Advice for my buisness

[Guest Cody75]

My agency is finally beginning to consider utilizing the internet as a promotional resource. I’m trying to find some companies that are able to effectively target diverse demographics in a relatively short amount of time. I’ve encountered some difficulty in finding information on anything other than spam and banner placements. Would anyone know of any companies having success with other means of internet marketing?

[Demosthenes]

You could try Leap Frog Systems at leapfrogsystems.com. They partner with Digital Impact to provide targeted email on an opt in basis for marketing material. They are a heavyweight player and depending on the size of your business, may or may not be suitable.

For the record, I have no financial or other interest in LeapFrog or Digital Impact. I know of them because we are considering using their products and services.

[mroberts]

I'm not an expert on the costs that are associated with Internet advertising, but unless it's close to zero dollars, I think it's a waste of time. Many internet providers, like mine, have junk email protectors set up so that most advertisements don't even make it to my in-box. For any that do, I simply junk them myself, as does every single person in the universe I know. I'm not saying that no one has ever bought something through junk mail, but it's not the same as getting the junk mail in your real mailbox.

[MGB]

Note too, that firms promoting their mailing lists as "opt-in" customers are usually lying (or "twisting" the truth).

I receive many, many spam emails that state I am only receiving it because I opted in to receive it. Absolute lies. I have never opted in to receive anything.

When a company has your email address, they can sell it to someone else. (Note all those "privacy disclosures" you receive from financial institutions and others - they state they will do this unless you specifically request not to. Of course, they have already sold your name by then and it is too late.) The purchasing company of these email lists calls this an "opt-in" (even though you never heard of them) because you missed your opportunity to stop the sale of your name. They then can sell their "opt-in" only lists to companies who think they are buying legitimate leads.

And, yes, everyone showing up in my mailbox are deleted and never read.

[Guest KMiller]

I really don't think internet marketing is a waste of time. It just depends how people go at it. There are so many internet users in the world and with the cost of computers going down, many families can now own them and able to access the interent. I also hate spam email and those blasted banners. My company recently launched a campaign over the internet. It was a real success. We went with DEI marketing. They helped us figure out what the consumer wants. They didn't use banners or spam mail which was new to us. They have innovative ways that you should check out if you seek internet marketing. Good luck to you.

[GBurns]

I have a similar interest in internet marketing and am seeking help. I looked at Leapfrog and could not see where they offered anything of interest in this are. But I have been unable to locate Digital Impact or DEI Marketing. Can you provide any contact info?

[Guest KMiller]

Hey GBurns. If you want to get in contact with DEI, their webpage is www.deimarketing.com . Hope this helps you.

[Guest Cody75]

Wow, you guys have been awesome! You have helped me tremendously. I'll look into all your suggestions. You hopefully saved me a butt-load of work and research. I will still take suggestions. thanx fellas.