Internet Marketing - Keep It Simple!

Throughout my work in education I've always adopted the rule that to be understood I need to keep the message as simple as possible. My students have benefitted from clear and concise teaching that sticks to the basics and doesn't try to over-complicate things. Why is it then that in internet marketing we forget how basically simple it actually is?

Every day I receive emails that promise fantastic returns as a result of purchasing the next new shiny object. In the past I have fallen for many of these offers, and I have learnt the hard way that there is no quick path to internet success.

Let's strip away all of the fancy rubbish that 'gurus' try to sell us, and let's look together at the basic key ingredients of internet marketing.

The model is simple;

1. the niche. Identify an area to work in. It really does help if this is something you're passionate about. It's much easier to produce quality content when your niche is your passion.

2. the product. This could be something you've created, such as an eBook or series of audio recordings, or you might decide to go along the affiliate pathway and work with somebody else's product.

3. the site. Depending upon your approach, this could be a simple landing page, an extended sales letter, a blog, or a full-blown website. Indeed, it could be a combination of these. Whatever you use, a key aim should be to capture customer details using an opt-in form and free gift.

4. the traffic. Drive traffic to your site and landing page using a variety of approaches including articles, videos, audio recordings, webinars, social media (including Facebook), hub pages, etc.

5. the list. Once you start to get potential customers leaving their details via your opt-in form, use autoresponder messages to work on developing the relationships. Do not try to sell immediately, but nurture your list and gradually introduce your products.

6. the sale. Finally, if you've diligently followed steps (1) to (5) then you should start to make sales. Don't forget to use up-sells where possible, and continue to develop the relationships. Be realistic about the time scales involved. Your internet business is not going to produce sales overnight, and it will take time. We're talking months here or even years. Be patient and consistent, and avoid the promises of the 'gurus'.

The simple approach will always work best.


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Graham Bray is an enthusiastic internet marketer, and for nearly five years he has been developing websites as part of his Multiple Income Pathways. To learn more about internet marketing and how you can download newsletters, training videos and a *free report* visit his blog at http://www.easierinternetmarketing.com