Archive for the ‘Internet Marketing’ Category

How to Choose The Right Domain Name

Saturday, July 24th, 2010

‘‘What’s in a name?’’, you may ask, but in the world of internet marketing, there is a LOT in a name. You have to be especially careful when choosing a domain name you choose for your website or page and make sure it is the right one. In order to make your domain popular , direct traffic towards it and generate more traffic choosing the right domain name is extremely important and plays a great role in generating traffic for your website.

A domain name is basically used in a URL to identify web pages and every domain name has a specific suffix like .com, .net, .org, .gov etc. Now to choose the domain name, we have to keep several things in mind especially that your domain name will represent who you are on the internet and it will help generate traffic to your page.

The rule of thumb in choosing a domain name is that it should be simple enough for you to communicate it to people or your audience without confusing them. Now, names like Yahoo, Facebook, Hotmail, WordPress, Google are simple words which you can tell people about without having to spell it out for them. A word like Google probably doesn’t even make sense but its easy on the tongue, its got a simple spelling and is unique and that is what makes it an excellent example of the perfect domain name. Now, the problem you might face, especially if you don’t want to invest a lot of money, is that you might not be able to register single or short domain names because they are usually for sale.

Choosing a domain name and internet marketing go hand in hand, and your domain name will play a role in marketing your page on the internet. People will search for keywords in a search engine and it is a brilliant if you include keywords in your domain name. So, also start thinking of domain names in terms of the important keywords of your website. Ask yourself what are the four or five keywords that your website will be focused on? For example, if you are going selling homemade remedies for different illnesses then your keywords might be – home remedy, natural remedies, treatment at home etc. Keeping these words in mind you can work around the domain name you want to choose.

It should be searchable, easy on the tongue and innovative enough to rouse people’s curiosity. The technique for choosing the right domain is that you have to think of HOW you want to market your webpage. If you are looking for people who will find you through search engines, then you should use a single word or phrase which includes at least one keyword or is a compound word of keywords of your product or service.

This kind of domain name is searchable and can improve your search engine rankings especially if it is a .com but .net and .org also tend to show up high on the search engine rankings. However, if you are not going for the type-in audience, you can think up of any innovative domain name. The word or phrase you use doesn’t even have to exist in the dictionary as long as its catchy and people can remember it! An example for this is Squidoo, now it’s a strange funny name, but its catchy and people will tend to remember it very well because its different. It doesn’t even have to explain what your website is all about!

The creative sort of domain names is easy to market if you are using other tools of internet marketing effectively. What happens with choosing a unique domain name is that when you tell it to people, it stays in their mind and creates a brand in their minds. For example, Yahoo is just an expression of joy; the name itself is not showing what the webpage is about, but it is easy to say, remember and spell. People don’t want to go through an ordeal while typing in your webpage and not being able to be directed to your page.

Choosing the right domain name will take your webpage to a whole new level. It is an excellent tool of internet marketing provided that you pay enough attention to how you want to market your webpage and keeping in mind your budget. Linguistic design is all there is to choosing the right domain name, and although it might be the most tedious of jobs, remember you will be known by that name! So think thoroughly, choose wisely while you’re at it and the next time someone asks you ‘What’s in a name?’ you can tell them that Shakespeare was wrong, there is A LOT to having the right domain name.

Value of Video Marketing

Tuesday, July 20th, 2010

Did you know that people prefer watching a video six times more than they would opt for printed information? Oh, well now you do and it is true. Obviously!

You know that a picture is worth a thousand words. Now imagine, what a moving picture with sound can be worth? Definitely a LOT MORE! Video marketing is a new technique in internet marketing, and although it cannot replace the other strategies like affiliate marketing, article marketing etc, you have to realize that it is a very powerful strategy.

Through videos, you can market your product in a much better way because there are times when people don’t want to spend fifteen minutes reading an article, so they’d rather spend 5 minutes watching or listening about your product or services. Videos make for a more personal experience, especially for your audience because now they have a face and a voice they can associate the product and service with. A video encourages your audience to put their trust in you because no matter what you do, some people will still find it hard to trust someone whom they haven’t ‘seen’.

According to a statistics figure by number of car dealers in Florida the response from a video is 4-10 % compared to the other strategies. Also, according to various studies at the Wharton School of Business people are able to comprehend and retain more information when it is given through a video, at least 50% more! Other studies have shown people to be 72% more likely to buy a product after watching a video than reading about it.

Since the advent of television, people don’t like reading anyways, because they have another better option to get information. Video engages all senses, even ones emotions so it makes your audience more involved in what you’re telling them and they are more likely to be convinced of buying your product. So, in short words the value of video marketing is such that it increases the buying power.

Important information for you in case you didn’t know is that Google recently added Universal Search to their search engine which means that videos also appear on the search result pages. So, now your videos will be listed on the search engine as well increasing your visibility and prospects of people clicking on your website.

