Business At A Glance
- Startup Costs: $2,000 – $10,000
- Home Based: Can be operated from home.
- Part Time: Can be operated part-time.
- Franchises Available? No
- Online Operation? Yes
Business Overview
Companies large and small are getting used to fact that you need tohave a web site. But just having a web site doesn’t guarantee a companyan increase in business–if those millions of potential customers don’thappen to stumble on it, you’re spinning your virtual wheels.
What’s acompany to do?
If you’re internet-savvy and marketing-smart, you can bethe solution to this dilemma as an internet marketing consultant.You’ll seek out new ways to increase a client’s web site traffic andboost sales by setting up links to other sites, developing new sitecontent or services, creating direct-marketing programs via e-mail, anddevising web advertising campaigns.
The advantages to this business arethat it’s creative, challenging and has staying power–internetbusiness is a reality and therefore net advertising and marketing is anecessity. As an internet marketing consultant, you’ll naturally needto be a whiz when it comes to the web, with plenty of experience inlinks, banners, affiliate programs and all the other fine points of netnavigation and promotion. You should also have traditional advertisingand marketing talents so you can invent your own unique online twiststo make your clients’ sites shine.
The Market
Your clients will be businesses with up-and-running but not necessarilysuccessful web sites. Decide on a target market, preferably one youalready have experience with, then start a direct-mail campaign aimedat companies in that field. Erect your own web site and build links toother internet sites–this will help potential clients find you, too.
Needed Equipment
You’ll need a computer with a high-speed modem, an inkjet or laserprinter, and subscriptions to a wide variety of internet serviceproviders and online communities. And since you’ll want to develop yourown niche market–which is the best way to avoid being buried by thecompetition–you’ll also want subscriptions to your niche’sprofessional or trade magazines and journals.