Online Marketing Basics

What is ecommerce all about? It is about technology, or about selling? Well, the most correct answer would be "both."

The Internet entrepreneur may try to hook or dazzle you with fancy acronyms and buzzwords in an attempt to get you spend your hard-earned cash. And it is true that secure protocols and high volume transactions are needed for ecommerce success. But, they are not enough to build a successful business. One analogy that I liked was to think of ecommerce technologies as the articles of underwear: necessary items, of course, but not attractive enough by themselves.

What is often missing is called marketing. This includes efficient site navigation, an easy ordering process or carefully outlined customer service policies. All of these can make a difference between a successful ecommerce site and one that is not.

Marketing really means "presenting yourself and your products to the world." This includes the colors and templates you choose for your site, the products you offer, prices charged and the way your site is promoted or advertised. Your marketing choices should be different from the decisions another ecommerce business owner makes.

The term online marketing refers to spreading the word about your website to others. For example, this may include registering with search engines, taking out classified ads or purchasing an advertising campaign.

The marketing approach for your website should be based upon your business plan, inventory and the differences in your niche market or customer base. Regardless, all ecommerce sites do share a few core marketing strategies which include:

1. Designing a credible storefront,

2. Easy to use system for customers to buy products or services,

3. Offering and providing top-notch online customer service.

The art and science of marketing is a huge topic and too difficult to describe in one article. But, the Internet entrepreneur should take the time to research, study and implement a variety of marketing strategies that will ensure ecommerce success in the future.

Copyright M. A. Webb 2005. All Rights Reserved.

About The Author: Michele loves reading, learning and sharing with others tips and information that helps us live life to the fullest and with the most happiness possible. She writes books, reports and articles for readers of all ages.

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