Myth # 1 - It doesn't work.
The Internet is a big place. It is easy to get lost. And it' even easier to waste efforts and money on designing and hosting your site if you are just there -- sitting pretty, doing nothing, and waiting for someone to come. Even if you attach your site to some traffic generating mall, that will not work! However, internet marketing brings incredible results if you have done your homework, and are using an intelligent marketing strategy consistently.
Myth # 2 - It costs a lot of money.
At one time it did. There are still many services charging an arm and leg. However, internet advertising is today the least expensive form of marketing. Just think. With e-mail you can dispose unlimited amount of information to unlimited number of people at zero cost! And at reasonable price is about $20- $50 per month (average size homesite for small business) you can have unlimited number of people see any piece of document you choose to produce - if full color, at any time of day or night. Compare that with your print or yellow pages advertising, compare that with your full color brochures.
Myth # 3 - Millions of people will see your message
Yeah, right! This is the biggest myth of all. Yes, it's true that millions and millions of people are on the net but very few of them will ever see your message. How many will read it, and more important - act upon it, will depend on your marketing, and - most important - on your follow up.
Myth # 4 - Graphics and great visuals are most important
Good graphic design is important - for impact and for clarity. It begins with understanding the behavior of surfers (NOT traditional selling!) - what makes people want to stay, click, come back, leave their name and finally buy from you. Esthetics are not AS important as designers would like you believe. Beautiful design by itself can make you starve while a basic, do-it-yourself, web site with an effective strategy, unique selling propositionion and consistent follow up can make you very successful.
Myth # 5 - Search engines will bring people in droves
There are at least 500 different search engines. Even if a prospect will find the search engine where you are registered it is not likely that he will find you. Your name may not be necessarily on the top of the list. Just think -- EVERY other realtor wants to be listed in the top 10-20 addresses! By all means register your site on the engines, even if you have to do it yourself but don't bank on it. Better develop your own internet niche marketing, create joint ventures and relationships with other business people on line, get known in news-groups, develop your own on-line newsletter etc.
