Marketing has dramatically changed over the last 10 years. So too has our ability to “tune out” advertising noise. Interruptive techniques aren’t as effective as they once were.
Seth Godin describes the situation best in his international best-seller Unleashing the Ideavirus (www.ideavirus.com):
“We live in a world where consumers actively resist marketing. So it’s imperative to stop marketing at people. The idea is to create an environment where consumers will market to each other.”
The Internet has revolutionized the world, including marketing. In order to stay competitive, your business must be able to be found by prospects that are specifically seeking information about what you have to offer. Inbound marketing is about attracting prospects with targeted information that they are seeking out, using the internet and search engines.
Traditional “outbound” marketing – cold calling, television, radio, mass mailing, print advertising, etc. focuses on interrupting customers. Inbound Marketing is focused on being found by customers.
Successful Inbound Marketing campaigns have four key components:
(1) Content – The internet has been coined “the information superhighway” for a reason. The more relevant and interesting the content is, the more successful you will be.
(2) Search Engine Marketing – Search Engine Marketing is a group of strategies that help potential customers find you by using search engines. Search Engine Optimization, Pay Per Click advertising, and Local Search Marketing help make your business easier to find.
(3) Social Media Marketing – Some popular examples of social media are Facebook, You Tube, and Twitter. Social media is today’s super version of word-of-mouth. It allows people to share information and experiences, interact with people around the globe, and publish content that is relevant to a particular audience.
(4) A Conversion-Oriented Website – Once the visitor has decided they like your product, make it as easy as possible for them to get in touch with you. Provide contact forms as often as possible, make sure your phone number and address are on every page and have a page dedicated to contact information.
The world of Inbound Marketing, like the internet, is fast paced and always changing. Keeping up with the latest techniques can be a time consuming process. MLT Group Advertising & Marketing offers marketing services that include website design and development, search engine marketing, social media marketing, as well as more traditional forms of advertising.
To learn more, call or email to schedule a free 30-minute consultation with a Certified Marketing Professional.
marketing@mltgroup.com or 507-281-3490
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