Everyone is trying to promote their business online - from the mom-and-pop retailer to the big-name brands like Macy's and Sony. Don't be discouraged by the deluge of promotions and options out there. This article is not a do-it-all guide, but it will offer you some key points on how to get started.
1. Identify Your Market- Do They Use Facebook or Craigslist?
The above is not an either/or, but it's an example of the way you should be thinking as a business owner. Identifying your market is always difficult, but if you've already done this, you'll know where on the internet you're going to want to spend a majority of your time and money. One of the rages in today's digital world is "social media". While it's necessary for you (yes, necessary!) to have a Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook, don't go overboard. Keep in mind that the majority of Facebook users are savvy youths who are keenly aware that they are being advertised to. If your services and products are for 15-28 year old's, Facebook ads and promotions are a good place to explore. If your services and products are for those in their 30s-60s, Craigslist is a cheaper alternative. Online advertising is expensive, and in order to use this money wisely, it's going to be best for you to target where you will get the most bang for your buck.
2. Learn Basic HTML
This is, believe it or not, easier than it seems. Take a tutorial. The reason for this is that you're going to want to start generating landing pages for your sales and services. What is a landing page? Go to Craigslist, look in financial services, and click on one of the links. Generally, these pages will show up in the ad or pop-up when you click it. A landing page is basically a sales page that is looking to entice your audience to learn more. Design your landing page according to your target market. For teens, something flashier is necessary. For adults, something more streamlined will do the trick. Again, you don't have to go overboard with HTML. There are plenty of free tutorials online. Most landing pages simply need a few images, color, and a title to pique interest.
These two tips go hand in hand. You're going to start marketing. And good marketing is going to start with landing pages that are directly targeted to your audience. Unlike the luxury of a TV commercial or print ad, you're going to have to be extremely specific. There are millions of people marketing online. Get started with these two tips and you will be ahead of the game.
1. Identify Your Market- Do They Use Facebook or Craigslist?
The above is not an either/or, but it's an example of the way you should be thinking as a business owner. Identifying your market is always difficult, but if you've already done this, you'll know where on the internet you're going to want to spend a majority of your time and money. One of the rages in today's digital world is "social media". While it's necessary for you (yes, necessary!) to have a Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook, don't go overboard. Keep in mind that the majority of Facebook users are savvy youths who are keenly aware that they are being advertised to. If your services and products are for 15-28 year old's, Facebook ads and promotions are a good place to explore. If your services and products are for those in their 30s-60s, Craigslist is a cheaper alternative. Online advertising is expensive, and in order to use this money wisely, it's going to be best for you to target where you will get the most bang for your buck.
2. Learn Basic HTML
This is, believe it or not, easier than it seems. Take a tutorial. The reason for this is that you're going to want to start generating landing pages for your sales and services. What is a landing page? Go to Craigslist, look in financial services, and click on one of the links. Generally, these pages will show up in the ad or pop-up when you click it. A landing page is basically a sales page that is looking to entice your audience to learn more. Design your landing page according to your target market. For teens, something flashier is necessary. For adults, something more streamlined will do the trick. Again, you don't have to go overboard with HTML. There are plenty of free tutorials online. Most landing pages simply need a few images, color, and a title to pique interest.
These two tips go hand in hand. You're going to start marketing. And good marketing is going to start with landing pages that are directly targeted to your audience. Unlike the luxury of a TV commercial or print ad, you're going to have to be extremely specific. There are millions of people marketing online. Get started with these two tips and you will be ahead of the game.
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