6. Internet Marketing Consultant
While a website is an essential business tool, simply having a presence on the Internet does not guarantee a company an increase in business or site traffic.
A successful Internet marketing consultant will develop ways to increase a client’s website traffic, create site content and services, devise web advertising campaigns and boost sales by setting up links to other sites.
- Advantages: This business is creative, challenging and has staying power, particularly as the Internet is only growing. Because you are working on websites and strategies, you can conduct business largely after-hours and on weekends.
- Skills: A strong understanding of the web, experience in links, banners, affiliate programmes, net navigation and promotion via the Internet. Talent in traditional advertising and marketing is also a must.
- The Market: Focus on businesses with up-and-running but not necessarily successful websites. Choose a target market that you preferably already have experience with and start a direct-mail campaign aimed at companies in that field to start and then grow your client base. Most importantly, create your own website and build links to other Internet sites to help potential clients find you.
- What you’ll need: A computer with a high-speed modem, an inkjet or laser printer, and subscriptions to a wide variety of Internet service providers and online communities.
Tip: Develop your own niche market to avoid being buried by the competition, and follow the trends and movements within that market by subscribing to your niche’s professional or trade magazines and journals.