Internet marketing, also referred to as online marketing, Internet advertising, eMarketing (or e-Marketing), is the marketing of products or services over the Internet. When applied to the subset of website-based advertisement placements, Internet marketing is commonly referred to as Web advertising (Webvertising) and/or Web marketing. The Internet has brought many unique benefits to marketing, one of which being lower costs for the distribution of information and media to a global audience. The interactive nature of Internet marketing, both in terms of providing instant response and eliciting response, is a unique quality of the medium.
Internet marketing ties together creative and technical aspects of the Internet, including design, development, advertising, and sales. Internet marketing methods and strategies encompass a wide range of services:
affiliate marketing
behavioral marketing
cause marketing
contextual advertising
customer relationship management (CRM) marketing
digital marketing
display advertising
e-mail marketing
in-text advertising
interactive advertising
internet news releases
newsletter marketing
online market research
online reputation management (ORM)
search engine marketing (SEM)
pay per click (PPC)
search engine optimization (SEO)
social media marketing
blog marketing
multivariate testing or optimization
viral marketing
software-based advertising
Internet marketing does not simply entail building or promoting a website, nor does it mean placing a banner ad on another website. Effective Internet marketing requires a comprehensive strategy that synergizes a given company's business model and sales goals with its website function and appearance, focusing on its target market through proper choice of advertising type, media, and design.
Internet marketing also refers to the placement of media along different stages of the customer engagement cycle through search engine marketing (SEM), search engine optimization (SEO), banner ads on specific websites, email marketing and Web 2.0 strategies. In 2008 The New York Times working with comScore published an initial estimate to quantify the user data collected by large Internet-based companies. Counting four types of interactions with company websites in addition to the hits from ads served from advertising networks, the authors found the potential for collecting upward of 2,500 pieces of data on average per user per month.[1]
Business models
Internet marketing is associated with several business models:
e-commerce — goods are sold directly to consumers or businesses;
publishing — the sale of advertising;
lead-based websites — an organization generates value by acquiring sales leads from its website.
There are many other business models based on the specific needs of each person or business that launches an Internet marketing campaign.
Differences from traditional marketing
One-to-one approach
The targeted user is typically browsing the Internet alone, so the marketing messages can reach him personally. This approach is used in search marketing, where the advertisements are based on search engine keywords entered by the user.
Appeal to specific interest
Internet marketing places an emphasis on marketing that appeals to a specific behavior or interest, rather than reaching out to a broadly-defined demographic. "Off-line" marketers typically segment their markets according to age group, sex, geography, and other general factors. Online marketers have the luxury of targeting by activity. For example, a kayak company can post advertisements on kayaking and canoing websites with the full knowledge that the audience has a related interest.
Internet marketing differs from magazine advertisements, where the goal is to appeal to the projected demographic of the periodical. Because the advertiser has knowledge of the target audience — people who engage in certain activities (e.g., uploading pictures, contributing to blogs) — the company does not rely on the expectation that a certain group of people will be interested in its new product or service.
Advantages
Internet marketing is relatively inexpensive when compared to the ratio of cost against the reach of the target audience. Companies can reach a wide audience for a small fraction of traditional advertising budgets. The nature of the medium allows consumers to research and purchase products and services at their own convenience. Therefore, businesses have the advantage of appealing to consumers in a medium that can bring results quickly. The strategy and overall effectiveness of marketing campaigns depend on business goals and cost-volume-profit (CVP) analysis.
Internet marketers also have the advantage of measuring statistics easily and inexpensively. Nearly all aspects of an Internet marketing campaign can be traced, measured, and tested. The advertisers either pay per web banner impression, per click (PPC), per play (PPP), or per action accomplished. Therefore, marketers can determine which messages or offerings are more appealing to the audience. The results of campaigns can be measured and tracked immediately because online marketing initiatives usually require users to click on an advertisement, visit a website, and perform a targeted action. Such measurement cannot be achieved through billboard advertising, where an individual will at best be interested, then decide to obtain more information at a later time.
