Monday, June 7, 2010

Niche Marketing or Mass Marketing For the Affiliate?

Affiliate Marketing
When customers buy a product from a vendor the affiliate who directed them to the product receives a commission based on the sales price of the product.

The problem as to wether the affiliate should start with a mass market or a niche market is very common. There are two main arguments the mass marketeer reaches a larger audience and hence can expect a greater sales volume. But a niche by definition should be easier to conquer and so making it easier to become a major expert in that field.

It is important to understand the differences between the two in order to answer this question for yourself. The niche marketeer is attempting to specialise in a smaller market one where the small sales volume would not be attractive to a larger player, he may have a prior interest in this field and become an expert in it. Whereas the mass marketeer is providing a number of different products, not particularly specialising in any one but trying to appeal to a wide range of tastes and hopefully win on sales volume.




http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978263970

Friday, June 4, 2010

Six Strategies for Successful Niche Marketing

There's been a lot of buzz about the long-tail phenomenon—the strategy of selling smaller quantities of a wider range of goods that are designed to resonate with consumers' preferences and earn higher margins. And a quick scan of everyday products seems to confirm the long tail's merit: Where once we wore jeans from Levi, Wrangler or Lee, we now have scores of options from design houses. If you're looking for a nutrition bar, there's one exactly right for you, whether you're a triathlete, a dieter or a weight lifter. Hundreds of brewers offer thousands of craft beers suited to every conceivable taste.

It's not surprising that so many companies have embraced this strategy. It allows them to avoid the intense competition found in mass markets. Look at the sales growth that has taken place in low-volume, high-margin products such as super-premium ice cream, noncarbonated beverages, heritage meats and heirloom vegetables.

But the case for the long tail has frequently been overstated. This strategy can be expensive to implement, and it doesn't work for all products or all categories. It's surely better to produce a blockbuster film, for instance, than a smattering of low-volume art films.

In other words, simply avoiding the clutter of mass markets isn't enough. Companies need to stake out unique market sweet spots, those areas that resonate so strongly with target consumers that they are willing to pay a premium price, which offsets the higher production and distribution costs associated with niche offerings. We call this approach resonance marketing.

The vast amount of information available on the Internet has made this kind of niche marketing more important than ever and easier to do. More important because all that information encourages comparison shopping, putting tremendous downward pressure on prices and profits in highly competitive mass markets. And easier because it eliminates much of consumers' uncertainty about new niche products, since they can easily find reviews, ratings and comments on everything that hits the market. For decades consumer uncertainty blocked the launch of new offerings that were too focused to be supported by national ad campaigns; today's empowered consumer is truly listening to word-of-mouth.

Finding sweet spots in the market is especially important in these tough economic times, when so many consumers are strapped for cash. Many shoppers will compromise whenever possible by looking for cheaper alternatives to the things they usually buy—but keep buying products that don't have any direct substitutes.

With the right approach, resonance marketing can fulfill its promise. We have found that six marketing principles, taken together, will allow a company to manage the complexity of this strategy and reap superior profitability.


http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704130904574644084205858424.html?mod=WSJ_latestheadlines

Saturday, May 22, 2010

Affiliate marketing becoming money-spinning increasingly

What is the efficacy of affiliate marketing? Well, it is an effective and money-spinning way of making money online and is reachable to anyone with an internet connection. However, even after this only a few people can take advantage of it since search of most effective affiliate programs to make money online is a daunting task and this reality makes most of users pull out.

If you are interested to make lots of money making use of affiliate programs, go through the simple steps in the following.

How should you begin then? Try to opt for a program that is also of high quality and it’s always  better if you find out one that is related with experts in the pertinent industry. This is a good way that makes you certain of the standard of the program you will be joining and that refunds will be low. For that reason, from the very beginning look into forums and discussions groups in the niche to get feedback too.

It’s simply the best if you come across an affiliate program with a revenant billing compensation plan and/or a payout of 50% or more; this, without a doubt, is a great choice. It ought to be remembered that promoting membership websites along with other ongoing services such as web hosting proffer a potential ongoing income rather than a one off sale. What is more, you have got to be conscious of the minimum sales targets that you must fulfill; never forget that some affiliate programs enforce prerequisites before you get your commissions.

