No marketing strategy can be the applied across the board to all businesses.  Every business is different and every business has different budgetary constraints.  However, internet and web-based marketing is gaining increasing importance.  Even if your business is not a traditional ‘e’ type of business, you need to engage in web based marketing in 2010. Web marketing keeps your business up-to-date and in the public’s face.

Here are 5 web marketing tools that your business should consider adopting in 2010.

Have a Website
Believe it or not, but nearly half of small businesses don’t have an active website.  A simple ‘off-the-shelf’ type of website can be built for as little as a couple of hundred dollars.  Even if you have a website that contains nothing more than one or two web pages with your company name, logo and contact details – HAVE A WEBSITE!  Customers who search for you on the internet and find that you don’t have a website will think you’re in the dark ages or not legitimate. 

Embrace Social Media
It is no longer a question of ‘if’ your business will engage social media, but ‘how’ it will do it.  A recent study in Promo Magazine revealed that 54% of Fortune 100 companies have a presence on Twitter and 30% are active on Facebook and maintain a blog.  Social Media is here to stay.  Embrace it and use it to ensure your business is being talked about favorably.   You can create Facebook page, LinkedIn page and Twitter page for your company in half an hour and update it every month with what’s happening in your business or industry.

Think about an Online Video
If a picture has more impact than words on a page, think about the potential impact of a 30-second video.  Videos are memorable, cheap to create and can be easily emailed or spread over the internet to customers.  In 2010, look into creating and posting an online video on your website and circulating it to your customers.  Remember to keep it professional, short and well rehearsed.

Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
With money tight, many businesses will want to cut-back on their SEO expenditure.  Think again.  SEO (search engine optimization) is about creating relevant content and credible links to make sure your business moves up in search engine rankings.  Web volume is increasing at staggering levels.  You need to stay in the game.  Rather than abandoning your SEO strategy, re-evaluate your SEO budget and SEO strategy to ensure the right keywords, links and content are being used. 

Email Marketing
The cost of email marketing is very low compared to other traditional marketing means.  In addition, customers are increasingly using email and the internet more than traditional communication channels.  Accordingly, put in place an email marketing plan for 2010 – tailor your emails, make them interesting, provide useful information to attract customers.  But remember - don’t spam - it’s poor business strategy.



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About the Author
Sabra Easterday is the Founder & Managing member of MatchB2B, LLC – Business Outsourcing Platform.