOs to struggling small business owners.

Business Quote from Warren Buffett – On the Impact of the Internet on Business

“The Internet as a phenomenon is just huge. That much I understand. I just don’t know how to make money at it… I don’t try to profit from the Internet. But I do want to understand the damage it can do to an established business. 

Our approach is very much profiting from lack of change rather than from change. With Wrigley chewing gum, it’s the lack of change that appeals to me. I don’t think it is going to be hurt by the Internet. That’s the kind of business I like.” – Warren Buffett, Business Week, 1999

E-Commerce     

E-Commerce offers many advantages over traditional business models, not least lower overheads and the opportunity to reach wider audiences. You can also improve customer service by allowing customers to make purchases directly from your website. 

But it’s a highly competitive world out there and to be effective, small firms have to be on top of their game. Everything from having a website design that is mobile friendly and the search engine optimization features must be spot on.

Online Marketing

The goal of online marketing is not only to spread awareness about a business and its products or services via the internet and this alone should encompass a variety of different strategies, including search engine optimization (SEO), pay-per-click advertising, reputation management, social media and content marketing. But it’s prime objective should be to generate revenue. 

Internet marketing primarily is the process of selling or promoting goods and services online. Basically, Internet marketing is undertaken to be a profit creation business model, although it can also be used for non-profit purposes as well.

Making it into a profitable business model is what this article is about and we will discuss exactly how to do that shortly.

In the meantime here are some of the reasons why Internet marketing is important for your business success.

1. Convenience

Internet marketing enables around the clock access to your business without worrying about opening hours or overtime payments for staff. Offering your products on the Internet is also convenient for customers. They could browse your online store at any time and place orders when it is convenient for them.Your website is 24/7, unlike your physical store. This means that you can still tend to your customer’s needs even when you are sleeping.

2. Reach

By marketing on the Internet, you can overcome the physical barriers of distance and place. You can sell goods in any part of the country or the world without setting up local outlets. You can also build an international business without opening a network of distributors in different countries.

Other than ensuring that your products are suitable for local markets and they comply with local business regulations and providing you can solve the translation, transportation and any product modification issues specific to each local market it’s an ideal method for internationalizing your business.

3. Accessible to Consumers

Internet marketing is one of the most cost-effective means of advertising and marketing. With just a small amount of money, you can tap into a tremendously large market. Internet marketing enables you to build relations with customers and prospects through regular, low-cost personalized communication, that are tending to move away from mass marketing.

Of course, just because you have a website, you cannot expect it to gather more visitors by itself. You need to actively exert effort in increasing traffic, and this can be done through communication with your website audience, you can easily disseminate information about your business, enhance product awareness, foster good client relationships as well as promote products and services. 

4. Cost

Marketing products on the Internet cost less than marketing them through a physical retail outlet. You do not have the recurring costs of property rental and maintenance. You do not have to purchase stock for display in a store. You can order stock as you need it in line with demand, keeping your inventory costs low. Or if you sell digital products or affiliate products then there is no need to purchase or hold any stock whatsoever

5. Relationships

The Internet provides an important platform for building relationships with customers and increasing customer retention levels. When a customer has purchased a product from your online store, you can begin the relationship by sending a follow-up email to confirm the transaction and thank the customer. You can also personalize offers to individual customers by building a profile of their purchasing history and preferences. By tracking the web pages and product information that prospects visit, you can make targeted offers that reflect their interests.

6. Information and Data

Tracking the information available from tracking website visits also provides data for planning cross-selling campaigns so that you can increase the value of sales by customer. Emailing customers regularly with special, personalized offers helps to maintain the relationship.

You can also invite customers to submit product reviews on your website, helping to build a sense of community. You can also receive instant feedback from customers and make adjustments or remedies as required. You can also deliver information to customers quickly and receive income just as fast.

Internet Growth

Internet Marketing for Online BusinessAs the Internet has grown in popularity, so too has online marketing. The majority of businesses today use the internet to promote their business via websites, blogs, email, social media sites like Twitter and networking sites like LinkedIn.

What’s more, internet marketing enables you to carry out marketing activities that range from market research to improving customer service, building client lists, launching promotions and products, to building and establish business credibility.

Having a website is more than just a form of communication (email) it can be used in many ways and we discuss a few below . 

Website Marketing

At the very least, a website can help your customers find you, providing contact details and showcasing your work. You can tell visitors about your product or service and promote special offers. You can improve customer service by giving useful information and enabling customers to offer feedback.

Promoting your Company Online

If no-one visits your website it is of little value. So promoting your website and driving traffic to your site is important and this can be achieved in a number of ways, such as email marketing campaigns, including your web address in printed marketing materials and on company stationery. As well as using online equivalents to traditional marketing methods, such as advertising on other websites or setting up affiliate marketing relationships with other companies.

