Marketing

Eager to make your mark in cyberspace and ready to go? Great! Now settle down long enough to channel that enthusiasm into thinking about a few key considerations:

1.What are your goals? Your objectives may shift depending on what elements of an Internet strategy are successful, but it's important to start out with an idea of what you want to accomplish online. Are you targeting direct consumer sales, other businesses, or perhaps you simply wish to provide information to position yourself as an authority in your industry. Having clearly defined goals is an important step towards a successful web site and effective Internet marketing.

2.What is your strategy for achieving these goals? Is your plan to compete based on price, unique services or geography? What is your target market and what niche are you trying to fill? Developing a cohesive strategy will help identify a focus, set a theme and determine an approach towards developing your web venture.

3.How will your web site integrate into your existing business and lifestyle? Launching a successful web venture requires a commitment of time, energy and resources. E-mail should be checked and answered at least once daily, preferably more often. Online sales require the same level of attention to service, or more, than in-store customers.

Do yourself a favor by learning from the failures of Internet ventures that did not succeed. Make sure that your strategy makes sense. Chose to work with a company who clearly understands business issues as well as Internet technology.