The enormous popularity of the Internet has proven to be an extremely effective means for various business enterprises to promote their businesses and increase their visibility. However, in many ways, commercial advertising on the Internet is like its more traditional counterparts, such as print and television advertising. Success in increasing a company’s popularity and revenue is not always guaranteed and may also involve some costs.
Online Advertising vs. Traditional Advertising
There are also obvious differences between online and traditional advertising, and these differences make it clear that the best way to advertise a business is to have a reputable online presence. This is true for all types of advertising, including business-to-business advertising. Reputable is perhaps the “key” word here. A good reputation can spread rapidly through cyberspace, but a bad reputation can travel the Internet at almost the speed of light. It’s just human nature. Bad news travels much faster. A business can establish its online reputation much more effectively if it employs a viable strategy. Such a strategy often incorporates two essential elements: low costs and an underlying objective to become trustworthy in the eyes of consumers.
free publicity
Online advertising is different from more traditional advertising methods, such as television and print media, mainly because it is possible for a business to become more popular and trusted even without spending a lot of money on marketing. It is even possible not to spend money at all.
For example, a business may choose to be listed in several prominent online directories so that potential customers can find it more easily. An online directory works much like a regular phone book in that a particular business is placed in a suitable category and space is allocated for information about the business. Using an online directory, even a popular one, is possible without spending a dollar for the privilege.
Blogs have also become popular these days, and it is possible to set up a blog for free. Some sites offer to post your blog at no cost, and it is also possible to create a blog within your business website by using free blogging tools.
Social media can also be used to promote a business, and like the other methods, it costs nothing. Fans of your website, services or products may be so enamored that they may be asked to discuss your company with their friends and contacts through popular social networking sites. This is what is known as viral marketing: a consumer’s enthusiasm for a certain product or service can “spread” their friends, who in turn spread it to their friends. If your method of advertising for online businesses is effective, you can ask customers to get excited about your business without having to shell out a single penny.
building trust
There is an underlying degree of anxiety regarding most business transactions online, and free advertising methods can be quite effective in alleviating those concerned. Online directories can be proof positive that your business exists and is not a scam. Blog articles can indicate your expertise and your business can also build credibility if you are wholeheartedly recommended by many.
When you advertise your business online, you can profitably increase your profit margin.