The explosive growth of many ecommerce websites may be directly linked to conducting business differently than their storefront counterparts.

It is estimated that 17-20% of the earth's population taps into the worldwide web on a regular basis. Savvy web proprietors see the amazing possibilities in ecommerce. That power is very simple to define. It is the power of response.

Prior to the advent of the Internet most business relied exclusively on mass marketing in hopes someone would pick up a paper, listen to a radio station, watch a television program or read a sports guide. Obviously this form of marketing has a semblance of success or it wouldn't be used. However, as online marketing has become more sophisticated, web-based netreprenuers are discovering that they can actually gain significant control over how to market their ecommerce site and who to target with their message.

”The new information technology, Internet and e-mail, have practically eliminated the physical costs of communications.” – Peter Drucker

The list of online marketing resources is significant, but it is continually fueled by instant, effective and global communication between client and staff. The use of email has rendered mail a component of product fulfillment instead of client correspondence. The same tool can be used to inform your client base of new products, services or special online events.

Most customers like the ability to communicate instantly. Email can allow this objective without wait times on a phone service with menu choices longer than a local fast food joint. It is understood that the use of an online retailer offers both an impersonal and highly personal means of shopping. Impersonal because the customer receives no high-pressure sales pitch – personal because customer service is standing by to handle any difficulties.

The Internet will help achieve "friction free capitalism" by putting buyer and seller in direct contact and providing more information to both about each other. – Bill Gates

Online marketing provides the means to draw customers to your website in very specific and targeted ways that were never achievable by standard mass marketing campaigns.

The process for developing a comprehensive online marketing strategy involves mobilizing your resources to optimize your site, provide meaningful content to visitors, making sure your site is easy to navigate and providing goods or services the customer needs.

As with a brick and mortar store it is important to always keep the customer first. An effective online marketing strategy allows you several means of managing follow up as well as ongoing client relations.