Not only do people start trusting you more but you become known as an expert in your field. For example, if you are a hair stylist, you can make videos of giving tips or styling peoples hair, not only will people have a much clearer idea of what you’re doing they’ll know for a fact that you KNOW what you’re doing. This is very important for all buyers that the person selling them a product or service KNOWS what he/she is doing so they can put their trust in you.

Oh, and its very easy to make and a cheaper internet marketing method because just like article writing you don’t have to invest a lot unless you want to make a really professional video. Usually, videos with your regular cameras even, you will just need to read up a little on basic video camera techniques, but that’s about it. Besides, you can just make a script or slideshow out of the written content that you have, so you don’t have to come up with fresh topics and content.

The value of video marketing lies in attracting new and more audience to your page because it’s an added tool in your marketing techniques and people will want to see a professional speaking about his/her product or service.

Video marketing will generate more traffic if you know the right way to market it but its not that difficult really. You can upload your video to different video sharing sites like Youtube. Now even videos come with a link to share, so your audience can share your video on their social networks. What value is all of this to you? Generates traffic! More people getting to know you mean your page will be doing wonders in a matter of time!

Now you have no excuse for not creating your first video then marketing it on YouTube and other video sharing sites. It will take some time to get it right the first time, but with practice you’ll soon be generating more traffic to your web site.

Overcoming Being Overwhelmed With Information Overload!

Friday, July 9th, 2010

The wild, wild world of the Internet can drive you crazy with that the tons of information overload! That’s what it’s meant to do, therefore there will be all kinds of information scattered all over the place. Your job here is to gather the information you do want and filter out the rest.

It’s pretty simple once you know what it is that you want. So, in case you’ve already gone online and faced overwhelming amount of information, don’t take it to heart. Relax; take out a pen, notepad and start organizing yourself by making a list of what are the important things you have to do first.

FOCUS!!

Yes, that is very important for an internet marketer because once you type in something into a search engine you will receive an overwhelming amount of information. To prevent that you need to focus on the things that you want.

When you’ve made a list of what you want to do, you can start on creating your niche. What is it that you as an internet marketer can provide a solution for or if you will be marketing a product? For this step you have to a lot of research and you also have to ask yourself what things you would like to spend time on. You have to explore your potential at something judging by the amount of experience, skills and knowledge you have in that area. While creating a nice for yourself, you have to look at the long-term goal, which is that you will be looked upon as an ‘expert’ at that particular, something.

Once you’ve focused and created a niche in the world in internet marketing for yourself you can now swim further into the sea and explore the internet. Have a look at the demand at the moment of time or something that you feel is missing which you can provide. Look for what people search for on the internet and what are the products and services that they actually want.

There are so many people out there who are doing the same thing you are doing so how do you know who to take help from? Take help from that person who you can understand and who is able to help you on every step in making you a better internet marketer. Also, it matters a lot to be talking and taking advice from someone who matches your level of understanding and intellect. Especially, those who are beginners in the world of internet marketing need to be told things on basic levels, from scratch basically. All the information that you are getting on the internet is not of importance so don’t let it scare you away. Don’t be overwhelmed by the overload of information on internet marketing. It’s really not that difficult once you research thoroughly on the topic and filter out unimportant information. Only retain the information that is of importance to you.

It is important that you understand the various paths in internet marketing like affiliate marketing, blogging, writing articles etc and you know exactly what they are. Once you understand the concept you will find that there are thousands of websites and programs you can join as a writer, affiliate marketer etc and you can also work for more than one at one time. You will be offered a commission on the work that you do which depends on your work and productivity. Likewise, for example in tiered structure you will be given a commission on the products or services you sell but you will also be paid for any new product or service that you introduce, so basically the opportunities are limitless.

A lot of beginner internet marketers think that they don’t need professional help and can handle it on their own. Ok, so you CAN do it, I’m not saying it’s not possible, but with the amount of people starting this business and taking professional help, the competition is building up. At this point it is advisable that instead of being overwhelmed by all the information on the internet you could get some professional help and coaching so when you step into it you are ready to face the hundreds of other internet marketers with a new-found confidence! You really can earn a lot of money by investing none or very little only if you gather the right kind of information, focus on it, build your business once you’ve gained vast knowledge on it and of course letting professional coaches you guide you through the difficulties.

It Takes Self-discipline And Persistence To Achieve Your Dreams

Friday, July 9th, 2010

What is this world without our dreams? What are you without your dreams? Pretty much nothing! I’m sure you agree too. The dilemma is how far you can go in achieving those dreams and ambitions to make them your life. To make your dreams come true you have to change one thing and that is your attitude. Your attitude determines how far you get in achieving your dreams. Without a positive and determined attitude you will find your dreams losing importance and in fact going far from your reach.

Coming to the most important question: What will it take for you to achieve your dreams in the world of internet marketing? The answer – A positive, determined attitude and a self-confident you. The attitude you’re looking for in the world of internet marketing is one of –Carpe Diem! Seize the day, all you internet marketers out there! When we’re working part-time or full-time on the internet, marketing products or services, we need to stay determined that we CAN seize the day. Keep telling yourself that you CAN! There is a strong need to improve one’s self-confidence in order to achieve ones goals.

