With so much information on the net regarding Internet marketing, identifying the best approach is difficult. Following is a discussion of the timing issues you should keep in mind.
The Internet is Used 24/7, But Timing Still Matters
Information on web marketing is a dime a dozen. Reports and studies often find things we all already know if we use our common sense. In general, more people are using the Internet to find services and products, the volume of sales is increasing each year, and people are nervous about identity theft. Wow, what a surprise. Let’s take a look at topic you can actually benefit from.
While the Internet is available and used 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, buying trends do not encompass this vast time period. Instead, they are specific to particular periods of the week and year. In general, people are far more likely to take action on a site during the work week and during work hours. When they search for something during this period, they are already motivated to purchase. On weekends or holidays, sale conversion rates will drop as people are more likely to be blowing time just browsing around the Internet.
So, how can you use this information to your benefit? Your communications with clients should be oriented to occur during the week, preferably on a Monday or Tuesday. Your marketing materials should also be oriented to offer incentives for limited time periods, typically one or two days from Monday through Thursday. Finally, you should be sending out email newsletters on Monday evenings, so your prospects can read it when they come to work Tuesday morning. The hassles of Monday should be over, which will make them more receptive. These guidelines apply throughout the year with one exception.
The holiday season on the Internet runs from early November through the end of the third week of December. If you sell products or services that can be tied into the holiday season, you can’t help but make a bundle during this period. Prospects are highly motivated to buy and you need to get in front of them. Email communication should be sent every three days beginning in early November. The first Monday after the Thanksgiving weekend is a huge online sales day. From that point forward, you should be sending different email communications to prospects and former clients on a daily basis. This is your golden time, so get in front of your clients.
There are billions of different aspects of Internet marketing discussed and debated on a daily basis. Take into account timing issues and you can will see an upward trend in your revenues.