Social Networking

Social media marketing is now routinely used by many businesses to promote their businesses online and engage with customers and to build their reputation and brand. Establishing a presence on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn will allow you to communicate directly with existing and new, target markets. Above all they enable you to promote yourself and your business widely, drive traffic back to your website and ultimately boost sales.

Email Marketing

Email, of course, is a convenient and cost-effective way to tell existing and potential customers about offers, to respond to queries and provide customer support. Email messages can be used to highlight special offers and new products and can help drive traffic to your website.

Email marketing has the benefit of lower costs and higher response rates than traditional marketing mailings. It is also easy to track responses so that you can easily test what works and tweak your emails to increase response rates.

The Best Method

Internet Marketing for Online BusinessAll these are great ways to promote your business and you can also use other forms of online communication as part of your overall internet marketing strategy.

You can write a blog, post comments on discussion forums, write articles for industry websites as well as using social networking to build relationships.

But all this takes time and effort. An Alternative way to get visibility and generate traffic to your website is to appear high up in search engine rankings. Search engine optimization is generally considered the best way to get people to your site.

Once You Have Visitors

Then once you have visitors to your site, creating strong relationships with an audience is critical to everything you then do. Rather than constantly hunting down new customers, it is much better to create a valued environment that benefits your existing visitors and customers that keep them coming back.

The way to do this is to deliver great content. Then keep on delivering great content, but in a strategic and focused way. Then every once in a while, make a great offer that benefits the reader that involves the exchange of money. Just as I am about to show you here.

Selling Something

Everyone is selling something. It might be a product, a service, a download, an idea, or a worthy cause. Whatever you’re selling, it’s got to be worth more than the price you are asking. You have to deliver value that far exceeds the price. That’s what good selling is, making your visitors see that the little amount of money you are asking for your offering is small, compared to the value being exchanged. More about this a little later. For the moment the challenge for many is how to get visitors, how to get traffic to their website site?

How to Hit  the Top Spot 

Logo_Google_2013_Official.svgTo hit the top spot in Google and the process of achieving good rankings for your website on Google is forever an ongoing challenge. Because Google continually refines the algorithm that determines rankings, so optimizing your site is like trying to hit a moving target.

The trick though is to keep moving. However, I can tell you that the basics of understanding SEO, is to realize that it’ Google’s job to find the best content for the internet user in any given situation.

However, I can tell you that the basics of understanding SEO, is to realize that it’s Google’s job to find the best content for the internet user in any given situation.

Getting Ranked

So the first step to getting ranked on Google is to forget about Google and focus instead on the user. “Ask yourself: would my visitors find this interesting? Is it better than information they could find elsewhere? “What do they want to know or learn from reading this post or page?

So in a word ‘content‘… Quality, original content is a key component. Content that engages, informs, entertains and satisfies the user, is going to make Google like your site.  

The more Google likes your site / page /post, the higher they will rank you. So if you know how to deliver quality content then all we need to do is put it in front of ‘organic traffic’. This is traffic that comes from the keywords or phrases you elect to use.

Three Types of Keyword phrases

Keyword phrases are used to get search engine rankings and these are simply the queries that people type into the likes of Google in order to find whatever they’re looking for online. Most SEO’s generally split keywords, into two main categories. The head, and the tail. But it could actually be split into three groups. The Head, the Body, and the Tail.

Internet Marketing for Online Business1. Head Keyword phrases are generally just one or two words, and are very popular but often generic terms such as, “Marketing”, or “Internet Marketing”, and “Online Marketing”, would all be good examples of this.

These type of Keyword phrases (Head Keywords) are those that have high traffic search volume which is good in one way, but they are also hard to rank for.

Below in the screenshot, we can see how many results a particular keyword phrase bring us searching in Google. The head keyword phrase is “Internet Marketing”

But this information doesn’t really help us other than it tells us that there are over 340 Million results for this particular keyword and it probably also means that ranking for it – would be difficult.Internet Marketing Google

In the next screenshot below using a keyword research tool, we can see exactly how much monthly traffic the keyword phrase internet marketing” brings if we got on page one of Google and more importantly how much competition there is for that particular keyword phrase.

In this particular, this case the KQI is a red dot which indicates there is, very high competition for this particular keyword phrase. – So ranking for this Keyword Phrase would be difficult.

Internet Marketing Jaxxy

2. Body Keyword phrases are generally two to three words and usually, get searched less than a Head keyword phrase.Examples of Body keyword phrases would be “Internet Marketing Online” or “Online Marketing Tips”.

Again using the keyword research tool we can see in the screenshot below, that the monthly traffic volume for the body keyword phrase “internet marketing online is much less than the Head Keyword Phrase. Yet despite this, again the KQI is still very competitive, another red dot. – So ranking for this Keyword Phrase would be difficult.

