How to Effectively Market Yourself on the Internet

Many people don’t know how easy it really is to run a successful newsletter. They also don’t realize the importance of having one. There are two main types of newsletters: free and paid.

Newsletters are the best way to generate sales and will be for years to come. It is critical that you offer a FREE subscription to a newsletter on your web site and every person you meet. Your subscription information should be on your web site and in your signature file.

The information contained within a newsletter could consist of the following:

* Industry news or updates * Info related to the product/service you are marketing * Articles you have compiled from other sources (with permission, of course) * Special tips * A compiled list of interesting Web sites to visit * New product announcements * Announcements about changes/updates/additions to your Web site * Questions and answers from subscribers * A reader feedback section * Special prices and promotions for newsletter subscribers only * Conduct a survey to get feedback from your clients * Humorous stories related to your industry * Famous quotes, funny sayings, joke of the day, etc. * Employee of the month or top sales person of the month * Spotlight on a member, reader, or customer

…Etc….

Of course, no matter what you put in the newsletter make sure you put in a blurb about one of your products and/or services.

By providing your subscribers with the exact information they need, you will:

1) Establish your credibility as an industry expert. 2) Give yourself a legitimate reason to contact them repeatedly.

The components that make up a newsletter should include the following guidelines:

1) Header/Footer 2) Table of Contents 3) Articles and Information 4) Use Dividers to Separate Sections 5) Advertisement Placement 6) Make it Easy to Unsubscribe 7) Choose a Subject Line that Works

Another way is to post an offer for a free subscription in related newsgroups. Offer a free subscription in related email discussion lists, emails, classified ads, in forums and BBS postings, and in your signature file. Create press releases to get publicity for your newsletter.

Using Classified Ads Effectively

Creating successful ad copy is important to the success of your company or web site. Without the right structure or word format your chances of selling your products or services are slim to none.

One of the most important aspects to writing killer copy is a belief in your product or service. If you don’t, forget it. If you truly believe your product or service is something very special, everything you write, say, or do about it will be done with enthusiasm, including your sales letter, literature, and ad copy.

Here are some tips that will help to make your ads stand out:

1. Make the ad enticing. 2. Use short words and short sentences if possible. 3. Make sure every sentence flows into another. 4. Get testimonials and publish them. 5. Write your ad as if you are talking to somebody, not at them. 6. Make sure all your information is clear, concise, effective and error free. 7. Use “FREE” in your ads, especially when offering information. 8. Describe your products using benefits rather than features.

Remember your customer only cares about what it will do for them. Show them how your product is a solution to their problem.

Benefits are not “quality and service” or “cheapest." They are the answers to “why should I keep reading?” or “why should I order?”

Try to place yourself in the position of the buyer and understand what he or she wants, and then show how to fulfill that need. You are selling a solution to a problem remember that.

When you are finished writing the ad make sure to put it down and come back to it later when your mind is clear and refreshed. Then read the ad and edit it if necessary. After you are satisfied the ad is good, submit it to as many classified ad sites as possible. If your ad is well written you will start receiving inquiries within 24 to 48 hours.

However, don’t stop there. Keep on updating the ad on a consistent basis, evaluating the results. You want to find out what ad pulls in the greatest responses.

Market Using AOL

Promoting on AOL

1. Advertise in the Classified ads.

Placing a classified ad on AOL is a straightforward process. Just follow the instructions provided at http://www.classifiedplusad.aol.com. For a limited time, they are offering free ads in most categories except employment and cars.

2. Upload your free articles to the Forum Libraries

Another clever way to promote your business is by uploading free articles to the appropriate forums. Write articles that contain information specific to the interests of your target market and include a simple, low-key link to your Web site at the end.

3. Post and get involved in Forum Discussions

Get involved in forum discussions and develop your reputation as an industry expert who really wants to help people. You can generate a lot of new business this way.

4. Create Your Own Online Community

Starting your very own online community is a great way to establish your reputation as an industry expert. You can use your forum to focus directly on topics that are of interest to your target market.

Harry is a freelance writer, computer consultant, and Internet marketer. His writing projects include ghostwriting, copywriting, web site content, DTP, editing, and technical writing. His computer consulting work includes installation, setup, and troubleshooting computer systems. His credits include articles for Internet Day, Internet World, Advertising Today, Advertising Age, L-Advertising, Computer Edge, and a host of others. Harry recently published a book on computer repair and copywriting. You can check out his samples and what he offers at his site by going to http://www.writeformedia.com/portfolio.htm.

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