Online Marketing Absolute Beginner - Where to start

4 simple tips:

1. Control Your Website: Choose an easy-to-use platform like Duda so you can make changes yourself.
2. Create Valuable Content: Share what you know through blogs, videos, and podcasts to help others and build your reputation.
3. Focus on SEO: Make sure your content can be found on Google, Bing, YouTube, and other platforms.
4. Use Social Media: Pick two social media platforms that fit your business and post regularly to connect with your audience.

How many times have you found yourself watching videos about starting an online business? And how many of those times did you actually think about getting started? It's easy to say you want to begin, but taking that first, real step is what truly matters.

Imagine having a business that allows you to work for yourself from anywhere—be it your home or someplace new you've traveled to. Picture your website and CRM system continuously attracting new leads, automatically emailing them to build relationships.

Five Simple Steps to Start Your Online Marketing

When you think about starting or expanding your business with online marketing, write these down and start using them. Think about what kind of business you’re starting. Is this your first time, or are you launching another new venture? Maybe you’re setting up an e-commerce site to sell products, or perhaps you’re focusing on a local or online business that needs more appointments, leads, and customers.

It’s important to consider exactly what you want from your business. What’s your main aim? This will help you pick the right online marketing tactics that match what you need. Whether it’s more sales or more phone calls, the right approach depends on understanding your business type and goals.

Key Steps to Take:

• Identify Your Business Type: Are you selling products online or booking services? Knowing this helps tailor your strategy.
• Set Your Goals: What do you want to achieve with your marketing? More orders, more calls, or something else?
• Know Your Customers: Figure out who they are and what they need. When your marketing speaks directly to their needs, you’re more likely to succeed.

Step 1: Take Control of Your Website

When you start thinking about building your website, it's tempting to hire an outside agency. However, this can sometimes lead to more hassle than help. Agencies often build websites on complex platforms that are difficult for you to manage independently. They may even maintain ownership of the site, effectively making you pay rent to use it.

What you really need is a platform that performs well and allows you easy access to make updates. Whether it's changing a photo on your "About Us" page, adding a new service, updating your pricing, or checking your site's statistics, having control is crucial. I recommend using Duda, which you can find through the affiliate links below. It's designed for both outstanding performance and user-friendliness. While there are other platforms like Wix, WordPress, and Webflow, Duda is what we've used successfully for hundreds of clients.

Tips for Choosing a Website Platform:

• Look for User-Friendly Access: Ensure the platform allows you to easily log in and make changes without needing expert help.
• Consider Platform Ownership: Choose a platform where you retain ownership of your website to avoid ongoing "rental" fees.
• Evaluate Performance: The platform should load quickly and reliably, enhancing the user experience and SEO.
• Seek Flexibility: Your platform should let you make updates to photos, services, pricing, and more without hassle.
• Check for Support: Good customer support from the platform provider can be invaluable if you encounter any issues.

Step 2: Create Great Content

If you know a lot about something special, like software, e-commerce, or your local business, it's time to share that knowledge. Creating good content helps you teach people and makes you known as the expert in your area. For example, I make videos about websites and automation to help people learn and grow. You should start sharing your knowledge too, through blog posts, videos, or podcasts.

You can talk about what you're learning and doing to get better, or if you already have customers, share stories about helping them succeed. This helps others see you as the expert and can help your business grow.

Tip 3: Start Focusing on SEO

SEO isn’t just about Google anymore. Yes, you definitely want your blog posts and website linked with Google Search Console, and don't forget Bing Webmaster Tools—more people are using Bing these days. But think bigger. You should also consider SEO for places like YouTube, where making videos can help you show up when someone searches for what you're an expert in.

And it's not just about videos. Podcasts can rank in searches, too. Even ChatGPT can be a place to submit your content. I'll share more about this in upcoming videos. You want to make sure you appear everywhere people are searching, including on platforms like Reddit, LinkedIn, and even TikTok, which is quickly turning into a search engine itself. By sharing your knowledge across these different platforms, you boost your SEO and increase the chances of people finding you when they look up topics like "how to start a business."

Simple SEO Tips:

• Connect with Search Consoles: Link your site with Google Search and Bing Webmaster Tools.
• Expand Your Platforms: Think beyond traditional websites; use YouTube, Reddit, LinkedIn, and TikTok.
• Create Valuable Content: Whether it’s a video, podcast, or a post, make sure it provides value and relates to what you're good at.
• Keep Learning and Updating: SEO changes often, so keep learning and adapting your strategies to stay on top.
• Use Keywords Smartly: Include keywords naturally in your content that people might use to search for your expertise.

Tip 4: Leverage Social Media

Now that you've built your brand with a website and are creating valuable content, it's time to get social. Social media lets you meet your audience where they hang out, helping you become recognized as an expert in your niche. Start by choosing a few channels that best suit your business and focus on becoming well-known there.

If you're selling products online, platforms like Instagram and TikTok are perfect for showcasing high-quality images of your goods. For service-based businesses, such as online consulting or coaching, sharing helpful content and tips on LinkedIn, Medium, or X (formerly Twitter) can boost your visibility. Local businesses can benefit from creating videos or joining relevant Facebook groups to engage with the community.

Strategies to Maximize Social Media Impact:

• Choose Your Platforms Wisely: Pick the top two platforms that align best with your business type and audience. If you’re just starting out, focusing on these will help you manage your efforts without getting overwhelmed.
• Post Relevant Content: Tailor your content to each platform to meet the specific interests and needs of its users.
• Be Consistent: Regular posting is key to building your reputation and keeping your audience engaged.
• Engage Actively: Respond to comments, participate in discussions, and engage with your followers to build a community around your brand.
• Evaluate and Adapt: As your brand grows, consider expanding to other social media channels, but always keep an eye on what’s working and what isn’t, so you can adjust your strategy accordingly.

Tip 5: Email Marketing

Email marketing helps you build better relationships with your audience. Not everyone will know, trust, or like you right away. They might not even know what you offer. To start, set up a newsletter sign-up form on your website so people can join your email list and learn from you. Just like our newsletter, which sends a helpful tip every Wednesday to help automate your business.

By sending valuable content regularly—weekly, biweekly, or monthly—you stay in people's minds. They might not read every email, but they’ll remember you. Some people aren’t ready to become customers right away. They might decide to buy next week, next month, or even next year. Email marketing also helps you get repeat customers.

Simple Email Marketing Tips:

• Add a Sign-Up Form: Make it easy for visitors to join your newsletter on your website.
• Send Regular Emails: Share helpful tips or updates regularly to keep your audience engaged.
• Stay in Their Minds: Regular emails help people remember you, even if they don't read every one.
• Build Long-Term Connections: Use email to create strong relationships with new and returning customers.

Wrapping Things Up

Starting with online marketing might seem tough, but by following these simple steps, you can build a strong foundation. Focus on having a user-friendly website, creating valuable content, improving your SEO, using social media wisely, and building relationships through email marketing. With patience and consistency, you'll see your business grow.