When devising an internet marketing plan, there are several things you need to take into consideration and carefully decide upon.

Due to the unlimited amount of internet marketing information available, it's important to remain focused on just one at a time. It's very easy to get lost in the world of internet marketing. There is such a vast amount of information that it's easy to become overwhelmed., don't let it happen to you.

Here are a few steps to take into consideration when setting up a strategic internet marketing plan.

** Decide WHAT you want to sell - an eBook? Software, Video or Audio files? A service?

** Select WHERE you will get this product - will you create it yourself or pay someone to make it for you?

** Decide WHO you will sell it to - define your target market.

** Know WHY these people would want to buy your product - tapping into people's emotions and needs will bring you success.

** Decide HOW you are going to get the word out about your product - your marketing method.

1. What is it that you want people to do first.

If you know what you want your visitors to do, you need to give them a starting point. Realize that once someone visits your website, or sees your ad, the odds of them visiting again are quite low unless you have a unique and compelling website.

So the first thing you want to do in any business is to set up a plan to create leads. You can do that online by creating a database. You will need to offer something of value in exchange to create a list of prospects. Remember, most people don't say yes the first time, so by exposing them to your marketing message, your chances increase because they see the value your provide them.

2. Which benefits do you want to emphasize to get your prospects to take the MWA (Most Wanted Action)?

You need to provide something of value that will provide a solution to your visitor and something that is of value. This is an important element of a strategic marketing plan.

Determine who is in your target audience, who are you speaking to? You speak differently to different people, so you want to tailor your message accordingly. Are you targeting retirees, golfers, high school students, stay at home moms, working women, soccer fans? You will speak differently and communicate differently, so know who your niche market is and create a virtual snapshot of your ideal customer.

3. What Niche Will You Target?

Realize that the internet is a vast place and people are interested in specific topics, not general subject. Create a niche that offers value and serves your market well.

4. What's Your Marketing Budget?

A marketing budget need not be millions of dollars like a large company. It could simply be $50, which could be enough to register a domain name, get a hosting account and few dollars for online ads. It can be as large as you want. Also, consider not only money but your time, how much time will you spend to get your new internet venture producing income.

Remember, it is extremely important to plan how you will succeed online. Take into account your own personal goals. Then go ahead and fill in the gaps of the above steps which will give you a pathway to follow.

Sure, you can add and change things along the way, but laying the groundwork down in the beginning by setting up a strategic internet marketing plan will put you light years ahead of someone who has failed to plan.

The Who, What, Where, Why and How are the five questions you need to answer before beginning your internet marketing endeavors. Once you have a sound internet marketing plan, you can take action and begin making money from the comfort of your home.