What is Internet Marketing? The Internet Marketing Guide for The Modern Era

Do you want to learn more about online marketing and internet marketing? Of course; it can help you or your brand drive traffic, leads, and sales.

Marketing is about reaching your target audience at just the right time and place.

Internet marketing is one of the most cost-effective and easy ways to reach prospects.

It sounds like an easy task, doesn't it? But we need to figure out one thing first:

What is internet marketing?

This column will explain what internet marketing is, how it differs from traditional advertising and why marketers are so passionate about it.

There are also examples of content that you can use to achieve your internet marketing goals.

Internet Marketing explained

Internet marketing refers to the promotion of a company's products and services using online tools that drive traffic, generate leads, and increase sales.

Internet marketing is also known as digital marketing or online marketing. It uses digital channels to send promotional messages.

Internet marketing can be described as a broad umbrella term that encompasses a variety of marketing strategies.

Emails, search engines, and social media posts all have one thing in common:

They focus on providing content.

Content marketing is no longer about traditional marketing and sales pitches.

Businesses can now target their audience with pinpoint accuracy and offer useful information that resonates.

This is perfect because it's what today's consumers want.

People won't pay attention to services and products that aren't of interest to them.

Today's shoppers are more selective about what information they want to consume, from installing adblockers and clicking on "Skip Ads" buttons.

Content marketing provides meaningful information to solve users' problems and is available on demand.

Content Marketing vs. Traditional Advertising

You probably wouldn’t believe that there was once a time when people invited strangers into their homes to sell them encyclopedias.

We don't even like it anymore when our friends knock at our doors unannounced.

Traditional marketing (or selling) is no longer effective.

Its goal is to force people into purchasing by imposing information and products on them.

People are tired of it.

It's obvious that you have been bombarded by radio ads, television commercials, billboards, and phone calls promoting products that are not of your interest.

Traditional ads can still be effective in certain situations but the internet has revolutionized the way consumers shop.

Users can now take a proactive approach to solve their problems, thanks to the infinite amount of information available to them.

They can find the right products for them and steer clear of those that don't.

Ads are irritating, we can all agree. They distract us from the journey to find useful content and keep our attention elsewhere.

They're not the best way to learn about new products.

Marketers and brands need to be more than just intruding into consumers' lives.

They should ask questions first, and then give answers second.

This is where content marketing comes into play.

Brands can conduct research on the needs of their target audience to create targeted content that inspires or educates their prospects.

People can search for online content using a variety of search methods and variations.

They'll return for more if the content is valuable.

Content marketing puts the user in control. The user decides whether or not they want to engage the brand and share it with their social networks.

This allows businesses to build deep and meaningful relationships with their customers that are based upon trust and authority.

Once they are ready, loyal followers can become leads on their terms.

This is what happens when your customer's needs are more important than your own.

If you provide valuable content, you will be rewarded with their loyalty and business.

This is the essence of internet marketing.

What's the point of all the hype about internet marketing?

Now you know what internet marketing is, and how it can benefit your brand.

What's the deal with all the hype?

Internet marketing isn't a trend. It is a proven winner.

Here are some reasons marketers and brands are shouting it loud:

• The global content marketing industry will reach $412 million by 2021.

• Consumers who have read some brand content are 131% more likely to purchase from the brand than those who have not.

• Fully 49% of B2B buyers stated that they rely on content more than ever before to make purchasing decisions.

As if that weren't enough evidence, I can personally attest to the effectiveness of content marketing.

Five Examples of Content That Provides Value for Large Returns

Content marketing is all about seeing and believing.

These five examples are just a few of the content that you can use to provide exceptional value to prospects. They will also help you rank higher on search engines.

1. Blog Posts & Articles

When we think about content, we often think of blog posts.

They are one of the most popular platforms for providing useful content.

Because blogs offer tons of ways to increase SEO, they are a great option.

These tools keep your website up-to-date and offer opportunities for audience engagement.

Linking to authoritative sites can increase customer loyalty and expand your reach.

You can link to your pages as well, which will keep people on your site longer.

A blog can be a great way to build a deeper relationship with your audience.

This will help you increase your sales and generate more leads.

2. Infographics

Infographics can be used to present complex information in an easy-to-understand format.

Infographics provide visuals that break up the monotony in text. They include charts, images, graphs, and illustrations.

They are easy to read, easy to follow and provide valuable information that is simple for everyone to understand.

This kind of image allows anyone to quickly see the most important aspects of the topic being covered.

3. Case Studies

Another form of content marketing that is highly effective is case studies.

This is an additional way for brands to provide authoritative content that inspires and informs their customers.

Case studies provide detailed documentation of a customer's interaction with your brand.

They address the problem that the consumer had before they discovered your products. They then explain how they used your products to achieve their goals.

Case studies are a way to build trust and increase business by providing tangible evidence of brand effectiveness.

4. Podcasts

Some people don't have the time or the desire to do the detailed research required for blog articles and case study writing.

Podcasts can be a great alternative.

Podcasts can reach large audiences with the 16,000,000 Americans who identify themselves as "avid podcast listeners."

These allow companies to share valuable information and storytelling techniques with their audience.

Podcasts can also be a great way to inject personality into your marketing campaigns.

Your brand voice allows listeners to get to know you, which can help to build deeper relationships with your followers.

You may also consider inviting guest speakers to add authority and help you grow your audience.

5. Videos

Video marketing is a rising trend in recent years.

87% of brands that use it report an increase in their ROI.

It is easy to see why.

Videos can be a fun way to consume information.

They are convenient, do not require viewers to invest a lot of time, and are easy for audiences to share.

Start Developing Your Content Marketing Strategy Today

Your ability to create great content is key to the success of your internet marketing campaign.

You have many options for platforms and mediums to choose from so you can create a content strategy that meets the needs of your target audience.

Start by setting goals and deciding where your content will be hosted (website or YouTube). Then, map out your plan.

Identify your target audience, and search for their keywords preferences.

This information will help you brainstorm topics for your content.

Start creating material that you can share and promote via social media channels.

Your audience will be more likely to engage with your content if you do everything possible to build and maintain relationships.

Remember that internet marketing is about reaching the right people at a right time with the right information to meet their needs.

This gentler approach to marketing appeals to your audience more and can open up endless opportunities for your business.