By Sarah Rexman

The Internet is an important part of any business’s marketing plan. Most businesses have at least put up a webpage for their business on the Internet. This basic website usually offers contact information, business hours and a list of services offered. This is the most basic way to handle your Internet marketing. It is important to change your marketing plan so that it includes all other aspects of Internet marketing.

Social Media Marketing
Social media allows you to reach your customers even when they are not necessarily looking for your information online. If you have a Facebook page, any updates you post or deals you offer will show up on followers or fans of your business page. This is a great way to reach out to your customers when you are offering a promotion or trying to drum up additional business. You can hand out pamphlets or links in your email newsletters to gain followers. Twitter will work in the same way. You can offer promotions, sales or other information through Twitter. Some restaurants post the daily specials through Twitter or on Facebook, so customers can stop by and get their favorite items. Social media also lets your customers advertise for you through their networks as they share posts or tweets with their friends.

Using Email Newsletters
Email newsletters are a great, inexpensive way to offer sales information to your customers. This works for nearly any type of business, and is often less expensive than the traditional newsletter. You can collect email addresses when customer’s check out at the register or when they sign up for a service or product. If you have a difficult time composing the newsletters your self you can hire a freelancer to complete the job for you. When you send out newsletters you want to be consistent in the frequency and the time you send them out. It really depends on the type of product or service you offer. Usually a weekly newsletter is sufficient but if you sell a product your clients need just once a year, you should choose a monthly or quarterly option instead.

Making More of Your Website
You can use your website in a variety of ways, rather than just providing the basic information for your clients. One way to do this is to add a blog to your website. If it is updated regularly, your clients are more likely to come back and check your site more often. You can also provide a place for your clients to purchase products online or to place specific orders for items you custom make. This allows your website to become another portal for your customers to access and use your business. This may be a switch if you primarily work out of a storefront, but as you watch your sales increase, you will find the extra time and effort is worth it.

Embracing Technology
With the way the world is changing, it is important to stay on top of the changes in technology. You will want to adapt your web page so that it can be shown on mobile devices. You will also need to stay on top of social media trends. Using photos will also help you to attract new customers in the future.

About the author:
Sarah Rexman is the main researcher and writer for BedBugs.org. Her most recent accomplishment includes graduating from Florida State, with a master’s degree in environmental science. Her main focus for the site is determining what causes bed bugs and displays a nice assortment of bed bug photos.