With all
other businesses out there you must find a way to market your business uniquely (a “niche”) causing it to stand out from among
rest.Be prepared to work at building your business. You must build relationships with your customers and fellow netpreneurs by building a good reputation, one customer at a time.
So what does this have to do with
Internet? Or maybe you are thinking, "How does this apply to me. I don't even see or talk to my customers, it's all automated."
Even with
overwhelming size of
Internet and
online businesses, business still boils down to people, people make decisions based on 'relationships', and relationships are made, one-on-one.
Know Your Customers… This one-to-one marketing is also known as customer relationship management. Online, I call it Internet relationship management and it's accomplished by providing absolutely outstanding service to your online customers.
Lay A Solid Foundation… Start by building a good reputation. Present yourself as reliable, honest and trustworthy, a person who knows what you are doing, be a person of your word, and foremost…always put your customer first.
Enthusiasm is exciting and contagious! Be confident and competent in your business. The customer will get caught up in your enthusiasm.
Build relationships with your customers and fellow netpreneurs. Make your web site, ezine and products “user friendly” by asking for their participation and their opinions. Let them get to know you and your business. On
Internet, you can build both personal and business relationships without actually “meeting” someone.
E-Mail Priority E-mail is to
online line customer what
telephone is to
storefront business...It is
lifeline.
Answer all your e-mail inquiries as soon a possible. Try to make it a priority to respond within 24 hours. This demonstrates a lot about you, your business practices and it also reflects your character. Be as helpful and as personable as possible.
Remember you once needed help too. Most of
time these people will become customers and subscribe to your ezine as well.
Publish Your Own Ezine… This is one of
best business-building tools on
Internet and it is not hard to do. There are sites that offer free Ezine templates and many sites from which to get “free content” articles for placing in your Ezine (use BizyBodies.com’s free content articles).
Ezine publishing allows you to market to your database of customers and prospects, with new offers, updates on your site or products, resources and any other information you have to make available. At
same time sending a timely ezine keeps your name and information in front of your customers and prospects.
Write and Submit Articles… By far
best business-building resource and most powerful form of free advertising on
Internet! Share your knowledge, experience and expertise and receive free publicity by writing articles.
Writing is
most important skill you can learn for online marketing. This establishes you as an expert in your field while building your reputation and business, plus giving you author status. This is another way of keeping your information in front of people.