Note also the QSR (which is the number of competing websites) is 410, a little lower than the 500 in the screenshot above, which is still a very competitive keyword phrase. So I wouldn’t pursuit it.Internet Marketing Online JAXXY

3. The Tail Keyword phrase (also known as “long tail keywords”) usually contain three or more words that usually get searched less often than Head and Body keyword phrases. Examples of long tail keyword phrases include “Internet Marketing for Online Business” or “Online Marketing Expert Tips”. 

However, these types of keyword phrases are more likely to have ‘commercial intent’ By commercial intent, we mean it is more likely to convert to a sale, because the searcher is being far more specific in their request for information, than with a higher volume head or body phrase keywords.

KeyWord Research Tool

Using the keyword research tool again, we can see in the screenshot below, that the monthly traffic volume for the tail keyword phrase “internet marketing online for business is much less (but still good) than the Head and Body Keyword Phrase. However the KQI dot is Green – and this is Great, this is what we are looking for.Internet Marketing OB Jaxxy

Also, the QSR shows that there is only 187 competing websites for this particular long tail keyword phrase and is way better than the 410 in the last example. So the chances of ranking for this keyword phrase is much better than the Head and Body type keywords previously examined. 

I want you to understand how important this type of keyword research actually is. You already know that keyword research can be applied when deciding on keywords to build an affiliate website or when writing blog posts to get visitors to your site.

It’s not about the quantity of traffic, as many believe, but rather the quality of the traffic that is important. Having very targeted traffic that takes action is way better than a ton of traffic with a high bounce rate.

The Challenge

This is the challenge that many business owners have when faced with marketing online. How to get visitors to their website?. How to hit the top spot in Google and of course understanding the process of achieving good rankings for their website.

We said earlier that we would show you exactly how to make your online business more profitable and with this keyword research tool you can greatly improve your chances of generating targeted traffic to your website.

See my Post post Keyword Research Tool Review

Business Quote from Warren Buffett – On Challenges

I don’t look to jump over 7-foot bars; I look around for 1-foot bars that I can step over.” – Warren Buffett

To often keyword research tools find you the highly popular but 7- foot bars to jump over which is difficult to conquer without a lot of work. Whereas this Keyword research tool  gives you all the 1- foot bars that you can step over and get rankings for.

Still here – Need More Convincing?

Take a look at this screenshot below, taken a few hours after publishing this very post and here it is – on Page One at number #5

Internet Marketing for Online Business

So what are you waiting for?  Go and see my Keyword research tool review and learn all you can about this amazing tool.  Discover the little amount of money being asking, compared to the massive value being exchanged.

Finally

A done-for-you internet business is a dream that many marketers wish would come true when they are struggling to build their first internet affiliate website. Knowing where and how to start with an online business is tough if you don’t know all the nitty gritty details.

To discover how you can have a completely done for you internet business visit my post:  A-done-for-you internet Business

A-done-for-you internet Business

If you like this post Internet Marketing for Online Business please share to your social network or leave a comment below;

Peter V Crisp

“Do that and I will reward you with a free PDF copy of my book; Affiliate Marketing Made Easy. 

So what are you waiting for? Accept my bribe and socially share and leave a comment below.

The book is awesome as are you for leaving a comment – Thanks!

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24 comments

  • Robert Allan

    Hello Peter and what a very indepth article on Internet marketing. Its put some of my own articles to shame.
    I believe you have covered everything a ‘Newbie’ should know before they even think about starting.
    I myself have been in the marketing game for quite a few years now and I picked up a tip or two and will be sure to implement into my own efforts to earn that elusive dollar from the internet.
    I will also be back to read your post on – a done for you internet business.
    Looks like it will be just as informative as this article.
    I wish you continued success.
    Regards.
    Robert Allan

    • Peter

      Hello, Robert Thank you for your praises and I am pleased you found the post interesting and informative. You have to deliver value that far exceeds the price and I hopefully have exceeded your expectations with this free content 🙂 Thank you for your comments and I trust you will also find the eBook that is on it’s way to you informative as well 🙂

  • Karlo

    I really enjoy reading your post. It is obvious that you now what you talking about. You have a lot of great informations that can really help someone who is interested in Internet marketing. Can you tell me can someone succeed online even if he is completely beginner? How much time does it take to earn money?

  • Wade

    Another great article Peter.

    All of those 6 reasons you give are great points of why internet marketing is vital to any business.

    The internet market is just too huge to ignore and the tools available to us now make it a whole lot easier to begin our own business on the internet.

    It is very impressive to see how quickly you are ranking on that #1 page.
    Would you say that your site has a high authority which helps with this, or the structure of your SEO?

