Considering you’re reading this blog right now, you don’t need me to tell you about the influence the Internet has when it comes to spreading information. This influence is especially true within the context of marketing and advertising. And since we’re on the topic, arguably the most effective type of Internet marketing is with “inbound marketing.” In fact, as you read these very words, you are being influenced by an inbound marketing technique..

So, what is inbound marketing?

Inbound marketing is sneaky. It’s a way of subliminally developing people casually surfing the Internet into visitors of your website and, ultimately, into customers.

Inbound marketing is a means of advertising with the Internet by strategically creating and posting content that attracts consumers to your company or brand. It leads them to you, rather than you using intrusive, in-your-face advertising to get their attention. The most common techniques of inbound marketing include: blogs, podcasts, social media marketing, search engine optimization (SEO), eBooks and other forms of content marketing.

When you were searching for information about inbound marketing, perhaps you stumbled upon this blog. While presenting helpful information, this blog is also serving the underlying purpose of directing you to ImageWorks, a company that just so happens to specialize in inbound marketing and Internet content creation.

Why do you need inbound marketing?

If your company hopes to remain competitive in today’s high-tech, internet-influenced world, it would be wise to have an inbound marketing component to your overall advertising approach.

Traditional outbound marketing techniques—billboards, cold calls, TV and magazine ads, etc.—won’t cut it. Inbound marketing is becoming an advertising standard, and it’s safe to assume this wave will carry on into the future.

So, produce blogs, videos and podcasts that relate to your company’s products and services; advertise and interact with consumers via social media; and ensure your content is findable with search engine optimization (SEO). If you don’t have the time or resources to engage an inbound marketing campaign, see below.