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Dear friend,
Thank you for your visit.
Here you'll find information on various Internet marketing topics, which was put together by other
Internet marketers for your help. This site is constantly being updated as new information
arrives, so you might want to bookmark it to refer to it over and over.
The information varies from choices of various Internet marketing products, articles on various
Internet marketing topics, product reviews, tutorials, and who knows what else we'll add that will
aid your journey to your online success.
Many every day people such as yourself have discovered ways on how to profit online. The
information on this site has been handpicked from such people who write nothing but facts from
their personal successful experience.
To succeed in the Internet Marketing field is not an easy task, despite the claims by some so
called "gurus," or "Internet marketing experts."
According to Lennart Svanberg, president of World Association of Internet Marketers
http://www.waim.org/, there are over 544 million people online. Very few companies have a large
enough budget to reach this market with traditional marketing methods.
Well then, how would you (the little guy) reach this massive target and succeed?
The latest and most common marketing concept that has evolved as a result of the "little guy"
not having the budget to reach this broad target group of 544 million people online, is called
Market Segmentation. Market Segmentation is the method of identifying a smaller group of
consumers, or a small niche market within a broader market, (a.k.a. micro niche) that has
similar characteristics and needs.
Identifying this small target audience or a small niche necessitates identifying and implementing
a new range of strategies and techniques in addition to the traditional marketing methods.
Here's is a short version of how you would do that.
After you identify your target audience, you find their needs and wants. Your next step would be
to find or develop a product yourself that will deliver these needs to your target group.
Your final step would be to reach that market by some of the new Internet marketing methods
that have charged into the business landscape. Methods such as: Internet classified ad
marketing, testimonial promotions on Web sites, endorsement marketing, search engine
marketing, pay per click marketing, Internet viral marketing, affiliate programs, joint ventures,
advertising on URL's, email marketing, online press releases, writing articles, ... and so on.
And don't forget that the Internet marketing methods are just ways of reaching your chosen
niche. These methods change all the time. But, the key to online success is finding that niche.
This has become the antidote to competing in overly saturated online markets.
So, what is a niche?
According to Merriam-Webster's Online Dictionary a niche is described as "a place,
employment, status, or activity for which a person or thing is best fitted... a specialized market".
Have you noticed that despite the closing of many businesses in these harsh economic times,
the local hobby train store is still around? That the 'hole-in-the-wall' eatery is thriving? Or that
trends such as scrapbooking can start with a bang and still close within a year when four similar
businesses start up in the same area?
The online business world reflects the same trends as experienced in the offline world - often
with faster turnover and startup rates. Those who promote a product or site that targets a small,
select audience can tap into a market that is otherwise not being served. Despite the limitations
of the client base, the targeted nature of the business creates a devoted and active market - the
aim of any business.
HOW DO I FIND A NICHE?
Finding a niche requires diligent research. Whether you have access to software that harvests
and sorts information or you take a manual approach you must first start with ideas.
With a pen and paper (or computer, if that's more comfortable) brainstorm a list of businesses,
products and industries. Create a list of keywords and phrases you think would be used by
individuals looking for these items online.
Use a software program such as Wordtracker or a free resource such as the Overture Keyword
Selector Tool to find keywords for your niche that have a high amount of traffic.
Although a program like Wordtracker makes it easy to find details such as how many sites
compete for that market, you can also do your own research.
Concentrate your attention on question phrases such as "how do I..." or "where can I...". These
questions will clue you into potential markets that need servicing.
Next, look in Google Answers. Type one of your keywords into the search area. What questions
are being asked and how much are people willing to pay for answers? If you find a group of
keywords with a high number of questions then enter these words in your browser's search
engine.
What sites come up? Do they provide answers or solutions to the problem? How are they
making money? Can you see an opportunity to service these individuals?
Finding a niche can open the door to a profitable online business. Research the market and be
certain that your product or service is valuable to this group. Find forums or groups that target
this audience and pay close attention to their concerns.
If you can help these people you WILL make money.
Whether you are following the advice of top Internet Marketers or if you just happened to have a
business that caters to a very specific target audience, you must be able to find them, and they
must be able to find YOU.
One of the joys of niche marketing is the luxury of tapping into a favorite hobby, occupation or
expertise and building a business around it.
If you are expanding an existing off-line business by setting up a web page, you may find your
most valuable contacts right in your store. Make some brochures or cards that announce your
online presence, or ask customers if they'd like to sign up for your online newsletter.
Now you can contact your customers about new products, industry news or specials with no
postage costs or time consuming envelope stuffing.
Invite your subscribers to recommend the site to friends who are interested in the topic. Even
better, have a place on your website to 'tell a friend'. Your visitor will enter their own email
address and name as the sender of the message to avoid spam complaints. Warning - do not
start emailing the invitee unless they sign up personally for your newsletter.
Niche sites will really benefit from a newsletter. Create a small free gift, such as a special report
or how-to manual that they will receive with their subscription. By providing valuable information
related to your topic you will gain the trust of subscribers. By contacting them at least several
times a year - up to once a week if possible - they will always be reminded of your website when
looking for information or products in your niche.
Create a website that has informative content. Incorporate the keywords (words or phrases
visitors type into their search engines) into the content to improve your place in the search
engines.
Write articles that will set you up as an 'industry expert'. If you don't feel capable of writing them
yourself you can hire a ghostwriter. End the article with your name, a comment about your
business and a link to your website. Submit your article to relevant websites or ask if website
owners would like to use your contribution. Be sure they agree to keep your name and website
link intact.
You may find discussion groups that cater to your market. Involve yourself in their conversations
and attach a signature with your website address if the policies permit. Do not advertise on
these groups, however you may be able to offer your free item when the situation allows.
Try to determine where your market is. Are they parents? Retirees? Home owners? Pet lovers?
If you are selling art supplies you may find hobby sites will cater to your audience. If you sell
information for do-it-yourself projects you should show up in home decorating as well as financial
sites ('Save Money on Home Building Projects!' for example).
Always look for new opportunities and offer your best, the rest will follow!
© www.ogdteam.com
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