A working definition is that internet marketing is any kind of marketing that begins on internet and promotes something. (Usually it will promote a website, as a destination in itself or a gateway to further interaction, but it doesn’t have to follow that route.) And of course, just because a promotion begins on internet, it doesn’t mean it will end there. Under umbrella term “internet marketing,” exists a wide array of options: search engine optimization, pay-per-click, paid-inclusion, search engine submissions, directory submissions, link campaigns, online press releases, website copywriting, internet yellow pages, email campaigns, newsletters and ezines, and recently, blogging and RSS feeds. The list is by no means exhaustive. These promotional methods all fit under broad umbrella term, internet marketing.

How does this help a typical marketer? To illustrate, let’s use case of a client whose website is languishing on web – it needs more traffic. It’s most common request to our internet marketing company, SmallBusinessOnline.net. Should website owner go directly to a search engine optimization specialist? Not necessarily. Search engine optimization may not be answer at all. The client is better served by having project assessed by a company with a broad approach to internet marketing, rather than to a niche specialist. The work may involve an email campaign, or development of a newsletter, or an RSS solution, or an IYP ad, or whatever solution may be – and frequently solution involves a combination of activities. It all depends on the nature of website, and how that site may best be marketed. Every client is unique, and every project has a unique solution. This is not to say that search engine optimization specialist is irrrelevant. Far from it. But initial assessment is best made from broadest perspective.

Today, field of internet marketing is a crazy patchwork quilt of competing claims and shrill promises. This is not good for anybody. As internet matures, a true framework will emerge giving structure and definition to new discipline of internet marketing. This will help to build trust of advertisers, and process will eventually weed out fly-by-night outfits who are muddying waters today. In end, for business and consumers alike, that’s a very good thing.

Switchboard is a pioneer in online yellow pages industry. After launching in February 1996, Switchboard introduced Internet's first interactive yellow pages display ads, serving more than 20,000 ads covering 2,000 categories. These ads were first to capture look and feel of traditional yellow pages print ads in an online environment.

Switchboard provides a fast and easy way for people and businesses to find each other on Web. Each day, millions of consumers find businesses they need through Switchboard--from a local florist, to a nearby car dealership, to restaurants closest to a planned travel or vacation destination. At same time, Switchboard gives merchants an easy way to connect with consumers who are "ready to buy"--helping them establish and grow their presence on Web.

So, if you've had it with pitiful local search results provided by Google, Yahoo!, MSN and other amateur wannabe's, I highly recommend you introduce yourself to "king!"

Dean Phillips is an Internet marketing expert, writer, publisher and entrepreneur. Questions? Comments? Dean can be reached at mailto: dean@lets-make-money.net