A recent study of the skills needed by Chief Marketing Officers lists Internet Marketing as one of the priorities. Business Week says "Catch up - or catch you later!"
The rules of the marketing game have changed big time.
- The new reality:
- Over 80% of all web traffic is coming via search engines.
- 88% of economically active Americans go online everyday
- A recent study showed that 85% of users research products and services on the Internet before they purchase.
- 77% get their news online through Google or Yahoo news.
- 80% of all business on the Internet goes to the first three listings on the first page of a search result.
- Research shows that searchers (your customers) regard good placing in the natural search results (as opposed to pay per click or sponsored links) as an indicator of a company who is tops in their field.
- 99% of reporters start their research for a story on the Internet.
There are 6 effective marketing and PR tools that can level the playing field and help you gain search engine visibility and drive qualified traffic to your site:
- Keyword Research
- Tune up your website
- Start a blog
- Use online newsletters to stay in touch with your visitors
- Syndicate your content with RSS (Really Simple Syndication)
- Optimize your press releases for the news search engines.
