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7 Ways You Can Market Online

This post was most recently updated on August 1st, 2016

7 Ways You Can Market OnlineIn this article I will share 7 Ways You Can Market Online.

Now, these are not the only ways to market online, but I consider them to be the 7 most effective ways.

Marketing online consists of several components.

First, you need to have a clearly defined niche.

Second, you have to determine what products and services people in your chosen niche need.

Third, you need to offer those products and services to your target prospects.

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Offering the products is what we call marketing.

I always think of marketing as being like when ancient merchant caravans would cross the deserts of Egypt by camel to bring products to the cities.

When they reached their destination, they’d set up outdoor markets to offer their goods to the public.

After they had exhausted the market, they’d move on to another city.

Bloggers and other online marketers do pretty much the same.

They gather their offers and bring them to the online marketplace via various platforms and mediums.

This is marketing.

Here are some of the best ways to do it.

7 Ways You Can Market Online

1. Content Marketing

When you develop, curate or share content online, you are building a marketplace.

Writing a blog post, posting a video or writing a LinkedIn post are examples of content marketing.

Each gives you a chance to reach people looking for specific information.

When you develop content for your target audience, craft it so that it is related to the specific products and services you have to offer.

By writing or posting with a focus on your target audience, you are addressing their need for help.

You can further assist them by offering quality products and services that can help them solve their problems.

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2. Email Marketing

To promote via email, you first you have to compile a list of prospective buyers.

You would typically offer them something free in order to get them on your email list.

Once they are in your database, you send them emails at regular intervals.

These should be messages that offer them even more value in the niche, or introduce them to related products that they will find useful.

In this case, your email list is where you market your wares.

If you don’t have an email list of your own, you can pay a fee to have list owners send emails on your behalf to their subscribers.

These are email ads, commonly referred to as solo ads.

3. Social Media

Another place to bring your offers to market is on any of the numerous social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter and others.

Don’t forget, too, that social media includes mastermind networks like Facebook groups, forums, and other online communities.

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Social media is especially effective because such a huge number of people are there, looking to interact and engage with you if you give them a good reason to.

Network marketers love it because the opportunities to “meet and greet” are limitless.

The key to using social media for marketing is to be social, interactive and helpful to people.

Just be sure you’re building relationships in places where your target prospects are hanging out.

That puts you, your brand and eventually your products and services in front of the right folks.

4. Community Marketing

Community marketing involves building or engaging with a community of like minded people.

Of course, you don’t want to get involved in communities that are outside of your niche.

But when you find people interacting within a common interest community, you have found a rich resource for marketing.

This crowd will be highly motivated to consider your products if they think they will help fulfill their needs.

 

 

5. SEO – Using Keywords

Search Engine Optimization is a standard method of marketing online.

One of the most important parts of SEO involves using keywords and metatags on your web pages, blog posts and anywhere that you are posting your content.

Search engine bots seek out these digital markers to decipher the relevance of your content to your target audience.

If you optimize properly, the search engines will put your content in front of exactly the people who are searching for it.

This is a wonderful method for driving free traffic to your offers.

It does require a lot of work, though, beyond which the page ranking process is really outside of your control.

Special: Learn To Blog… (My Video Inside)

6. Pay Per Click

The goal of paying for clicks to your offers is to turn “cold traffic” into a pool of prospects.

Cold traffic is people who don’t know you, are not familiar with your brand, but happen to find one of your offers through an online ad.

This could be a Google ad, Facebook ad or media ad of some sort.

While you certainly can market effectively through the use of pay per click ads, you will be paying for prospects who have never engaged with you before.

That’s not the best kind of prospect to have, but if you know the intracacies of paid marketing you can learn to convert a certain percentage of those folks into loyal customers.

Special: FREE Guide… 4 Things I Did To Build My Blog Using Only Free Traffic

7. Location Marketing

Going out to your local community to market your products is obviously not “online” marketing.

Nonetheless, you can build an online market by building your brand “on location.”

If you have a professional practice, for instance, you can encourgage clients to join your email list in order to get your “newsletter.”

If you have a brick and mortar business, you can offer special deals and discount packages exclusively to those who sign up for your list.

You can even sell digital products to your offline customers and clientele.

A newsletter is one such product, but also you can offer manuals, ebooks and technical support in digital format.

I know many online marketers who recruit people for their network business by attending offline meetups, and then offering online support to their team members.

Your Blog Is A Sales Funnel

Needless to say, none of these marketing methods are used in and of themselves.

You should think of ways to combine a variety of these methods to develop the best overall marketing strategy for your own business, products and services.

I’d love to hear about your marketing ideas.

Please tell me what you think of these 7 Ways You Can Market Online.

Please leave me your comment below, and share this article on your social sites.

-Donna

Donna Merrill
Donna is a well known blogger and creator of "Blogging Magic" - an intensive guide to blogging. "Blogging Magic" is for beginners who are trying to figure out how to bring their blogs to life with tons of visits, comments and social media interaction. It's even for advanced bloggers looking to reach new levels of authority and engagement with their audience.

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79 Responses to 7 Ways You Can Market Online

  1. John Marc Ramirez August 16, 2017 at 3:25 am #

    I learned a lot on how to market online better because of this blog article. Thank you so much for this. Great job! 🙂
    John Marc Ramirez recently posted..Why You Need SEO: Value, Growth, and StrategyMy Profile

  2. Donna Merrill
    Twitter:
    April 23, 2016 at 6:02 pm #

    Many thanks for visiting.

    I am glad some creative ideas are spurring in your mind after you read this post!

