Guest Post - Internet Marketing: Jumping the Shark or Just Catching the Big Wave?
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Because of its significant growth over the last few years, the occupation of internet marketing has garnered both accolades and criticism. It has also spawned a host of myths concerning its viability as a profession. If you’re someone who is currently engaged in the field of ecommerce, you may have fallen prey to some of these misconceptions or outright fabrications, and chances are, if you’re still in business, you came out a bit more savvy for the experience. If, however, you’re looking to break into the business, there are few myths that need to be busted.
1. It’s a way to get rich quick. This also goes along with the notion of a job where you can put in minimal effort, sit back, and rake in the dough. If you’re reading this, you’re old enough to know that if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Can you make money in internet marketing? Yes. Does it take time, effort, and ongoing self-education? Yes.
2. You’ll never make any money. If the pendulum swings one way, it must swing the other. Whenever you hear extreme statements (like those involving an “always” or “never”), you can pretty much be sure they’re false. Use your brain a little. As with any business, you get out what you put in. There are surely a number of people who have failed at internet marketing, just as there are those who fall on their faces in any industry. Talent, knowledge, and drive will take you far, so don’t let the lazies or the crazies stop you from trying.
3. You can’t succeed without a great website. This is almost false. Your website may be the first introduction your clients have to your service, so it should be professional, functional, and intuitive. That said, you can certainly personalize it or give it your own particular flair to make it a bit more unique. However, it’s only the appetizer, so don’t blow your whole wad of cash. If you bring people in with the promise of a steak dinner, you better not be serving meatloaf. You need to have a sound business plan in place, a specific market to target, and a unique or exceptional service to offer if you want to run a lucrative business.
4. Traffic equals sales. Oh, you so wanted this one to be true, but sadly, it’s a lie. Increased traffic can do wonderful things for your site. It can be instrumental in raising your page rank (although there are several other factors at play), which can lead to more interest in your site and more targeted visits (from searches). However, a boost in visitors in no way guarantees work for you, so make sure you are taking a multi-pronged approach when it comes to bringing in business. This is a case where quality trumps quantity.
5. You can market to anyone. Actually, this is true. Unfortunately, it will not work to your advantage. The more you specialize, the more likely you are to receive recognition in your niche market and bring in targeted clientele. For example, a Google search for “internet marketing” turns up 154 million results. I do not exaggerate. A search for “internet marketing firms”, on the other hand, turns up 5.3 million results, significantly lower, but still pretty daunting. Finally, a search for “internet marketing firms+student films” came up with just over 600 thousand results – way more manageable. This is a simple exercise that can help you decide how to market your service and who to target for maximum results.
The internet continues to transform and expand, offering exciting prospects for motivated individuals to capitalize on its ever-shifting terrain. The field of internet marketing is far from played-out. In fact, people are only beginning to realize its true potential. In order to profit, you will have to commit yourself to ongoing education and probably long hours and hard work, but everything you learn will allow you more opportunities to solidify your business, cultivate new avenues of advancement, and ultimately, succeed in a self-run industry.
[This is a guest post by Sarah Harris. She is the marketing manager at Adiamor Engagement Rings. Adiamor offers engagement ring settings,loose diamonds, and other fine diamond jewelry at affordable prices]
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