Myth Busting Online Marketing

We’ve all fallen victim to common myths. Despite what you may have heard, a watermelon will not grow in your stomach if you swallow a seed, your face won’t get stuck in a silly position if you hold it that way for too long, and, wait for it- it is NOT necessary to wait 30 minutes after you eat to get in the pool.

While these myths are easily debunked, there are many myths out there about online marketing that many still believe. Are you wanting to begin your online marketing experience but are unsure of what hype to believe and what hype not to believe? Maybe you’ve already have some online marketing but you’ve run into some confusion along the way. We want to make your life a little bit easier by busting open some of the most common myths in online marketing.

Myth #1: You Need A LOT of Web Traffic for Your Marketing Efforts to be Profitable

Yes, of course, it never hurts to have a lot of traffic going to your web site. Generally speaking, more traffic equals more sales, which is always a goal. However, with traffic, the key is actually quality over quantity. So, instead of trying to get everyone to view your content, make sure to get a targeted group of select consumers that make sense for your business. While you may not drive everyone in, you will be spending less and pulling in meaningful consumers that deliver results. 

Myth #2: The Key to Great Internet Marketing is an Awesome Website

Obviously, you are going to want your site to look as polished as possible, but the design of your site will mean nothing if you don’t have a clear-cut idea of your product/service, what your marketing goals are, and who you are marketing to. Just as is the case with traditional forms of marketing, design and aesthetics come second to the meat of your campaign- the content. Clearly worded descriptions of who you are and what you want to convey, along with articles, testimonials, and other useful information, all tailored to your hand-picked audience is what will really sell consumers. Once you have all of this down, you can then shift your focus to the look and feel of the site.

Myth #3: Online Marketing is a One-and-Done Type of Thing

So you’ve created your website, set up your social media accounts, and reached out to others online. You can check your online marketing campaign off the list, right? Wrong. What distinguishes the Internet from other forms of media is it’s constant evolution and the opportunity for interactivity that it provides. Your online marketing efforts will require upkeep in order to truly be successful. Providing fresh content, feedback to your consumers and other updates are great ways to keep consumers coming back to you.

Myth #4: Your Online Marketing Strategy Should be Left to the Pros 

Having an expert to help you with your online marketing strategy is always helpful, but you should be hands-on as well. If you hire someone else to help you with your online marketing, make sure you have the option to edit and/or control your site. The key is to keep your message and brand voice true to your company and reduce the risk of dilution.

These are four of the many myths that still remain at large today about online marketing. Have any other myths that you think require some busting? Be sure to let us know in the comments!