    -Donna
    Donna Merrill recently posted..Getting To Know Your Target AudienceMy Profile

  3. Muhammad Ahmad
    Twitter:
    April 14, 2016 at 4:24 am #

    Absolutely a great piece of content, Donna Ma’am!
    Some creative ideas started rising in my mind after reading this post 😀
    Thanks for sharing.
    ~ Ahmad
    Muhammad Ahmad recently posted..[Case Study] How I made 102.5$ on Fiverr within a month!My Profile

  4. Mark
    Twitter:
    April 4, 2016 at 5:54 pm #

    Thanks for sharing seven excellent methods Donna!

    And while I personally like and do
    use several of your suggested methods myself.

    I think number seven, is very under used by most online marketers,
    for whatever reasons.

    Because like you shared in your video, we all live in the
    real world first!LOL!

    And far too many newbie marketers in particular, they try and hide
    behind their keyboards!

    Thanks for providing seven proven ways for successfully marketing our
    products & services online, now we just need to choose our initial method and get to it,
    and be constantly willing to adjust as we go along!
    Mark recently posted..So What Powerful Marketing Lesson Can Offline Real Estate Investing Teach Online Marketers?My Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      April 5, 2016 at 11:41 am #

      Hi Mark,

      I knew you would like number 7 the best lol! Yes, we all live in the real world. We cannot forget that and just depend on our keyboards.

      Even though 90% of my business is online, I have no problem chatting with others about my business. I’m not pushy, but rather candid. If I walk into a store I love and ask them for their business card, noticing they are not online – then I can strike up a conversation for their benefit, not mine.

      Some are so interested, I did have some gigs. Others don’t even know what Foursquare is. Go figure!

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..SEO Basics | And BeyondMy Profile

  5. Tola Korede
    Twitter:
    April 3, 2016 at 4:00 pm #

    Nice to meet you va Enstine Blog, decided to visit your blog after reading your comment that you studied Marketing.

    Yes, 7 Ways you enlisted are top ways to market online, and Facebook Groups Marketing is my area of specialization where I offer gig on fiverr to help webmasters posting and promoting websites in different fb groups.

    I will suggest that Facebook Groups Marketing is real free way to market online, its free to join groups related to your niche. I had joined over 2,000 fb groups like work from home, promote your business, make money, etc where I promote MANUALLY daily.

    So, take advantage of this free method to market online.

    Tola

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      April 6, 2016 at 12:18 pm #

      Hi Tola,

      Welcome to my blog. Facebook Groups are a wise way to market. Wow…you sure have joined a lot of groups! It is amazing that you promote manually every day.

      Thanks for stopping by,

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..SEO Basics | And BeyondMy Profile

  6. Rachel Lavern
    Twitter:
    March 31, 2016 at 8:18 pm #

    Hi Donna,

    I love the concept of momentum. Another saying (that might also be from Newton) is that action begets action. Oftentimes I also apply it by starting small, succeeding at easy steps, building momentum and using the energy and confidence I created to scale up to larger, more complex steps. That way, I make the complex simple!

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      April 1, 2016 at 12:34 pm #

      Hi Rachel,

      It is always great to have the mindset to start small and take those baby steps. Once we look at it that way, we won’t get overwhelmed. We won’t quit. Instead, we will achieve the momentum we need and scale up.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Build Momentum And Ride The WaveMy Profile

  7. ikechi
    Twitter:
    March 30, 2016 at 11:36 am #

    Hi Donna

    You have listed the coolest ways to market online. I think that when one combines all these strategies, having a firm knowledge of each one, it can help in increasing profits.

    However, each strategy has its own hurdles to overcome which is why I always love your posts as you make it easy to learn the ropes of each strategy.

    Thanks for sharing and have a wonderful week.

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      April 1, 2016 at 12:33 pm #

      Hi Ikechi,

      Oh If I only could combine all of them lol. I am sure one needs a staff to do them all properly. Each one takes time and loads of learning. This is why the “big boys” out there can be everywhere. They have employees to take care of all of it.

      But…the good news is if we take one or even two and master it, we too can increase our profits.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Build Momentum And Ride The WaveMy Profile

  8. Mitch Mitchell
    Twitter:
    March 28, 2016 at 10:36 pm #

    First I read, then I listened to the video because I love that accent. lol

    Second, I assume that part of the type of marketing I’ve been doing lately is relationship or community marketing, where I share content and things that select people put up on Twitter that I consider as part of my community… which includes you. 🙂 The two I don’t really do is email marketing (I don’t capture email addresses… yet…) and SEO, which I could easily do but in my mind it would mess up the style of writing I like to do.

    Good stuff here Donna; let’s hope some folks learn great stuff from it.
    Mitch Mitchell recently posted..The Syracuse Orange & 5 Lessons To Learn About Social MediaMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      April 1, 2016 at 12:31 pm #

      Hi Mitch,

      I still have an accent? LOL…

      You are so great with relationship marketing my friend. If you wanted to write more and get deeper into relationships you can use Email. Then, you can put a little e-book together sharing whatever and charging something. Just say’n. You write so great and I’m sure you have many stories to share. Plus it could give you extra income if you wanted to.

      Thanks for stopping by. There are many folks that are looking for this information and I just want their wheels spinning in their heads.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Build Momentum And Ride The WaveMy Profile

  9. Dr. Erica Goodstone
    Twitter:
    March 27, 2016 at 8:40 pm #

    Donna,

    You make it look so simple – just use these 7 different methods. However, each one has its own unique marketing pros and cons. And it takes practice and familiarity and a good deal of education to get the most out of any one of these methods. For example, email marketing is not just about sending emails to announce your events and sell your products. It requires knowing your subscribers and paying attention to their needs and then offering something they really want – and educating them about how it can benefit them.

    But it is all interesting and stimulating to learn how to market better.

