If you know how to use Powerpoint, then you already have what it takes to market on SlideShare. The site allows you to upload presentations from Powerpoint, OpenOffice, or a PDF file, and share it publicly on the web. As is typical with most social sites, you can connect with other people, comment on their presentations, and develop conversations and relationships with people who are interested in what you have to say. Easily share a tutorial, embed the slideshow into a blog post (like on the Influential Marketing Blog), show off your accomplishments (like Guy Kawasaki), share about your business (like Zappos), promote a property listing (like Realtor Teri Michon), or include links to it from your blog and online marketing material. There are a hundred other ways to use the service… what ideas do you have?

SlideShare presentations are placed into categories for easy visitor searching and can include hyperlinks back to your site, YouTube videos, and voice narration. This can be a very powerful companion for your existing marketing strategy; it’s easy, effective, and free.

Please don’t read that opening paragraph and start blindly buying ad spots across the internet, or start running pay-per-click campaigns without doing research. This type of action will most likely be a waste of your time and money. Instead, make an effort to research your target audience using online tools available, such as the Google AdWords Keyword Tool or the inbound marketing resources at HubSpot. Whatever time and effort it takes to do the research legwork will soon make up for itself many times over by providing valuable data for your target market, enabling you to effectively advertise your brand and business.

When you’re well informed and ready to start your online marketing campaign, there are many ways to make it a success. From blogging, to social networks, to targeted online ads via Google or ClassifiedFlyerAds, you can be confident in knowing that your online promotional efforts will yield higher quality results than print advertising has provided in a very long time. A closing note of caution; there are lots of ways to do online advertising and promotion the wrong way (i.e. spam, non-targeted, etc.) that will end up costing you your valuable time, money, and possibly even reputation. It is your duty and responsibility as a marketer or business owner to continually seek out knowledge and information that will make your online advertising a success.

Photo credit: Marshall Flickman

For Online Classified Flyers

Online flyer ads are great for promoting products or services online, but are most effective with a targeted title. Since these are syndicated to web directories and indexed by search engines, it’s important to keep search terms in mind. Think about what you are offering, then think about what your buyers and clients might actually type into Google. An effective title will synchronize these two concepts so the searcher finds just what they’re looking for – your ad. Many people, to their own detriment, try to title their flyers with catchy phrases, much like they would title an article, essay, or blog post. This creativity is lost on an online flyer, since buyers and clients rarely conduct a search using that phrase.

For Blog Posts

A blog post is a whole different ball game. Think about your Blogsite from the visitor’s perspective. Try to title your posts in such a way that would appeal to a visitor, as well as search engines. Search engine optimization definitely has its place, but remember,  foregoing the usability of your site and the functionality of your posts for a little SEO juice is not going to encourage visitors to return or refer others. If you are clever enough to title your posts in such a way that they will be search engine friendly and visitor friendly, then you’ve found the jackpot. Remember also that you can always use tags and titles for an SEO boost, without compromising the user experience one bit.

Whether a blog post title or a flyer title, it is often the reason that someone decides to read further or move along. It is worth the time invested to put some thought into who your audience is and what they’re looking for. Now go and title wisely!

Image credit: Paul Worthington