Chances are if you’re checking out these blog forums, you are in search of some answers. Let us be the first to tell you, you’re sure to receive an abundance of them and there’s certainly no shortage of opinions. In an attempt to shed some light on using the Internet to market your business, YDO has developed an overview for you. These categories are absolutes in Internet marketing. Where opinions differ is how and when to use them, and that’s where a good Internet marketing and design firm should get to know you and tailor a plan suited to your company’s specific objectives.
1. Your Image. This includes a solid and telling company name, and a clever and recognizable logo or brand image. It should appear on all of your business’ collateral including print and online media, nametags or company uniforms, and product packaging.
2. Your Website. Designed to attract customers and reinforce your brand name and image, your website should be set up to be the hub of your online presence. Use it to display and sell products, engage and educate your customers, release announcements, and reinforce your brand.
3. Your Messaging. Speak to people through videos, tweets, blogs, Facebook updates, feedback forms, and your web page. Drive people to your website by creating video tutorials, blogs, and golden nuggets of information to establish yourself as an authority in your field. Most importantly, get to know and understand why “key words” are valuable in your online communications.
4. Your Hotspots. Social media is rampant in online campaigns. It is a long-term strategy that helps your company establish itself as one that people know, like and trust. Use a combination of forums including Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube to build communities of people who will interact with you. Don’t be afraid to engage customers, hold contests, use humor, or invite comments.
So, how do you establish an image? How can you make your messages impactful? Which online real estate should you choose? How do you grow your social media communities? Don’t worry. It’s a lot to figure out and can feel like more than a full-time job to build, execute, and manage.
Our best advice to you is to engage a firm that can tailor an online campaign to show your business in its best light, increase your traffic and sales, and zero in on all four categories above, customizing your presence and messaging specifically to meet the goals and needs of your business.
Have you decided to move your business into the virtual world? Why not send us your questions or request a consultation to learn more?