    Warmly,

    Dr. Erica

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      March 28, 2016 at 1:40 pm #

      Hi Dr. Erica,

      Indeed, these are 7 different ways to market, but each one takes considerable education and practice to achieve. Some people are under the impression that we need all 7 but it seems to me it would be impossible, unless we had an office full of experts in each one.

      For us solopreneurs, we do have to master one at a time, knowing who needs the information.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Build Momentum And Ride The WaveMy Profile

  10. Donna Merrill
    Twitter:
    March 27, 2016 at 7:51 pm #

    Hi Lesly,

    Yep just like a candy store Lesly lol. Indeed our hub is number 1, but when we are out there, we do have to choose where we feel the most adaptable.

    When it comes to Twitter I’m on and off so I got that one off my table. But FB and G+ is where I love to hang out and my peeps are.

    Thanks so much!

    -Donna
    Donna Merrill recently posted..Dress Your Blog For SuccessMy Profile

  11. Lesly T. Federici
    Twitter:
    March 27, 2016 at 7:26 pm #

    Hey Donna,
    It’s like a Candy Store!! So many goodies to choose from! As you know only so well, marketing is just about getting your brand out there.. so which way is the best? The best way, my opinion, is match the marketing medium with your personality. If you like to chat, use Periscope and Snapchat, if you like short and quick use Twitter and Instagram. I say this only because it works better when you choose a platform you enjoy. Oh and of course your “HUB” and content marketing is #1.

  12. Emi March 27, 2016 at 5:13 pm #

    Hi Donna,
    What a great explanation on all the 7 ways to market online.
    The best is to use a combination of all 🙂
    Of course it takes time to set up everything, but it would be way worth the effort.
    I am just about to start using Google PPC as they got a new retargeting future
    and that looks very promising.
    Thank you for sharing!

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      March 27, 2016 at 7:03 pm #

      Hi Emi,

      It is great to use a combination of all if one has the know how lol. Thanks for the heads up on Google PPC I have’t used that one yet. But I think I have to look into it now that you mention it.

      Thanks so much,

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Dress Your Blog For SuccessMy Profile

  13. Kathryn Maclean
    Twitter:
    March 27, 2016 at 4:23 pm #

    Hi Donna,
    Camels are nasty things. lol Liked your analogy about the camel caravans.
    Excellent article on marketing 7 different ways. I think you might have been a teacher if you didn’t go into marketing.

    I think I have tried all 7 that you mentioned but did not have much luck with PPC or video marketing. (yet) Just not my thing . I do love social media marketing and communities as well as affiliate marketing and content marketing. Working on location marketing in my small town with local SEO. Also working on list building with new autoresponder system.

    You are just wonderful on video, periscope etc. Your video explained the basis of your entire article and so it was so good, I am sharing it to help others.

    Have a wonderful week, hope spring is coming to you soon.
    Kathryn Maclean recently posted..Side Business Hustle OnlineMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      March 27, 2016 at 4:49 pm #

      Hi Kathryn,

      Indeed, camels are nasty because they spit lol.

      What a wonderful compliment coming from you my dear. I know you market very well.

      When it comes to list building, it is a never ending project isn’t it? If there is one thing we, as marketers need to do every day, it is building our lists. And cleaning them every so often lol.

      Wow…doing a new autoresponder? How much fun is that?

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Dress Your Blog For SuccessMy Profile

  14. Donna Merrill
    Twitter:
    March 27, 2016 at 4:04 pm #

    Hi Edward..

    he he he… yes from camel caravans to Facebook posts! It is all about choosing which way is best for an individual to market.

    -Donna
    Donna Merrill recently posted..Dress Your Blog For SuccessMy Profile

  15. Edward Thorpe
    Twitter:
    March 27, 2016 at 10:19 am #

    Hi Donna,

    From camel caravans to Facebook posts – an entertaining look at finding people who want what you have. Thanks,
    Edward

  16. Sonal Talwar
    Twitter:
    March 27, 2016 at 2:15 am #

    Hi Donna,

    Great informative post!

    Thanks for sharing the different ways to market online.
    Sonal Talwar recently posted..Football reduces risk of Heart Diseases, DiabetesMy Profile

  17. Erika Mohssen-Beyk
    Twitter:
    March 27, 2016 at 12:52 am #

    Hi Donna ,
    you have like always helpful information here.
    It seems most agree with the content, social media,
    and email marketing. I think it may depend on the niche
    as well ,what works best and some may have
    to try other ways and find the combination who works
    best for them.
    Thank you
    Erika

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      March 27, 2016 at 3:59 pm #

      Hi Erika,

      Indeed, It all works differently for people. Yes, It does depend on the niche we are in. Plus it depends where people are “hanging out”

      I use one way of marketing for my coaching and teaching modules. I also have a newer e-com site that I’m building and that will be a whole different way of marketing and a different platform.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Dress Your Blog For SuccessMy Profile

  18. Jeri
    Twitter:
    March 26, 2016 at 8:18 pm #

    I’ve been focusing more on community marketing and local marketing lately. It’s hard to know how much effort to put into various types, but the only way to find out is to give each a try. Even if a tactic might work for a person, it might appeal to them. Learning about one’s marketing style is quite the task that much is for sure.

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      April 1, 2016 at 1:11 pm #

      Hi Jeri,

      Welcome to my blog.

      So true…the only way to find out where to focus is to give each a try. Community and local marketing seems to be the winner on this post!

      I know we can’t do it all. But once we gain traction on one, we have to go with it, then if we have the time go for the next.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Build Momentum And Ride The WaveMy Profile

  19. Peter Beckenham
    Twitter:
    March 26, 2016 at 10:06 am #

    Hi Donna,

    What can I say? You have a fabulous way of explaining critical marketing concepts in such a simple and easy to understand way.

    This is such a valuable post and I also loved your great video – your enthusiasm is contagious.