You can go for an affiliate program that has heaps of promotion tools and resources for their affiliates or a program with tracking and sales reports. The later program enables one to appraise the efficiency of his marketing efforts. Apart from this, you can opt for a program presenting strong incentives for members to renew their membership each time.


http://www.viploan.co.uk/article/Business-4510.shtml

Monday, April 26, 2010

Why Social Media and affiliate marketing pose a marketing dilemma

Today’s seemingly insatiable appetite for social networking has not gone unnoticed by marketers.
In the UK, 65% of companies use Facebook as part of their marketing strategy, while Twitter marketing has jumped from just 3% of companies in 2008 to 49% in 2009.

This trend has also had a dramatic impact on the affiliate marketing industry. The rapid increase in the use of blogs and social networks means that effectively anyone can now become an affiliate.

A case in point is Domino’s Pizza. Last month the company announced that it will be testing a new “social affiliate” widget that ties together the worlds of affiliate marketing and social media even closer than before.

Donimo’s widget allows anyone with a personal web space, such as a social network page or blog, to host advertising from brands and to earn commissions from any sales driven from their ads. It will be interesting to observe the results of this trial and to see whether other brands follow suit by integrating their social media and affiliate marketing programmes more closely.

Marketers would love to tap into the millions of social networkers and mobilise them to drive traffic and sales for any brand. However, in practice, this approach is far more complex to manage successfully.

It’s not surprising then that few merchants are maximising the value of this ‘long tail’ of affiliate marketing. The general assumption tends to be that the administrative and cost burden of working with a large number of micro-affiliates outweighs the potential revenue benefits.

However, as in the case of Domino’s, new technologies are challenging this theory and improving brands’ ability to successfully leverage the potential of a booming population of budding micro-affiliates within social networks.

The major challenge associated with tapping into the long tail of affiliate marketing is how to effectively manage micro-affiliates so they remain loyal, promote the brand favourably and continue to drive traffic back to the merchant’s website.

Communication, which is often linked to the payment process, is an important part of building the relationship between the brand and the affiliate.

For example, communicating more effectively with affiliates about their commissions can help to increase loyalty and maintain a positive brand association. Brands and networks can streamline their processes to manage micro-affiliates by integrating payment processes with their affiliate management software.

This allows brands to manage their accounts, see who needs to be paid and send payments all in one process, thereby increasing the speed and ease in which payments are made.

Performance marketing software has evolved so that brands can manage and analyse their affiliate marketing programmes, whilst simultaneously providing an interface for affiliates to monitor their commission payments.

The use of advanced technology not only allows brands to more effectively manage their affiliate programmes, but also helps to improve affiliate loyalty and experience through clear and open communication.

In addition, operational and transactional email marketing messages can be sent to affiliates informing them of a recent payment with links to check their account. These messages can be branded with the merchant’s logo to ensure that the positive feeling of ‘being paid’ is directly associated with the merchant, helping to instil brand loyalty.

Another key issue for brands looking to leverage social networks as part of their affiliate marketing programme is the frequency of commission payments.

Social network users are unlikely to remain motivated and aware of their affiliate activity unless they are getting regular reminders in the form of rewards; on the other hand, a payment event is likely to generate word-of-mouth referrals to others in their social network and thereby generate viral distribution.

Speed of payment therefore, especially when targeting micro-affiliates, is a crucial part of increasing brand loyalty and sales.  In order to effectively mobilise the global ‘long tail’ of affiliates, merchants need to adopt an efficient system that allows all affiliates to be paid instantly, regardless of the size of each payment.

We’ve known for a long time that social networks have the power to change the face of affiliate marketing, but until recently the challenges posed by the influx of micro-affiliates had seemed insurmountable to many brands.

It will be fascinating to see the results of this trial from Domino’s and whether other brands start to follow suit integrating their social media and affiliate marketing programmes.

If one brand can successfully address these challenges, then they may truly be able to leverage the collective power of micro-affiliates and achieve competitive advantage.

