Sales and Marketing on the Internet

24 July 2009

Sales and MarketingThe internet is a powerful means for reaching an audience of billions. There are many reasons to have a website. It you are still hesitant think about the internet as the most cost effective and flexible solution to your sales and marketing needs.

Internet advertising gives you the ability to reach a wide audience for a low cost. Unlike television and radio your audience chooses to visit your site at their convenience so you have their full attention. It's dynamic nature allows you to quickly make important changes, such as a new phone or fax number, without printing new brochures. Furthermore, your potential customers get the information they want as soon as they want it.

Your visibility on the internet is increasing daily. A Nielson survey showed in 1999 that 24 million people in the U.S. and Canada alone used the internet. And 55% of the World Wide Web users at that time have used the web to search for information on products and services. Since then the usage of the internet is increasing at a rate of 5 times daily more than any other media.

An effective website makes sure that in addition to providing your product with a home, it makes it easier for clients to find your site and therefore your product. After all, this is why you advertise. Your website is actively working to make sure you can be found any time of day or night. If you are diligent in responding it is the best sales and marketing tool you have at your disposal.

Think about how you use the internet. I myself check online before I do anything either virtually or physically. I make at least 50 percent of my purchases on line and I compare before I go out to shop in person. I prefer to contact prospective suppliers on line and am very happy when I encounter a website that answers my questions and responds quickly to my query.

It is only a matter of time and not a great deal of time before it is possible to do everything on line. You can order your groceries on line, buy books, clothing, banking, research, visit the library, book a flight. And all of this without the aggravation caused by commutes, line-ups and the necessity to work within someone else's schedule.

Should you be one of the lucky entrepreneurs who are advertising or selling your wares on line you are in the perfect position to expand your business without a great deal of overhead and to sit on the crest of the wave as we surf into the 2nd decade of the world wide web.