    The range of marketing options you provided will definitely help folks to improve their business potential. The “relevance” facor of content marketing and the “value add” approach to email marketing were 2 key takeaways for me.

    Actually the main marketing focus I have on my blog apart from creating content for my target audience, is one of list building. I prefer to do all my “sales” via email marketing and networking away from my blog and this seems to be working for me.

    Donna thank you again for this important share re marketing and I look forward with great interest to your upcoming posts that take us further along the “marketing journey”

    Best wishes from the remote Thai village marketer

    Peter
    Peter Beckenham recently posted..Affiliate Marketing – A Guide for Complete Beginners Part 4My Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      March 27, 2016 at 3:48 pm #

      Hi Peter,

      Thank you for your kind comment. I am so glad you enjoyed this and found it helpful. Yes, I do break things down simply. That is one of my quirks. I just hate it if I go to a blog that is so complex it makes my head hurt.

      Keeping things simple I find is the best way for people to learn. If even one person gets a take-away and can apply it to their business, I’ve done my job. It’s the way I see it lol.

      Email marketing is still the best way to go. Building a list every day is something if put into your DMO will add up through time. Plus we want a good list. Not people coming to us to read a blog post, but buyers!

      As we build our list, our sales funnels come into play and we can offer others our products/services.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Dress Your Blog For SuccessMy Profile

  20. Chery Schmidt
    Twitter:
    March 25, 2016 at 7:29 pm #

    Hello Donna, Great post and video my friend! I am with Joan here my favorites are content marketing and social media! I do also like video marketing and hoping to be doing more of this in the coming months!

    Great Share,
    Happy Easter
    Chery :))

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      March 27, 2016 at 3:36 pm #

      Hi Chery,

      Thanks my friend. I see you on social media all the time and seems to me that you are doing great there.

      When it comes to videos, I just know you will be awesome because of your bubbly personality. Talk about the know, like and trust value…you got it girl.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Dress Your Blog For SuccessMy Profile

  21. Joan M Harrington
    Twitter:
    March 25, 2016 at 7:08 pm #

    Hey Donna 🙂

    These are definately 7 of the best ways to market online! My favs are content marketing and social media 🙂

    Thanks for sharing and outlining each one of these strategies and how it benefits you and your business….excellent tips!

    Fantastic share!!
    Joan M Harrington recently posted..The Powerful Secret Roadmap to Complete Blogging Success Bloggers Roadmap Review – What’s it all aboutMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      March 27, 2016 at 3:28 pm #

      Hi Joan,

      Glad you like the tips! I’ve used all of the…SEO Back in the old days but not much of that one.

      Content and Social media marketing seems to be the “hands up” here via the comments. Thanks for sharing!

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Dress Your Blog For SuccessMy Profile

  22. Chris DeeWaard
    Twitter:
    March 25, 2016 at 3:55 pm #

    Hi Donna.

    Nice little list you have here.

    I don’t know if I would call what I do content marketing. I write blog posts, but very seldom use them as a way to promote a product.

    I’d like to grow my email list, currently sitting at 10 subscribers, but I think I need a new freebie, more related to online marketing. I also need to start reaching out to them more.

    I’ve focused too much on giving value to help others and not enough on promoting products.

    I’m also not the greatest at starting relationships with people. I have many followers on Twitter and Pinterest and am having trouble opening a dialogue with any of them.

    Same thing when I go onto Facebook groups. I join them but have trouble just talking to people. Social situations have never been my a part of my comfort zone.

    I’ve met great people through my blog commenting, but not in the other areas.

    I know, in this business, if I’m not social or able to market things, I’m not going to succeed. I need to break the chains that are holding me back and soon, or else I’m done.

    Enough about my problems.

    It’s true, we pretty much combine at least the first 4 together or need to in order to succeed.

    I don’t use SEO except for the occasional keyword. I don’t write for search engines. I can’t afford to use PPC or any paid advertising for that matter.

    I don’t get out much so any chance of location marketing is non-existent.

    Anyway, thanks for putting this together and sharing it.

    Have a great weekend…..Chris
    Chris DeeWaard recently posted..How To Prevent Hackers From Logging In To Your WordPress BlogMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      March 27, 2016 at 3:22 pm #

      Hi Cris,

      Whenever I visit your blog, I walk away enlightened, thinking and of course smiling. You have all the components for content marketing right there. All you need to do is to make your message clear on your blog that you offer X.

      Combine that with the same message on social media each time you write a post. Do it in different ways. Climb out of that shell my friend and share some of your awesomeness! You deliver great content on your blog, so have an opt in for people who want more…..grow that list!

      If you decide to have something free, you may find people who are only seeking free stuff. So….maybe charge a very small amount? The exchange of money makes whatever you offer valuable. You have been around a long time and yes…what you have to give IS valuable. The free stuff is your blog.

      Think about it!

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Dress Your Blog For SuccessMy Profile

  23. Dana
    Twitter:
    March 24, 2016 at 7:14 pm #

    Hi Donna,

    Well I’ll be the first one to admit that I still have a lot to learn about marketing.
    If I am to be honest (and I am), I’ll even say it’s my least favourite thing to do.

    I know I have to master this, though. I do have my target audience narrowed down and I do have a specific niche. I use content “marketing” to engage my visitors and to connect with them and build relationships.

    With this, I feel I’ve been successful.

    Even though I primarily work online and am catering to a “geography free” audience, I still went ahead and created some business cards.

    This is a useful post for someone like me. I’ll just have to include some other techniques (and get out of my own way with this particular topic).
    Dana recently posted..How to Stick with Your Wellness Program When You’re CelebratingMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      March 27, 2016 at 3:16 pm #

      Hi Dana,

      At first I was terrified of marketing. I had so many inner questions I couldn’t sleep. But taking it one step at a time was the only way I could ever do it.

