If you’re starting a website and want people to visit it, you need online marketing. It’s like putting up signs or making announcements to tell people about your website. But to do this, you’ll need some tools and resources—kind of like having the right supplies for a project.

Here’s a simple guide to the basic resources you’ll need for online marketing.

First things first: you need a website! This is your online home where people can visit, learn about you, and maybe buy your products. Think of it like your shop on the internet.

• How to Get One: Use a website builder like Wix, Squarespace, or WordPress. They make it easy for beginners to create a site.  This site is made using WordPress and a theme called Divi.

Your domain name is your website’s address, like www.getonlinestepbystep.com. It should be:

• Easy to remember.
• Simple to type.
• Related to what your website is about.

For example, if you’re selling cookies, a domain name like www.cookiesking.com would be perfect.

An email list is like a group of people who want to hear from you. You can send them updates, tips, or special offers.

• How to Start:

Use tools like Mailchimp or Constant Contact to collect email addresses and send newsletters.  More on this later.

Why It’s Important:

Email is a direct way to talk to your audience. It’s like sending letters to your friends!

Social media is where lots of people hang out online. Platforms like Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and X (formally Twitter) are great for sharing updates about your website. This is a huge area and we’ll cover it all later.

• Start Small: Choose 1-2 platforms where your audience is likely to be.
• What to Post: Share fun photos, tips, or news about your site.

You’ll need tools to make relevant and interesting content for your website and social media. Content is what grabs people’s attention and keeps them interested in what you’re offering.

• Writing Tools:

Use Google Docs or Grammarly to write articles, posts, or emails.

• Graphic Design Tools:

Canva is an easy tool to create pictures, banners, or ads for your website and social media.

• Video Tools:

Apps like iMovie or CapCut help you make simple videos

How do you know if your online marketing is working? That’s where analytics come in. These tools tell you how many people visit your site, what they look at, and where they come from.

• Free Tool:

Google Analytics is a free way to track your website visitors.

• Why It’s Helpful:

It’s like a report card for your website—you’ll see what’s going well and what needs improvement.

If you want people to find your website on Google, you need the right keywords. These are the words people type into the search bar, like “best cookies for kids” or “how to bake cookies.”

• Free Tools:

Google Keyword Planner and Ubersuggest are great for beginners.

• Why It’s Important:

Using the right keywords helps your website show up in search results.

Sometimes, you’ll want to pay for ads to reach more people. This doesn’t have to cost a lot—you can start small.

• Where to Advertise:

Google Ads, Facebook Ads, or Instagram Ads.

• Why It Helps:

Ads can quickly bring people to your website.

Marketing isn’t just about tools—it’s about YOU! You need time to:

• Think of creative ideas.
• Write posts and articles.
• Interact with your audience.

It’s like watering a plant—it grows when you give it care and attention.

Sometimes, you’ll need extra help. Here are a few options:

• Freelancers: You can hire someone to write, design, or manage your social media.
• Marketing Tools: Use apps like Buffer (to schedule posts) or Hootsuite (to manage social media).
• ChatGPT: An AI Tool

Let’s say you’re creating a website to sell cookies. Here’s how these resources work together:

1. Website: Build a site called www.cookiesking.com.
2. Domain Name: Use a simple and catchy address.
3. Email List: Collect emails to send special cookie recipes.
4. Social Media: Post pictures of your cookies on Instagram and TikTok.
5. Content Creation: Write blog posts like “5 Tips for Perfect Chocolate Chip Cookies.”
6. Analytics: Use Google Analytics to see which cookie flavor is most popular.
7. Keywords: Use “best cookies for parties” in your content so people find your site.
8. Ads: Run a small Facebook ad to promote a cookie sale.

You don’t need everything all at once. Start with the basics:

1. Create a simple website.
2. Share your site on social media.
3. Write one great piece of content.

As you learn and grow, you can add more tools and resources. Before you know it, you’ll be an online marketing expert! 

Here’s a little transparency: My website contains affiliate links. This means if you click and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission. Don’t worry, there’s no extra cost to you. It’s a simple way you can support my mission to bring you quality content.”