In the last couple of years, the Internet has seen a new trend develop which was rapidly adopted by internet marketers and savvy (although mostly corporate) marketers. This trend became known as Web 2.0 and has become the term used by most people when they discuss alternative Internet marketing strategies. And, although Web 2.0 has become a common buzzword, we find many do not really understand what Web 2.0 is all about and this may be the reason why small business owners have been slow to utilize this effective means of marketing.

Web 2.0 Demystified

Before we begin to explain Web 2.0 , let us ask a question: What is the common thread that is present in websites such as Wikipedia, del.icio.us and Ning?

The simple answer is–these websites seek to utilize the reach of the Internet to connect people together. They depend on individual users to generate high quality content by contributing their unique skills and feedback while interacting with other members.

The basic principle behind these social websites is to encourage public feedback and contribution for the greater good of all. Socially interactive websites that focus on a specific theme have been flourishing in recent times and have captured the attention of Google and other search engines. The purpose of a search engine is to deliver quality relevant content based on keywords entered into the search box.

Web 2.0 marketing techniques are based on the premise that when you request your users to generate and add to your content bank, you will inevitably attract the attention of Google and other search engines, get ranked higher organically and thereby improve traffic to your website and subsequently sales.

Most common Web 2.0 marketing techniques

Some of the frequently used Web 2.0 techniques are blogging, video marketing, social bookmarking, back linking, podcasts and RSS.

Blogging is probably the most hyped characteristics of Web 2.0. By definition, a blog is a frequent, chronological publication of articles, or personal thoughts and Web links. Blogging can be time consuming because you have to produce articles/reviews about what you are selling. You can either spend the time to write and post yourself, hire staff, or outsource the process. Although now there are more blogs than sand on the beach, it is still a very effective way to develop a list of warm prospects, if done consistently.

Video marketing can be the most important arsenal in a small business marketing plan. It allows the seller to describe his business in a way that connects with prospects. It can be produced easily—even inexpensively–and uploaded quickly to various Internet video sites. Fact is, people like to do business with people they are familiar with. A video ad will facilitate this in addition to being awarded with high search engine ranking. Your own infomercial can give you visibility you would not otherwise enjoy.

Really Simple Syndication (RSS) permits users to subscribe to a web page so that they can get new content as soon as the original page is modified.

These are just some of the ways by which you can attract traffic to your website and business. Once you have established your credibility, your audience will start believing that they can depend on you as their supplier for their needs.

How to Utilize Web 2.0 Marketing as a Small Business Owner

It used to be that prospective buyers relied on sellers for product or service information. Back then, the seller had the power because he was in control of the sales situation. Not so anymore. Now, when faced with making a purchase, we go on the Internet to research the product or service, find out the availability and miscellaneous options and of course where we can get the best price before ever stepping foot into a store or order online. Guess who has the power now?

The shroud of mystery surrounding the principles of Web 2.0 has prohibited many small business owners from harnessing the power of the Internet. Start with a video ad that will be hosted on a social networking or directory site that already enjoys many hits to their pages and offers all of the networking features discussed above.

The Video City Directories is one such site. At Video City Directories we offer turn-key services to our clientele. Not only will we deploy professional videographers to produce the video at your place of business, we will edit, host and maintain the video for you. For more information, visit www.TheVCD.com

This article was written by Birgit Rickert of Results Marketing and The Video City Directories, and may not be copied, reproduced or altered without prior consent.