Internet Network Marketing: The Basics to Getting Started Online

These days, many Network Marketers are ditching the old techniques generally taught by network marketing companies and turning to the internet to promote their business and opportunity.  So, of course there are many people offering info on how to market online.  But the problem is that much of the information out there is way over the head of anyone without a technical background.  Here are some of the basics–and I do mean basics–to help get you started.

First, determine your target market.  Often referred to as your niche, it’s important to decide who you are trying to reach when you are marketing online.  You’re not sharing your message with anyone and everyone who will listen anymore–you are trying to reach a select group of people.  What you do online will be determined by who you are trying to reach.  (For a more detailed explanation of your target market, read my article, “What Is Your Target Market”.)

Second, set up a website.  I recommend that you choose one of two different ways to set up your website.  If you have no technical background or experience online, a good option is to set up a website using a company called SBI!.  They have tools that a newcomer online can use to build an effective website without too much headache.  I know several people who use their services, and all agree that they love SBI!

The other easy option is to register a domain name (I use GoDaddy for this), find a webhost (I use Host Gatorfor this) and set up a WordPress blog on your site.  Then start writing away!

With either of these options, your focus should be on providing valuable content to your readers.  It’s important to provide value to your readers in order to build trust with them!

Decide on a Traffic Generation Strategy.  If you have the most amazing website, it doesn’t matter unless you are getting traffic to your site.  There are many options when it comes to generating traffic.  Pay-Per-Click advertising, newsletter advertising, e-zine advertising, forum marketing, and article marketing are just a few.

Examine different methods of traffic generation and weigh the pros and cons of each one.  Choose one to focus on to start with.  Once you have mastered one, you can move on to the next strategy and incorporate that into your marketing plan as well.

Build a List.  Use an autoresponder service (I use and trust AWeber) to help you build a list of loyal readers.  As you provide valuable information to your subscribers, you will create a relationship with them and be able to build trust with them.

Again, the focus should be on providing valuable information to your readers and not just sending offer after offer filled with affiliate links and sales pitches.  It’s fine to send a message with an affiliate link or an offer in it every once in awhile, as long as it’s for something they will find useful.  Just don’t overdo it!

As you provide good, useful information, people will come to trust you, and you will make a name for yourself online.