subject: Four Internet Marketing Myths [print this page] There are plenty of opinions and ideas about how Internet marketing works and what it takes to be successful. Many times, people start Internet marketing myths in order to promote their own products or services, leaving new marketers blinded by poor information that will be a detriment to their business. Here are a few of the most common and dangerous myths and the realities behind them.
Myth: All you need is a website.
Fact: While "If you build it, they will come" might have worked in Field of Dreams, Internet marketers need a bit more than just a website to make money. A good product, quality traffic, SEO (Search Engine Optimization), and solid networking relationships are also important for a successful website. While a website is a good starting point there is much more involved than just a landing page.
Myth: Internet marketing needs no investment.
Fact: While the monetary costs of getting started in Internet marketing are minimal, there is some cost involved. You will have costs for hosting, domain registration, web design and a few other small costs. The biggest investment that most people make when starting up is time.
Myth: More traffic equals more sales.
Fact: More traffic can sometimes mean more sales, but only when the traffic is quality targeted traffic. Getting your name out there is important, but traffic programs that simply send uninterested individuals to your site will get you no where. Build streams of traffic that are interested in what you have to offer and you will see profitability begin to build.
Myth: The Internet is faceless.
Fact: Many believe that since you do not have face-to-face contact with your customers, anything goes on the Internet. No one will find out if you use a few shady business practices, right? The Internet is smaller than you think and it has a long memory. Create a reputation for yourself as a spammer or scammer and it will follow you for a long, long time. You may fool a handful of people, but it will come back to haunt you at some point. Especially with networking sites like Twitter, you need to be careful what you do online, bad news spreads instantly.
There are dozens more myths that can turn your business from a moneymaking machine into a losing battle. However, by studying business best practices and learning the ropes, you can avoid Internet marketing myths and make your website more profitable.
