So you have probably heard of how people make thousands of dollars by Internet Marketing from the comfort of their own home.  You want to make money online just by using your computer and home internet connection.  You have heard that it is easy and that anyone can do it.   Sounds great, "let's do it!", you shout.  So now what?  What do you do?  How do you start?  Well, I had those same questions when I started looking into this "internet marketing thing".  There are a few main "keys" that I have heard repeatedly by almost every speaker and teacher that I have heard on the subject.  I have also thrown in a few resources that are FREE to use and that will help you on your path.

Here are five keys to Internet marketing that will open your doors to your success.

Key # 1 – Plan then TAKE ACTION!

First of all, I apologize for yelling at the end of the sub-title, but you will see why in a second.  Before we get ahead of ourselves and start building a web site, we should have a few things taken care of.  You should know what niche or target market you are going to concentrate on, how to describe your expertise, and what specific benefits your work provides for your readers.  This is your first planning stage.  You will want to do keyword research on terms that are used in your target market.  For a list of 7 FREE Keyword Tool Resources, follow this link to 7 FREE Keyword Tools.  

Once you know who your target market is, immediately go to blogging sites, such as http://www.blogger.com/ or http://www.wordress.org/ and just register for FREE!  During registration, you will be asked to pick a url for your blog.  Pick a blog url that contains the keywords that you want to build around. I say to do this immediately because most people get stuck in "paralysis of analysis".  I have a problem with over-analyzing my options, and if you know me or are on my mailing list, you already know that it must be the accountant in me coming back.  If that happens to you, just tell yourself to take action and you will be alright.   By creating this blog right away, it forces you to focus your efforts and this is what gets me back on the track. Plus, if you decide to change your mind after further keyword research, you can just make a new blog in the new niche!  Just me re-analyzing again for the gazillionth time.  ;0)   It is easy to get overwhelmed with all the niches out there.  There is a target market for EVERYTHING.  So, if you don't have a niche or a target market yet, use the keyword research to help you guide your decision. 

Key # 2 - Build your List

Everyone wants traffic.  The more people view your site equals the more amount of money you make.... right?  Well, sort of.  You might think you want lots of traffic, but what you want is to find highly "targeted traffic".   You want to bring in only people that are interested in reading more about the information that you post.  The reason we write is because we want others to read it.  Or at least I think it should be.  I have nothing against writing for your own enjoyment, but wouldn't it be nicer if the world could read it as well?  Now, granted, not everyone in the world wants information on bike riding.  But there is always a percentage of people that do.  You want to attract THOSE people; the percentage of the population that is interested in your information, services and/or products.   They become your target market.  And Bike Riding can be your niche! (You can get more specific for even more targeted traffic)  Once you have found your content and posted it on your blog, ask your colleagues and friends to critique your site.  Can they see the benefits to your target audience? Then just put it out there for the world to see.  Through social media, you can easily post the link to your blog and have your multiple friends post or email you their comments and critiques.  Revise your site based on their feedback.

You can start by asking your friends to sign up if they are interested in receiving information by e-mail, but the quality of names on your list is much more important than the quantity. Don't do giveaways of other people's material, trading lists with other people, or purchasing them.  It rarely produces qualified readers, buyers or clients of quality. 

To get quality lists, just ask your site visitors and people you meet to join your mailing list and offer them something of value in return. A well-written ezine, helpful report, or informative audio are all effective premiums. If you try to use cheap gimmicks or take any shortcuts, your list will probably not yield many interested buyers.  People start leaving "Ben Dover" or "Amanda Hugginkiss" as their name just to get the Bonus.  It might still happen with your visitiors, but at least those visitors will be interested in the information that you continune to provide through your follow up.  Plus, now you get to call them "Amanda" on the emails to them! lol

Key # 3 - Follow-Up with your List

Your Internet marketing should reflect the same professionalism as the work you do with your clients. If writing isn't your forte, you can go onto http://www.livework.com/ or http://www.e-lance.com/. Both sites boast numerous people that are looking to work for you.  But be sure you hire one with experience writing for professionals.  Also, ask for references and samples of prior work. Make sure that the copy on your web site is professional and makes you sound like the credible expert that you are (as long as it still sounds like you)!

The Internet is a different medium for marketing.  There is no new secret to doing business online.  Business is what it has always been; build relationships so that people trust you and then they can feel comfortable buying from you.  If your information helps build relationships with readers, you'll get business on the web.

To get weekly marketing tips to your email inbox, sign up for my free mailing list by clicking here.  You will find that there are definite advantages to being in my inner circle.  I share resources and tips for increasing traffic that do not make it onto the blog and other media.  It's just a little extra for those who are serious in succeeding online.