Taking into account the cost of advertising online versus the size of the target market that it will reach, internet marketing is much more cost effective than advertising through other mediums such as television, radio, and printed publications. Not only is it inexpensive, it also offers the consumer some added benefits and flexibility that other forms of media cannot. For instance, if you come across an ad online that interests you, you can immediately browse for additional information about the product, the manufacturer, and how it compares to competitors. Given the nature of the internet, consumers can research and purchase their products at their own convenience.

Advantage #2: Better Focus on Target Market

Another major advantage that internet marketing has over traditional methods is the ability to focus on target markets more effectively by targeting specific interests. In traditional marketing, campaigns are usually based on age, sex, social status, and other similar demographics. With internet marketing, you can advertise on websites that are designed specifically for your target market such as websites about a specific type of music, sport, or style of cooking.

Advantage #3: Painless Data Collection and Analysis

Companies usually want to monitor the progress of their advertising campaigns, which requires a lot of tedious data collecting and sorting. For traditional marketing campaigns, this can be a time-consuming process, and sometimes inaccurate. With internet marketing, advertising campaigns can be traced, measured, and tested quickly and efficiently with just a few clicks of the mouse. Data collection for internet ads is also highly accurate, as companies can even measure the exact number of times an ad has been clicked. Furthermore, data can be easily transferred to spreadsheets for further analysis and storage for future use.

Some Drawbacks of Internet Marketing

There is some downside to internet marketing, generally related to technological limitations. In order to view ads on the internet, the consumer must first possess or have access to the technology needed to view them. For consumers with slow internet connections such as dial-up connections, browsing flashy and elaborate websites is a cumbersome experience. Identity theft is also becoming an increasing concern when doing business online. Consumers are often wary to divulge their personal information, particularly credit card numbers. Finally, the inability for potential customers to touch, smell, or taste products is also considered a barrier, as customers cannot be assured that they are getting exactly what they are looking for.

Despite the potential barriers of internet marketing, the innate power of the internet cannot be overlooked. Through online advertising you can promote your business with a reach that encompasses the entire globe, a feat that cannot be achieved by many. With its low cost and manageability, it's practically a no-brainer. Starting an internet marketing campaign is the edge that your business needs to step up the competition.