If you’re a business owner who believes you can get along just fine without the Internet, it’s time to broaden your horizons and open your mind to the possibilities offered by a strong online marketing program.
Everyone is going online and they’re not just playing games and paying bills. A recent study showed that nearly 73% of the American population is surfing the web and it’s no longer a man’s world. A comparable number of women are now online as well.
Every Internet user is a consumer of something and according to a report prepared by the Center for the Digital Future, 14% of them purchase via the Internet on a weekly basis. That number climbs to 46% when you’re talking about people who make at least one purchase per month. Why not put your service or product out there and get your share?
Chances are that 73% includes some, if not most, of your competitors. Failing to challenge them in the online marketplace is like conceding business to them without a fight. If the consumer doesn’t know you’re there, how do you expect to convert him to a paying customer?
That same report revealed that 59% of Internet users get product information from online sources daily or monthly. You can provide that information on your website in addition to background information about your business and how, when and where to contact you.
A well designed website is on duty for you day and night. In this day of flex work schedules and work-at-home opportunities you just never know when a consumer will be looking for what you have to offer. While you’re out hustling for customers through traditional means and monitoring the day-to-day details of your business, your website will work for you 24/7 and keep you connected to the rest of the world.
The Internet is a great place to network and you don’t have to get all dressed up and leave the house to do it. You can reach out to other people in your industry through message boards, blog networks and social media sites where there is a constant exchange of ideas. There may be cross marketing or business-to-business opportunities out there that you never considered.
Information is king and the Internet can provide you access to thousands of business resources all designed to help you realize your goals. Directories, tips, suggestions and advice are all available at your fingertips. It will take you some up-front time to ferret out exactly which websites are the most relevant to your particular industry but soon you will have a catalog of helpful material at your disposal ready to help you take your business to the next level.
A growing segment of the business community is turning to online marketing and if you don’t follow suit, you’re likely to fall behind the curve So go ahead, take the plunge into the online marketing pool. You have everything to gain and your bottom line will be all the thanks you need.
Sources:
http://www.digitalcenter.org/WIP2009/WorldInternetProject-FinalRelease.pdf
http://www.nasrecruitment.com/TalentTips/NASinsights/Internet_Usage_United_States.pdf
Bookmark:
|