Whether this will be sustainable or will lead to a barrage of similar initiatives is a whole different question...



http://www.utalkmarketing.com/pages/Article.aspx?ArticleID=17416&Title=Why_Social_Media_and_affiliate_marketing_pose_a_marketing_dilemma

Monday, March 29, 2010

Social Media Marketing Mistakes Practices That Should be Avoided

First let me be clear. This list of Social Media marketing tips and techniques that should be avoided doesn't apply to everyone. In fact, it probably directly involves very few businesses and online marketers. However, if you've spent enough time on Twitter, Facebook, or any Social Media platform as I have. Largely due to the fact I own an SEO Social Media marketing and market research firm. You've experienced first hand many of the practices I'm going to outline below. Practices that amount to anti-social Media or even worse. If not, you will soon enough.

Practice number 1- The link of no escape.

Nothing is more annoying than clicking on a link to an article that sounds promising only to find that it contains capture coding. Screen after screen asking "are you sure you want to discontinue? Click Yes to leave page or No to remain." This is like inviting people to dinner at your home and then giving them a bill before they leave! It's annoying, it's bad public relations and it creates an air of desperation. If you're content is so good, why do you need to force people to stay?

Practice number 2- The Pop-up ad that can't be popped.

Very similar to practice 2. However, instead of making you jump through multiple screen hoops you end up with multiple pop-up ads or videos that just keep multiplying. Do people actually think that if you didn't like the first pop-up that you'll change your mind by the second or third replicate? Where's a digital dart when you need it!

Practice number 3- Affiliate Marketing bait and switch:

Okay, so it's been established that you can make a living off affiliate marketing. I think that's great. However, please don't disguise your attempt to sell an affiliate marketing program by using a misleading headline. Trust in your product or service, because if you don't, what makes you think other people will?

Practice number 4- Lofty promises that amount to do what I say but not what I do.

Again, if you've spent any amount of time on Facebook, Twitter, or any social media platform you will have witnessed this phenomenon. A recent example, and this isn't a direct knock on the product or service, was an article that promised 1,000-100,000 Twitter or Facebook followers for a fee. First of all, the organization making this offer didn't have anywhere near even 25,000 followers by a long shot. Which raises the question- If it's not good enough for them why should it be good enough for anyone else?
Practice number 5- Un-intellectual property theft.

This might be my favorite for personal reasons. You're surfing along Twitter, Facebook, or reading a Blog. And lo and behold. You find an article that you published that's been:

A- Plagiarized word for word.

B- Copied almost in it's entirety with the exception of a few paraphrases with no credits.

C- Quoted, given credit to you as the source, but then paraphrased incorrectly. And not only incorrectly. But in a manner that totally distorts the original article and can actually harm your business's reputation!

I've got news for the above companies and individuals. Eventually your attempts to gain traffic at the expense of other people's articles or material is going to backfire. Especially when the party you offend reports to Google's TOS violation team and other Internet monitoring entities.

All of the above have one thing in common. They are short term solutions to longer term and much more prosperous ways of doing business. Oh yeah, and they also fail to embrace the essence of Social Media Marketing. Which is sharing, caring, interactivity, viral marketing, expediency and real time results.



Sources : http://www.jazzou.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=526

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

4 Tips to Profit from Niche Marketing

In 2009, the total number of available transaction sides per agent increased by a whopping 13%. This is the largest recorded gain in over 25 years. Simply put, there is still a lot of business to be had and a lot fewer agents going after it. Successful agents have embraced the change and are already profiting. The current marketplace is full of challenges but it also provides more niche opportunity than ever before. The following four strategies will help you profit from niche marketing in today’s market.

1. First-Time Homebuyers: Forty-seven percent of home buyers in 2009 were first-time buyers motivated by thousands of tax credit dollars. Take advantage of this opportunity by offering a free “Tax Credit Consultation.” The strategy works much like free CMA’s where you offer your real estate knowledge in return for spending valuable time with prospects. By consulting potential clients on whether or not they qualify for the new tax credit, you will be earning their trust while letting them get to know you as a real estate professional.

2. Expired Listings: Twenty-five percent of all listings in 2009 expired. Simply put, marketing to those properties could have gotten you a second chance at 1 out of 4 listings in your area. When a listing expires, you need the homeowner to think of you. Take advantage of this opportunity by getting in front of these potential customers on a regular basis. Remember, if you’re not visible- you’re invisible.

