You may be aware of the growing popularity of online marketing. With the click of a button, you can connect with potential customers in countries all over the world.
From the perspective of a virtual assistant, you may be wondering what all the fuss is about. After all, you can conduct all of the same marketing activities with little effort. Is there something more to be gained from traveling to different cities and connecting with people face-to-face?
While there is no question that virtual assistants like myself love the versatility of working remotely, there are occasions when we’re driven by a desire to be physically present when engaging with customers.
If the opportunity to be present arises for a particular project or initiative, we have to consider the following:
Is It Worth The Time And Effort?
Even if you’ve got a full-time job, you must consider the worthiness of any side project. Just because you can quickly and easily accomplish a certain task doesn’t mean that it’s a good idea. You’ve got to ask yourself, “Is it profitable?” “Is it going to make me happier?” and “Is it something that I can utilize my talents for?”
In the case of sponsored posts, you’re almost certainly going to have to proceed with caution. Never choose a niche that you feel doesn’t offer enough profit potential. Too often we see VAs tempted by exciting new markets or potential to earn quick cash — oftentimes with disastrous results. Take a deep breath and do your research. You’ll be much happier in the long run if you choose a profitable niche and grow with it instead of falling into the trap of chasing the latest fad.
The Importance Of Research
Doing your research doesn’t mean gathering every bit of information about your chosen niche, however. You’ve got to be mindful of who you speak with. Without a doubt, the internet is a vast place — full of information, misinformation, and opportunities.
Too often we see VAs blindly follow the advice of some online marketer whom they come across. The problem with this approach is that they’ve never actually tried the tactic they’re promoting. Just because a certain tactic or strategy has worked for someone else doesn’t mean it’s going to work for you.
As a rule of thumb, avoid promoting any strategies or tactics that you’ve never tried out yourself. The more you know about a certain subject, the more you can effectively contribute to a conversation — and the more you’ll realize the value that you bring.
How Is This Different From Traditional Offline Marketing?
If you’re used to relying solely on traditional marketing methods to generate leads and sales, you may be wondering how much more effective online marketing can be.
In many ways, traditional offline marketing is still the best method available — though with the click of a button, you can connect with your audience across the globe.
The primary difference between online and offline marketing is the ability to target the right audience. With online marketing, you can reach people all over the world with a single click — whereas with traditional offline marketing, you have to consider the entire world as your potential audience.
As a general rule of thumb, try to reach people who are most likely to be interested in what you have to offer. Never choose a niche that you feel doesn’t offer enough profit potential. Too often we see VAs tempted by exciting new markets or potential to earn quick cash — oftentimes with disastrous results. Take a deep breath and do your research. You’ll be much happier in the long run if you choose a profitable niche and grow with it instead of falling into the trap of chasing the latest fad.
Just remember: the internet is a place full of opportunities and plenty of room for growth.