Small Business Basics:

How Can Online Promotions Rev-Up Your Business?

From start-ups to the Fortune 500, successful companies all know the same thing – the Internet can mean big sales for a business. Even if you can't offer the advantage of buying online, having an Internet presence is still an essential piece of running a successful business in today's technological world.

Today, everyone from preschoolers to great grandmothers are wired up and online. As a matter of fact, it is estimated that the average American spends at least 3 hours a day online¹ and that more that 215 million people in the U.S. have Internet access – that is 71% of the population! Worldwide statistics are even stronger, to the tune of 1.2 billion Internet users². Suffice it to say, if you aren't utilizing the Internet for your business, you are missing our on thousands of potential customers.

Although businesses of every size need to utilize this resource, it can be especially advantageous to small businesses and start-ups that can't afford traditional advertising and marketing campaigns. For these companies, the Internet is their one chance to compete with the ‘big boys' and reach out to a wider market, without putting their business into tremendous debt. Traditional advertising can cost hundred of thousands or even millions of dollars; on the other hand, you can manage an online campaign on a meager budget.

Another advantage for small businesses is that they can sell to a global market place and spread their products or service worldwide, reaching beyond city, state, and national boarders. This can turn a small Internet start-up into a household name, provided that they touch enough customers and continue to grow their business.

And the advantages are not only reserved for those who want to go global. Local-only businesses can use a web site and opt-in list to introduce themselves to customers, post relevant business information (hours of operation, phone, number, and address), update consumers on special promotions, and help build a reputation within the community. Customers are more likely to shop at places they are familiar with, so let them get to know you.

Web sites and e-mail campaigns can help a small business grow like never before and help an established business gain and retain a customer base. Keep in mind that this is just a small, general sampling of the advantages that online promotion can have for your business. Depending on the type of business you run and your goals, there are hundreds of other possible rewards that you can reap from establishing an Internet presence and using it to connect with consumers.