The Two Secrets of Online Marketing

Posted by Tobin Truog · February 9, 2009 · Print This Article

Creating and sticking to an online marketing plan can amplify your word of mouth if you digest two key concepts.

When we talk to people about the need to develop web presence, the questions we get are things like, “I could spend all day doing that…then I wouldn’t have time to run my business,” and “Do I really have to create another profile?” The short answer is…yes you do. You need to become the leader of your word of mouth network, and you need to show your fans how to network with you. THEN…and only then…will you overcome the barriers facing you in your business.

The two secrets of online marketing:

1) Nobody CARES about You!

You are talking about you when you lay your marketing message and your features and benefits on me relentlessly…when you are talking and not listening, that isn’t networking…that is broadcasting. Broadcasting doesn’t help me. I am looking for stuff that I am concerned about and needing help with.

2) I Already Know About You!

By the time I visit your website, I have already read reviews of your store, asked friends what they think about you, or researched your product / service on any number of social media sites.

Start with these two “secrets” in mind, and you will hopefully understand that creating a more consistent flow of customers to your door, your website, your business in general is all about consistent effort applied to a plan.

I happen to believe that online marketing, and specifically inbound marketing, are the key to success in business. And yes, I also believe that when you decide to make online tools like Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and many others, a part of the way you create a community of people who know about you…then you will be more successful.

For me, Online Marketing is the best way to amplify word of mouth.

Inbound Marketing is when people find you right when they are looking for the type of thing you help people with. For a great definition check out Hubspot’s take on inbound marketing.

And of course, I hope you follow us on Twitter (@maclub)

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