When I first wrote the SMFBIC discussion in the Linkedin eMA group back in November 2009 (over 2600 comments in 2 months) there were probably over 100 comments stating “email is dead, social media has replaced it”.  At the time I thought such comments were utter nonsense, maybe that’s because I actually use email campaigning, religiously,  for my e-commerce business, whereas most others commenting have never owned their own online business. Well, I sure hope those folks didn’t dump all their investments into that prediction.  Take a look at this recent survey.

While more consumers are becoming fans and followers of brands on social sites, email remains the preferred communication method for the majority of web users. What determines people’s channel of choice, and what does it mean for marketers?

Read the rest of this entry

Share on Facebook

[NOTE: The case study below applies to ANY business with a web site]

About a year ago I decided to stop doing Internet Marketing consulting to small businesses because the time and effort that was required to educate on the massive potential online was very time consuming.  Although I knew this would change (because those who did NOT adopt a serious online marketing strategy would eventually be out of business), there were just too many opportunities online, to dedicate any more time to the consulting “sales funnel process”.   Hence, my focus was creating more profitable e-commerce businesses of my own.

What has changed?  The client model I have developed is much more selective. Now instead of the client interviewing me, I interview the client to see if there is potential for improving their bottom line.  In addition, the potential client needs to have a basic understanding of WHY online marketing is imperative to the success of his/her business. It’s time to wake up and smell the roses.  Here we are in the middle of 2010 when the media has not only acknowledged, but has “beat to death” the immense benefits of online marketing and social media marketing.  If a business owner doesn’t “get it” by now, well you know the rest of the story.

Read the rest of this entry

Share on Facebook