Marketing Effectively Through Article Writing

by Theresa Cahill
Copyright 2007 - All Rights Reserved

When it comes to marketing online many web site owners opt to try their hand at advertising to begin their online presence.

One method often chosen is the "solo ad." A solo ad is a standalone mailing sent to an individual list owner’s readers. When you don’t have your own list, or want to expand your reach online by using another person’s list, the solo ad fits the bill.

The "disadvantage" of the solo ad is the fact that typically it is a one (or two) time mailing. The subject line is the only portion initially seen by the reader since the mailing arrives in that person’s inbox. Use an uninspiring subject line, and your solo ad is deleted without even being read.

Opened, the solo ad body itself must be compelling enough to get that reader to click and go to your website, or perform the action you are hoping to achieve. Once at the site, the web page itself must be strong enough to "close the sale."

Solo ads can be effective, but more often than not larger amounts of money must first be expended to come up with the "perfect solo ad," an ad that achieves the desired action - the visit to your web site.

If you’ve been online for any length of time, you may already be familiar with the advantages of writing articles. Any successful online marketer usually includes the benefits of article writing in his/her ebooks, courses, web site, etc. When it comes to long-term "advertising" (which translates into great "marketing" of yourself and your web site), article writing is one thing no web site owner cannot not do. Ignoring the benefits of article writing is one mistake every web site owner should go to great pains to avoid making. You must write!

However, article writing is an art form - not only must you be continuously creative, but you also must have the "stick to it" capacity to write at least monthly for effectiveness. Weekly is ideal!

Then once your article is written, you must have the wherewithal to submit your new creation to not one or two but dozens of article directories. Inserting your article into a mailing and "blasting" it out to directories is never effective. Hand selection of the correct category for your article should be your top priority.

As a web site owner, it is important that you see the difference between the solo ad and article writing.

One is a shot in the dark - because typically no one is anticipating receiving your offer in solo/advertising form. Solo ads, no matter how well-selected a list may be, are still cold marketing.

The article, conversely, is warm marketing. Articles are read by readers intentionally looking for what your article covers. In addition, articles are picked up by publishers and other web site owners and used as content for their own visitors and readers.

It is important to note that an article cannot be written like an ad. That is not the purpose of an article. An article needs to be informative, possibly entertaining, and "broad based." The resource, or About the Author, box is where you state who you are and what you are interested in promoting. Written incorrectly and your article will be refused by the directory owner(s). Written and submitted correctly and, again, your article is self-perpetuating.

Wise web site owners use a balanced blend of both solo ad advertising and warm market article writing to achieve their desired result - visitors to their web sites!

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Theresa Cahill and her business partner, Jeff Greer, specialize in helping internet business owners effectively market their websites. Submit your business for a free site evaluation at Market-For-Me.com. Theresa also is the owner of My Wizard Ads, Online Advertising Co-Op, a true one-stop spot for ezine ad advertising, solo ads, targeted traffic, and more!

Keywords: advertising, marketing, classifieds

An Internet Marketing Strategy That Lasts a Lifetime

by Theresa Cahill
Copyright 2007 - All Rights Reserved

Today, the internet is the preferred platform for conducting business. However, while the Internet has been a blessing for business, it comes with a few downsides too: competition has increased unbelievably. Whereas earlier, a business had to contend with 10 local competitors, it now has to compete with a thousand global ones.

So what is the best way to ensure that your business is successful and doesn't fall into the list of unheard-of's? To be a successful online business venture, you require a sound internet marketing strategy. The object is the same as any other marketing strategy, except that it is designed for business conducted over the internet.

Components of a Successful Internet Marketing Strategy

Here are 3 key factors you cannot forget when it comes time to develop your Internet Marketing Strategy:

* Build your company's credibility
* You are your web site
* Be seen. Be heard.

Developing an effective strategy along these lines will ensure that you have a successful business. All the three mentioned above are critical items and lack of even one of these can be lethal for the success of your business.

Build Your Company's Credibility

In the World Wide Web, nothing is more important than credibility. If people don't trust your company, they aren't going to spend money on your site. The horror stories about Internet scams have almost become a permanent segment in the morning daily news shows. Building a credible image is invaluable on the Internet, so always tell people if you've been in business for a number of years - that makes people feel better. Show customer testimonials on your website. If others have spent money with you and they're still happy, that makes people feel better. Write articles on topics in your industry. When people see you as an authority in the industry, they will feel more at ease spending money with you.

You Are Your Website

Ever heard the phrase: "You are who your friends are?" Same goes for your website. It has to look clean, organized, and fit the target market you serve or people will view your company as sloppy, disorganized and speaking a different language. Would you give your money to a company like that? Answer questions. Provide relevant information in a clear manner. Your website is your store and how it is perceived is one of the most important aspects to an effective Internet Marketing Strategy.

Be Seen. Be heard.

Of course, none of the other two steps will ever matter if nobody steps foot in your store. That's why you must have a Search Engine Placement strategy that yields results and gets your company site listed near or at the top of the list in relevant keyword searches. Some great ways to improve your search engine ranking include writing keyword-dense articles, amassing as many inbound links as possible and crafting a solid meta keyword and title tag in your website's code.

Your Internet Marketing Strategy is just like an offline marketing strategy: You must have a trusted company image and then be creative to find as many ways as possible to connect with your target market. Follow these techniques and you'll have laid that solid foundation to build on. You can differentiate your company from thousands of others by implementing a well-thought-out, organized, adaptable internet marketing strategy.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Theresa Cahill and Jeff Greer specialize in developing and implementing that effective internet marketing strategy perfect for your online business. Free analysis available at Market-For-Me.com. Theresa Cahill also is the owner of My Wizard Ads, Online Advertising Co-Op, a true one-stop spot for ezine ad advertising, solo ads, targeted traffic, and more!

Keywords: advertising, marketing, classifieds