The Ten Secrets for Successful Internet Marketing In the 21st Century

Internet research group Netcraft reported that there are now over 100 million Web sites on the Internet. That is a far cry from the few hundred that were around when I first started using the Web in 1995.

In that time, the rules have changed. Things that used to work even a few years ago no longer work now. That's why I have decided to list these "Secrets" for successfully marketing yourself on the Internet now.

Secret 1. Friends, not strangers

Use the Internet to market to "friends" (existing clients and customers), rather than just looking to get new customers ("strangers").

Secret 2. High margin, not high volume

Create product/service bundles that have high value and high profit margins, rather than trying to sell low-margin items to lots of customers.

Secret 3. Lead with expertise, not sales

People search the Internet looking for information. Give them the information first, before you launch into your sales pitch.

Secret 4. Sell on value, not on cost

Your customers do not care how much it costs you to provide your products and services. They care about the value you provide.

Secret 5. Generate leads, not sales

It's tempting to think that you can do the entire sales process on your Web site, without any effort on your part. This is possible, but DIFFICULT. Use your Web site to generate a new lead for your business, and then take over to deal with the customer directly to make the sale.

Secret 6. Find a market niche, not a wide spread

The Web is now much more competitive than ever before. The successful Internet marketers focus on a tightly defined, highly specialized niche market rather than trying to be all things to all people.

Secret 7. Build relationships, not transactions

All the money is in the customer, not in the first sale. Foster the long-term relationship with your customers, and they will keep coming back to you for more.

Secret 8. It is still about people, not computers

Regardless of the technology, it is still about people buying from people. Make sure your Web site and e-mail marketing talk to the person sitting behind the computer.

Secret 9. Create intermediation, not transparency

There is so much information out there now that your customers are clamoring for experts to sift through it and deliver it in a way that provides meaning and value.

Secret 10. Market offline, not just online

The Internet is just another marketing tool. Do not rely on Internet marketing alone. Combine your on-line marketing with off-line marketing methods as well.

OK, thats it! If you put any of these ideas into practice, I can almost guarantee that you will make a significant improvement in your Internet marketing.

About The Author-- RanjuKumar is assistant to Gihan Perera is the author of "The Seven Fatal Mistakes That Most Web Site Owners Make - And How To Avoid Them" and "Spin: Turn One Idea Into Hundreds of Information Products and get your complimentary copies now.

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