Internet marketing as of 2007 is growing faster than other types of media.[citation needed] Because exposure, response, and overall efficiency of Internet media is easier to track than traditional off-line media — through the use of web analytics for instance — Internet marketing can offer a greater sense of accountability for advertisers. Marketers and their clients are becoming aware of the need to measure the collaborative effects of marketing (i.e., how the Internet affects in-store sales) rather than siloing each advertising medium. The effects of multichannel marketing can be difficult to determine, but are an important part of ascertaining the value of media campaigns.
Security concerns
Information security is important both to companies and consumers that participate in online business. Many consumers are hesitant to purchase items over the Internet because they do not trust that their personal information will remain private. Encryption is the primary method for implementing privacy policies.
Recently some companies that do business online have been caught giving away or selling information about their customers. Several of these companies provide guarantees on their websites, claiming that customer information will remain private. Some companies that purchase customer information offer the option for individuals to have their information removed from the database, also known as opting out. However, many customers are unaware if an when their information is being shared, and are unable to stop the transfer of their information between companies if such activity occurs.
Another major security concern that consumers have with e-commerce merchants is whether or not they will receive exactly what they purchase. Online merchants have attempted to address this concern by investing in and building strong consumer brands (e.g., Amazon.com, eBay, Overstock.com), and by leveraging merchant/feedback rating systems and e-commerce bonding solutions. All of these solutions attempt to assure consumers that their transactions will be free of problems because the merchants can be trusted to provide reliable products and services. Additionally, the major online payment mechanisms (credit cards, PayPal, Google Checkout, etc.) have also provided back-end buyer protection systems to address problems if they actually do occur.
Effects on industries
Internet marketing has had a large impact on several previously retail-oriented industries including music, film, pharmaceuticals, banking, flea markets, as well as the advertising industry itself. Internet marketing is now overtaking radio marketing in terms of market share.[2] In the music industry, many consumers have been purchasing and downloading music (e.g., MP3 files) over the Internet for several years in addition to purchasing compact discs. By 2008 Apple Inc.'s iTunes Store has become the largest music vendor in the United States (U.S.).[3]
The number of banks offering the ability to perform banking tasks online has also increased. Online banking is believed to appeal to customers because it is more convenient than visiting bank branches. Currently over 150 million U.S. adults now bank online, with increasing Internet connection speed being the primary reason for fast growth in the online banking industry[citation needed]. Of those individuals who use the Internet, 44 percent now perform banking activities over the Internet[citation needed].
Internet auctions have gained popularity. Unique items that could only previously be found at flea markets are being sold on eBay. Specialized e-stores sell items ranging from antiques to movie props[4][5]. As the premier online reselling platform, eBay is often used as a price-basis for specialized items. Buyers and sellers often look at prices on the website before going to flea markets; the price shown on eBay often becomes the item's selling price. It is increasingly common for flea market vendors to place a targeted advertisement on the Internet for each item they are selling online, all while running their business out of their homes.
The effect on the advertising industry itself has been profound. In just a few years, online advertising has grown to be worth tens of billions of dollars annually.[6][7][8] PricewaterhouseCoopers reported that $16.9 billion was spent on Internet marketing in the US in 2006[9].
References
^ Story, Louise and comScore. "They Know More Than You Think" (JPEG), March 10, 2008. in Story, Louise. "To Aim Ads, Web Is Keeping Closer Eye on You", The New York Times, The New York Times Company, March 10, 2008. Retrieved on 2008-03-09.
