If you've got a website you'll need to let the world know about it. This is called internet marketing. Believe me, it wasn't too long ago that I didn't know a single thing about this concept. However, ever since I committed myself to learning about the ins and outs of online marketing, my sales have dramatically increased. Marketing online is a completely different challenge than offline marketing but it has its benefits. If you want to take your website to a different level, drive more traffic, and increase your sales, you need to consider the benefits of marketing online.

1.) First of all, with internet marketing, you will dramatically increase your world of potential customers and clients by simply having a web presence. With a contact email or web form, you have also proven to site visitors that you are reachable.

2.) Online marketing allows you to network with people you would not be able to meet otherwise. Joining newsgroups and networking communities allow opportunities for sales that just would not have been likely to happen offline.

3.) You have complete control of your web image without your potential customers ever needing to see you in person. If you are concerned about maintaining a professional appearance, you won't have to worry about this online. You can slip over to your computer in pajamas, chat with your clients who live clear across the world, and never have to worry about ruining your business profile.

4.) Online marketing offers a vast variety of ways to add clientele to your business. With all of the many proven marketing techniques available, you are bound to find one or several that fit your desired level, and you can tweak these strategies and implement them any way you see fit.

5.) Last, but not least, marketing online can become very automated, and require less of your time, focus, or energy, depending on the techniques you use. Not only is there software out there that can automate your marketing processes for you, but there are a world of marketing freelancers who are available for outsourcing, and can dramatically help your business.

I'll have to admit, when I figured out how to market my business on the internet, I was ecstatic! These are just a few of the benefits of internet marketing. I am certain that as you begin to market online, you'll soon be able to add to this list.

Demetria Zinga is the founder and owner of http://www.faith-media.com, a technology and consulting firm which specializes in web design and hosting, graphics and print designs, internet marketing, and e-training. She is also the founder of http://www.christianladies.net, an interactive ezine, blog, and podcast for Christian women.