June 14th, 2010
by foreignwebmarketingcorrespondent
Marketing = relationships. (write that down and don’t forget it. ok, now keep reading)
The purpose of your marketing (both online and offline) is about creating and sustaining healthy and loyal relationships with your customers, target audiences and partners. In the current economic slump, many businesses are inadvertently putting this principle on the back burner and instead focusing their efforts on the $$. The first step to reviving your online marketing efforts is to remember that relationships = $$. Business relies on its clients and customers in making the big bucks. Attracting and sustaining those customers stems from your marketing, online and offline. Your online marketing is therefore indispensable!
Check out the full article on Top Ten Things You Know About Online Marketing – But Forgot! as compiled by Lorrie Thomas, WMT’s “wildest” Wild Web Woman and Web Marketing Therapist. (and for your busy schedules, a quick summary is below to get your brain ready to rock the web):
1. Online Marketing is a Science and Art
Your online marketing must have a purpose: it must matter and pay. In the blissful marriage of science and art of online marketing, you must address the 5 W’s (+ the How): Who, What, Where, When, Why and How. This comprises your strategy, but remember your strategy must sell! Go back to marketing basics and analyze your online marketing strategy, just as when you created your offline marketing strategy. The same principles such as your target audience, your goal, purpose, etc. apply online!
2. Online Marketing is a Commitment
Your online campaigns, strategy and tools need constant attention. You must be committed to your web marketing and continually analyze, manage and refresh it!
3. Websites are now WEB SOLUTIONS
Websites are not just for show. They must do more than occupy a web address; they MUST serve and offer support. They are a key tool in building relationship hubs, sharing information and communicating with your current and prospective customers and serve as service centers where clients can find and utilize the information, product or service they are seeking. Your web marketing must be a solution to your organization, offer customer service and sell sell sell!
4. Online Marketing = Building Relationships
Online marketing is NOT online advertising. You are ‘paying’ for maximizing exchanges and committing to building lasting, healthy relationships with your clients and customers.
5. Great Online Marketing Ideas are Only Great if They are Executed Brilliantly
Adopt a ‘could’ attitude, not a ‘should’ one. Have an idea? Think critically, evaluate it and distinguish between the feasible and the idealistic. Don’t ‘should’ on yourself. If you can make it happen and it makes sense to do so, do it! Also don’t get discouraged halfway or abandon your great idea soon upon completion!
6. Online Marketing can Multi-task
Is your online marketing multi-tasking? Because it can and it should! Multi-channel marketing is now multi-tasking marketing. This means re-purposing your online marketing efforts. Reuse and recycle content and your resources. Link your online marketing with tools like auto-feeds to connect your content on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter.
7. You Have to GIVE to GAIN
Don’t be afraid of sharing your information and learning! Giving tips, tools, downloads and other valuable content you’ve learned helps bring in loyalty and trust from your customers.
8. Use What You’ve Got (to get what you Want)
Measure how effective your online marketing is. Re-structure content to address and engage your audience and users in different ways. Use the tools you already have to do so! You’ll be amazed at how much content you already have (articles, email newsletters, blog posts, videos, photos, etc can be re-purposed for more visibility!)
9. The Only Constant in Online Marketing is Change
All territory is unchartered territory until you charter it! We’re talking taking calculated risks here! Don’t be afraid of new tools and trends.
10. Have Fun!
Life principle, really. Marketing is fun. And a little fun attitude makes a BIG difference! Fun leaves lots of room for creativity and flexibility. Make your online marketing work for you and have fun with it. Happy attracts happy. If you want your customers to interact with you, make it a fun and engaging journey!
Read the full (and FREE) eBook on “Top Ten Things You Know About Online Marketing – But Forgot!” for detailed information on these 10 pointers, next steps on what TO-DO and web marketing therapy advice!
Follow Web Marketing Therapy’s healthy doses of web marketing tweets at www.twitter.com/webmarketing_rx
Web Marketing Therapy Related Links:
- Online Marketing Basics for Busy People
- Freshen Up Your Web Marketing Educaton with Free Online Tutorials!
- Small Businesses: Smart-Up About Your Social Media
- 3 Easy Tips AND Free Web Resources to get Local Online PR Exposure
