There is one and only one online marketing secret. There is no secret, no magic bullet, or foolproof formula.
Ignore the daily emails we all receive from self-proclaimed internet millionaires who make thousands of dollars daily while traveling to the world’s most exotic vacation spots. If these folks are as wealthy as they claim to be, their money probably comes from selling worthless “secrets” and questonable business opportunities to newbies.
How can I make such a blanket statement? Because I have made free search engine optimization lessons available to online business owners for more than five years. In doing so, I have researched dozens of pieces of software and many more “can’t miss” online business programs. Very few are worth the cost of a lunch at a fast food restaurant. Many are entirely worthless.
Even if you aren’t getting emails from “get rich quick” gurus daily, as I am, they aren’t hard to find; just do a search on Google, Yahoo, and MSN. You’ll find lots of websites with large homes, larger promises, and exotic cars. But what they’re selling is almost surely nothing more than empty promises.
Now, here is the good news. Below, you’ll find information that can put you on the road to successful online marketing. And, you don’t have to take youir credit card out to get it.
1. Do your homework. Read, research, anticipate, and plan. Leave as little to chance as possible.
2. Success in any business requires time and effort. Don’t be fooled into thinking otherwise.
3. Ideally, Your website should offer people something they need. If not, it had better offer them something they want pretty badly.
4. Be honest. Say or write nothing that is not true. If you exaggerate or lie to a prospect once, he or she may never be able to trust you enough to buy from you.
5. Remember that a good website gets to the point, makes it easy for prospects to contact you, and makes it easy to buy. People are in a hurry…waste their time and they’ll go elsewhere.
6. Surveys show that people are afraid they’ll get ripped off if they buy online. A good guarantee and an “about us” page on your website can overcome buyers’ fears.
7. Don’t be afraid to spend money on autoresponders, link building software, organizers, and other products that allow you to accomplish important tasks more quickly.
8. You, a partner, or an employee should spend a minimum of 25 hours weekly promoting your website. Develop and carry out a coordinated marketing campaign.
It would be nice if there were 5 steps you could take to guarantee success. Unfortunately, that’s just the stuff of dreams. But, if you develop a thoughtful business plan, work hard, and market your business aggressively, I like your chances.
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