I’ve been teaching a lot of Google Analytics and Google AdWords classes recently and a majority of my students have been from small-to-medium sized businesses. All of them are taking these classes because they need to learn online marketing tips and tricks quickly. So, this blog is for them, as well any other online businesses who need help with general marketing ideas to get good exposure for their business and start bringing in qualified leads. So, let’s start off with my list of the first top ten things every business owner or marketing manager needs to know and implement right away!

1. Google Analytics – here is a FREE powerful tool from our friends at Google. The basic idea is that by adding some tracking code to your website, you can then view numerous reports (way too many to list!) that give you insight on your website visitors. You can then make effective website changes as needed. Again, its a free tool that you need to implement. Action step: Take these Google Analytics self-paced courses starting at $69.90. (The classes are instructor-guided, give you real-world experience and practice with Analytics, and have options to meet with live instructors.)
2. Google AdWords - another cool tool from Google. If you’ve ever done a Google search and you’ve seen relevant ads displayed (top and right-hand side), that’s AdWords. Clicking on the ad results in the company paying a pre-set bid amount to get you to their site. There’s really too much information to list here, but if you want to increase traffic to your site, check out AdWords. Action step: Take these Google AdWords self-paced courses starting at only $34.95.
3. Google Places – okay, last Google tool, I promise! If you have a bricks-and-mortar location, this free tool is for you! It’s Google’s way of promoting your physical location, similar to the Yellow Pages. Action step: Confirm your business by clicking on this link.
4. Adobe Dreamweaver – having an engaging website is essential for marketing your business online. You will need to keep your site updated with fresh content. Dreamweaver can help you set-up and maintain your website, even if you have a limited knowledge of web development. Action step: Take this Introduction to Dreamweaver self-paced course for only $69.90.
5. Search Engine Optimization (SEO) – do a quick Google search for your business. Did you find it on the top of the search results, or even on page one? If not, some SEO work is needed. The basic idea here is the develop a lot of meaningful content and getting links to your website. It takes a lot of time, but can certainly pay-off in the long run. Action step: Get links! And read some great blogs from groups like HubSpot and SEOmoz!
6. Social Media – here are way too many opportunities to list. But, social media is growing amazingly fast! Don’t loose the opportunity to promote your business and engage your target audience on sites like Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and more. Action step: Get profiles setup on all relevant platforms, and start following social media news sites, like Mashable for the latest news and tips.
7. Blogs - another great way to promote your business and engage your audience. (You’re reading this blog, aren’t you? ) Joking aside, here’s a great tool that gives you unlimited opportunities for sharing great, free content out there in cyberspace. Action step: Setup a company blog. We use WordPress.
8. Webinars - if travelling across the country, or globe, to events and conferences has not been too fruitful, try webinars! Here’s another great avenue to share  free industry knowledge around your product and/or service. Not only can you have fun sharing this information, you now have a great list of sales leads! Action step: Think of a great topic, schedule a webinar, and start promoting it!
9. Partnerships - every company out there can’t be a competitor of yours, so why not team up and work with them? Partnerships can be a great win-win opportunity to cross-promote your products and/or services. We partner with relevant sites to give away some of our courses in the form of a contest. Here is our latest contest listing. Action step: Think of ways you could work with other organizations and start reaching out to see if there are any win-win opportunities!
10. Email Marketing – we can’t end our top ten list without including one of the most successful online marketing techniques. Email marketing is a direct, engaging way to reach your current, past, and prospective customers. Try thinking of exciting reasons that these audiences would want to hear from you (product sales, new contest, latest service offering, etc.) and try out email marketing! Action step: First off, never send spam! With that, think of some email messages, and compile a list of customers that have worked with you before, and try your first message!

Did this list help you with your online marketing? I’d love to hear any feedback. And, do you have any other suggestions to share with others? Leave a comment below. I’m already thinking of my next ten ideas to share in my next blog! Happy Marketing!