Now, it may not happen a lot, but every so often an Internet entrepreneur comes up with a business idea that is so totally unique that it doesn’t fall into the usual search engine request categories. Particular startups, niche products or other distinctive items you might be promoting may easily make their way to the top of search engine results, but if consumers aren’t looking for them yet, that’s not really going to help, is it? So, what is a marketer to do?

Of course, there are ways to attract consumers that don’t depend on search traffic. Options like writing articles, social media marketing, email blasts, blog posts and so forth, can garner interest in a new product or service without relying on organic search engine requests. However, you shouldn’t give up on gaining traffic through SEO efforts –just realize that you have to be a little crafty about it.

When you’re selecting keywords for your new, unique product or service, try using those that apply to markets that are similar to yours. Although they may not correlate directly to what you’re selling, they’ll get you into search results for things that people are actually searching for and extend your reach to potentially viable consumers. Even if there isn’t already a product on the market that you can hitch your services to, most likely you can find something that is similar enough that you would still be relevant to the folks doing the searching.

In cases when you can’t really find a product or service out there that is similar enough to yours, change your focus and think instead of your target market. What other kinds of things are they searching for? Think of their demographic aspects – age, gender, income, location, etc. – and redirect your efforts toward relatable content that will attract their interest. Once you get their attention, you can then introduce them to your cool, one-of-a-kind product or service that they don’t even know they need … yet.

Don’t be discouraged if your product or service fails to amass a huge search volume. Think outside of the search engine box and use that clever brain of yours to come up with marketing ideas that are just as unique as your super awesome product.

As you know, social media is huge with Internet marketers and everyone who’s anyone has a solid foundation in the top three communities: Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. Folks are diligent about maintaining their profiles, updating their statuses or feeds, and staying as current as possible to be an active member of the online communities. What a lot of those people forget about is the power of video.

Go into any eating establishment with a television to see what we’re talking about. Although they’re surrounded by friends and fried food, people are drawn to the screen and will crane their necks to see what’s going on, even if they can’t hear the audio or don’t really care about the content. Maybe it’s the flashing lights or maybe it’s because television was their babysitter – whatever it is, people love a video. Don’t you think it’s high time you take advantage of that fact?

With an inexpensive video camera and YouTube, creating and uploading your own videos is impossibly simple and there’s no better time than the present.

Maybe you could write a how-to video for one of your products. Perhaps put together a showcase of your company’s employees and skills. You can even do an introductory video of yourself and what services you provide for your clients. The point is to interact with your potential customers and create a relationship that goes beyond just buyer and seller.

Here are some tips to get you started:

• Make your content entertaining, engaging and informative.
• When you upload, make sure you make your video public so that it’s searchable.
• Be sure to put your video in the correct category.
• Use appropriate tags.
• Watch out when using music or other material that isn’t yours; copyright infringement is serious business.
• Respond to any and every comment you get. This conversation has to be a two-way street.
• Write a concise, accurate description of your video so your target market can find you.
• Make friends with other users in your field or target market to widen your reach.

Now that you know a little more about making your own YouTube video, write that content, have a great time shooting, smile for the camera and good luck. Once you get started with YouTube videos, you’ll see that it’s not only another effective way to use social media as a marketing tool, it’s also a lot of fun. Here’s to going viral!

When it comes to the social media marketing game and trying as a business to amass the largest online community you can, there are some surprisingly simple formulas for creating and developing a mammoth following. In many ways, developing social media contacts for your company and services in cyberspace is a lot like making friends in real life. In order to make new friends in real life, you have to get out into the world to forge connections with new people and the same goes for Internet relationships. To build a tribe of clients and business contacts in social media communities, you have to actively pursue that world through making your own profile and putting yourself out there.

Twitter is a great network to get started with. People there are generally looking for ways to extend their communities so their own thoughts can be heard, so they tend to be very open to following new people. We’ve got three easy steps for building and growing your social network community of followers after you’ve set up your Twitter profile. Think of it like meeting new people at a party. So, treat your Twitter account like a community mixer.

<blockquote><strong>1.  Introduce Yourself</strong>

The way you introduce yourself to a new person on Twitter is to follow them – with the intention being to get them to follow you back. Start your core group by following your friends and people you know will follow your Tweets. Then extend your range to include people who share common interests with you and your business. To begin, find your competitors or experts in your field and follow the people who follow them.</blockquote>

<blockquote><strong>2.  Start a Conversation</strong>

You’re on Twitter, you’ve made the introductions, now it’s time to start making small talk. Tweet your thoughts, tips, ideas, current events or interests on a regular basis, but don’t be overwhelming. Keep the chatter professional and client appropriate, yet make your Tweets unique and authentic. You want to develop a rapport with your followers and the best way to do that is to be yourself.</blockquote>

<blockquote><strong>3.  Throw Your Own Party</strong>

Invite people to hang out with you by advertising your Twitter link on your website, in your email signature and in newsletters or articles. Encourage people who are already your mailing list contacts and blog readers to follow you on Twitter too.</blockquote>

Don’t be shy about approaching new folks to follow. Remember, in general, people who don’t want to meet people tend to avoid social gatherings. It’s the ones who do want to get out, make new acquaintances and forge new relationships, who go to all the events. Now get your virtual cocktail party gear on and enjoy your Tweeting!

For most Internet start-up businesses, there isn’t a lot of extra cash lying around to spend on marketing. Luckily, there are many ways entrepreneurs themselves can promote their products and companies online without dropping lots of dollars.

 

 

Facebook:            Create a Facebook profile for your company then develop a Fan Page for each of your products.

 

Twitter:            Update followers on the latest news at your company or provide helpful tips and hints, 140 characters at a time.

 

You Tube:            Like having your very own TV station, You Tube lets you post your own informational or instructional videos online.

 

Linked In:            Stay connected to business contacts and clients and make new ones in your industry.

 

Newsletters:             Keep your client base updated on your business and product offerings while keeping your name and company on their radar.

 

Blogs:            With regular blog postings you can develop an online community centered on your company’s industry while updating readers on your offerings and products.

 

Articles:             Establish your expertise in your area by writing and submitting articles to online websites that promote your industry.

 

Take advantage of all that the Internet has to offer. From social media communities to a customized blog for your company, there are tons of ways you can freely promote and market your products to old and new clients alike!