Beware of Internet Marketing
Dream Merchants
There are so many different business opportunities available on
the Web; the never-ending stream of offers that will lead you to
untold riches. Everybody claims to have the "inside knowledge"
that will put you on Easy Street! Sounds familiar, doesn't it?
That scenario is particularly painful for Internet beginners
lacking the advanced researching skills of more seasoned
Netizens. Nevertheless, is there a way for most inexperienced
surfers to ascertain the initial merits of a particular offer?
There is a general procedure to dissect and examine most
Internet Marketing offers, in broad terms. The bulk of the
offers can be classified into two categories: Dream Merchants
and Web Specific Products. They have unique qualities that are
very obvious once you study them. Follow me and I'll show you
how to recognize each one.
The Dream Merchant:
I'm going to describe a real world, brick-and-mortar analogy to
help you understand what the Dream Merchant sells. Let's say you
walk into a retail outlet and the sales clerk mentions an idea
that's going to make you rich! He sounds very excited and full
of enthusiasm!
He then continues to tell you all the benefits you'll get from
the "great idea." Curiously, every time you ask him what it is,
he never gives you a strait answer! He continues to pump you up
while never revealing what it is he's selling. By now, your
expectation is at a fever pitch; you gotta have it!
So you corner the silver tongued sales clerk and ask him, point
blank. He then produces a little book and informs you that it
contains the "great idea" and it will cost you $100! You pay for
the book and he quickly scampers out the door with your money.
As you open it, it says: Do to the next guy what I just did to
you!
I know the above scenario is rather simplistic but it does occur
all the time on the Web. That kind of business is selling you a
dream! The dream is the product! You must continue to sell the
dream to the next guy. Do you want to become a Dream Merchant? I
don't think so!
Beware of any company that requires an up-front investment to
become an affiliate member. They pump you up with dreams of big
money and the good life. Then the pressure starts for you to
purchase all kinds of products from them. Some of the items are
ordinary household supplies; quite mundane! Let's face it: When
was the last time you heard anybody getting excited about
dishwashing liquid?
Web Specific Products:
As you investigate online business opportunities I'm sure you've
become aware of needs that are specific to Web based businesses.
No matter what a Website is selling, its owner will purchase
some items that are necessary for doing business on the
Internet.
Another thing about selling Web business specific products is
that you are, in fact, selling a product. That is such a
comforting thought! There is a basic demand for your product and
it doesn't matter if your family or friends buy a heap of them!
The list of Web specific products is endless, here are a few:
Domains: You gotta have a name!
Hosting: Every Web business needs a home.
Website Design: Build and decorate your home.
Writing: Fill your home with content.
Copywriting: Write about your product and make it sell!
Images: Let folks see what it looks like.
The products above are the most basic items an Internet centered
business needs; a name for its business and a place to call home
together with the ability to do a written presentation with
images. You can't go wrong selling any of those listed products.
The competition will be great but you'll have an endless supply
of new customers.
The following products are of a secondary nature. I'm including
them because they will gain importance as we go into our
Broadband future. As a matter of fact, most will be considered a
necessity! Some are already widely used but will have new
features when implemented for Broadband.
Audio:
When visitors hear your voice it lets them know you are a
person, not just a Website.
Video:
So much better! You can present products, lessons, courses.
Video is going to be big!
Scripts:
A great way to build an Opt In list and discover the buying
habits of your visitors. Scripts can be used in so many ways to
enhance your visitor's experience.
AutoResponders:
Follow up to the initial customer contact is so important.
A Sequential AutoResponder is a must for doing business on the
Web. If you haven't already, get one!
Of course, there are many more Web specific business products.
Most are connected with promotion and advertising. Some that
come to mind: Traffic exchanges, message boards, linking
automation applications, turnkey website packages, just to name
a few.
When all is said and done, you're the only person that will make
the decision about your business choice. However, if you are
more comfortable selling a real product that fulfills a real
need, the list is endless! The Web is so young it guarantees the
supply of new customers will continue for many, many years to
come.
by Francisco Aloy
(C)2004 Francisco Aloy
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