WHAT IF ?

1)You can do absolutely nothing…. telling yourself that this business is all hype and is not real. Well, guess what, most people select this option since it is easy to continue doing whatever you have been doing and it doesn’t require you to take any action. It will take time and work to research business opportunities and you must be willing to invest your time to verify to yourself whether or not this business opportunity is fact or fiction, or

Online Advertising for Dummies

Whether you are checking your email, shopping on a website or just searching for information, online ads are everywhere! A new marketing landscape, Internet offers a new and cheaper advertising space, as compared to traditional spaces like print, television, radio and outdoor advertising. It’s a revolution of sorts and small and home business owners are making most of it.

For a home based start up, online advertising is a potent tool that can maximize visibility, drive traffic to company’s website, up sales and build a solid brand in process. Going to an expensive advertising agency to run your campaign would most definitely burn a hole in your pocket. The good news is you don’t have to do that. Just remember twin mantras of focus on what you want and a strong dose of imagination; and you’ll be on your way.

Take guesswork out of online advertising

Online advertising is not a function of elaborate guesswork and a myriad of hits and misses. Like traditional offline version, online advertising must also follow some basic rules. Know what you want your advertising to do, where to get it and what to do with it once you have it. Here are some guidelines to get you started.

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1. Define your advertising objective: Shut door, switch off lights, take a deep breath and think why you need to advertise. Clearly define goals you want your advertising program to achieve. Is it generating new leads, increasing number of hits on your website, making your company visible in market place or to increase on/off -line sales? Each goal will have a different advertising path. You can only expect your program to maximize returns, if you know for sure what you want your advertising to do.

2. Decide “where” you want to be seen: It makes a difference to be seen in right places. Like in offline advertising, placement of your ad is very crucial to success. Advertising (Co-advertising for higher benefits) on websites that are most relevant to your line of business would be best place. Also consider top Search Engines, Online Yellow pages, Service Provider directories and large sites or networks. Explore trade –specific websites for a more focused audience.

3. Tailor message for your target audience: when you want caveman to listen, beat your chest! Craft your message to appeal to target audience. Your message for a visitor on a trade forum’s website would be different from what you say to guy clicking on your ad on a home business site. The trick here is to align your message to mindset of your audience. Equally important is that message should convey promotional goals your advertising desires to accomplish. So if you are selling ice to an Eskimo shopping in an Internet mall, don’t forget to mention discount on your season sale!