Developing an Internet Marketing Strategy for Your Small Business

After all, why should web surfers in other cities, countries or even across continents search for, and find your business online? Is it likely they’ll do business with you from such a distance? Is it just a waste of time and money to plan, develop and launch a business website? And what if you already have a website? Should you revise, change or scrap it in favour of something new?

Some business owners jumped on the internet with a “gold rush” mentality hoping to strike it rich without giving it much thought at all. They spent money, and lot’s of it, to be a part of a “virtual mall” producing pitiful results or bought “do it yourself” software to build a site that, well, looks as if they did it themselves with scrolling marquees, background music, animation…you get the picture.

And then there’s the 16 year old wonder nephew who built a site fueled on nothing but Red Bull and pizza. Trying to get revisions or changes made to your website now revolve around getting his attention and disturbing his budding social life.

Here's something to consider. Do you own a phone?

Why?

People from all over the world might call you and ask about your products or services. Strangers might choose to call you in the middle of the night.

My point is that just owning a phone or a website that can connect with people around the world doesn’t necessarily mean they’ll call or visit your site.

I’m sure the phone has proved to be valuable for local or regional business contacts. Your business website can serve the same purpose. It can be a far more cost effective marketing resource than the yellow pages or costly ongoing newspaper campaigns. Your website can play a key strategic role in your local marketing process.

A strategy is a plan of action intended to accomplish a specific goal. It is neither the tactics nor actions taken to achieve your goal. Your internet marketing strategy is therefore, your action plan. It answers the basic question: What do I want to achieve as a small town, small market business owner using the internet?

Do you want to build a list of customers?

Then you’ll first need to know what Internet marketing tools are available to accomplish that specific task.

Do you want to stay in touch with potential customers (patients, clients, dealers, agents, etc.) and current ones as well?

Then you’ll need more information on small business email marketing resources.

There are an estimated 15 – 30 billion pages of information now available to web surfers. How will people find you?

If your goal is to educate current and potential clients, to provide value in printed form, then e-zine marketing information will be very helpful.

If you're a small town, small business owner looking for ways to improve you marketing efforts using the Internet as one component of your overall plan, you've come to the right place!

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