Internet Marketing Blogs

Internet Marketing Blogs
that Beg to be Bookmarked



Let's face it, Blogs on the topic of Internet marketing are a dime a dozen. Everyone and their dog seems to have one. I'll be the first to admit it takes a lot to impress me. Some blogs are just boring and uneventful. But then there are some that make me want to come back again and again.

So, what are the qualities of a great blog?

Well, for me it's one that offers me something of value, whether that be in the form of valuable information, or points me in the direction of free products or services. It's all about me. By the same token, I do appreciate a blogger with a sense of humor or strong personality. If you're stiff and mechanical it's just not for me. Show me who you really are and what makes you tick.

One final point. Don't forget about design. Blogs that are easy on the eyes, uncluttered and simple get my vote every time. If it has a black background and white text, I'm out of there in a big hurry.

So, who has some of the best blogs online today? So glad you asked. Listen closely as I enlighten you and point you in the right direction.

1) Willie Crawford:

An experienced online marketer, Willie is considered one of the world's leading Internet marketing experts. Listen to Willie, he "walks the talk" and can teach you a lot about the world of online marketing.

He also has a radio show at: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/WillieCrawford

2) Michael Fortin Blog:

Copywriting and marketing tips from a man who is too brilliant for words. Michael is an expert copywriter who has done work for John Reese and many of the other top marketers. Without good copy you can't sell a thing, so learning all you can about persuasive writing is a must for your to do list. Also see: http://www.copywritersboard.com

3) Skip Mcgrath:

If Ebay is your thing then Skip's blog is a must. An expert at selling items on Ebay, and an experienced author of several books, Skip covers all of the ins and outs of earning money with Ebay.

4) Jensense:

Jennifer helps you to make sense of contextual advertising and helps publishers to earn more money. Topics include Google Adsense and other similar contextual ad programs.

5) Marketing Pilgrim:

Originally launched by Internet marketer Andy Beal way back in 2005. This blog covers the latest marketing news, reviews and other items related to online advertising.

6) Yahoo Publisher Network:

Everything you ever wanted to know about Yahoo's Publisher Network but were afraid to ask. All of your questions are answered here.

7) Matt Cutts:

A Google employee since 2000, Matt discusses all things Google on his Blog. He also covers search engine optimization and other interesting gadgets he runs across online. If Google is your thing, all is revealed here.

8) Bruce Clay:

Since 1996 way before it was cool to be on the net Bruce Clay has been teaching those about search engine optimization and online marketíng. He really knows his "stuff" and you can tell that by his concrete informative posts which go into great detail.

9) Clickz:

Clickz always has the latest dish on Internet marketing. Serving news and expert advice since 1997.

10) Jim Edwards:

Jim Edwards blog "I Gotta Tell You" is a multi-media blog. Covering numerous topics related to making money online, Jim always has a funny story to tell. He has a strong personality, so if you like that you'll enjoy Jim's blog.

11) Marnie Pehrson:

Marnie is the creator of IdeaMarketers.com and covers all things related to article marketing and other online marketing strategies. Again, she's been online for years and has much wisdom when it comes to gaining traffic from your short articles.

12) Google Adsense:

If you use Adsense by Google to generate an income you'll want to subscribe to this blog. Tons of tips and tutorials to improve your earnings.

13) Search Engine Diva:

Ginette Degner has been providing search engine optimization and Internet marketing consulting for over 16 years. She's good and also has a great sense of humor.

14) Income.com:

When you talk about Internet marketing you can't forget about John Reese. The only online marketer I know of who made a million dollars in one day when he launched his Traffic Secrets course.

15) Joel Osborne:

Joel has been making a living online for the past several years and has numerous web sites and products. Another expert when it comes to learning how to improve traffic and sell online.

16) Jonathan Leger:

Jonathan Leger has been earning a living online since 2004. His blog discusses search engine optimization, Adsense and online marketíng.

17) Pay Per Click Journal:

This blog is written by the website marketing experts at Brick Marketing. They cover all aspects of pay-per-click search engine marketing.

