Overview
Web marketing refers to a broad category of advertising that takes many different forms, but generally involves any marketing activity conducted online.
Marketers have shifted their efforts online because it tends to be significantly less expensive. Many online advertising spaces are free to use. Companies can upload videos to Youtube or start a blog for no cost at all. Other outlets like official websites or paid search marketing cost a fraction of what a major television advertising campaign would.
Types of web marketing
Display Advertising – The use of banner ads and other graphical advertisements to market products online.
Search Engine Marketing – Using search engines to help connect users with the products and services they are most interested in. Companies can pay to receive preferential ranking in a list of search results.
Search Engine Optimization – A free and organic way for companies to improve their visibility on search engines.
Social Media Marketing – Using sites like Facebook and Twitter to connect with customers.
Email Marketing – Communicating with customers through the use of carefully designed emails.
Referral Marketing – Using internet channels to encourage consumers to recommend products to their friends and families.
Affiliate Marketing – Working with other businesses to make it easier for consumers to shop for products online.
Inbound Marketing – Boosting the value of a company's web presence by adding unique content like blogs, games, and tutorial videos.
Video Marketing – Using web videos for promotional purposes.
Most businesses today have developed some kind of online presence. Free templates make it simple to develop a professional-looking website, and social networking profiles are free and are accessible to millions.
Companies that sell products on a national or international level have the most to gain from web marketing. Imagine a local auto body shop. They have no incentive to try and connect with customers on the other side of the country. A simple website with their hours of operation and customer testimonials may be all the web presence they need.
The easiest way to connect with a scattered customer base in a cost effective manner is to engage with users on the Internet.