3. For Sale By Owner (FSBO): Eleven percent of homes sold in 2009 were For Sale By Owner properties. The challenges of this market make real estate professionals more valuable than ever. Your marketing should educate people trying to sell their own homes on the importance and financial advantages of using a Realtor. When the FSBO decides to hire a professional, you need to be the Realtor they think of first.

4. Distressed Properties: Thirty-six percent of all sales in 2009 were distressed and this number will only increase in 2010. Take advantage of this opportunity by consistently delivering a message of hope. These property owners are scared, intimidated and in most cases, hoping for a miracle. Your marketing needs to let distressed property owners know they do have options and you can help.

A direct mail provider, LentzDesign, recently introduced several postcard campaigns designed to prospect for each of these market segments. The cards are completely personalized with all of the Realtors’ contact information and can be purchased for as little as 22 cents each. This price includes full-color printing on the front and back and gloss coating on the front. A complete mailing option is also available and you can send as few as one postcard.


Source : http://rismedia.com/2010-03-16/4-tips-to-profit-from-niche-marketing/

Thursday, March 11, 2010

New Pay Per Click Software Product, PPCDynamite, Scores a Hit in the Internet Marketing World

PPCDynamite, a recently developed Pay Per Click software which is marketed exclusively on the Internet has notched up several high-profile reviews and has become quite a hit, considering the number of sales that it has achieved in a very short time. What has mainly brought about this stupendous success for this Pay Per Click marketing concept is the unique idea that it employs. The website through which PPCDynamite is promoted, http://www.ppcdynamite.com, lists in detail the concept of the product and the many benefits that are associated with it.

For years now, Internet entrepreneurs have tried their hand at making some extra money through the Pay Per Click business model – a business model that really came into its own when Google jumped onto the bandwagon with its highly successful Google AdWords. This brought about a flurry of new-fangled business ideas, promising to tell entrepreneurs how to best monetize Google’s PPC product. However, PPCDynamite certainly goes one step ahead in bringing all those PPC profits. This Pay Per Click software doesn’t just deal with Google AdWords, but it also dabbles with optimum monetization of similar other campaigns such as Bing and Yahoo!

A representative of the PPCDynamite team spoke to this website about the spurt in popularity of their flagship product. “So far, several Pay Per Click software tools have come and gone,” he says. “However, the one reason why PPCDynamite has lasting power is because it directly tells people what products to add to their campaigns, what keywords to use and offers them the lowest bidding amounts for these popular keywords. This has definitely never been done before. People who were so far on the threshold about whether to go ahead with PPC or not have now made their decision – they want to go ahead with it! Our product has just made the whole thing so much simpler for them.”

The program simplifies the entire Pay Per Click campaign by allowing online marketing people to create their own ad groups. This is a new approach at PPC. People can build groups of ads easily by duplicating ads to create new ads instantly. This saves time, and holds better PPC profit prospects because of the concept of keyword match types. Variations of keywords can be used in these ads which can be then used to create more wide-reaching advertising. PPCDynamite also introduces the concept of unique tracking ID per keyword added automatically, regardless of how many keywords are used in all.

With all its various features, PPCDynamite certainly brings automation into the PPC business model. By its own admission, it says that the concept is like a carpenter graduating from using hand tools to using electrically powered machines. A motley crew of websites have already used this Pay Per Click software in their campaigns and achieved the results it speaks about.

This Pay Per Click software product is currently being sold at $127 through the website. This is made to be a better bargain with the inclusion of various bonuses,including bestselling eBooks such as The Expert Guide to PPC Marketing, Profit Funnel Secrets and Niche Marketing Camp – The Autopilot Campaign Setup! The addition of these bonuses has made a successful product even more successful.



http://www.lastclicknews.com/new-pay-per-click-software-product-ppcdynamite-scores-a-hit-in-the-internet-marketing-world-101031.html

Tuesday, March 2, 2010

The pros and cons of affiliate marketing

The pros and cons of affiliate marketing are in their respective ways so extreme that anyone who is so much as contemplating becoming involved in affiliate marketing should take great care to determine them and take account of them in the first instance. Affiliate marketing is a very uncertain business at the best of times - even for those who are extremely experienced and skilled in the process - and the reality is that nothing in the concept that is affiliate marketing can ever be taken for granted.

