WSI Matrix is an consulting company in Edmonton, AB serving local businesses. We specialize in building an online presence for local businesses, optimizing their websites and driving targeted traffic.
Friday, 18 May 2012
Strategic Ways To Market To Your Customers Through The Internet
Traditional marketing methods have always been hard-sell. Advertisements abound and are often in your face, often leading the audience to turn away from the intrusion. However, Internet marketing can take a more subtle, more effective approach. Here are some suggestions on how to go about it.
Email marketing has grown in popularity as an effective tool in reaching out to customers without the hard-sell. Basically, you offer your audience the opportunity to sign up to receive valuable informational updates or announcement of specials. So, participation is strictly voluntary. When using this method, you also want to provide your subscribers an easy way to unsubscribe. Even though you may have lost this person from your subscriber list, it does not mean that the customer no longer needs your services. You want to maintain a good relationship even with people who choose not to subscribe. This gives your subscribers a sense of control, and they will respect your business for it.
Write informative articles about topics that directly relate to your business industry. After all, as a business person in your industry, you have advice that you know will be valuable information to your audience. Write high-quality content, with a clear indication of who you are and what type of business you own. As more and more people come to read your informative content, your reputation as a trusted source in the field will increase. This can lead more people to your business.
People love giveaways and contests. You can offer incentives like this to invite people to visit your website. If you choose this method, be sure that you are able to deliver the prize effectively and in a timely manner. You may want to offer some services for free, with an offer for more services at a price.
Use a blog to sell your product or service. The best way to approach this is to describe the typical problem that your product or service can solve. Set the stage for the problem, and describe how a product like yours can solve the problem. Avoid over-selling your product by claiming that it is the "best in the world," and avoid criticizing your competition. Many people are turned off by what sounds like hype. Describe the benefits, and include a link to your website for people who want to explore further.
People like to receive content on the spot. You may want to consider offering instant downloads of information. If you are selling an e-book, offer the first chapter for free. That will give the potential customer a chance to evaluate the e-book before purchasing.
Customers today are more savvy and choosy about what they want to read. Hard-sell marketing is almost always a turn-off now, because people are annoyed by advertisement blaring in front of them. They are more selective about what they read because there is so much content on the web. Use the methods described in this article to effectively market to your audience, and at the same time, respecting their space. You will gain more loyal customers this way.