INTERNET AS A MARKETING TOOL.

INTERNET AS A MARKETING TOOL.

The internet is without a doubt the greatest information source the world has ever known. A layman’s definition of internet could be “a source of information and communication tool.”

The invention of the internet between the early 1960s and 70s was necessitated by the need for military to communicate more easily and efficiently. It was therefore originally designed as a means for military institutions to communicate, especially in the event of a nuclear attack. But it was for long used by academics and scientist at government and educational agencies and later large corporate institutions, mainly in the US. In the last few decades, it has blossomed, showing no signs of slowing down. It has become a part of the business landscape.

Just as pagers, cellular telephone and fax machine, the internet has become a pervasive business communication tool. Having an internet connection is as common (and as necessary) as a telephone, especially for business. It is used daily by millions of people to send email advertise products, buy or sell services and provide information.

Online presence

Competition is extremely tough. To gain the maximum benefits from the internet you need a good web page, which matches the needs of your organization. A web page is like an electronic billboard where you can post information about your company, including text and pictures. People with internet connections and web browser software can look up your page. By creating hyperlinks, or pointers to other pages you can create a set of web pages all linked together to form a website. A well designed website will allow “visitors” to check out information that is relevant to their interest.

Building a suitable online presence for your company can be very cheap method of extending your business to a big, new audience. Unlike printed advertisements, once created, a website has only a few running costs. People can buy directly online and you can change the content at any time. It can also contain as much or as little information as you want and can reach a worldwide audience instantly.

International database

The internet is a collection of various services and resources. It is an international database where you can find everything. The only limit is your imagination.

Presenting your company or organization as a leader shows your current and prospective customers that you are financially and technologically strong. It further shows that you care enough about your customers to take advantage of new technologies for their benefits and that you have the resources to support them in the most beneficial manner possible.

You are available to your customers 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Latest estimates show that there are about 40 million people worldwide with access to the internet, and this number is growing daily. By simply posting a web page, you are also addressing international markets.