“Persistence is the twin sister of excellence. One is a matter of quality; the other, a matter of time.”

By this persistence and self-discipline you will be able to improve your self-confidence and go head-on in to this business. You need to develop persistence and self-discipline through your attitude. Persistence is so important when you step into the field of internet marketing because you will want to give up on it every day. But you have to stick to it and give it a real try. It’s not as difficult as it seems, in fact nothing is impossible or difficult once you put your heart into it. You have to be persistent about your goals and know that to achieve them you have to know what you want and stick to it.

“Let me . . . ; remind you that it is only by working with an energy which is almost superhuman and which looks to uninterested spectators like insanity that we can accomplish anything worth the achievement. Work is the keystone of a perfect life. Work and trust in God.” Woodrow Wilson

Discipline yourself by making a routine and a ‘To Do’ list for every day or a week in advance so you know what your short-term goals are in internet marketing. Self-confidence is a must for you to be persistent and self-disciplined about your goals and dreams. Until and unless you have the attitude that ‘Yes, I can do it’ you will not be able to do it.

“We all have dreams. But in order to make dreams into reality, it takes an awful lot of determination, dedication, self-discipline, and effort.” – Jesse Owens

The Importance of Branding Yourself

Friday, July 9th, 2010

“BMW has identified very early on that, next to our products, the brand is the second strongest pillar for our success. It delivers the emotional added value that is very important for our customers.” Jan-Christiaan Koenders, BMW

It’s quite simple – the key to success for any business, even online business is in ‘branding yourself’! So why do people buy a certain product or services? Or, why do they choose one particular company’s service or product’? Most likely, the difference is in the brand. Branding is like personifying a product or service, giving it a name, shape, color, identity etc. Your brand is a promise to your customers. It takes a while to establish a brand but that doesn’t necessarily mean that people will only buy those brands which have been established. There are a lot of other factors which people consider when buying something like the price, association, experience, impulse, rankings and the list goes on!

“What’s your brand? If you can’t answer that question about your own brand in two or three words, your brand’s in trouble.” Al Ries

Exactly! So, when laying down the foundation of your online business, don’t forget self-branding! It is a very important internet marketing tool that you need to establish RIGHT in the beginning so that you can build up the rest of your business on it. There are several ways for self-branding your online business, in fact more or less the same way any other business is branded. You create an identity of who you want to be, what you are selling and give the customers a CLEAR message about yourself. The worst thing you can do to your customers is to confuse them about your brand. Something about you needs to be different from the other brands whether it is your values or price or anything else of importance to your customers and brand. Your website should be laden with the keywords that self-brand you. Do exactly what you have promised your customers that you will, don’t mislead them because it is, after all, your reputation on the line.

“At Philips, the brand informs how we do business; from product development to the billing department. ’Simplicity’ is not just a tagline. It is a guiding principle, which is continuously tracked externally and internally.”Geert van Kuyck, Philips

Your brand will get lost in the millions of other brands online, so how do you gain customers and keep them with you? The answer is –through self-branding! In internet marketing and social media marketing, it is very important to brand yourself!

For an online business you will be self-branding mainly through social media networking because it is an essential tool of internet marketing. If you are not already a part of the various social networks, join them now. Also, a small tip on the way, don’t join ALL of the social networks, just join the top 10 and that will be MORE than enough for you. Although social networking and social media marketing requires quite a lot of ‘virtual legwork’ (running around updating your social profile about yourself and your product), it is very important for your brand. It is advised that you add a little about yourself too, making yourself more real to your customer and interact with them one on one. Have online discussions with your clients as well as other internet marketers on the various forums on the internet because the best thing about social media marketing is that it is not a monologue like advertising. You are saying something BUT you are also hearing from your potential customers or other people like you and having discussions!

“The times are starting to completely shift for the network marketing industry. If you are still promoting your company, instead of branding yourself, you will be left behind in the industry without building any kind of leveraged business” Donny Gamble, Veteran Internet Business Strategist and consultant

When you use the social media to introduce yourself and your brand, than continue interacting with the people it boosts your reputation and builds up your brand. You become a common name, a common face someone they can trust and therefore invest money in. People will NOT spend money online unless they know who you are and can trust you completely! There should be a bond of trust between you and your customers. So how do you build that bond? Self-branding will bring about that trust in you and your brand. Social media is meant to be…well, social, so you can spread the message about your brand to as many people as you want to and the whole point is that your ‘socialize’ with them. People need to keep visiting your social network page or website, so for that you can upload videos, pictures, quotes, articles, anything to keep your customers coming back for more, to find out more about you. Add a picture of yourself and maintain a blog on what you’ve been up to in your personal life (not a lot, just details that you think your customers would be interested in). Basically, what you will be doing is ‘humanizing’ your online presence.

When self-branding, do anything you can to make yourself a trustworthy brand and even though it is difficult to build a bond of trust online it is not impossible! Make your presence felt on social media and on the internet, so people know who you are.

“A business based on brand, is very simply, a business primed on success”
David F. D’Alessandro, Brand Warfare

Good luck!


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