When it comes to marketing online there are plenty of blogs that can keep you up to date on the latest and greatest trends. This is just a small sample of what's out there. Make sure that no matter whose blog you're reading, that they thoroughly know and understand the topic they're discussing. If not, you're just wasting your time, and if that's the case you might as well be reading your dog's blog. But who knows it just might be more interesting.

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All Websites Are International

Tip O'Neill, the late Speaker of The House of Representatives is often quoted as saying "All politics is local," meaning a politician that helps a constituent with a problem is likely to win that vote based on the personal assistance provided, irrespective of that politician's stance on the larger, more weighty, geo-political issues. What then of business, is all business local or international?

Shopping Is An Experience
The world has changed dramatically since the days when neighborhood shopping was the main option, and people relied on their local merchants for products and services. The world of commerce today seems to be divided between two competing scenarios: on the one hand, people are more mobile than ever before, and more willing to travel to buy what they want, even with wildly fluctuating energy costs; and on the other hand, people are busier than ever and use the Internet to seek out the companies, products, and services they want and need.
What seems to be consistent is the underlying need to feel something, to experience the process. The higher the value, the greater the psychological component to the buying experience. The same is true for

products and services that are considered non-essential.

People Wonder Why They Can't Sell More Stuff
We all have our favorite stores and websites, where we know we will be looked-after with more than the ubiquitous and perfunctory, "have a nice day," but sadly that sense of service is all but lost in a misguided rush to pseudo efficiency. Brick and mortar stores with their part-time, minimum wage time-fillers whose only talent seems to be a vacant blank stare accompanied by "that's not my department" is bad enough. But what of websites that don't accept phone calls, or any other kind of inquiry other than a form email that you can be assured will be answered in a week or two, along with a request for more information that generally corresponds to the information you've already provided - that's what passes for website service today. And people wonder why they can't sell more stuff.

The Web Is An International Venue
The Web of course presents one additional wrinkle to the service issue, one that puts a premium on communicating your message effectively: the Web is an international venue. No matter what you do, or where you're located, you can be sure people from all parts of the world are visiting your website if you have something of value to say. This then puts a premium on your ability to articulate a coherent message, one that eliminates the need for visitors to phone Mumbai, Beijing, or Lickskillet, Ohio.
English speaking companies have a hard enough time communicating effectively, but what of non-English speaking companies trying to break into the North American market? You find websites in many different languages, catering to local markets, but if you're looking for North American exposure, you best deliver your message in the language of the Web, and like it or not, that language is English.

Words Have Meaning
Far be it from me to criticize CBS news anchor Katie Couric, who generally does a fine job, but when she refers to the Democrats winning the House, Senate, and Presidency as "single party rule" it raises the hackles on the back of my neck. Words have meaning and presentation has impact. But I am not just talking about proper grammar, syntax, and usage, something many of us stumble over at times, but what of idiom, metaphor, and voice; elements that are just as important in effective marketing communication as proper usage.
Years ago while visiting London, England I passed a store with the sign that read "Fags and Mags," a disconcerting message until I got acclimatized to the British slang. When it comes to marketing, you can get away with a lot, but even countries that speak the same language have different patois, slang, and cultural references.
One of the great advantages of being from Canada with its proximity to the USA, its historical ties to the British Commonwealth, and its multicultural population is that we understand these differences and can translate them into effective North American marketing campaigns.

Crafting Your Web Marketing Message
What do you sell? A seemingly simple question any business executive should be able to answer, but can they answer it accurately? Ask yourself: do you sell a product, a service, or a concept? Does a shoe store sell shoes, or comfort and status? Does an accountant sell auditing services, or legitimacy and security? Does a politician sell tax cuts, or a better future?
When it comes to marketing you have to think concepts; if you build your advertising around products or services rather than concepts you will never be able to develop an effective campaign, let alone an effective website presentation.

Take Target and Walmart for example: they both sell similar products for the most part, a problem many retailers and most distributors have but refuse to face. Target markets itself as the leader in low priced, designer-styled merchandise, a distinct marketing position compared to Walmart that markets itself as the low priced leader and the heck with design. Each company delivers a unique marketing concept, one targeting consumers interested in price alone, the other aimed at shoppers who want a little style with their bargains: two different concepts, two different brand positions, and two different marketing strategies.