      I don’t think I will ever stop learning marketing. Trends and new things are always popping up. People flock to one place and we, as marketers, have to be there and know what to do. I have to say for the past few years, I spend a portion every day to learn marketing techniques. I just never ends.

      But once, I put something into action …Whooppiiieeee

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Dress Your Blog For SuccessMy Profile

  24. PJ Zafra
    Twitter:
    March 23, 2016 at 10:22 pm #

    Hi there Donna,

    Awesome post here! You definitely made making money online sound a whole lot easier and clearer especially for those who are looking into and considering the idea.

    I believe that anyone who decides to do any marketing online should definitely build a list so email marketing should already be a given.

    No matter what business or niche you’re in, you instantly stand out and have a chance at getting more exposure if you’re creating high quality content that’s laser-targeting a certain audience.

    Having exposure in social media is definitely important and powerful especially if you mix it with community building. There’s nothing like going viral on social media, wouldn’t you agree?

    As for 5 & 6, if you manage to learn and master these 2 skills, (You can also outsource SEO since it’s a bit tougher) then the sky is literally the limit to what you can achieve.

    Success online boils down to the knowledge gained + skills mastered combined with consistent action.

    I loved your post! Lots of golden nuggets and value here.

    Thank you for sharing. 🙂

    More people need to see this so I will definitely share this around.

    PJ
    PJ Zafra recently posted..Arnold Schwarzenegger: 6 Rules That Will Give You An Incredible Life [The Ultimate Guide To Happiness & Fulfillment]My Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      March 27, 2016 at 3:14 pm #

      Hi PJ,

      You put it wisely when you mentioned “Success online boils down to the knowledge gained + skills mastered combined with consistent action.” That is truth!

      I’m glad you found this easy….the concept sure is, the the action we have to take on it is time consuming and pretty hard. But as with anything else, once we master one thing, it becomes so much a part of us, we can go on to another.

      Yes I do agree that Social media is wonderful and it can go viral. As long as we are consistent we are powerful!

      When it comes to 4 & 5 one must have a good knowledge base before diving in.

      Thanks so much,

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Dress Your Blog For SuccessMy Profile

  25. Barba
    Twitter:
    March 23, 2016 at 8:41 pm #

    Hi Donna,

    As usual great information, some new, some needed to be told again as the same processes work continuously, but sometimes we forget.

    It is so hard to get traffic and prescribers. It’s hard to know where to go to find them and get people to your site. You’ve just explained it easily.

    Perfect reminders for me. 🙂

    Hope all is well.

    Barbara
    Barba recently posted..Shed Those Stubburn Pounds to Lower Your Risk of DiabetesMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      March 27, 2016 at 2:56 pm #

      Hi Barbara,

      It is so true…sometimes we do forget, and for others, it is all new territory.

      It is difficult to find prescribers…Where does one start? This has come up lately and gave me the incentive to write this post.

      I like to explain things easy so that others can pick something up and wash-rinse-repeat as they say 🙂

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Dress Your Blog For SuccessMy Profile

  26. Nataly Auger
    Twitter:
    March 23, 2016 at 6:58 pm #

    Hi Donna,

    Very informative and helpful post!

    You’re so right when you say that we need to combine several methods to achieve the best marketing strategy.

    Personally, I like social media, content marketing and community marketing. I never used location marketing and pay-per-click.

    Thanks for sharing this great list with us! Have a wonderful week ahead! 🙂

    ~Nataly
    Nataly Auger recently posted..Type A Or Type B: Which Personality Type Do You Think You Are? (INFOGRAPHIC)My Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      March 27, 2016 at 2:43 pm #

      Hi Nataly,

      From reading down all the comments it looks like Content Marketing is a winner here lol. I too love it.

      Social Media is one of my favorites too, but that can only go so far. PPC and solo ads are also a great way to pump up the marketing, but one must know those how to’s otherwise it can be costly.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Dress Your Blog For SuccessMy Profile

  27. lisa thomson
    Twitter:
    March 23, 2016 at 5:55 pm #

    Hi Donna, I read this and watched your video yesterday but didn’t get a chance to comment til now. Your videos are always great. It’s fun to watch you give your message in addition to the written post. Fabulous tips. I have to work on some of these! Marketing isn’t my strength but i have to make more time for it. Of course, it’s not always easy to see the results of our efforts which makes it hard to stick to a plan.
    lisa thomson recently posted..Will GIRLS Ever Become Women?My Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      March 27, 2016 at 1:34 pm #

      Hi Lisa,

      Glad you enjoyed the video and tips written here. If Marketing isn’t your strength, just take it one step at a time.

      The results will come slowly, not overnight, but it is worth it!

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Dress Your Blog For SuccessMy Profile

  28. Ryan Biddulph
    Twitter:
    March 23, 2016 at 12:46 pm #

    Hi Donna,

    This is a super comprehensive list.

    I’m loving social media more and more these days. 1: we have a strong internet connection here in NJ so I can dawdle more online 😉 2: really enjoying making friends and building on bonds through Facebook and Twitter and G Plus. Once you let go the heavy attachment to outcomes, social can help you rock out your business opportunity.

    I’m brain storming offline methods too these days. A new Blogging from Paradise T shirt is in order because the first one is ruined from a jungle stay. Mold killed it. And business cards are in order too. Dropping them off in set spots can help me expand the brand footprint too.

    Email rocks. One of the easiest forms of marketing; build a list, build a bond, make buddies and reach a group of interested folks with real ease. 1-2-3.

    Fab advice as always Donna. Thanks for sharing 🙂

    Ryan
    Ryan Biddulph recently posted..3 Fundamentals of Successful BloggingMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      March 27, 2016 at 1:28 pm #

      Hi Ryan,

      Good to know you have a better internet connection now that you are spending some time in NJ. Getting on those social platforms are great to make friends and connections.

