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Home > Marketing > Internet Marketing Strategies

Ten Myths About the Internet and Small Business

1. The Internet is expensive
2. My customers don't use the Internet
3. The Internet won't bring me new customers
4. A web site requires a lot of maintenance and technical know-how
5. I don't have tangible products to sell, so I don't need a web site
6. I don't need worldwide exposure
7. The Internet is too big, no one will find my site.
8. Only big companies can sell products online
9. I can't tell who looks at my site
10. The Internet won't save me any money

The Five Main Steps of Web Site Development

1. The Initial Preparations
2. Creating the Site
3. Posting the Site Online
4. Submitting the Site to Search Engines
5. Maintaining and Marketing the Site

Step 1: The Initial Preparations

• Make a commitment
  • new levels of customer service
  • this is your face to the world
  • commit to updated content and regular changes
  • in-house or outsource?
• Expect the unexpected
  • Plan the site
  • understand your internet mission
  • view your competitors' online presence
  • use index cards to map out the site

Step 2: Creating the Site

It's easier to create than one might think!!!

• Major Mistakes
  • pages take too long to download
  • no means of contact with the company
  • getting caught up in the "cool stuff" and forgetting about content
  • poor navigation
  • not enough interaction
  • not targeting internet stakeholders

Step 3: Posting the Site Online

• Get an ISP
  • Compare hosting plans
• Acquire a domain name
  • Registration fees apply for .com, .net, and .org domains
  • Use if not using unique domain names to redirect to your site. Test before launching

Step 4: Submitting the Site to Search Engines

• Ways to submit the site:
  • Individually through each engine
  • Free submitting services to multiple search engines
• Tips on submitting the site
  • Submit every page, not just the homepage. Use the title bar effectively
  • Use the "30-100 Rule"
  • Use Meta-tags
  • Put the most important key words at the beginning of the page

Step 5: Maintaining and Marketing the Site

Ensure that everything works

• Put the address EVERYWHERE!
• Update content regularly
• Provide "something of value" for free
• Opt-in/Opt-out Newsletters
• Get feedback on the site
• Promote the site through word-of-mouth
• Install a tracker

Here are the 10 Steps that I detail for you:

1. Define a Unique E-Business Niche
2. Devise an Adequate Revenue Plan
3. Name Your Online Business
4. Assess Your Needs and Resources
5. Obtain Professional Website Design
6. Build the Trust Necessary for Success
7. Plan Low-Cost Marketing Techniques
8. Determine How to Receive Payments
9. Deliver Products and Services Efficiently
10. Provide Excellent Service to Your Customers