Affiliate marketing in theory is very straightforward. A blogger or webmaster will sign up as an affiliate with an affiliate marketing company and essentially sell products on that company’s behalf on their blog or website. When a visitor to the blog or website clicks upon one of the product links and subsequently makes a purchase, the affiliate marketing company will identify the affiliate who has provided them with the lead via a unique code in the link and pay them what is most often a percentage of the sale price.

The first pro of affiliate marketing is therefore that the affiliate marketer is paid for what is essentially very little extra work. They will in the first instance clearly have to create and optimise their blog or website but that is something they would be required to do anyway for it to know success. Even the handling and dispatching of the goods is handled by the affiliate marketing company and the affiliate marketer has no involvement in the procedure.

The second pro of affiliate marketing is that there is no limit to the amount of money an affiliate marketer can earn in this way. Where the affiliate marketer has created a very popular website or blog and chosen wisely in the closely related products they subsequently offer for sale upon it, the income generated can be very healthy indeed and far outstrip other forms of income such as that provided from Google Adsense.

Considering the above makes affiliate marketing a very attractive proposition indeed for any blogger or webmaster. The first and by far the biggest con, however, of affiliate marketing is that the vast majority of affiliate marketers will generate very much money at all from their pursuit, if indeed they are successful in generating any. This is chiefly because the competition is so vast and so fierce that to succeed as an affiliate marketer, one has to know a great deal of luck in finding an extremely specific and virtually untapped niche market.

Another con of affiliate marketing is in the length of time which it can take for the affiliate marketer to be paid the revenue which they help to generate. Two months or more is not an unreasonable timescale in this respect, especially where sales occur at the beginning of a calendar month. This is but an incidental reason for any prospective affiliate marketer not to quit their day job.

The final principal con of affiliate marketing is that the sales process is so unpredictable. It is entirely possible for an affiliate marketer to generate high levels of sales one day, think they have the affiliate marketing process cracked, then proceed to generate no revenue whatsoever for the next two weeks. This is because affiliate marketing depends upon very targeted web traffic landing upon the page, perhaps seasonal considerations where the products relate to a particular time of year and the fluctuating rating of the blog or website in the Google rankings.

The pros and cons of affiliate marketing make the process therefore one which is more than worth attempting, more than worth tweaking again and again in order to hopefully achieve success - but very much one upon which one should never be wholly depend for generating income.

Source : http://www.helium.com/items/1757780-the-pros-and-cons-of-affiliate-marketing

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

WordStream Launches Affiliate Marketing Program

It's free to join and affiliates get paid for leads and sales.

Keyword research tool provider WordStream is launching a new affiliate marketing program. It's free to join and rewards sales of the company's software products including the HYPERLINK suite of custom PPC and SEO tools.

Affiliates will get $5 per lead for WordStream Keyword Management for PPC Software free trial signups and up to $300 commission on sales of WordStream Keyword Management for SEO software subscriptions.

WordStream will provide affiliates with marketing collateral including links, banner ads, emaily copy, brochures, case studies and landing pages. Referrals on all leads and sales are tracked for 90 days.


Source : http://blog.searchenginewatch.com/100216-080043

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

UK affiliate marketing sector now worth more than £4bn

The UK affiliate marketing sector will be worth more than £4bn in online retail sales in 2009, according to a new report from Econsultancy.

According to the Affiliate Marketing Buyer’s Guide 2009, the market grew by 22% in 2008 to a value of £3.82bn and an estimated £227m was paid in commissions and fees to affiliate publishers and networks. Comparing those figures with IMRG and Capgemini figures for the overall UK internet retailing market, Econsultancy calculates that the affiliate marketing industry was responsible for nearly a tenth of all online sales during 2008.

“Because it is rooted in performance, affiliate marketing is continuing to prosper as an industry and we believe the affiliate sector will remain at the forefront of ecommerce as it continues to drive a high proportion of online sales,” says Econsultancy’s research director, Linus Gregoriadis. “Although the slashing of marketing budgets and well-documented collapse of companies such as Woolworths has had a negative impact, the increased appetite for performance-based advertising is making up for some of that downside.”

