WHERE IS ONLINE MARKETING GOING??

Madonna D'cruz

III B.Com MM

              The number of online marketing channels to choose from is increasing rapidly. In this wide ranging article we looks at advances in Facebook, video, Twitter, and mobile marketing.

Facebook. There is a story of a man who purchased 1,000 Lady in the Moon nightlights that sold out within a week with only a Facebook page and an e-mail address. Facebook worked for him because it was a trusted community and he was launching something new -- a time when established trust is important. He encouraged people to tell their trusted friends, launching viral marketing among friends. Facebook works quite well with business-to-consumer (B2C) customers, but not as well with business-to-business (B2B) customers.

Video. Video is especially useful for businesses that want to show people how to use something. Examples cited are Concrete Network TV and Will It Blend (BlendTech).

Twitter. Twitter is great for announcing something new, because it can find its way into Google News -- especially when supported with a website and press releases. But Twitter announcements need to be fairly thoughtfully worded.

Mobile marketing. Mobile marketing is growing fast these days. Kennedy cites Google Goggles that allow people to find local stores that carry the same product, perhaps for a lower price. Local businesses especially can profit from optimizing their website for mobile use. GetListed.org will show you how well your company is placed in local listings.

The best way to select what marketing channels to use, get to know your customers and learn what they respond to. Perhaps offer a survey on your site to see what channels your customers use.