Tuesday, April 7, 2009

Online marketing companies

SUMMARY: Online marketing companies involves search engine optimization, web design, affiliate marketing, link building, copywriting, email marketing, e-commerce solutions, social networking, blogging, video marketing and customer service. Some people work on Online marketing companies in house, while others prefer to outsource this task to a knowledgeable source

Online marketing companies are always evolving, primarily because search engine developers are on a continuous quest to improve the web browsing experience for its users. Most times, when a query is typed into a search engine, the appropriate information is found in the first page of results, which is what keeps search engines the #1 way of finding new websites and new information. To prevent companies from using "Black Hat" techniques to cheat their way to the top search engine positions, the exact formula for success has been kept secret from even those in the industry. However, through trial and error, not to mention extensive studies and a few free Google Analytics tools, Online marketing companies professionals could at least get a good idea what works and what doesn't work. Tackling this task is usually referred to as Search Engine Optimization, or SEO.
The professionals found Online marketing companies should start with the basics: a user-friendly website, an attractive design and valuable content embedded with carefully selected keywords. Once the website is of value, web campaigns could be initiated – things like affiliate marketing and link building, where industry experts could vouch for each other's business and appeal to some of the same customers, or like email marketing and newsletter subscription, where consumers are told about the latest sales / products / services and are reminded to buy.
E-commerce solutions are the component of Online marketing companies that facilitates the purchasing process. Buying should be a clear, straight-forward process on any website. Secure virtual shopping carts, web catalogs with personalized recommendations, online order forms, order processing, email verification systems and buyer analytics are all part of a successful e-commerce strategy. If a website is bringing in lots of traffic but fails to sell to at least 10% of the total traffic, then e-commerce solutions could be the key to higher conversions and more return-on-investment.
The newest trends in online marketing companies are sometimes referred to as "Web 2.0," which includes viral video production, social networking, blogging and cell phone marketing. These strategies are generally more long term, requiring a little bit of patience as the audience builds. Even so, many marketers say that Web 2.0 strategies are the best way to connect with an audience and build a loyal following of people who are most likely to buy – and tell their friends to do the same.
In some cases, Online marketing companies is done in-house by a marketing manager. Yet, just as frequently, the job is outsourced to someone who sleeps, eats and breathes online marketing. To find the right Online marketing companies, business owners should find someone who has been in the business for at least five years and who holds a technical degree. A one-stop-shop can make life much easier, so all the design/copywriting/search engine optimization/e-commerce solutions can be found in one place and paid out in one contract. The smaller, client-oriented Online marketing companies often have impeccable customer service, quick turn-around times and better satisfaction guarantees.