    Thanks Peter

    Wade

    • Peter

      Hello, Wade Ranking on Google is firstly keyword selection (Jaxxy helps with that) and Structuring for SEO purposes (Wealthy Affiliate helps with that) and of course site Authority which happens as a result of the other two. Thank you for your comments and I hope you enjoy the eBook I am sending your way. 🙂

  • Afees Alli

    Hey Peter, I must say that I really enjoyed reading the contents on your website, and It was absolutely informative. Honestly online business is the way to go considering the future. I am currently looking into e- commerce and I am willing to learn anything that will make me successful. Do you have some tips that you can share?

  • Dejan

    What a post! I don’t believe I have ever read so much useful stuff in the same place. I myself already know most of this stuff, but imagine a newbie coming to this.
    It’s a gold mine!
    I agree with you on most or even everything that you said. I myself have dropped into affiliate marketing not a while ago and I am expecting huge things coming out of this. Because I know it’s possible!

    • Peter

      Hello, Dejan Thank you for your comments and I appreciate your feed back so please watch out for the ebook I am sending your way. 🙂

  • Andrew

    A very interesting read about internet marketing for online business. I’m only just starting out in online business and your article has definitely cemented in the methods of getting traffic to my site. I totally agree that quality content is the key. There is no point targeting keywords and then producing content that is not engaging your audience. Thanks again and all the best!

    • Peter

      Hello, Andrew Yes totally agree, once you have visitors to your site, creating strong relationships with an audience is critical to everything you then do rather than having to constantly hunt down new customers, it is much better to create a valued environment that benefits your existing readers that keeps them coming back.

      The way to do this is to deliver great content. Then keep on delivering great content, but in a strategic and focused way.It about the loner term relationship than trying to sell them something.

      Thank you for your comments 🙂

  • Wojtek

    I reckon that this site is amazing, it had opened my mind that I can easly gain extra income through internet. I’m cooperating with this site for about couple of months, and I can say that I am very happy that I had decided to trust them, and thank to it I started to make extra money 🙂

    • Peter

      Hello, Wojtek Pleased things are going well for you your right Wealthy affiliate is a great place to get the training and education you need to grow your online business. Thank for your comments. 🙂

  • Courtney

    A must read page by any person entering the Online business with little education on the subject. What i liked was the fact it was not a hard sell; As i progress with my online business, i am beginning to understand it is not as easy as some make it out to be and the competition is fierce,We have to understand that you don’t become a doctor or nurse overnight, you must undergo a course of training first,But you can hire the services of a doctor or nurse, the same for Internet marketing, the problem is many of the persons who are feeling the need to get into this business has limited funds to invest. Has anyone ever considered payment by results?Thanks for sharing.

    • Peter

      Hello, Courtney Thank you for your comments. Yes Payment by results would certainly stop the scammers dead in their tracks haha. You are right about getting an education first before making money online and for many jobs it takes years of training before you can earn a living. Yet for many people they think the internet is somehow different to the real world and they can earn a living before doing the training. Wealthy Affiliate is indeed such a place to get that training so you are in the right place and it is going to take time BUT it will happen so just keep ongoing. I hope you enjoy the ebook I am sending your way. 🙂

  • Borislav

    Dear Peter,
    Thank you for this detailed article who showing us the importance of Internet marketing for online business. You opened a huge door about raising the awareness regarding it. The importance of the Internet has been recognized as you quote in your article by many great minds in the business world like Warren Buffett. Constant learning of online marketing is imperativ for any who want to start with online business.
    Thanks again for this article, and the book you decided to share with us.

    Bora.

    • Peter

      Hello, Borislav You are welcome Thank your comments and I hope you enoy the ebook that is comming your way. 🙂

  • Brandi

    Peter,

    I’m currently learning Internet Marketing for Online Business through Wealthy Affiliate but your article does an excellent job of reiterating the subject. It is always good to hear things explained several different ways to really get it to sink in.

    Thanks for the recap! Keep them coming!

    Brandi

  • Judy

    Hi Peter,
    I like how you broke down the keyword descriptions. I had not heard of head and body keywords, just the long tail ones. So that was interesting to learn. Thanks for an informative post. 🙂
    Judy

  • Marant

    Hi Peter,
    **Spoiler Alert**For keyword research I use the JAAXY Tool exclusively, it really is the only tool you need. Jaaxy will not only give you an idea of how your keyword ideas will work, but will also tell you which ones to avoid! Jaaxy will also quickly find how any post or page has ranked for a particular term, and immediately see what the competition is doing. This is very crucial in my competitive niche. I can even locate how my post ranked for keywords I didn’t even target! I don’t know of another tool out there that does all that and more, yet is so easy to use! Glad to see you are “getting the word “out!

    Marant

    • Hi Marant You are so right! It is awesome in so many ways. Thanks for the feed back and so pleased you love this tool too Appreciate you leaving a comment 🙂

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