The Mind Map shows the key elements of internet marketing strategy (click to expand). Scroll down to discover what the map means and to read a checklist…

I often use Mind Maps when I am delivering internet marketing talks / presentations. I find that they help the audience to see the ‘big picture’. This Mind Map is all about internet marketing strategy and the branches refer to the following key points:

Internet marketing objectives

What is the primary objective of your internet marketing (i.e. website, SEO, newsletter, videos, social media)? To create awareness? To build relationships? To generate sales and revenue? I have asked thousands of seminar delegates this question. Interestingly, they are often hesitant in answering. How about you: do you know what the primary mission of your website is? If you are unsure, could this explain why you are not getting the results you are after?

Internet marketing skills

Are you technical by nature? Do you love to write? Are you a marketing professional? Successful websites are driven by strategic marketing thinking; they contain well written, compelling copy (website words); and they work seamlessly (i.e. the technology works so well that you don’t really notice it, in the same way that you don’t notice a car engine – until it starts playing up).

Online attraction processes

Are your website, newsletter and social media interactions engaging your customers, or failing to get their attention and interest? Are you educating them, when they are hungry for knowledge?

Content Management Systems

Which CMS do you use? Have you received any training, with regards to its features and functionality?

Social media campaigns

‘Social’ and ‘Search’ are merging. Now is the time to build your social media network. Don’t just be a ‘broadcaster’ (which is boring): be a conversationalist – you will be surprised by the difference.

Content production

As the old saying goes, ‘content is king’. My clients (and members of The Marketing Compass) tell me that the more they write, the more they sell. In addition to the written word, use videos and images (do you like the Mind Map? Mind Mapping was invented by Tony Buzan – Hello Tony!)

How to you spend your internet marketing time and resources?

Yes, I know that you are busy. Yes, I know that you already have a great deal to do. However, let’s face it, the future is digital. Spend some of your time learning about the new technologies. Spend some time writing and creating interesting content. Delegate the stuff that you don’t love to do to somebody else.

Internet marketing metrics and results

‘What gets measured, gets done’. This certainly applies to internet marketing. Are all your efforts actually generating money in the bank? It’s no use having lots of traffic, hits, followers, likes etc if you are not making money.

Accept that change is not going to go away (in fact, change will continue to accelerate). This a fantastic time to be alive, if you love to learn. I wish you well with your internet marketing journey.

Nigel Temple is an internet marketing consultant, author, speaker and trainer. He shows business owners, professionals and teams how to get better results from 21st century marketing – including online brand awareness, improved search engine rankings, social media effectiveness, website traffic and sales enquiries / sales. He is often asked to deliver his website review service – for business owners, boards of directors and teams.

Nigel has taught internet marketing since 2000. He served as a Faculty Member and Course Director at CIM (the Chartered Institute of Marketing) for 12 years. He led over 500 Business Link workshops, focusing on website effectiveness, SEO and social media. Today, he delivers internet marketing events for The Marketing Compass which provides impartial marketing advice for business owners.

To find out more about Nigel’s services email joanna@nigeltemple.com or call Joanna on +44 (0)1628 773128.

He welcomes media enquiries about marketing, social media and digital marketing. He has appeared within the national press and broadcast media.

Nigel is the founder of The Marketing Compass – join thousands of business owners, tell us about your business and ask some marketing questions.

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