Strategic Internet Marketing for Small Businesses
We didn’t want to do it so soon – since we just published a post about Twitter a few days ago – but we had to share with you compelling new numbers about where the microblogging phenomenon is headed.
Since it’s better to cut straight to the chase, here’s what reputable sources are saying:
The economy is still in the crapper – and now it seems the recent swine flu outbreak is gearing up to deal it another low blow – but there are signs of improvement, if only on the Internet.
According to a recent study conducted by Forrester Research and Shop.org and published by eMarketer, online sales in the United States increased, on average, 11 percent in the first quarter of this year. Of the 80 companies studied, nearly 60 percent reported growth in online sales, while almost 70 percent of consumer brand manufacturers and multichannel retailers saw an increase in Web sales. Web-only companies, however, weren’t so lucky; about 60 percent of businesses without brick-and-mortar stores reported sales declines.
An interesting set of statistics, for sure. And they beg a couple of questions.
Continue reading ‘Online Sales Up Despite Down Economy – Then Came the Flu’
With all the buzz surrounding Twitter these days – namely the showdown between Ashton Kutcher and CNN – it’s hard not to think about how this new microblogging craze can impact your business.
But, like MySpace, Facebook and other social networking platforms before it, there’s a general feeling of caution for companies contemplating whether or not it’s in their best interest. And rightly so. Handled properly and with care, Twitter can do your organization a world of good. Used irresponsibly – well, there’s no telling how much damage you could do.
Still, if you’re on the fence about opening the Twitter gates, we suggest reading this article on ChiefMarketer.com. It contains some useful information and anecdotes about how and how not to use Twitter. Our favorite comes from the latter end of that spectrum, and it goes a little something like this:
OK, this is one of those “Duh” and “We’ll see” articles. Mediapost.com is reporting that ad spending is predicted to go down in all media except the Internet. First of all, companies are never good at predicting what they will be spending in the future, especially more than a year out.
I’d like to see what the predictions were three years ago and what the reality turned out to be.
Still, it is nice to see companies are expecting to increase online ad spending. We’ll be happy to manage some of that!
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