Key market trends identified by the authors include:

* The CPA (cost per acquisition) model goes from strength to strength
* Consumers turn to voucher code and cash-back websites
* Issues surrounding “last-click-wins” become more apparent
* Affiliates call for a greater emphasis on transparency and communication across the sector
* Publishers develop innovative media methods
* More agencies offer affiliate marketing services to clients

The Affiliate Marketing Buyer’s Guide 2009 includes profiles on the leading affiliate marketing networks as well as agencies involved in the field. The full report is available free to members of Econsultancy or can be purchased by non-members for £150.


Sources : http://www.internetretailing.net/2009/05/uk-affiliate-marketing-sector-now-worth-more-than-4bn/

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

Merchants and Affiliate Marketing Experts Share Recession-Proof Marketing Strategies

Merchants and Affiliate Marketing Experts Share Recession-Proof Marketing Strategies
eComXpo Announces Its Summer Line Up For The July 8-9 Show

(Advertiser Talk) 29-Jan-2010 — Chris Anderson amongst others is announced as a keynote speaker. As Editor-In-Chief of Wired, and Author of The Long Tail Chris’ presentation topic: Free Vs Paid: Developing Money Models In A Cashless Economy will be an insight into the changing face of online selling, and how to give the most value to your customers.

In addition to Chris a number of other ecommerce and affiliate gurus will be sharing their expertise at the show including:

There are strategies to keep revenue up and find hidden opportunities in a downturn economy. By staying focused on the customer, not the market, you will see a jump in your profit even in current trying times. Jay Weintraub, CEO, LeadsCon Steven Richter, President, Media Breakaway Todd Malicoat, SEO & Social Media Expert, Stuntdubl.com John Reel, Developer, wwwGoTryThis.com Bridget McQueen, VP Marketing, NutriBody Protein Rok Hrastnik, International Internet Director, Studio Moderna Joe Pulizzi, Chief Content Office, Junta42 Juan Ribero, Head of Marketing, Cableorganizer.com eComXpo, taking place July 8-9, is the leading virtual and free affiliate and marketing forum where thousands of online attendees gather to discuss what’s new in the industry.

eComXpo speaker, Joe Pulizzi, Founder of Junta42, and the recipient of 2008 Custom Media Innovator of the Year award, said: “There are strategies to keep revenue up and find hidden opportunities in a downturn economy. By staying focused on the customer, not the market, you will see a jump in your profit even in current trying times.”

Debra Haym, Executive Director of eComXpo at New York based conference organizer, Worldwide Business Research, said:

“The research for this conference with high caliber marketing executives indicates an intense interest in seeking out the opportunity to discuss many pressing and urgent issues of the day. We have worked hard to create a speaker line up to provide the best catalyst for fresh thinking and energized debate. We expect eComXpo to provide an exceptional platform and that, going forward, it will be viewed as having been a significant and influential gathering.”


http://www.advertisertalk.com/merchants-and-affiliate-marketing-experts-share-recession-proof-marketing-strategies-11426.zhtml

Wednesday, February 3, 2010

Merchants and Affiliate Marketing Experts Share Recession-Proof Marketing Strategies

Merchants and Affiliate Marketing Experts Share Recession-Proof Marketing Strategies

eComXpo Announces Its Summer Line Up For The July 8-9 Show

(Advertiser Talk) 29-Jan-2010 — Chris Anderson amongst others is announced as a keynote speaker. As Editor-In-Chief of Wired, and Author of The Long Tail Chris’ presentation topic: Free Vs Paid: Developing Money Models In A Cashless Economy will be an insight into the changing face of online selling, and how to give the most value to your customers.

In addition to Chris a number of other ecommerce and affiliate gurus will be sharing their expertise at the show including:

There are strategies to keep revenue up and find hidden opportunities in a downturn economy. By staying focused on the customer, not the market, you will see a jump in your profit even in current trying times. Jay Weintraub, CEO, LeadsCon Steven Richter, President, Media Breakaway Todd Malicoat, SEO & Social Media Expert, Stuntdubl.com John Reel, Developer, wwwGoTryThis.com Bridget McQueen, VP Marketing, NutriBody Protein Rok Hrastnik, International Internet Director, Studio Moderna Joe Pulizzi, Chief Content Office, Junta42 Juan Ribero, Head of Marketing, Cableorganizer.com eComXpo, taking place July 8-9, is the leading virtual and free affiliate and marketing forum where thousands of online attendees gather to discuss what’s new in the industry.

eComXpo speaker, Joe Pulizzi, Founder of Junta42, and the recipient of 2008 Custom Media Innovator of the Year award, said: “There are strategies to keep revenue up and find hidden opportunities in a downturn economy. By staying focused on the customer, not the market, you will see a jump in your profit even in current trying times.”