      Wow…a new T Shirt? That must be awesome! I could just imagine you doing well offline with your personality and knowledge, especially state side. And in NJ 🙂

      I am a fan of Email marketing. For me, it grows every day and I enjoy meeting new peeps there.

      Thanks for stopping by and take a pic of the new T Shirt for Facebook!

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Dress Your Blog For SuccessMy Profile

  29. Sherman Smith March 22, 2016 at 7:19 pm #

    Hey Donna,

    Great topic and I’m glad that you said content marketing as the first option. This is something we all love and do, and it’s a great way to get true, genuine traffic and subscribers. There are many times a friendship bond comes out of this strategy.

    Besides content marketing, I have used all of these myself. I say the quickest way to grow a subscriber email list is through paid methods like Paid Per Click or Solo Ads. The real question would be how many quality, true solution seekers will you attract. But if you know who your audience is and where they hang out, then it would be less of a challenge.

    But if you do a combination of all of these strategies together, then you’re truly optimizing your marketing. Especially when you have strong connections with your audience!

    Thanks for sharing this list Donna! I hope you’re enjoying your week!
    Sherman Smith recently posted..Importance Of Branding Yourself Online When You’re Broke With Little TimeMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      March 27, 2016 at 1:25 pm #

      Hi Sherman,

      Indeed content marketing is one of the strongest methods we can use in marketing. And yes, so many people are there for us to even form friendships with its amazing.

      PPC and Solo ads are great only if we know who we are targeting (loads of research lol) or if we know someone that has a list of good buyers that our products/services will go nicely hand in hand.

      Thanks so much Sherman for your input!

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Dress Your Blog For SuccessMy Profile

  30. Susan Cooper
    Twitter:
    March 22, 2016 at 3:13 pm #

    Hi Donna,

    Thanks for these great suggestions fir online marketing.

    I’ve tried quite a few, some with more success than others. I think it’s a truly a matter of finding out what combination of these things works best for you and your business. Maybe trying some new marketing ideas you haven’t tried or try something again. Things change and it might work now even if it hadn’t in the past.

    Thanks so much for sharing with us, Donna. Have a fabulous week!

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      March 24, 2016 at 1:17 pm #

      Hi Susan,

      So true… It IS a matter of finding the right combination of what works. Sometimes what didn’t worked in the past works now.

      I’m finding that myself…lol.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Dress Your Blog For SuccessMy Profile

  31. Atish Ranjan
    Twitter:
    March 22, 2016 at 2:27 pm #

    Hello Donna,

    Good topic and well executed.

    There are many ways that we can employ to market our blog. But, the ones you suggested are bang on.

    I believe content marketing and SEO are well enough to succeed if they are done right. Location marketing too looks creative.

    Thanks for the post.

    Enjoy the week ahead.
    Atish Ranjan recently posted..Content is King, as Long as It’s Good ContentMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      March 24, 2016 at 1:11 pm #

      Hi Atish,

      Indeed, there are so many ways to emply to market our blogs. Content marketing is one of the ways, if done correctly can be precious to us.

      Location is good for those who are not all digital. I too focus on digital only and location is sketchy for me.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Dress Your Blog For SuccessMy Profile

  32. Robin Khokhar
    Twitter:
    March 22, 2016 at 11:21 am #

    Hi Donna,
    Content marketing is one of my favorite online marketing ways. And the other ways you have shared are also good. And email marketing is also a technique which has been used by many marketers and has also got the success for the same.
    Thanks for sharing.
    Robin Khokhar recently posted..How can you make money by tutoring online?My Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      March 23, 2016 at 3:52 pm #

      Hi Robin,

      Thanks for sharing…Indeed, content marketing can go a long way. Once you master that and feel comfortable with it, you can always try another method if you choose.

      I always say to stay with what you know, then, and only then venture into something else.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Dress Your Blog For SuccessMy Profile

  33. Brenda Pace
    Twitter:
    March 22, 2016 at 9:06 am #

    Hi Donna,

    Great informative post! My all-time favorite way is good ole social media. I just don’t think anyone can fail there, as long as what you’re promoting is good content.

    Verey helpful tips for even the veteran marketer. Passing it along.

    Bren
    Brenda Pace recently posted..In Health News: The Zika VirusMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      March 23, 2016 at 3:51 pm #

      Hi Bren,

      Indeed, Good old social media is great! I make more connections there than anywhere else. It is a place where we make friends first so the KLT factor is already there. If the content is good and we don’t push,, then we can do business.

      You do social media so well my dear, especially sharing pictures of your beautiful dog.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Dress Your Blog For SuccessMy Profile

  34. Marquita Herald
    Twitter:
    March 22, 2016 at 8:48 am #

    While I’m familiar with most of the things on your list, I confess I’ve never ventured into PCC and don’t do local marketing. I haven’t had the time to really learn how to do PCC right (yet) and as far as local stuff, I worked as a life and small business coach in the Islands for over a decade so have some experience in that area and not really anxious to do a repeat. Still, you have got me thinking about ways to expand in online local coverage so thanks for that Donna!
    Marquita Herald recently posted..4 Ways We Undermine Our Efforts to Manage TimeMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      March 23, 2016 at 3:49 pm #

      Hi Marquita,

      PPC is great as long as you know what you are doing. If you look above James makes a great case out of that.

      I know what you mean about working outside the home I ran my business off line for years, but once I got online, there is no going back lol.

      Glad I got you thinking.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Dress Your Blog For SuccessMy Profile

  35. Stella Chiu
    Twitter:
    March 21, 2016 at 10:24 pm #

    Hi, Donna

    I believe you list out all the ways to market online. It is a detailed informative blog.