^ Businessweek - Advertising Goes Off the Radio (2006-12-07)
^ [http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/7329886.stm iTunes 'biggest US music seller' (2008-04-04)
^ Ian Mohr Daily Variety. Reed Business Information February 27, 2006 "Movie props on the block: Mouse to auction Miramax leftovers"
^ David James People Magazine Time, Inc. February 24, 2007 "Bid on Dreamgirls Costumes for Charity"
^ eMarketer - Online Ad Spending to Total $19.5 Billion in 2007 (2007-2-28)
^ The Register - Internet advertising shoots past estimates (2006-09-29)
^ Internet Advertising Bureau - Online Adspend (2007-06-18)
^ PricewaterhouseCoopers reported U.S. Internet marketing spend totalled $16.9 billion in 2006" (Accessed 18-June-2007)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Internet marketing ties together creative and technical aspects of the Internet, including design, development, advertising, and sales. Internet marketing methods and strategies encompass a wide range of services:
affiliate marketing
behavioral marketing
cause marketing
contextual advertising
customer relationship management (CRM) marketing
digital marketing
display advertising
e-mail marketing
in-text advertising
interactive advertising
internet news releases
newsletter marketing
online market research
online reputation management (ORM)
search engine marketing (SEM)
pay per click (PPC)
search engine optimization (SEO)
social media marketing
blog marketing
multivariate testing or optimization
viral marketing
software-based advertising
Internet marketing does not simply entail building or promoting a website, nor does it mean placing a banner ad on another website. Effective Internet marketing requires a comprehensive strategy that synergizes a given company's business model and sales goals with its website function and appearance, focusing on its target market through proper choice of advertising type, media, and design.
Internet marketing also refers to the placement of media along different stages of the customer engagement cycle through search engine marketing (SEM), search engine optimization (SEO), banner ads on specific websites, email marketing and Web 2.0 strategies. In 2008 The New York Times working with comScore published an initial estimate to quantify the user data collected by large Internet-based companies. Counting four types of interactions with company websites in addition to the hits from ads served from advertising networks, the authors found the potential for collecting upward of 2,500 pieces of data on average per user per month.[1]
Business models
Internet marketing is associated with several business models:
e-commerce — goods are sold directly to consumers or businesses;
publishing — the sale of advertising;
lead-based websites — an organization generates value by acquiring sales leads from its website.
There are many other business models based on the specific needs of each person or business that launches an Internet marketing campaign.
Differences from traditional marketing
One-to-one approach
The targeted user is typically browsing the Internet alone, so the marketing messages can reach him personally. This approach is used in search marketing, where the advertisements are based on search engine keywords entered by the user.
Appeal to specific interest
Internet marketing places an emphasis on marketing that appeals to a specific behavior or interest, rather than reaching out to a broadly-defined demographic. "Off-line" marketers typically segment their markets according to age group, sex, geography, and other general factors. Online marketers have the luxury of targeting by activity. For example, a kayak company can post advertisements on kayaking and canoing websites with the full knowledge that the audience has a related interest.
Internet marketing differs from magazine advertisements, where the goal is to appeal to the projected demographic of the periodical. Because the advertiser has knowledge of the target audience — people who engage in certain activities (e.g., uploading pictures, contributing to blogs) — the company does not rely on the expectation that a certain group of people will be interested in its new product or service.
Advantages
Internet marketing is relatively inexpensive when compared to the ratio of cost against the reach of the target audience. Companies can reach a wide audience for a small fraction of traditional advertising budgets. The nature of the medium allows consumers to research and purchase products and services at their own convenience. Therefore, businesses have the advantage of appealing to consumers in a medium that can bring results quickly. The strategy and overall effectiveness of marketing campaigns depend on business goals and cost-volume-profit (CVP) analysis.
Internet marketers also have the advantage of measuring statistics easily and inexpensively. Nearly all aspects of an Internet marketing campaign can be traced, measured, and tested. The advertisers either pay per web banner impression, per click (PPC), per play (PPP), or per action accomplished. Therefore, marketers can determine which messages or offerings are more appealing to the audience. The results of campaigns can be measured and tracked immediately because online marketing initiatives usually require users to click on an advertisement, visit a website, and perform a targeted action. Such measurement cannot be achieved through billboard advertising, where an individual will at best be interested, then decide to obtain more information at a later time.
Internet marketing as of 2007 is growing faster than other types of media.[citation needed] Because exposure, response, and overall efficiency of Internet media is easier to track than traditional off-line media — through the use of web analytics for instance — Internet marketing can offer a greater sense of accountability for advertisers. Marketers and their clients are becoming aware of the need to measure the collaborative effects of marketing (i.e., how the Internet affects in-store sales) rather than siloing each advertising medium. The effects of multichannel marketing can be difficult to determine, but are an important part of ascertaining the value of media campaigns.
