The New Online Currency – Turning Browsers into Buyers
SPOILER ALERT – This is not a blog about bit coins or other alternative crypto-currency! Rather, I want to talk about the currency that your business can start profiting from now.
The currency I’m referring to is – Content and Connections.
Let’s face it, the way to do business in this new economy has changed thanks to the internet. If you have a business and want your goods and/or services marketed online, then you need to invest in these two things. The good news is – it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to understand and it doesn’t take a lot of money to implement. It’s something you already do naturally –
Talk about what you know – and Share it with others!
We all know that the internet is really just a complex network of information. People’s first response when they want to find answers, look for inspiration, or research solutions to their problems – is they… GOOGLE IT!
Google any search term and content is instantly provided in the forms of blogs, articles, news stories, product reviews, videos, images, etc. For example, I love reading content through blog posts, whereas my high school son prefers watching videos on You Tube. The point is – if you want to get noticed online, you better create valuable, high quality content that people are looking for.
Content is KING & Connection is QUEEN
We are social beings who are hard wired for connections with each other. That doesn’t change when we go online. We like to share what we find in the form of inspiring stories, cool new products, movie previews, and even adorable kitten videos. We want our opinions to matter and sharing our social activity, particularly the sharing of content, is the best expression of our buying interests. This sharing, in turn, helps fuels the content industry.
According to Social Share,
“the amount of digital content people are sharing globally increased ninefold between 2006 and 2011, to nearly two trillion gigabytes (and is predicted to continue growing exponentially).”
Think about your own buying habits. What determines your effort and, more importantly, your buying decisions than content shared from trusted sources. I personally, would buy a new pair of kick ass boots online if Brigetta shared her awesome buying experience with Zappos. (Yes, she shared and yes, I bought!)
What does this mean to YOU?
It means creating Content that your target audience can use. Modern online marketing is all about GIVING FIRST so show your potential customers how you can help them. Offer quality advice and become a valued resource in your industry and in your local community. Give something of value to your browsers. And if you’re willing to open up your heart and genuinely Connect with others in your online and local community your content will rise to the top.
– QUICK CASE STUDY –
There’s a great flower shop in our town on Main Street. I must have driven by it a hundred times, thinking it was just a florist shop. I recently connected with them online and EUREKA! discovered they offer cool home decor products too. They showcased all these neat little features by posting beautiful photos of their store. I also noticed how they would sending subtle reminders during upcoming special events. ♥ Plus, they had these great playful posts of their staff creating the floral arrangements which captured the creative personalities of their business.
Through a simple approach of Content and Connection, I learned so much more about my local flower shop. More importantly, I’ll remember them when I need flowers or a special house gift. And if I have a great buying experience, I’ll share it with my friends.
It’s the way online business works now. Building relationships with your target audience converts those browsers into buyers. That’s real currency you can bank on!