    I agree with you that we need to combine a variety of these methods to develop the best overall marketing strategy for my own business. We have to try one method first. We will move on to the second one until we become the expert of the first one.

    Love this post , Donna!

    Have a nice weekend!

    – Stella Chiu

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      March 23, 2016 at 3:41 pm #

      Hi Stella,

      You hit the nail on the head. Each time we master one way of marketing we can then go on to the next. If we do it all at once, we will end up going round in circles.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Dress Your Blog For SuccessMy Profile

  36. James McAllister
    Twitter:
    March 21, 2016 at 5:39 pm #

    Hi Donna!

    Interesting to read here in the comments that not a whole lot of people are into the idea of investing in PPC advertising or at least have not doneso yet. In my opinion it’s one of the best traffic sources because it’s one of the easiest ways to scale quickly.

    How much does it cost to acquire a subscriber? What is the lifetime value of that subscriber? If the cost is less than the value.. you’re doing yourself a disservice by not reinvesting every cent into those ad campaigns. To me it just makes sense. We will always only have 24 hours in a day but the amount of money we can throw into something is virtually limitless.

    I have to admit much of my marketing budget goes into retargeting ads so the traffic isn’t exactly cold but the principles are the same.

    It just doesn’t make sense. You can scale your money but you can’t scale your time – and I imagine most people reluctant to invest in PPC aren’t planning on hiring employees either, so…

    Hope after reading this more people will take it more seriously and consider exploring further. It can take a while to get down.. but it’s so worth it.

    Thanks Donna!
    James McAllister recently posted..7 Stages Every Blogger Goes Through On Their Way To SuccessMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      March 23, 2016 at 3:36 pm #

      Hi James,

      Glad you brought this up. Many people don’t understand the power of PPC. It is something that they need to do some homework on. You can’t just put something out there without all the connecting parts to it and expect it to work. You do have to know the value of it.

      After doing a few PPC campaigns myself, I did get wonderful buyers that are still active on my list. See…that’s the thing. If I payed $100 for a PPC ad, and got a small percentage return, it won’t matter to me. Crazy? Not at all because these people are now in my sales funnel. The initial investment turned into a higher profit because they did opt into a high price ticket item.

      I just had an incredible experience with a person that has a great mailing list and is pretty well known. I spent $500 for a PPC, and got 50% buyers within two days. It was one of the best investments I ever made plus now he wants more of my products to affiliate.

      I love this game!

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Dress Your Blog For SuccessMy Profile

  37. Don Purdum
    Twitter:
    March 21, 2016 at 4:31 pm #

    Hi Donna,

    I’m amazed at how much these things are intertwined together now!

    FYI – thanks so much for your incredible comment on my blog today, I think it fits in nicely here when you consider that all the moving parts you mentioned work together.

    Creating content without readers is a waste of time… but so is adding content to an oversupplied content marketplace without a developing a community is as well.

    It’s all about people and connecting with one another.

    That’s why blog commenting, social engagement and email is so important. I’m also learning how important it is to get off of my website as well. Meaning, I’m now creating content for some great websites with massive audiences that are the same as the ones I’m after.

    I was telling a friend today that the best thing they can do is get involved in other blogs besides your own that are already highly popular and start connecting.

    Those communities, in turn, affect SEO, social media and all the other means to build an audience of customers and raving fans.

    Great post Donna!!!!!

    Have an awesome week my friend.

    ~ Don Purdum
    Don Purdum recently posted..3 Human Strategies That Will Explode Your Digital MarketingMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      March 21, 2016 at 7:00 pm #

      Hi Don,

      Yes..they are all intertwined aren’t they? But at the end of the day it is all about connecting with other people. Blog commenting, social engagement content creation with other websites all work together like one big machine.

      Couple it with a few ads here and there and Bingo! Things move quickly sometimes.

      Indeed doing what you do will affect SEO, social media and all other means to build a raving fan audience.

      I have to say I loved your blog post today. Looks like we are on similar wave lengths lol.

      Enjoy your week,

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Dress Your Blog For SuccessMy Profile

  38. Joy Healey
    Twitter:
    March 21, 2016 at 2:29 pm #

    Hi Donna

    So, I go out and buy a camel, and then what do I do ……… LOL (only joking)

    I’ve had a go at all of those online marketing methods, in fact perhaps that’s one of my problems! Trying too many methods at once 🙁

    Pay per click wasn’t successful for me at all, but luckily I kept my budgets very low. I’ll try it again soon I suppose, as I have more experience now.

    I will probably try another solo ad too but I’m rather hesitant as I’m not sure how well my main offer will convert via solo-ad. Still…. I have my squeeze pages and auto-responders in place, so I can at least get them on a list.

    My preferred method is content marketing via my blog, and the blog is sent to people on my lists too.

    Historically my blog has probably been the best place for conversions too – so (with time being so short for me) perhaps I should just continue what I’m doing and concentrate on the blog posts instead of wasting time and money trying other strategies. Hmmmm?

    Anyway – that’s something to ponder, so thanks for a thought-provoking post

    Joy – Blogging After Dark
    Joy Healey recently posted..Premier Cashback USA TeamMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      March 21, 2016 at 6:56 pm #

      Hi Joy,

      Yes, by all means buy a camel lol Just kidding!

      Good thing you kept your budget very low on the pay per clicks because you didn’t have the experience. We have to know the ins and outs of things before we shell out money to advertise.

      As long as your squeeze page and auto responders are in line, solo ads can work great only if you know the audience you are marketing to is appropriately targeted to your offer.

      As long as your blog is working…stick to that and concentrate on your blog posts!

