8 Internet Marketing Myths

Most, if not all, myths come from some little piece of truth. They somehow end up blown out of shape and proportion and become bigger than life.

Here are 8 internet marketing myths that need to be knocked down to size.

• You don't need to spend money to do business online.  Paid advertising, hosting fees, web development fees, Search Engine Optimization fees, payment processing fees do I need to say more?
  
  While there are "Free" opportunities like being listed in directories . . . you typically get what you pay for.
   
• Anyone can build their own website. Not true, if you want a website that will be effective.
  
  I can buy all the materials to build a patio . . . but if I don't know how to prepare the base and set everything in place correctly I will end up with something that offers limited use.
   
• You can get rich quick online. There have been a few very lucky people that have been at the right place at the right time . . . like a lottery winner.
  
  The truth is that it takes knowledge, hard work and resources to succeed.
   
• People don't read long copy on the internet. They will, if the short copy catches their attention and is the information they are looking for.
  
  The entire reason people are viewing your website is because they are looking for answers to a problem or need they have. Of course they will read long copy, as long as it addresses their needs.
   
• All traffic is good traffic. The only good traffic is traffic that has the potential to or actually converts to a sale. 
  
  People who are not looking for your products or services, but landed on your website by mistake typically don't make good leads.
   
• E-mail marketing is dead. Some people mistakenly believe that e-mail marketing is no longer effective with the advent of social media. 
  
  The smart marketer is using the two forms of marketing to compliment each other boosting the effectiveness of both media.
   
• You need to be on the first page of Google to be successful.  Think about it, search engines only have 10 spots available on each page. Does that mean only 10 businesses world wide are successful?
  
  The key to placement is to place well for specific keywords, the key to success is to remember that search engines only account for a portion of the traffic your website receives.
   
• Build it and they will come. They have to find it first.
  
  Make sure you are maximizing your reach through search engines, billboards, print ads, online ads, radio, television, business cards and other forms of marketing available to you. You can't afford to do them all, but use the ones you can wisely.

Unfortunately many business people think all they need to do is build a website and magically they will be successful. Sorry, life isn't that easy.

The website needs to be properly built, the content relevant, well written and interesting, and you will need to spend some money on advertising.

Low cost and free resources will only take you so far . . . and that may not be far enough to be successful.

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Tip of the Month!

Schedule your e-mail campaigns

Our E-mail Marketing Services allow you to create your campaign in advance and schedule the delivery date and time.

This allows you the luxury of creating your campaign when your schedule allows. It is also a great way to reliably deliver a regular newsletter or other campaign over holidays.

If you are interested in learning more about our E-mail Marketing Services call us at 320-587-4314.

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Don't Do That!

Home Made Materials

I have received two business cards recently that left me with a negative impression of the giver.

The first card had their information cleanly presented on the front, then on the back of the card was an advertisement for the printing company.

• You get your cards printed for free . . . but you end up looking (in my mind) really cheap.

The other person proudly handed me a business card printed on perforated paper stock. Two problems here:

• It is paper and not a card stock, business cards should have substance.
• The edges are perforated . . . let your teenager use these for advertising babysitting services or lawn mowing services.

Business cards really are not that expensive. Put your best foot forward and hand people business cards that leave a good impression!

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