This phrase, made popular by Frederick R. Barnard in the early 1920s, actually applies to the world around us in more ways than we think. In this case, I want to discuss how this can apply to - and assist you with - your online marketing strategies.

To have a successful Internet business, you need to determine what it is that drives traffic to your site. What is the most common denominator that appeals to the greatest number of customers, potential or otherwise? What is it that will bring people back to your site, time and time again?

For a lot of people, the visual nature of your website is what keeps them interested. Let’s discuss a few does and don’ts of visual online marketing:

DO

A. Make your site look as professional as possible. If you are not experienced with writing HTML, have someone with experience and knowledge in this field assist you.

B. Always make sure that any links offered on your site are valid and running. There is nothing more frustrating to a customer than trying to follow a link that gives a “404 Not Found” message.

C. Always use color schemes that are easy on the eyes. Using a lot of bright reds and yellows can be difficult on the eyes. Make sure to even out your pages with calmer colors as well.

DON’T

A. Inundate customers with pop ups. Pop ups should only be used if necessary.

B. Post anything that has not be edited for grammatical errors. In keeping with the idea of professionalism, errors in grammar are a huge distraction and may cause customers to think less of your site and credibility.

Keeping all of this in mind, make sure your site is also original.

There will be no success if your site looks like another’s or offers the same product/service that can be found elsewhere.

Determine how to intrigue and keep your customers coming back using the visual appeal of your particular site. Make your product appear desirable using your own methods. Sometimes, it only has to be the matter of tweaking the excellent ideas you have for marketing to produce the best results.