Pros and Cons of Online Marketing – Will you join the Bandwagon?

Everyone has been jumping on the online marketing hoopla as of late. Many businesses forget the real essence of how online marketing can make or break their online business. They often neglect the pros and cons due to the race of getting their business up and running on the internet. They forget to evaluate their expectations – what makes it worse, they forget to plan on how to meet those expectations. Online marketing has four important elements: search engine marketing, online advertising, email marketing and campaign micro sites. Execute these elements and you are on your way to success.

Here are some pointers to help you analyze your internet marketing strategy.

Advantages of online marketing:

• Online marketing has a wider target audience. It can give you a valuable opportunity to reach millions for your products or services.  It is evident that advertising on the internet can draw people to what you are selling.
• Internet is a powerful tool. It can spread the good news very quickly.
• Convenience on your potential customers. They can shop anytime they want without physically going to your store.
• You can directly interact with your potential clients to learn about their needs. You can also install customer databases to promote the integrity of your company.
• With online marketing, you can reach many potential clients using different approaches such as email, blogging, social media, search engine, newsletter and banner advertising.
• As the owner of the business, you can easily spot if your marketing campaign is working or not. If it’s effective, you can invest more otherwise end it right away.

Disadvantages of online marketing:

• You should know that online marketing is not free. You will invest in software, hardware, website design, SEO for the maintenance of your site, online costs and time.
• Not everybody is motivated to do business or shop online. Many people prefer to interact with a live person when they buy or do business.
• Updates for your website are very critical. Watch out for outdated information on your website.
• Majority of websites have poor navigation which makes it difficult for your potential customers to find what they are looking for thus it is regarded as a poor service. Remember, there is a lot of competition for your products or services.
• There is a clamor on internet security that is why many of your visitors will be skeptical on using their credit cards to make a purchase or transaction. With identity thefts lurking around, they are afraid to divulge any personal information.

There are many pros and cons of online marketing. You should consider each when you are creating your marketing strategy. These disadvantages can be overcome if you put yourself in the shoes of your customers.