We All Sell Concepts Not Products and Services
One way or another we all sell a concept no matter what the product or service. When a client approaches us with the question "why aren't we selling more stuff?" a quick review of their site usually provides the answer: their website is not articulating in any meaningful, memorable manner, the conceptual premium their product or service delivers.
Before you invest in a new website or Web marketing campaign, decide what concept you are actually delivering. That concept is the basis of your marketing strategy and it informs what you say and how you say it.

Selling Concepts Is All About The Presentation
The recent US election is a great example of how to sell a concept. Putting all political bias aside look at the difference between how Obama approached his speeches and how McCain approached his. Of course both men talked about their policies and how they would handle different domestic and international situations.
McCain spoke to his constituency and delivered what they wanted to hear, but his words and presentation style fell far short of motivating the undecided or converting non-believers. Accusing a fellow Senator and Harvard Law alumni, with red baiting language like "redistributing the wealth" was obvious code language that failed the sniff test to all but his staunch backers.
Compare McCain's efforts to motivate through distrust and fear to Obama's message of hope, with his "Yes We Can" catchphrase echoing the American 'can do' spirit and traditional approach to solving problems. Not only did Obama say the right words to motivate his audience, he delivered his message with the motivational rhythm and cadence of an inspirational preacher.
Whether you're selling a political agenda or carbonated sugar water, you must learn to communicate your marketing concept in a way that people will understand, remember, and act upon.

Concepts Are Universal
The Web is an international venue. If you have something of value to say or sell, you will attract an international audience. Foreign companies that want to access the USA market must learn to speak "American" or hire a marketing communication company that does. American companies that want to grow beyond their local markets must learn to think concepts, the universal language of sales.

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Marketing Tips

Using email is a great way to market and promote your e-commerce
business. With people being so busy and getting junk mail, how
do you make your email stand out? Here are some helpful tips to
get you the most benefits from this effective marketing tool. It
is important to do some research and attempt to get your

marketing sent to a target market that will likely be interested
in the products or services you are offering.

Some companies randomly send emails to people who have
absolutely no interest in what is being advertised. You will get
a very low response from such marketing methods. If your website
asks for consumer information including an email address, but
respectful. Ask if they are interested in receiving e-mail
advertisements and promotions. If they choose not to then don’t
add them to your data base for marketing by email. Make sure you
have the permission of the consumer to send them such materials.
You are required by law to include an opt out link in the event
the consumer no longer wants to receive such emails from you.

Statistics show Tuesday and Wednesday are the most effective
days to send out marketing emails. Send them out in the morning
so that individuals have time to read them during breaks, lunch
hours, and in the early evening. You might have a lot of
information to pass on to the target market, but keep your email
short and to the point. Most internet users like to go through
their emails quickly. If yours is lengthy it may get deleted or
saved to be read later. You want the consumer to be able to read
it as soon as they click on it and get all the information. Make
sure you have hyperlinks that take consumers immediately to your
website if they are interested. Internet users are not patient.
Most will not wait longer than five seconds for your website to
appear.

It is important to test your marketing email in the various
email programs including Yahoo, MSN, Hotmail, and AOL because
they all work differently. Your graphics and pictures may be
distorted in particular email programs. This will result in all
those consumers not being able to use your marketing email as it
was intended. Taking the time to conduct these tests can make
the difference between an effective email marketing campaign and
one that is a flop.

How often do you want to send an email to your consumers? This
can be tricky to determine. It really depends on your products
or services and your target market. You want to keep your
business name fresh in the mind of the consumers but they will
stop reading the emails from you if they become too frequent.
Some businesses do them weekly or monthly. Others choose to only
send an email when there is a huge promotion going on. A
business newsletter is a great way to contact the consumer
monthly with fresh information. You also want to give consumers
a very simple way to change their email address as it is very
common to change email service providers.

You need to have an effective system set up to answer any
questions emailed to you from customers within 24 hours. This
will show your business is serious about keeping them satisfied
before, during, and after they make a purchase. Issues come up
and most consumers will give your business the opportunity to
help resolve the situation. This is your opportunity to prove
the integrity of your business.

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