State Your Objectives

Okay, it sounds simplistic. But too many people fail to state their objective before starting an internet marketing initiative. And that leads to problems, not the least of which is never knowing whether they've achieved success.

No, it's not sexy. But it's essential. Having a goal will focus your efforts on what needs to get done, which will make you more effective. It will also save you time.

So your first step toward success using web writing and online content for internet marketing is describing what that success actually looks like. But don't be vague about it. Make sure that your goal is SMART—Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic and Timely. For example, "Achieve world peace" is not a SMART goal. "Donate 30 percent more to the Red Cross this year" is.

Here's how to define an intelligent objective:

  1. Start with a general goal. For example, "reduce costs," "create leads," "sell products or services" or "extend brand."
  2. Make it SMARTer. By making it more:
    1. Specific: For example, what kind of leads? Qualified leads? Or anyone?
    2. Measurable: For example, how much do you want to reduce costs? Five percent? Or 50 percent?
    3. Attainable: For example, is your objective possible with your current resources?
    4. Realistic: For example, is 50 percent a realistic cost reduction to aim for?
    5. Timely: By when do you want to achieve the objective?
  3. Verify your assessments. Present your SMART goal to friends or colleagues. (Note that this has the added benefit of a public commitment, which further increases your odds of success, as you'll be more consistent with your commitment.)

So, what are you waiting for? Don't just think about creating your objective. Lock it down!

What's Next?

Now that you know your goals, it's time to specify your subject matter.

What Do You Think? Post a Comment to Join the Conversation

Download Your FREE Copy of Instant Content Optimization Now!

Discover proven techniques that successful internet marketers use to write high-performance ads, websites and landing pages.

(Or learn more before you download.)

With Instant Content Optimization, you also get free content optimization tips and tools as an exclusive member of our low-volume email list. (We never spam, sell or rent your address, and you can unsubscribe with a single click whenever you like.)

"I wouldn't change a word, and that is very unusual for me."—Heather MacKay, Sr. Project Manager, Enbridge Gas Distribution
$macros.RightSideBar("%{beforeWidget='', afterWidget='', beforeTitle='

', afterTitle='

'}")