College of Internet and E-Commerce Test (to be used while taking the test)
College of Internet and E-Commerce Hallway
Most of the people selling online are offering a good product or service, but many of them aren't making any sales. What’s the problem? It’s not their product. It’s their marketing, specifically where they are marketing.
Hundreds upon hundreds of Internet entrepreneurs are making the very same mistakes every single day. They are under the impression that placing their URL on link pages and submitting to billions of search engines will attract tons of ready to buy shoppers to their website. Could they be more wrong!?
These tactics are kind of like trying to sell ice to Eskimos. They have no need to buy ice when it’s all around them. The same is true for most of the people who are attracted to these websites. They have no need for what’s there.
So how do you find your target audience? First of all, you have to think like them. Put yourself in the place of your customers. What do they want? Where will they go looking for it online?
The obvious answer is search engines. Yahoo! isn't the most visited website on the Internet for nothing. But unless you’re willing to spend months just trying to get a top ranking, or pay someone big bucks to do it for you, this isn't the best way to find your audience.
Okay, we've ruled out search engines as the best place to find your target market. What’s the answer then? Ezines and newsletters.
Why ezines and newsletters?
Why do people subscribe to an ezine? They’re interested in whatever the topic of the ezine is. If it’s about Internet marketing, then the readers are interested in Internet marketing. If you’re marketing products designed for Internet marketers, what better place to advertise than in a publication with a subscriber base made up completely of Internet marketers? All of them are potential buyers. No longer are you trying to sell ice to Eskimos, but to desert nomads looking for ice!
Advertising in ezines and newsletters is very effective and it works! There are millions of subscribers around the world who are receiving ezines on a regular basis because they are interested in hearing what the publisher has to say.
So how do you place an ad in an ezine targeted to your audience?
First you have to find an ezine whose topic matches your target market. There are several searchable directories online that list ezines organized by subject matter. These directories usually list contact information, advertising rates, and circulation.
So check them out, find a targeted ezine and place an ad! You'll be amazed at the number of buying visitors who drop by your website.
Housewares |
Giftwrap |
There are now affiliate programs for just about anything you would like to offer on your website. More are being offered every day. The important thing to ask yourself is what the visitor to your website is learning about, or what attracted them to your website. Choose an affiliate program(s) that is in keeping with why they are at your site.
The two samples were advertised as new affiliate programs in an e-newsletter that I receive. Would they fit into your type of website? Or would you rather have an affiliate program that offers Music, or Students For English-Nanny School, or Travel, or Vacation Rentals? There are lots more book affiliates besides Amazon and some offer a better deal. Check them out carefully before you sign on.
You can also buy software and set up an affiliate program for your product. That will encourage other websites to advertise your product on their page.
CostToJoin: Free
FirstTierPercent: 10
Description: Giftwrap.com has one of the largest selections of quality gift wrapping paper, tote bags, ribbons, bows, photo albums, journals, greeting cards and stationery products designed by artists throughout the world. Some of our artists and Licensor's include Anne Geddes, Dr. Seuss, Curious George, Woody Woodpecker and more.
CostToJoin: Yes FirstTierPercent: 20% of all sales generated by our banner or link on your home page
So here's the question: In the multi-click environment of the Internet, how do you get multiple views of your sales message? This article will offer you four strategies for getting repeat visitors to your web site, and ultimately, generating more sales!
PROVIDE CONTENT
You've been to those sites that are filled with hundreds of banners, buttons, and flashing links, haven't you? You know the sites! They offer lots of eye-candy, but little else of substantial value.
If you build that kind of site they might come, but THEY WON'T come back. If they don't come back you won't make the sale!
You'll have to give your visitors something to motivate their return - some content that will whet their appetite and keep them coming back for more. Here are a few suggestions:
You get the point, don't you? Offer them a reason to come back and they will. Simple!
HOST CONTESTS
People love to WIN! This explains the popularity of the numerous contest sites available on the Net. Winners get prizes like computers, cars, cash, and more. For a small fee you can host one of these contests on your site. You'll get repeat traffic and a copy of each entry's contact information.
This is a great resource for building a customer list.
ADD A DISCUSSION BOARD
Discussion Boards are not popular with many webmasters. That's too bad! You see for those who invest the time a discussion board can be a tremendous draw for repeat visitors.
A discussion board provides your visitors with an opportunity to make comments, offer advice, and/or ask questions. The benefit is that your visitors will begin to develop a sense of community around your site. At the same time, as manager of the board, you will become viewed as an expert in your field.
Obviously such a reputation will be a bonus to your business - and will keep people coming back to your site, reading your endorsements and earning you income.
PUBLISH AN EZINE
This is probably the most important strategy in this article. If you don't publish an Ezine, you should!
Ask any Ezine editors and they will tell you that their Ezine is the number one resource for repeat visitors and huge profits.
Want proof? Here's a note that one editor I know got from a subscriber on his list about a product he had endorsed:
"For a couple months I've been reading about your endorsement of *product X.* Several times I visited your site - but never purchased the program. In your last message, however, something clicked and I went right over to place my order. Now I am writing just to say thanks for pointing me in the right direction!"
If you want a larger percentage of return visitors and purchases from your web site, make sure you publish a high quality, content driven Ezine.
This list is just a starting point. Start using these strategies now and you should start seeing a substantial increase in your web site traffic - and your sales and profits.
Until next time, happy marketing! Written by Garry King.
Are you overwhelmed by all the jargon and hype associated with the Internet? Do you wish that you understood all those expressions? Do you simply want to know what the Internet is about and how you can use it?
If you are looking for the basics, this is the right place for you. It is not necessary to go into the technical details. The computer gurus have made it possible for those with modern computers, modems, and Internet software to link up with over 100 million other computers around the world. You can communicate and advertise your products, services, and interests to everyone worldwide.
To "surf the net" privately (instead of using your company's or university's connection), in addition to the above, you need an Internet Service Provider (ISP) (like America On-Line, Compuserve, etc.) and a local access telephone number (which the ISP will help you to find). You will want to investigate more cost-effective alternatives when you become more experienced.
To "have a page or website on the net" means to have a virtual storefront location with which you can advertise a product or service, or promote an interest. You can do as you like on your site. It has to be placed with a server (not to be confused with an Internet Service Provider). Register here and let us know what kind of information you want to place on your site. There is no charge for us to evaluate your information, suggest options, and give you an approximate idea of what it is going to cost you if you proceed (with no obligation).
Have Fun!
Go to http://www.altavista.com
Because you are searching for links to YOUR site, enter the following in the box where you would normally enter
your words for searching. . .
To get others to link to your site, contact them by e-mail and offer to link to their site if they will link to yours.
When an E-Mail or Blank E-Mail is sent to your Autoresponder, it will deliver your file to your customer almost instantly, 24 hours a day. The best one we have found that is easy to use and provides an "affiliate" program" is InfogeneratorPro. To learn how it could work for you, click on the banner below.
