Online Advertising Services 101: What is the best fit for your business?

Are you wondering what online advertising is and how it can help your business? Online advertising is a great way to promote your business through a variety of online platforms while reaching a large audience. There are many options available whether it be social media, blogs, or pay-per-click advertising. Depending upon your business, different modes of advertising may be more beneficial than others. This article will help you decide which type of online advertising is best for your business.

Why online advertising? Online advertising allows you to market your business across the world wide web. It has the potential to drive people to your website while targeting a specific group of people. It has a large reach that engages audiences while also remaining cost effective. To get started, you must decide which type of online advertising works best for you and your business.

There is a variety of choices for online advertising, but the main strategies include a productive website, SEO, pay-per-click, social media advertising, content marketing, and email marketing. Each of these options have different benefits and results therefore it is important to go over the above options individually. According Business Advising, to determine which fit is best, “Start by asking yourself a simple question: What do I want to get out of this advertising campaign?”.

When choosing your online advertising path, May Create gives some good advice. Maye Create writes, “When considering what mediums to use examine the communication tenancies of your target market.  Do they like to email or talk on the phone?  Are they often on Facebook?  Do they hate social media?  This can help you understand which tactics best fit your company.” These questions can help you further understand and adjust your target market while implementing your online advertising strategy. It is important to understand the audience you are trying to reach and how to use each platform in a way that is beneficial for your business.

One way to garner your audience’s attention is to build an attractive and easy-to-use website. Your website is one of the first things potential customers will see when looking for a specific product or service. Websites should be versatile, organized, and appealing. You should also take advantage of linking your social media accounts to your website, thus creating more traffic and giving customers a more personal look into your company. WebpageFX states, “In many cases, your website will be the first impression your business makes on members of your target audience.” In order for your business to have success, you must create a website that your customers will like and trust.

Search engine optimization, or SEO, is used by many companies to help advertise their business. SEO allows your business to be more visible when potential customers are searching Google for a type of service or product. It is important to have SEO so that your business is near the top of the results page. According to WebpageFX, “SEO involves incorporating keywords related to your products or services on your site, so that when users search those keywords in search engines like Google, relevant pages appear in results.” Utilizing SEO and creating an attractive website is a great way to start advertising your business online. These two components are able to display your business while being able to obtain a larger audience. When SEO is used correctly it can expand your customer base. Therefore, it is necessary to find the correct keywords to be implemented upon your website. Another option for online advertising is search engine ads. Search engine ads are paid search advertising which allow your business to be on the front of the results page. Thrive Hive writes, “Having a page of your website show up here amplifies your exposure to users who are actively looking for your help and boosts traffic to your site.” This avenue may cost more but it is more time efficient.

Once you have your website and traffic is moving well, it is time to find other ways to drive people to your business. One way is through pay-per-click advertising. WebpageFX writes, “While SEO focuses on earning rankings through content and optimization, PPC essentially lets you pay for placement for your target keywords.” PPC is a way for businesses to engage people and have them visit your website. According to Maye Create, “These ads can be targeted based on location, keyword, device in an effort to engage with your audience. Most search engines, such as Google, will only charge companies if people click on the ad and visit the website.” If you are looking to gain more customers while being cost effective, PPC could be the right fit for your business. It allows your company to be advertised on the front page of search engines and you only pay when people click upon the ad. Depending upon your target market, this may be the best choice for you.

Social media marketing is one of the best ways to advertise your business. It is easy and cost effective. Unless you personally decide to pay for advertising through these social platforms, all this will cost you is time. Social media marketing, which is usually displayed on blogs, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, showcases your business and can reach mass audiences. These platforms allow you to personally connect with your customer base and potential buyers. You can create your own content and display it across multiple platforms. Maye Create states, “This tactic not only creates awareness, but it also allows for possible consumers to share their thoughts and feelings about the product/service within their social network.” If you choose to buy advertising, make sure you approve of what they create before it is promoted. In regards to Facebook, Thrive Hive writes, “Facebook advertising helps to increase your authority and name recognition. Also, since the platform collects so much data about its users, Facebook can provide some of the most highly targeted ads available.” As your business and its recognition grows it is important to develop your brand. Make sure your advertisements and social media posts reflect what you are trying to convey to your audiences.

Have you ever received emails from multiple different businesses in your inbox? One of the ways other businesses advertise online is through email marketing. Email marketing is an effective way to engage your customers and target market. It allows you to personally address each person and grab their attention. Maye Create writes, “According to a 2013 study conducted by Marketing Sherpa, 60% of people who send out a marketing email will see a return on investment.” Through the use of newsletters and attractive graphics, your emails can generate more business for your company. Email marketing is personal, simple, and a great way for you to advertise your business.

Online advertising is an advantageous tool to use to promote your business. Your website is one of the most important aspects to developing your brand and getting your name out there. Once your website is completed and user-friendly, it is up to you which avenue you want to take in regards to advertising. Your target market is key to making this decision. After you have determined who you are trying to reach and where, it is up to you to implement these initiatives. SEO and social media are becoming necessary to the development of successful businesses online. Whether you are using Facebook or creating a blog, it is important to remember your audience. Regardless, business owners should take advantage of these online advertising markets and create a new customer base. These platforms are here to help your business grow and thrive. Each individual option has its own benefits; however, all options are available to suit your needs. Once you find the type of advertising that fits your business you are ready to begin. Soon enough you will notice positive results and your business can continue to prosper.