Internet Marketing 101: Marketers choose SEO

When it comes to online marketing there are a plethora of advertising options. Online display, search marketing, pay per click (PPC), social marketing, online video, in-game advertising. And the list goes on. Knowing where to start is the first big step for most new online marketers. Here are a few tips from two marketers building their businesses online.

by Kristina Knight

Okay, you've decided to take your financial future in hand to start an online business. You've done your research and found a product or service, you've further defined your niche and you've built your website. Next, comes the hard part - marketing the website to consumers who want or need your product.

For Bert Ingley, that niche was selling sports strategy e-books. His websites now bring in $187,000 each year.

"The real trick for Internet marketing, because it isn't like a television commercial where you can hit many people, your audience has to come looking for you," said Ingley. "You may have a great product, but if everyone who uses that product isn't finding you it will be tough."

Aaron Bradley, a 22 year old musician, produces studio beats for unsigned musicians and hip-hop artists. He says his biggest help is search engine optimization (SEO).

"Getting on that first page of Google is a big thing because once you get there it's not cost to you. The organic listings are really profitable for me," said Bradley. "For the last few months I've been working on a new online music launch and will be using SEO for that site as well, but I'll also be using more social media and viral marketing techniques. I've been doing a little video and have been able to build a really nice list from that, too."