You absolutely cannot take a walk along these internet streets without hearing the words ‘online’ and ‘business. It seems that everyone out there is a master at helping others get their online businesses going; which would be great if more people knew what they were actually doing.

 

You see, many so called marketing gurus use the term online business to convince unsuspecting persons that this is the way to go. Now don’t get me wrong, the world is definitely headed into the digital realm, but don’t be fooled by persons who say online success is a guarantee. Here’s what I mean

 

 

 

BUILDING A BUSINESS ONLINE vs BUILDING AN ONLINE BUSINESS

First things first, let me share with you the subtle difference between the two; The former can suggest that a business owner may currently posses a brick and mortar establishment, currently operating within a limited location and would like additional assistance with knowing how to use online platforms, to help showcase what they offer to a wider audience. This can include advertising, promotion as well as platforms for receiving payment. The ultimate goal is to grow and connect with more persons outside of a central location who would otherwise not hear about the brand.

 

The latter typically refers to persons who do not wish to have a physical location. Their main goal is to strictly ‘set up shop’ online to grow their business. Again this will include marketing, promotion and payment collection but the fundamental difference with this is the company may have a product or service to sell but they only conduct transactions online.

 

It is important to distinguish the two because it will determine your business model and specific goals for building your brand. Most budding entrepreneurs opt for building an online business so that they do not have additional overheads of store locations, utilities, etc; but its best to decide where you might fall in the spectrum and then create a marketing strategy that best supports you.

 

 

 

WHAT DOES ONLINE REALLY REFER TO?

Another thing to reflect upon when trying to grow your business is to understand what the word ‘online’ really refers to. To the vast majority, it simply suggests social media; however, nothing can be further from the truth. Online can refer to websites, Google ads, E commerce and so much more. Many social media influencers do not take the time to explain this to potential persons and before you know it, you’re paying for something that does not support your end goal.

 

Sit and chat with a marketing expert who can fully explain and strategize a plan specific to your needs, so that you can figure out what online options will work best.

 

 

 

WHAT’S YOUR PRIMARY REASON FOR BEING ONLINE?

I know we touched on this but it’s a very important question as it will determine where to invest to get maximum returns. If you’re strictly looking for brand awareness then the mechanisms you will employ will be different from if you are more interested in eCommerce. How is the back end of your business going to work? Would you need a lead magnet that sends potential clients through an email sequence that makes an offer? Would you simply need to set up an Etsy store or a link on Amazon to sell your items? How are you going to make your website work for you? Depending on your business, you may need a bit of all, however establish where you should focus to ensure you get the most from your investment

 

 

 

HOW DOES ONLINE FIT INTO YOUR ENTIRE MARKETING PLAN?

This is topic that’s near and dear to me because it really pains me when these online marketers say that traditional media is dead.

As a marketing expert, I can assure you that this is untrue, however what is true is the ways in we use offline marketing has changed considerably.  There needs to be a marketing mix that’s specific to you and your business to help you get noticed and pairing offline activities with online marketing will work wonders. Depending on what you sell, a pop up shop can take your business to the next level or even getting featured in the press or on a radio program can be the thing that puts you head and shoulders above the rest. The trick is to use online to help promote and showcase these efforts so that you can reach a wider audience and ultimately make more sales.

 

 

So there you go, a quick guide to online marketing. There’s so much I want to say and explain so I want to invite you to book your free consultation using this link: https://www.carlimedia.com/oldsite20/chat-with-carli

We can figure out what’s best for you and your brand and I can offer honest, reliable feedback on online marketing strategies that you currently employ to see if they best support your end goals.

If you would like even more free advice with your marketing and promotions, be sure to like and follow Carli Communications on Facebook and Instagram.