Now that you have your start-up business up and running, it’s time to let your target audience know that your products and/or services are available. They will not be aware of your existence, unless you tell them.
Whether you have a brick and mortar or an online business or both, one of the best strategies for spreading the word about your new products and/or services is through Internet marketing. We will cover some of the more popular Internet marketing methods and strategies in this post.
Website
It’s vital to have a website. This is your online business card. Having a website makes you and your business look credible. Not many people will do business with a company or entrepreneur if they don’t have a website.
Blog
Next you need to have a blog. You can use your blog to share your knowledge with your target audience, while at the same time become known as the expert in your field. This will drive traffic to your website, possibly converting your site visitors into clients.
Social Media
Then you need to get involved in social media marketing. This will also drive traffic to your website. The more popular social networks are Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.
On Facebook there are two different accounts you want to create. One is called Profile and the other is known as Page. Your profile account is for socializing with your family, friends, and colleagues. It also allows your potential clients to see the human side of you. Your Page is strictly for showcasing your business.
Twitter is a real-time information network that enables you to follow conversation and topics you are interested in, as well as the latest information. Â Connect with your target audience and drive traffic to your website. You can socialize on Twitter, while at the same time become recognized as an expert in your industry.
LinkedIn is for professionals only. Sharing personal, non-business type of information is not acceptable on LinkedIn. LinkedIn also has groups geared toward your interest. Â Just do a search using search terms of your interest on the LinkedIn group drop-down menu to locate the groups you want to join. The groups are similar to forums where you can share information as well as gain knowledge to help you operate your business.
Come back next week when we continue our discussion on Internet marketing for start-ups.
Rita,
Great site for DIY internet marketers as my self.