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Dress Your Blog For SuccessMy Profile

  39. Adrienne
    Twitter:
    March 21, 2016 at 2:29 pm #

    Happy Monday Donna,

    Such awesome advice and I would have to say that these 7 do work the best.

    I’ve done them all accept the last one since I’m not a brick and mortar business. I have however been to networking meetings and made some connections but they were all a bust. Those people were only out for themselves and of course I definitely don’t mind helping anyone if I can but I wasn’t in need of any of their services either.

    In the past I’ve done some pay per click with no luck at all but I’m sure that a lot of that has definitely changed. I think though for me I’d prefer to stick with what works best for me at this time but I’m not against testing out things I haven’t done when the time comes.

    I always appreciate what you share with us, your information is always so spot on Donna. Thank you again and you have a terrific week. I’ll be sure to share this post with my friends as well. They may need more suggestions.

    ~Adrienne
    Adrienne recently posted..How to Blog Your Way to Success Your WayMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      March 21, 2016 at 3:02 pm #

      Hi Adrienne,

      The only time I do number 7 is when I’m out and about and someone would ask me what I do. If they keep asking me questions I’ll gladly talk about it. This is how I set up a few Facebook campaigns and did a few blogs for people I had ran into. It just fell naturally and paid well too lol. But it is not where I concentrate.

      Pay per click in the past was like the wild west. I tried it back then and it flopped. It wasn’t until I learned the real how-to’s that it paid off.

      It is better to stick to what you know that works and keep on doing it. Then if you get an urge to do something else, you can add it on. I wouldn’t tell you to be careful because I know you are!

      Thanks for your kind words of appreciation,

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Dress Your Blog For SuccessMy Profile

  40. Jane
    Twitter:
    March 21, 2016 at 12:32 pm #

    Hey Donna,

    You have listed all possibilities for a blogger 🙂 Spot on! My favorites are content marketing, social media marketing, email marketing and community marketing.

    Done properly, any marketing should give you amazing results. But you know, not everyone is an expert in everything. So we have to figure out what works for us and for our readers.

    Of course not all marketing techniques will suit an audience. So yes, thanks for pointing out all the options 🙂

    Have a wonderful week ahead!

    Cheers,
    Jane.
    Jane recently posted..Should you enable comments on your blog or not?My Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      March 21, 2016 at 4:19 pm #

      Hi Jane,

      No matter what kind of marketing we choose, it has to fit our audience and what we are marketing.

      My favorites are exactly like yours! Email is my favorite. I have about 5 email lists each to a different target market. Juggling? Yes…but as long as I keep a good eye on it, it works fine.

      Thanks for stopping by,

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Dress Your Blog For SuccessMy Profile

  41. Corina Ramos
    Twitter:
    March 21, 2016 at 11:22 am #

    Hi Donna,

    Thanks for sharing the different ways we can market online. I totally agree doing a combination of these methods is a great marketing strategy.

    I haven’t done #6 although I have been playing around with the idea.

    I do a little offline marketing and have gotten referrals from that.

    Thank you for always giving us great food for thought. Have a great week!

    Cori
    Corina Ramos recently posted..Walkin’ in Memphis: Spring Break 2016My Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      March 21, 2016 at 1:22 pm #

      Hi Cori,

      Number 6 is a tricky one. You really need to know where your target market is. Or, if you are doing so with someone’s list, need to know that person very well.

      I’ve done it carefully myself and it did pay off. But I have to tell ya…I did tons of research before I spent a penny. Just being careful out there lol.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Dress Your Blog For SuccessMy Profile

  42. Lea Bullen
    Twitter:
    March 21, 2016 at 9:19 am #

    Hi Donna,

    As usual you have provided great options to market your business both online and off. I think that for the basics you should do at least a few from your list. You might have to start slowly, adding one at a time but I think a combination is good. I think everyone should set up their email marketing first and foremost so that when the results from others come in they can capture it.

    ~Lea
    Lea Bullen recently posted..10 Startling Reasons You’re Still Not HappyMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      March 21, 2016 at 1:20 pm #

      Hi Lea,

      That’s it! We have to start slowly. We can add one at a time making sure that we do have enough time to be consistent with it.

      Indeed, I too think everyone needs to set up their email marketing first and foremost. Good thinking!

      Have a great week ahead,

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Dress Your Blog For SuccessMy Profile

  43. Harleena Singh
    Twitter:
    March 21, 2016 at 1:00 am #

    Hi Donna,

    Happy Monday from this end 🙂

    Informative post indeed! I think you listed out all the ways there are to marketing online. You are right when you said about combining a variety of these methods to develop the best overall marketing strategy for your own business, products and services.

    I think as bloggers, we need to follow most of these methods and try out the ones that work best for our blogs and businesses. They are ALL so essential, though it’s not easy to cover them all at once. But yes, a combination works best I’d say.

    I haven’t tried #6 as yet, and #7 sounds interesting as well. Yes, the rest one does use and work on, and we know how well they work, isn’t it?

    Thanks for sharing it with us. Have a nice week ahead 🙂
    Harleena Singh recently posted..6 Best Free Blogging Apps For Savvy BloggersMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      March 21, 2016 at 1:18 pm #

      Hi Harleena,

      As we do need to combine a variety of marketing strategies, we cannot realistically do them all lol. We need to choose carefully a good combination where we can be consistent to targeted people and have the time to do so.

      I have done #6 myself, but it is pretty tricky. We have to do our homework on that one and make sure it will be effective otherwise we can loose money quickly.

      As for #7, Although it is not part of my strategy, I do talk to people when I’m out and about and if they ask me what do I do, I explain. Sometimes they are so interested, I will take the time to devise a plan for them. I have picked up a few clients that way. But I just cannot go out there with that in mind. It has to flow naturally for me.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Dress Your Blog For SuccessMy Profile

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