If you've been using the Internet for any length of time, you've no doubt heard the term "contextual" marketing. But what exactly is contextual marketing? Well, a prime example of contextual marketing would be Google's AdSense - those little ads you see running on so many websites these days. The problem with AdSense however is that it places intrusive advertising on your website, which is a huge turn-off for many people.
However, there is a better, less intrusive way of utilizing contextual marketing. What is it? Instead of monetizing your website with advertising, try placing targeted product links at the tail end of relevant content. For example, if your website or blog has published an article on marketing, having a direct link at the end of the article that gives readers the opportunity to purchase a marketing product that is closely related to the topic of the article would be contextual marketing.
This method of marketing can be particularly effective if you own a content site. Why? Because according to the statistics I've read, content sites receive 90% of all Internet traffic. That means having a content site provides you with an outstanding opportunity to generate additional revenue from your website without alienating your visitors with AdSense ads. And even if you don't own your own products, you can still utilize this method of marketing by linking your articles to affiliate products and earn money that way.
The key to making money with this method of marketing is to write a compelling, benefit-laden link that makes the reader want to click on it for more information. For example, suppose your marketing article was about writing effective headlines. You'd want your link to read something like this:
"Learn How To Instantly Create Magical Headlines That Make Money! Click here."
The whole concept behind contextual marketing is to snare the impulse buyer. And it makes perfect sense too, because if someone is interested in reading about a particular topic, there is a good chance that he would be interested in purchasing a product related to that topic.
Sunday, April 6, 2008
pay per click
There are many advertising options out there for small and large businesses alike. A new phenomenon that has recently hit the scene is the use of sponsored link searches for advertising needs. Are sponsored links really the best way to allocate valuable advertising dollars?
A re occurring complaint I hear from many of my customers is that sponsored links are not developing the return on investment they desire. There are several key reasons to why this may be occurring. Sponsored links, or pay per click advertising, are links on the right hand side of most search engines. These links, historically, are only used by approximately 30% of the online search market. By using only sponsored links in your online marketing campaign, you have essentially cut out 70% of the market that may be searching for your business. Further, did you know that there is a constant bidding war on the sponsored side of the page? Business are having to spend valuable working time managing their sponsored link page to make sure the are staying on the first page, while not breaking the bank. Because most consumers don't search past the first page of search engines, it is a constant war to "out bid" your competitors and stay in those valuable spots. But what is to keep your competitors from clicking your links and costing you tons of money and headaches? Thankfully, Google (among others) have allowed you to set certain limits on the amount of money you wish to spend monthly on sponsored link searches. While pay per click ads may get you some form of business, I do not believe they are the end all in online marketing. It is important to recognize several key factors when thinking about investing in pay per clicks.
1) How can I minimize "fraudulent" clicks by my competitors
2) Are their other online options, for around the same cost, which can give me a better return on investment? and
3) Am I willing to cut our 70% of the search market by spending money on sponsored links?
For some businesses, pay per clicks work. I am not advocating that they don't. The law of "big numbers" may come into play here where if you do something long enough, the average return will be worth the investment. I have found other advertising mediums that allow my customers a better, more stable, return on their investment. Diversity is the key to the marketing game and in order to advertise to all corners of a market, it is necessary to weigh your options and decide if you have the time, and money, to play the "big numbers" game
A re occurring complaint I hear from many of my customers is that sponsored links are not developing the return on investment they desire. There are several key reasons to why this may be occurring. Sponsored links, or pay per click advertising, are links on the right hand side of most search engines. These links, historically, are only used by approximately 30% of the online search market. By using only sponsored links in your online marketing campaign, you have essentially cut out 70% of the market that may be searching for your business. Further, did you know that there is a constant bidding war on the sponsored side of the page? Business are having to spend valuable working time managing their sponsored link page to make sure the are staying on the first page, while not breaking the bank. Because most consumers don't search past the first page of search engines, it is a constant war to "out bid" your competitors and stay in those valuable spots. But what is to keep your competitors from clicking your links and costing you tons of money and headaches? Thankfully, Google (among others) have allowed you to set certain limits on the amount of money you wish to spend monthly on sponsored link searches. While pay per click ads may get you some form of business, I do not believe they are the end all in online marketing. It is important to recognize several key factors when thinking about investing in pay per clicks.
1) How can I minimize "fraudulent" clicks by my competitors
2) Are their other online options, for around the same cost, which can give me a better return on investment? and
3) Am I willing to cut our 70% of the search market by spending money on sponsored links?
For some businesses, pay per clicks work. I am not advocating that they don't. The law of "big numbers" may come into play here where if you do something long enough, the average return will be worth the investment. I have found other advertising mediums that allow my customers a better, more stable, return on their investment. Diversity is the key to the marketing game and in order to advertise to all corners of a market, it is necessary to weigh your options and decide if you have the time, and money, to play the "big numbers" game
internet marketing
When most people first sign up for a business opportunity they are SO excited to get started. They have bought into the hype that all they need to do is sign up with this system and you will start making thousands of dollars in no time at all. But one thing these opportunities fail to mention is how to market your new business opportunity.
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