How to Build Relationships in the Online Marketing World?

Do you feel contrived and uneasy at the thought of selling? What is it that makes you move away from selling? Have you ever interacted with relentless people who left you scarred with the experience?

Most entrepreneurs feel uncomfortable sharing their product or service because, at the back of their minds, they don't want to be seen as manipulative, pushy or annoying.

Personally, I went through a bad experience which caused me to have some reservations about selling. 

When I bought my first car, the salesman was brash and determined to sell me the car. I could have said no, but I didn't. I bought the car, and I was not happy with the car and with myself. This incident impressed on me the desire not to be remembered that way.

On the other hand, I have had a lot more pleasant circumstances when a professional, helpful salesperson has shown a lot of interest and care for my needs.

What is interesting is that when it comes to selling, we have all been 'selling' our ourselves all the time. We are all in sales and to do an adequate job we need to get better at it. 

I now understand, that there are two types of selling. The "hard sell" and the "subtle sell". The "subtle sell" makes the experience pleasant and fun. It is all about building relationships of trust and honesty. 

In the digital world, we are bombarded by unsolicited marketing messages. Those that make false claims about their earnings and big promises. We have seen plenty of them, and we automatically ignore them, but because of it, we also miss the authentic ones, those that could make a big difference in our lives.

That is why in the online marketing business, the first golden rule in building relationships is to identify what our target market wants. To put ourselves in their place. To give them information on what is going to solve their problem, help them to trust us, and let the relationship grow over time. The more times they visit our site, the more likely they are going to make a buying decision. 

When we are newbies, we want to tell them how good our business opportunity is and what it can do for them. The advice from those who are successful in business is to create a checklist of smart questions to ask about our target market.

Once you identify who you want to serve, typically people who are like you, as you already have gone through the same path, you are in a position to offer them something of value, information, videos, articles, to help them achieve their goals. 

Giving away something of value and asking their opinions, thoughts, or questions is a much better approach. 

As you keep building the relationship with them, and it takes time, your job is to keep them interested enough so that they opt-in to your list. Ask permission to send valuable information. But once your prospects join your list, avoid spamming them with emails of "hard sell." Remember the old saying in the online business world - it's not the unique visitors that matter, but the repeat visitors!

I hope this short article has been of value to you.  As I writing this information, I am reinforcing what I am learning from my mentors.  

In my previous article, I shared the 6 Online Marketing Tips for Beginners, if you are interested, please click this link.

Did you know that there are three types of prospects? I will uncover them in my next blog post. 

We are all in the learning curve, and I love to hear from those who are going through the same path and want to share their experiences, please feel free to contact me.

With much appreciation

Luci