When starting a small business, you know it is important to get the word out to your customers, or in other words, you need to market your products or services. One of the most important elements in marketing is taking advantage of online marketing. Using the Internet is essential since nearly everyone is connected to the Internet. Internet marketing defined by OrangeSoda is basically any effort you make to promote your business online. It includes such things as the following:
- Email marketing
- Social media marketing
- Search engine optimization
- Paid search advertising
- Content marketing
Email Marketing
One of the most common forms of online marketing is to send promotions or advertisements to email accounts. Companies collect email lists through various methods. Individuals can subscribe to receiving updates, specials, newsletters, and other messages from your company via email.
Social Media Marketing
It is very common to hear or see an ad urging you to, �follow us on Facebook.� This is an example of using social media to market your business. Typically, social media marketing involves using sites like Facebook, Google+, Twitter, and Pinterest.
Search Engine Optimization
When someone uses a search engine such as Google or Yahoo! to find a website, there are many links that appear on the search engine results page (SERP). Most individuals select a link from the first page, especially those at the top. They do not scroll through several pages. Therefore, you want your website to appear towards the top of the search results. Search engine optimization (SEO) involves using techniques to get your website to come up higher on the SERP.
Paid Search Advertising
Closely related to SEO is paid search advertising. Paid search advertising is when your website appears at the top of the SERP and invites people to click into your website. However, you only need to pay for that advertising opportunity when someone actually clicks your link.
Content Marketing
Another element of Internet marketing is content marketing. You have probably participated in this aspect of marketing without even realizing it. It happens whenever you read a company�s blog or watch one of its YouTube videos. Content marketing shares useful, informational content in hopes that you will like what you learn and visit the company�s website.