5 Ways to Market your Business Cost-Effectively Online

Effectively marketing your business online offers a host of benefits, and some drawbacks. Thankfully, online marketing offers far more advantages when it comes to attracting high-quality customers and expanding your advertising reach than disadvantages. If you're curious about what it takes to effectively market your business online, without spending your life savings, then the following five tips may be the answer to your prayers.

1.) Social Media Presence

For many, this is a no-brainer. It's nearly impossible to turn on the television or browse your favorite websites without seeing the presence of social media platforms. If you're curious of expanding the reach of your brand without having to spend thousands of dollars in advertising, then social media interactions is your best option.

Create a business-oriented profile on each of the major social media platforms (Twitter, Facebook, Google+, Pintrest, etc.) and begin interacting with users who share the same interests that your business serves. There are groups and various directories where like-minded individuals connect and share information.

The most important rule to remember: Do not simply advertise your business. The most successful social media campaigns are those that spark dialogue with potential customers.

2.) Authority-Driven Blog

In our modern digital world, consumers are exhausted with websites and blogs that are nothing more than regurgitated information. The most successful blogs are those that provide useful content that answers questions and offers valuable information. By establishing a website with factually based information readers actually find useful, you'll soon establish yourself as an authority in your industry. Become an authority and enjoy the boost of business as many consumers wish to deal with the "best" in their industry. Powerful blogs are the most effective way to accomplish this goal.

3.) Community/Industry Discussion Forums

If you're looking to spend no money, but potentially drive hundreds, or thousands, of visitors to your website, then become involved in community/industry-oriented discussion forums. Forums are free and offer intimate interactions with potential customers.

Although there are no "rules" when it comes to interacting with consumers in this manner, the most important element to remember is NEVER interact with advertising-only speech. Doing so may make others feel you're nothing more than a spammer, which can quickly get you banned in the forum.

Utilize forums as a means of further establishing your authority within your industry. Allow this unique communication space to develop relationships with your community. Over time, this can drive serious traffic to your website, which may result in higher sales.

4.) Clear, Concise Website

If you wish to market your business online, then you must have a website. While this may be the most expensive online marketing method within this list, it's also the most important. Without a dedicated website, online users may question your authority and legitimacy.

Make sure your website features the following elements:

I. Clearly defined "About Us" section that clearly outlines your history and experience within the industry.

II. Services Offered Page - Potential customers must know what you specialize in. Make sure your services page clearly outlines what your business is capable of doing.

III. Informational Content - While you should have an external blog outside of your website, keep your business website filled with the most current and factually based content regarding your industry. Give visitors free, high-quality information. This "gift" of knowledge is likely to be repaid through an order.

5.) Internet-Only Promotions

Want to build a buzz around your business? Offer online-only promotions and discounts. The Dylanbozeman.com digital marketing company talks about this in their blog posts. Internet only promotions are a hot new way to create buzz. Using all of the aforementioned online marketing platforms, advertise this special. Consumers love special deals. Therefore, by establishing online-only promotions and discounts, consumers view your services as not only in-demand, but these promotions tend to create a sense of urgency. This urgency is what converts a website visitor to a new customer