subject: Some Pros and Cons to Marketing Your Business Online [print this page] Some Pros and Cons to Marketing Your Business Online
If you're like most business owners, you're probably thinking about or already are marketing your business online. From large businesses to small businesses, advertising online is quickly becoming an established norm. Whether you are doing so already or you are just thinking about it, consider the following pros and cons of marketing your business on the Internet.
PROS
It's a widely known fact that the Internet is the embodiment of the so-called "information age" where the world is connected and is able to easily exchange and access information. Imagine what that means for a merchant like you. Because of this remarkable ability to connect people and information, this translates into new opportunities for marketing your business.
A major advantage of marketing your business online is the relatively wide audience you can reach. Needless to say, the scope here is global, international, and worldwide. Let's take things into perspective. How many ads have you seen today that told you about some company based in a city outside your country? I bet the answer won't be zero. That's how far you can let your business be known.
The next benefit you need to keep in mind is that marketing your business via online media is comparatively cheaper than through some other medium. In some instances, marketing your business online won't cost you anything. Most online businesses now use Facebook to market their products for services. This is how powerful social media has become. It can't get any more cost efficient than that.
As far as marketing goes, these are the most important advantages you need to consider. In that regard, you also have to take into account some cons about online advertising.
CONS
Among the serious disadvantages of marketing your business online is the possibility that people might not bother much about viewing, hearing, or reading your ads. Just as in any other media, ads online also have the tendency to be ignored. As proof, how many online ads did you actually shun today? I don't think the answer will be zero. This is a very serious weakness you have to think about.
There are many other disadvantages to marketing your business online. Many of which revolve around the risk of fraud and consumer welfare. In your decision to advertise online, you must consider these possibilities as well.
Marketing your business online, just like any decision, involves positive and negative sides. It's your job as the decision maker to weigh these factors properly.