Debra Haym, Executive Director of eComXpo at New York based conference organizer, Worldwide Business Research, said:

“The research for this conference with high caliber marketing executives indicates an intense interest in seeking out the opportunity to discuss many pressing and urgent issues of the day. We have worked hard to create a speaker line up to provide the best catalyst for fresh thinking and energized debate. We expect eComXpo to provide an exceptional platform and that, going forward, it will be viewed as having been a significant and influential gathering.”


Source : http://www.advertisertalk.com/merchants-and-affiliate-marketing-experts-share-recession-proof-marketing-strategies-11426.zhtml

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

10 steps to niche marketing for the specialty practice

There are many ways to establish your practice as a specialty practice.

While you were attending college, there were probably specific parts to your education that interested you more than others.

Whether it was pediatrics, sports injuries, pregnancy, geriatrics, or a multitude of specialties, there was one that stood out to you — one that you wanted to dedicate your practice and your life to.

The following are 10 steps you can use in order to market your specialty practice.

1. Gain knowledge. Whatever you choose as your specialty, the key is becoming as knowledgeable as possible on that subject and becoming an absolute expert in that field. Being an expert chiropractor comes first and everything is else is secondary.

2. Target your patient market. You can do this by understanding what you provide and what your definition of niche and specialty is. Be sure to identify the type of patient you wish to attract to your practice.

Ask yourself these questions:

• What type of health problems do you specialize in that will fulfill the patient’s needs?

• How can you and your patient achieve your goals together?

• What are the specific goals and outcomes that your patient can expect with your specialized care?

3. Showcase your features. What features and benefits will differentiate you from your competition? The features must stand out based on your niche and how your specialty will be beneficial to patients.

Most patients are interested in the specialized care they will receive from you, compared to their previous experiences with other chiropractors or healthcare specialists.

4. Create a budget. Determine the budget you will need to market and advertise your specialty. Branding is important in order to stand out as a part of a niche, so make sure you have a logo and a slogan that will quickly define your specialty in the marketplace.

Marketing and promotional materials have specific elements that create calls to action by potential patients.

5. Discover your community. Go to the places in which your niche group congregates. In every community, there are all sorts of social events you can attend to share and hand out information to people that share the same interests.

For example: If you are interested in sports injuries, you can attend a track meet. This will give you the opportunity to introduce yourself and

meet people that share your common interest.

6. Talk to community leaders. Talk to those that are leaders and decision makers, such as directors or presidents of affiliated associations of your niche groups. These are people of authority who have already made connections with the people you want to meet.

The most difficult part of marketing your specialty is making sure there is a need for what you are marketing. There has to be enough people that want what you have, in order to support your cause.

7. Become an expert. Become the authority and local expert by finding other sources and outlets that will help you encapsulate the market you are taking over.

Write articles, put together speaking engagements, and meet directly with others who are a part of the niche, but perhaps in other health fields. Develop alliances and other resources that will add credibility to you and the specialty you represent.

8. Motivate yourself. Remember the saying: “Early to bed, early to rise, work like hell, and advertise.”

This adage should be written in your inner sanctum where you can see it every day. During your day, consider every conventional and unconventional avenue as a viable marketing and advertising tool for your office.

9. Diversify. Although it can be self-limiting, your specialty should be a big part of your practice. When considering what you want to create, make sure your practice is diversified enough to accommodate all types of patients in case there is a change in health trends.

10. Have wellness in mind. Developing a wellness resource with other healthcare providers will allow you to cross-market your practice with other health professions, such as dentists, acupuncturists, massage therapists, personal trainers, and nutritionists.

By using these other providers as a unification factor, it will give the perception of being bigger than you are. Joint marketing, newsletters, speaking engagements, health fairs, and other styles of marketing can be split as a group and cost far less.

source :-
http://www.chiroeco.com/chiropractic/news/8838/1293/10-steps-to-niche-marketing-for-the-specialty-practice/