Free Website Content
Undervalued Marketing Opportunities
Marketing online has become fiercely competitive.
Marketers are attempting to unravel and decipher online
marketing to succeed. Some argue that there should not
be a distinction between traditional (off-line) marketing
and online marketing. Others feel that concepts applied
to mail order work well on the web, while still others
argue that online marketing is a breed of its own and
what works in one arena may not work in another. While
some standard practices like "above" the fold,
hold true in both print and online copy, it is rare
that you see the printed type face on the web the same
as in printed advertisements.
Regardless there are traditional forms of advertising
that are viable and make sense to use on the web but
many marketers do not.
These undervalued marketing opportunities are not the
end-all be-all but are great supplemental channels,
that compliment strong online marketing campaigns.
Buyers Guides
Many print magazines offer free listings in
buyers guides. Buyers guides typically have a long shelf
life and are viewed as a product resource, meaning it
is one of the first places consumers look when wanting
to purchase an item. Often magazines will include product
reviews or sponsored placement in a buyers guide. Typically
the standard listing is free, but optionally vendors
can increase their exposure by adding listings in additional
categories for a nominal fee. Regardless the free listings
are a great value and worth pursuing.
Product Reviews
The impartial overview from a credible source
can spark product interest. A third party independent
review of your product or service is seen as a vote
of confidence. Invite publishers or even bloggers to
review your product or service.
When requesting a review, it is proper net etiquette
to always provide the reviewer an evaluation product
free of charge. After the review, be sure to thank the
reviewer and if appropriate, link to the completed review.
Forums/Volunteering in Communities
Offering your time and expertise will establish
expertise and knowledge in a specific industry. Participants
who participate in forums have a genuine interest and
are a great target audience. Posting helpful information
rather than blatant product advertisements will enhance
an image.
Article Syndication
Writing quality informative and educational articles
will also establish expertise. Articles also educate
users about related product or service. Generally educated
users require less technical help and are an easier
sale because they understand how the people or service
will help them.
RSS Feeds
Provide content in an RSS feed. While RSS is
becoming very popular there are still a number of industries
and sectors where very little content is available via
RSS feeds. Placing quality content in an RSS feed and
being "early to market" will help your company
shine.
When small businesses compete with big businesses there
are a number of areas in which they can compete effectively.
As more businesses turn to the web as an advertising
model, it is important that marketers and businesses
define themselves by giving themselves every opportunity
to be found. Utilizing undervalued marketing opportunities
will separate online successes from failures.
About the Author:
Sharon Housley manages marketing for FeedForAll http://www.feedforall.com
software for creating, editing, publishing RSS feeds
and podcasts. In addition Sharon manages marketing for
NotePage http://www.notepage.net
a wireless text messaging software company.
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be greatly appreciated send an email to sharon@notepage.net
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