Marketing
Venturing out into a new business direction can be daunting - and the challenges of getting started up and bringing in new clients can sometimes seem insurmountable. Many small businesses see the value in marketing themselves; but often do too little marketing, or market themselves in mediums that don’t target the correct audiences.
I recently looked into aggressively marketing my web site on-line. The Internet is a known medium to me - having worked in the industry before - however, it is a new medium for my new business. I am hoping that by approaching this aggressively, some interested parties will be directed my way; thereby generating business and growing my portfolio. My intentions are admirable - but the reality can be a bit terrifying; even if you know what you are doing. The volume of potential web sites where I can place my company information is staggering - in South Africa alone there are over 30 sites that I am considering. Even if I were to discount the fact that this is only a small part of the resources that are available, it is a large task to take on.
Now what would the case be for any small start-up business who has no idea of the potential of the Internet in targeting their audiences and bringing in business? I would suggest having a look at what is available out there - do your own research and look into what you believe would be best for your business. Once you have done that, approach a professional company and let them help you do the rest; based on your basic knowledge and requirements. Let them guide you - and be open to new ideas. It is easy to research something and become an expert overnight; but to research something so that you aren’t taken for a ride by a company that isn’t legit is a different story. Regardless, all that research is useless you put it to use effectively.
Online Commentary / Blog - Published 2008