The 10 Fundamental Keys to Your Online Marketing Success

by Elliot Adams

The number of people doing business online today is staggering. It is therefore imperative that any business today have an online marketing component, replete with a well-designed strategy and goals.

Recent polls have found that almost three quarters of adults in the USA are internet users. Almost 82% of online consumers list buying merchandise as their primary use of the internet.Simply having an online presence though, is not sufficient. Just like in an offline business, you must outmaneuver the competition. It is the same when dealing with an online business. In fact, it is even more important to have the keys and tools to success for online marketing as the competition is mounting by the minute.

Here are the keys to success for your online business:

1. GOALS: The first step is to write out your goals. Be as specific as possible when it comes to creating goals and outlining the time frame in which you plan to achieve them. It pays to think big but not unrealistically when writing your goals so you will have goals that are grand enough to motivate you but not too lofty, as to be discouraging .Goals are not set in stone, as they can and should be modified periodically. Be sure to review your goals often to see if they need changing.

2. STRATEGY: Once you have your goals you must formulate a strategy that encompasses those goals and acts as your blueprint for success. Strategy consists of the tools and techniques you will use when setting out to accomplish your goals.

3. ORIGINALITY: Set yourself apart from the competition in any way possible, be it small or large. Try to bring into focus what qualities set your business apart from your competitors. Bring attention to these unique qualities by incorporating them into your site design and message.

4. BE THE CUSTOMER: View everything you do through the eyes of your potential customer. As yourself exactly what you as a customer would want from your site or business to make it most appealing. Use the word YOU three-four times more than you use the word I.

5. VISIBILITY: Whether it is designing your site or when delivering content, use distinctive design and originality to set yourself apart. Create designs that are both professional and easy to navigate. When it comes to websites, you have just seconds to make a positive impression with site visitors before they click elsewhere.

6. EFFECTIVE USE OF KEYWORDS: This task while once difficult and time consuming has been made significantly easier with a number of great software programs that basically do the keyword research for you.

7. VALUABLE CONTENT: Unique site design encourages browsers to stay for a closer look. But it is the content that converts them to customers and encourages sales. Offer content that has value like newsletters, articles, blogs, informational audio clips and videos.

8. ADVERTISING: Whether it is PPC, SEO, Banners or through social media, it is vital to utilize most, if not all avenues of advertising so you put yourself in the best position to succeed.

9. AFFILIATE PROGRAM: An affiliate program is a must if you are selling a product online. Forming joint ventures, recruiting large affiliates and promoting the program are necessary tasks to boost revenue.

10. EMAIL AND COMMUNICATION: Email is a vastly underutilized online business tool that if used properly can increase your customer base and sales revenue immensely. Successful methods include compiling emails lists and creating opt-in newsletters and monthly reports. You must create value for your readers so you do not become just another spammer. Communicate with your customers through email by asking them for questions, comments and feedback on your products and customer service.

The key to online business success is developing strong relationships with your customer base. You must build them and continue to build once you have them, by communicating with your customers.