The number of different methods of advertising online has grown tremendously over the past decade. Where high-priced banner ads were the only option to get in front of an online audience not so long ago, now businesses are able to choose from many different cost-effective, measurable strategies, including:
Paid Search Engine Ads (PPC or CPC)
In the US, Google AdWords and the Microsoft AdCenter are the most popular platforms for paid search advertising and advertising online. Advertisers choose keywords to “bid” on that will trigger ads which appear either in search results or on within search engines’ content networks. Paid search campaigns can be as big or as small as an advertiser desires and are a great testing ground to see what keywords get the best audience response.
Search Engine Optimization
Search engine optimization, or SEO, is the process of optimizing a website’s code and content to include relevant keywords. It is a constantly evolving field that changes with search engines’ algorithmic changes.
Social Media Marketing
Blogging, twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn – These are the most popular social media networks right now. Each of these methods of online advertising appeals to different audiences. Very generally speaking, LinkedIn is used primarily for connecting professionals; Twitter is used as a medium to spread news; Facebook taps into people’s social networks to find commonalities; Blogging often attracts subject-area affinity groups. The ability to target specific audiences may be one of the most exciting developments in social media marketing.
There are other methods of advertising online that include banner ads, affiliate marketing, email marketing, and more. Each of these methods has its own strengths and weaknesses. Luckily, practically any online advertising can be analyzed with (often) free tools like Google Analytics and others. Trying and testing different tactics is the best way to figure out which online advertising method is best for you.
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