Security concerns
Information security is important both to companies and consumers that participate in online business. Many consumers are hesitant to purchase items over the Internet because they do not trust that their personal information will remain private. Encryption is the primary method for implementing privacy policies.
Recently some companies that do business online have been caught giving away or selling information about their customers. Several of these companies provide guarantees on their websites, claiming that customer information will remain private. Some companies that purchase customer information offer the option for individuals to have their information removed from the database, also known as opting out. However, many customers are unaware if an when their information is being shared, and are unable to stop the transfer of their information between companies if such activity occurs.
Another major security concern that consumers have with e-commerce merchants is whether or not they will receive exactly what they purchase. Online merchants have attempted to address this concern by investing in and building strong consumer brands (e.g., Amazon.com, eBay, Overstock.com), and by leveraging merchant/feedback rating systems and e-commerce bonding solutions. All of these solutions attempt to assure consumers that their transactions will be free of problems because the merchants can be trusted to provide reliable products and services. Additionally, the major online payment mechanisms (credit cards, PayPal, Google Checkout, etc.) have also provided back-end buyer protection systems to address problems if they actually do occur.
Effects on industries
Internet marketing has had a large impact on several previously retail-oriented industries including music, film, pharmaceuticals, banking, flea markets, as well as the advertising industry itself. Internet marketing is now overtaking radio marketing in terms of market share.[2] In the music industry, many consumers have been purchasing and downloading music (e.g., MP3 files) over the Internet for several years in addition to purchasing compact discs. By 2008 Apple Inc.'s iTunes Store has become the largest music vendor in the United States (U.S.).[3]
The number of banks offering the ability to perform banking tasks online has also increased. Online banking is believed to appeal to customers because it is more convenient than visiting bank branches. Currently over 150 million U.S. adults now bank online, with increasing Internet connection speed being the primary reason for fast growth in the online banking industry[citation needed]. Of those individuals who use the Internet, 44 percent now perform banking activities over the Internet[citation needed].
Internet auctions have gained popularity. Unique items that could only previously be found at flea markets are being sold on eBay. Specialized e-stores sell items ranging from antiques to movie props[4][5]. As the premier online reselling platform, eBay is often used as a price-basis for specialized items. Buyers and sellers often look at prices on the website before going to flea markets; the price shown on eBay often becomes the item's selling price. It is increasingly common for flea market vendors to place a targeted advertisement on the Internet for each item they are selling online, all while running their business out of their homes.
The effect on the advertising industry itself has been profound. In just a few years, online advertising has grown to be worth tens of billions of dollars annually.[6][7][8] PricewaterhouseCoopers reported that $16.9 billion was spent on Internet marketing in the US in 2006[9].
References
^ Story, Louise and comScore. "They Know More Than You Think" (JPEG), March 10, 2008. in Story, Louise. "To Aim Ads, Web Is Keeping Closer Eye on You", The New York Times, The New York Times Company, March 10, 2008. Retrieved on 2008-03-09.
^ Businessweek - Advertising Goes Off the Radio (2006-12-07)
^ [http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/7329886.stm iTunes 'biggest US music seller' (2008-04-04)
^ Ian Mohr Daily Variety. Reed Business Information February 27, 2006 "Movie props on the block: Mouse to auction Miramax leftovers"
^ David James People Magazine Time, Inc. February 24, 2007 "Bid on Dreamgirls Costumes for Charity"
^ eMarketer - Online Ad Spending to Total $19.5 Billion in 2007 (2007-2-28)
^ The Register - Internet advertising shoots past estimates (2006-09-29)
^ Internet Advertising Bureau - Online Adspend (2007-06-18)
^ PricewaterhouseCoopers reported U.S. Internet marketing spend totalled $16.9 billion in 2006" (Accessed 18-June-2007)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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